At a glance
- Many businesses struggle with limited space for large weighbridges, requiring compact or portable weighing solutions.
- Calibration errors and environmental factors can affect accuracy. So, regular maintenance and certified weighing systems help ensure compliance with legal weight regulations.
- The heavy weighing industry can require a high upfront investment, but modular and portable scales can help reduce costs.
- Since harsh weather and installation downtime can disrupt operations, weather-resistant scales and fast-installation solutions are needed to mitigate these issues.
- Consider partnering with reputable weighing system companies like Trakblaze.
Truck weighing systems have become essential for businesses to meet legal weight limits, ensure safety compliance, and optimise fleet efficiency.
However, implementing these systems can present challenges that companies must overcome to obtain precise and reliable weight measurements.
In this article, we will cover some of the most common challenges faced when implementing truck weighing systems and explore solutions to overcome them.
Site and Infrastructure Constraints
First and foremost, the biggest challenges for installing truck weighing systems are site and infrastructure constraints. Most companies, particularly those operating within congested environments or urban regions, struggle to accommodate large axle scales or weighbridges. Mining and road construction industries could also encounter uneven ground or poor ground conditions that require extensive site preparation.
However, businesses can overcome this challenge by opting for a more portable weighing solution like the TRUCKMATE Portable Truck Scale. A portable scale requires significantly less space and infrastructure to operate, and you can rest assured that it provides an accurate measurement.
That said, companies should always conduct a site assessment before installing the weighing system in a more space-efficient location.
Accuracy and Calibration Issues
Weighing systems are necessary to obtain exact measurements and comply with weight regulations. However, factors such as poor calibration, environmental conditions, and excessive use can lead to inaccuracies. These issues can cause legal complications and other problems with truck overload.
For this, companies will need to perform ongoing calibration and maintenance to check that their systems are working accurately and properly. Likewise, you can invest in and use a high-precision weighing system such as the FORCE1 Truck Axle Scale. This weighing system is designed for reliable and accurate results. Beyond that, businesses can also use real-time monitoring technologies to detect and correct such problems early.
High Initial Investment Costs
Like any other weighing industry, setting up a truck weighing system has a significant upfront cost. The expense usually includes hardware, software, installation, and site preparation. However, it can go even higher if the company opts for an entirely automated system. This can be a barrier to small and medium-sized businesses.
Therefore, to address this, companies can consider cost-effective options to make the Weigh-in-motion (WIM) system more accessible. However, you also need to keep in mind that the cheaper option might not be the best in the long run. So, it’s best to prioritise quality over price. Besides that, businesses can also explore various leasing or financing options to spread costs over time.
Compliance with Legal and Industry Regulations
Another major problem confronted by the truck weighing system is the inability to comply with regulations and legal requirements. In Australia, each region has specific weight regulations, and failing to comply may result in legal action. Overloading issues may also occur for many reasons that can attract heavy fines, penalties, and safety hazards. Thus, it could be challenging for logistics providers to maintain pace with shifting legislation and adhere to compliance.
Businesses will need to find a way to mitigate this risk because it can result in significant financial consequences and multiple operational issues. For that, install approved weighing equipment that meets local and international regulatory standards.
Environmental and Weather Factors
Environmental and weather challenges are common when dealing with huge machinery and equipment, like truck weighing systems. For instance, extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, heat, or dust can impact weighing system performance.
You can install protective covers or enclosures to shield weighing equipment from environmental damage. Also, consider investing in weather-resistant truck scales like the FORCE 2&4 Mining Truck Scale, which is built for harsh conditions.
Integration with Existing Fleet and Logistics Systems
When businesses work on implementing a truck weighing system in their operation, there is a good chance that they already have a fleet and logistics system. So, it may be difficult to impose a new truck weighing system that does not integrate seamlessly. Compatibility issues can further lead to inefficiencies in data processing and reporting.
To help resolve these issues, businesses should select weighing solutions with digital connectivity and API integration capabilities. Likewise, using cloud-based platforms for remote monitoring and fleet tracking can be another ideal way to have a good integration.
Although installing a truck weighing system has various challenges, companies can address these challenges economically with the best strategy and technology. With over 90 years of experience, Trakblaze offers a range of industry-leading truck-weighing solutions in Australia. Contact us today to find the ideal weighing solution for your business needs.
