Volumetric Data Units are More Important Than Ever

Volumetric Data Units are More Important Than Ever

Volumetric Data Unit / DWS System

Volumetric data units are just brilliant! You may also hear them called a DWS system (which stands for dimension weighing & scanning). Regradless of what you call them, they create endless possibilities. Integrating with carrier software, streamlining despatch processes, providing proof of despatch…

These systems are an ever-increasing part of PJP Conveyors’ huge solutions range.

Accurate size and weight data is key to many successful operations. Manual handling safety and ensuring maximum shipping dimension limits are two common reasons why. Manual checking just isn’t an option when you handle thousands of items per hour – which is typical of our clients.

Warehouse and production applications are at the forefront of our volumetric data solution designs. Firstly, they have a simple modular design derived from over 30 years materials handling expertise. Secondly, we incorporate the latest weighing technology. Thirdly, it is an ‘in-line’ solution: producing volumetric information with no impact on productivity or current processes.

The mechanical framework suits the client’s requirements

Our system is a fully standalone ‘plug and play’ unit capable of handling a huge size and weight range. Its dimensions can matching any existing conveyor or production line.

The system drives items on and off the weigh scale using either roller conveyors or belt conveyors. The conveyor section typically sits on top of the aluminium framework matching the current system’s height.

PJP takes care of the electrical components

When you buy a DWS System from us, we include the user interface. All user options are available from push button units to full HMI touchscreens. This covers all client requirements.

Our clients have total control of the system. Their users can make adjustments as needed such as weight or size parameters and bypass functions.

Electrical controls | HMI options

How our units work

We select load cells based on the customer’s weight perimeters and requirements. Virtually any weight range can be achieved. We position these cells between the conveyor and frame.

Reflective sensors then work with an encoder to calculate the length of an object via the speed the conveyor is running vs it’s detection time.

Width & height measurement are made using high performance distance sensors positioned to calculate the mass of each item.

DWS Systems | Components

Data processing

Our software collects the length, height and width of the items (which are usually parcels of some sort), along with their barcode and weight.

We then load this into a data block in a small programmable logic controller – basically an industrial computer. Software reads the metrics, collects the data provided and provides a pass or fail answer. A picture can be taken and stored, if required.

Optional extras are available

We can also provide a take-off lane that rejects products outside of the set parameters. This is usually a switch unit or 24v transfer unit leading to a gravity conveyor lane.

Another option is beacons & sounders to give audible and visual indications.

DWS Systems | Extra features available

Could this be the gamechanger for your business operations?

All new volumetric data units from PJP Conveyors can be easily integrated into existing conveyor systems, production lines and WMS (Warehouse Management Systems). Equally, PJP Conveyors can provide standalone software and user interfaces.

For more information on PJP volumetric data units please contact us.

Several Ways we can all help Combat Climate Change

Several Ways we can all help Combat Climate Change

Several Ways we can all help Combat Climate Change

If we stand any chance of saving the planet from certain doom, we certainly all need to do our bit. Industrial operations tend to use a minimum of 55,000 kWh of electricity alone per year compared to the 2,900kWh by a typical British household – at least 19 times more – so it’s clear that significant carbon reduction is possible if industrial energy consumption can start to be reduced. One major way to aid this is by making manufacturing processes more efficient.

PJP is a safecontractor accredited business which means that health, safety and sustainability are always on our minds. We make sure that all new manufacturing and warehouse conveyors and conveyor systems we work on minimise energy consumption and maximise efficiency. We are constantly looking into new technology that pushes boundaries and takes energy saving to even greater levels – and there are some very exciting developments on the horizon.

What else are PJP doing to help combat climate change?
At a more micro level, PJP leave our cars parked up a lot more than we used to and have found adopting video conferencing has really helped achieve our own environmental aspirations whilst still upholding our client management standards. Having tried a few different platforms we confess that we are now official Microsoft Teams fans.

We are mindful of our own energy usage in our workplaces and have a company mantra of reaching for a jumper rather than turning the heating up. And there’s no aircon anywhere (well apart from in our cars which we try not to use much!)

We’ve chosen to not jump on the electric car bandwagon for now as the EV charging network doesn’t seem to have quite the coverage we need and the thought of visiting certain remote client sites gives us a distinct panicky feeling. We’ll keep leaving the cars on the drive as much as possible for now…

A perfect example of PJP illustrating sustainability
This video shows one of our conveyors doing it’s job without using any electricity or manmade energy – it’s just harnessing the power of gravity: