Wheat and Flour Testing Methods - WHEATFLOURBOOK.ORG

Automated Scale Systems
Grain elevators actually own and operate the scales, but at
least one FGIS employee must be present during official
weighing to physically supervise the operation of scales and
grain flow throughout the elevator.
Export grain elevators continually strive to reduce costs by
operating their facilities more efficiently. To achieve this, they
use computerized material handling, weighing, and inventory
control systems. To keep pace with this progress, FGIS
has developed an automated system to monitor and supervise
the weighing process officially.
Using the automated method, a computer compares the
displayed weight against the printed weight data using
parity checking. Parity checking is an electronic method that
compares the weight data transmitted from the bulk weigher
to the weight data received by the printer before printing.
Any discrepancies generate an alarm signal.
The computerized control system also can be programmed to
set up automatically certain grain routing paths appropriate
for any particular application. It also can be programmed to
print a record of all grain routing paths: scale and bin selection,
system component identification, date, time, etc. The
system is under FGIS control and is not accessible to elevator
personnel.
The Official Weight Certificate
Weighing documentation provides a backup for official
weight certificates. The logs, tapes, and tickets are admissible
as prima facie court evidence and can be used as proof that
certificates are correct. Therefore, the weigher must enter
clear, concise, and accurate information. Unusual events
that might relate to the weight (e.g., light loads, open hatch
covers, and appearance of pilferage) are documented on the
appropriate scale tape or ticket. FGIS shift supervisors review
this information to assure that the official weight certificate
represents the true weight of the cargo.
The weight is recorded in pounds on the Official Grain
Weight Certificate. Metric weight conversion is available
upon request in the sales contract.
Wheat and Flour Testing Methods: A Guide to Understanding Wheat and Flour Quality: Version 2
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