White Paper: Future-Proof Weighing Data Integration

Standardization is the prerequisite for successful digitalization.
New data exchange standards offer possibilities that change the traditional device and data hierarchies through the merger of operational technology (OT), information technology (IT) and Cloud-based applications and storage.

This white paper provides an orientation about up-to-date weight-data integration for machine and instrument manufacturers, system integrators
and end users.

Weight Data Uses

Weight measurements are often an important part of manufacturing or system design. Though not exclusive, there are typically two key uses for weight information:

To register a financial transaction where weight is an agreed measurement and exchange medium for either business-to business (b2b) or business-to-consumer (b2c) transactions.
To use as a control variable in a manufacturing system. For example, weight is one of the most accurate and repeatable methods of filling containers for both b2b and b2c transactions when compared to other technologies.

Because these uses influence the cost and/or quality of manufactured products, the smart integration of weight data in manufacturing or system-integration operations is critical.

Download the white paper to further explore the value of weight data and how to best integrate that data into systems to prepare any facility for the future, including the following topics:

Weight Data Environment
Data Exchange Technologies
Upgrading Brownfield / Legacy Installations
Smart Factories — Greenfield Installations
METTLER TOLEDO Offerings
Summary

Different interface technologies between new and existing weighing equipment is a challenge for digitization. Edge device gateways provide interoperability between two communication technologies to allow integration of weighing equipment to processes and weighing data integration solutions to build state-of-the-art data management solutions.

Fully and semi-automatic weighing systems include weighing platforms, weigh modules and load cells that are made for easy electrical and mechanical integration into machines. Weighing data integration into data management systems is realized with weight control electronics that provide interoperability with common interface standards. Mettler Toledo offers Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA or MQTT for integration of weighing equipment into processes.

New and existing industrial scales on the shop floor can be enabled to communicate with modern weighing data management solutions by combining operational manufacturing equipment, network technologies and software. Mettler Toledo has weighing data integration solutions and the expertise to consult users on how to use them successfully.

Weighing equipment has to comply with common standards such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA or MQTT. If available, the weighing equipment has to support technology specific standards such as the OPC UA Companion Specification for weighing. This allows fast installation and integration of weighing equipment into processes.