4.09.2024

Truck Scale Intercoms - Weighing in on Clear Conversations

A Truck Scale Intercom Solution

In the United States, trucking is often referred to as the backbone of the American economy, and for good reason. The trucking industry plays a critical role in the manufacturing, transporting, inventorying, and the buying and selling of goods.

Truck scales are platforms that accurately measure vehicle weight. Various industries use them, including recycling, waste, aggregates, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation.

An additional use of truck scales is to sell commodities such as wheat and corn and recycled products such as metals. The net weight of a truck provides direction on how much material is being picked up or dropped off, so proper inventory and compensation can be determined.

B-TEK Scales

B-TEK Scales in Canton, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of truck scales - full electronic digital, analog, and electro-mechanical - spanning across all industries from agriculture to waste and more.

Bryan Carlton, product manager, needed an intercom solution for their truck scales to ensure clear communication. The system had to work seamlessly between a truck driver and the scale office operator.

Carlton says, "The environment in which our scales operate are loud: there's noise from the diesel engine truck in addition to general noise in the area, as the scales operate outdoors. We needed a solution that would provide two-way communications and eliminate background noise. We also needed a solution that would work well in rain, sun, dust, cold, and other environments."

He explains that a truck driver needs to hear instructions and provide information, such as a truck number, without leaving the truck. The scale operator inside the office must clearly hear and communicate directions, ensuring accurate weight readings and proper guidance.

Carlton says, "For safety, the driver should stay in the truck since the scales can be slippery when wet or can be uneven. The scale deck has a sight rail, making it an uneven surface, like driving up to an ATM instead of entering a bank. Previously, drivers had to exit the truck, talk to someone, then return, which was time-consuming and less safe. The Zenitel intercoms eliminate these steps, enhancing safety and reducing transaction times significantly."

B-TEK Scales and Zenitel

B-TEK Scales has integrated Zenitel's TCIS-2 and TCIS-3 IP intercoms into its SKYNET 2050 system. This system includes TCIV-2+ IP video and audio intercoms, enhancing the use of the self-service kiosk. The kiosk is now utilized in agriculture and farming facilities, asphalt plants, and gravel yards. It is also implemented in an electric plant and a major seaport located in the Florida area.

The kiosk makes it possible to run operations entirely unattended. It can manage transactions autonomously when paired with software solutions like B-TEK's ScaleSoft truck management software. This automation frees up operators to take on other critical duties within the company, enhancing overall productivity.

Most drivers need to keep their trucks running while standing at the scale. It can be challenging for scale operators to hear them clearly through standard intercom systems. This is where Zenitel's noise-cancelling, weather-resistant intercoms excel. The intercoms proactively enhance call quality with built-in intelligent audio functionality. Specific features of the Zenitel intercoms that achieve that include:

• Audio Broadcast up to 105 db - Overcomes the engine noise
• Noise Reduction - Removes the engine noise during the call
• Auto Volume Control - Adjusts volume for each conversation
• Auto Gain Control - Regulates the audio volume from the gate station

Applications

Inside the weigh station, operators use Zenitel's ITSV-4, IP Desk Video Intercom with a 5" screen to answer the call from the intercom in the kiosk to speak with truck drivers.

In some applications, B-TEK Scales has added accessories such as station backboxes (for installations outside of kiosks) and windscreens to improve the sound clarity in wide-open, windy areas.

"B-Tek has been a valuable partner of Zenitel for years," says Matt Scott, MidAtlantic Regional Sales Leader for Zenitel Americas. "With their vast technical knowledge of their customer sites and our products, they have been able to deliver the best audio possible in the toughest of conditions."

Matt Scott, MidAtlantic Regional Sales Leader for Zenitel Americas

Together, B-TEK Scales and Zenitel are helping businesses streamline processes, centralize operations, and reduce costs with a state-of-the-art intercom solution. This weighing solution accurately provides weight and delivers crystal-clear sound quality, robust security, and an intuitive interface without additional software. It does not require expensive server infrastructure, offers flexible connection capabilities through an open API, and uses industry-standard protocols. The system can easily be expanded by simply adding a device, making it adaptable to various operational needs and business growth.

Products and Solutions:

TCIS-2 IP and SIP Intercom

TCIS-3 IP and SIP Intercom

TCIV-2+ IP and SIP Video Intercom

ITSV-4, IP Desk Video Intercom with 5" Screen

IC-EDGE Video Entry Kit - ITSV-5 Desktop Station/TCIV-2+ IP Video Intercom /TA-1 Back Box

B-TEK SKYNET 2050 Self-Service Kiosk

For more information:

www.zenitel.com