SiloWeigh.Net is an inventory management and control system that allows an organization to monitor the weight of material in silos or vessels located across a very wide area. The information can be used to predict when deliveries will be necessary, even if the user is not aware of it, and allow appropriate action to be taken. For example, deliveries for the next day can be scheduled rather than reacting to urgent phone calls.

The remote units, based on the well proven SiloWeigh system, measure the weight in vessels and makes the results visible throughout a company's network using Internet browser software. It also transmit the actual quantities at no cost over the internet or, when Internet is not available, the satellite cellular radio network, to the SiloWeigh.Net server. The readings are stored in an SQL database, allowing data retrieval via a secure Internet site as well as connection to company databases of customers, products, orders etc. In addition, GPS position data can be transmitted for all sites and all delivery trucks, to display a map showing status of all vessels and all trucks as the basis for an advanced dispatching and tracking system.

Applications:

1. Suppliers who wish to improve dispatching efficiency and customer satisfaction.
2. Production plants that cannot afford to run out of raw materials.
3. Inventory monitoring of outlying plants.
4. Fraud detection.
5. Unmanned reporting from remote sites

Features/benefits:

1. Monitor an unlimited number of vessels.
2. Easy installation and setup.
3. The only weighing system that can handle divided silos.
4. Industry standard networking: tcp/ip, dialup, lan, wan.
5. Browser based . no extra software required.
6. Local monitoring and alarms available.
7. History tracking.
8. Industry standard SQL database.
9. Accessible by Internet with secure password.
10. Can connect to individual company databases for
    inventory and shipment dispatching.
11. Optional GIS (geographic information system) interface.

DATA ACQUISITION

Up to 8 vessels in a single location (and more on special order) can be connected to the data acquisition module, DAQ, which resides inside the SiloWeigh.Net system cabinet. The microprocessor module has capability for up to 8 analog silo weight inputs, one divided silo and 4 regular silos or two divided silos. The module records weight data at programmable intervals from 15 minutes to 8 hours, storing readings for an extended period in non-volatile on-board memory. Also stored are 5 setpoints: emergency low, normal refill level, high level, high usage rate and refill emergency shutdown; an optional output module allows alarm lamps or buzzers to be activated. The DAQ module can be accessed by installation and service personnel equipped with a laptop or handheld computer running a web browser; internal server technology allows setup and calibration without need for external software.

Local display of silo readings can be done in two ways:  a)  individual bar-graph indicators mounted in the SiloWeigh.Net cabinet display the actual weight in each silo digitally, in tons, plus the silo level as a bar graph, from zero to 100% of capacity. b) When SiloWeigh.Net is connected to the company.s internal computer network (via Ethernet) any computer on the network can access the SiloWeigh.Net display though a web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, to graphically display the same bar graphs as described in a) above. The advantage in this method is the ability to view these displays throughout the company without any special software.

The DAQ module normally transmits its data to the SiloWeigh.Net server at a selected time, once per day. If one of the setpoints is activated, however, the module transmits all available data immediately, allowing the status to be accepted by the host without delay. In this way, deliveries can be scheduled before the silo is empty. It can also be possible to notify a truck filling the vessel that the emergency high level has been exceeded, shutting down the filling operation before the filter bags are blown out. If the host database is off line, unsent readings are stored and transmitted when it comes back on line. Optionally, the system can transmit when a gain in weight is detected, enabling the supplier to identify filling from either its own truck or a competitor.s truck.

ETHERNET BASED NETWORK

Since the DAQ module appears as an Internet server, computers connected on the same network can access a series of Internet (HTML) pages that show current levels and weights in each silo as well as giving access to setpoint values and setup/calibration through password protected pages. If the network is connected to the Internet, data is passed through the Internet to the SiloWeigh.Net server. This database stores all historical data, which can be displayed in various ways through a separate secure Internet address.

SATELLITE MODEM

When a local Internet connection is not available, the Satellite Data Modem delivers reliable digital data communication virtually anywhere in the world using QUALCOMM's patented CDMA technology and the Globalstar constellation of 48 Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites. The GSP-1620 Satellite Data Modem can cost-effectively retrieve data automatically from isolated locations. The SiloWeigh.Net system, when connected to a Satellite Data Modem can monitor remote operations and initiate alert notifications. Alternatively, Iridium service is available.

Because the service is based on IP packet technology, users only pay for the amount of data they send and receive, and not for the amount of time spent online.

SERVER

User-based server - User creates database based on specific needs of the business but including all plants with SiloWeigh.Net installed. Scale-Tron provides web-based database of silo data on the SiloWeigh.Net server that can be accessed by the customer, combining data from the two sources. User maintains his own database system while Scale-Tron maintains web based database. Suitable for large clients with resident IT staff.

Web based server - Many users can benefit from a standard database residing on Scale-Tron.s server. The client.s database is accessible by any web browser (via passwords to ensure total security), enabling the client (cement company) to see all customers. silo levels and dispatch deliveries accordingly. End users can see their own silos. status and order directly on-line. Database system maintenance is carried out by Scale-Tron. Suitable for clients not wishing to tie up their IT staff or without in-house IT resources.

SILOWEIGH.NET SPECIFICATIONS

Plant data acquisition system - 8 silo inputs, allowing 8 regular silos, one divided silo and 4 regular silos or two divided silos to be monitored simultaneously.

Data outputs - one Ethernet port, one RS232 serial port, 16 discrete digital alarm outputs.

Local indication - digital display of weight in tons for each silo via PC computer based browser connected to the Ethernet port. Optional individual digital bar graph indicator for each silo.

Remote data transmission - over plant data network and Internet to SiloWeigh.Net server. If plant network not available, over phone modem or satellite modem to server.

Alarm outputs - up to 16 Opto-22 solid state relays, any voltage AC or DC output by choice of appropriate modules.