The receiving area of a medium-sized manufacturing plant is a hive of activity. Pallets are delivered and components are inspected before the data is entered into the ERP system. In the past, this process involved weighing items, reading the value, entering it manually, and verifying it. Today, however, all that is required is to step onto the scale, and with the right integration, the weight can be processed directly in the ERP system. This eliminates the need for duplicate data entry, reduces transmission errors and saves time.
The technology working behind the scenes here isn’t an ordinary industrial platform, but an IoT-enabled scale.
From standalone measuring devices to networked system components
For a long time, the weighing process was self-contained. The device simply displayed a value; everything else was done manually. However, with the increasing digitisation of production and logistics processes, this has fundamentally changed. Nowadays, weight data is part of digital process chains. It feeds into inventory management systems, documents quality checks and supports automated workflows.
IoT scales are designed to meet these requirements. They feature integrated communication interfaces and make measurement values available digitally in real time, either locally on the network or via the internet. This makes them active elements within modern industrial environments.
With the IoT-Line, KERN & SOHN has developed a platform of scales specifically designed for easy integration into existing IT and automation structures.
Choose integration over a siloed solution
The practical value of an IoT scale lies in its ability to integrate. Industrial environments often have well-established systems with a variety of interface standards. Weighing technology must therefore be equally flexible.
The IoT-Line supports classic serial connections, such as RS-232 and USB, as well as network-based connections via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. This enables weighing data to be transmitted to ERP systems, quality management solutions or industrial controllers. Depending on the interface configuration and protocol, external systems can also send commands to the scale; for instance, to zero the scale or start defined processes.
With appropriate system integration, weight data can be digitally integrated into existing processes, eliminating the need for manual transfer.
Modular interfaces for long-term investment security
A key feature of the KERN IoT-Line is its modular interface concept. The KERN Universal Ports (KUPs) provide pluggable interface modules that can be swapped or added without opening the device. This is particularly advantageous for applications requiring calibration, as it eliminates the need to access sealed or safety-critical areas of the device. The ability to retrofit also enhances investment protection when communication requirements change.
For rugged industrial and platform scales, KERN offers an integrated solution with KERN Universal Modules (KUM). In this case, the interfaces are built directly into the operator terminal and are protected against dust, moisture and mechanical stress. This design is ideal for production areas with challenging environmental conditions or frequent cleaning processes.
Both concepts share the same goal: the practical and flexible integration of scales into existing IT and automation structures.
When weighing data supports processes
The true value of networked weighing technology becomes apparent during operation. When a container reaches its target weight, a signal can be sent to a connected control system if the system is configured to do so. In goods receiving, weights can be recorded and processed digitally, and documented in a traceable manner for quality management purposes.
Depending on the model and configuration, multiple interfaces can be used simultaneously. This enables weight data to be transmitted, documented or utilised for process support simultaneously. The scale thus evolves from a simple measuring device into a functional component of digital workflows.
A unified platform for a variety of applications
The IoT-Line includes a range of scales, including platform, floor and pallet scales, as well as precision and laboratory balances, and compact benchtop devices. Despite this wide range, all the models are based on the same technical platform. This means consistent operating logic and simplified integration across various applications for companies.
The KERN Communications Protocol (KCP) provides a proprietary communication protocol that is implemented uniformly across all models and supports connectivity to industrial controllers, computers, and ERP systems. Additionally, KERN BalanceConnection and KERN EasyTouch software solutions facilitate the digital capture and subsequent processing of weighing data during activities such as piece counting, tolerance weighing, and order picking.
What companies should keep in mind
When selecting an IoT scale, factors such as environmental conditions, potential calibration requirements and existing IT infrastructure are crucial alongside accuracy and weighing range. It is important to consider how easily the device can be integrated into existing systems, and whether its interfaces can be adapted or retrofitted to meet changing requirements.
In long-term production environments in particular, a modular architecture provides additional planning reliability. This enables communication channels to be adapted without replacing the entire weighing system.
Connected weighing as part of digital value creation
IoT scales are much more than just digital measuring devices. They facilitate the transfer of physical production data to digital data processing systems. With the IoT Line, KERN & SOHN combines precise weighing technology with flexible communication capabilities to create solutions that can be integrated into existing industrial and laboratory environments.
Where weight data can be processed automatically, manual effort is reduced, sources of error are minimised and processes become more transparent. Weighing therefore becomes not only more precise, but also smarter, and an integral part of networked value chains.
Images: KERN & SOHN
