TallyHo! Lobster Packer

The Over-packing Problem:

When packing standard-weight packages of natural products for shipment, it is very difficult to meet the weight specification exactly.

For example, when packing 30 lb boxes of live lobsters for air shipment, it is almost impossible to pack the exact amount. Operators try to balance the amounts over and under so that, on average, the 30 lb target is met for the complete order.

But, unless the actual average is calculated, it is impossible to avoid the losses caused by this estimation process. Depending on lobster prices, the potential loss can exceed the cost of losses from all other sources.

We have a solution ...

Six lobster packers working quickly and efficiently, using ONE scale AND avoiding over-packing losses, you say? How is that possible?

Let me tell you how.

1. You set up 5 "counter stations" where workers place a predetermined number (depending on the size of lobsters being packed) of lobsters in each box. 

2. You set up 1 "trimming station" equipped with our TallyHo! weigher.

3. Route the boxes filled by the "counters" to the "trimmer" who will carefully trim each box by adding or taking away lobsters to meet the average weight target for the whole order.

One trimmer should be able to keep up with 5 counters.

Normal Operation

Typical styrofoam box

Example: The user wishes to pack an order for 20 Styrofoam boxes of 30 pounds each.

1. Place lobsters in the box, one at a time.

The Current Weight will gradually increase and as it gets close to the target weight, the Weight Gauge will turn from red to green. When the weight is satisfactory, press the “End Box” button.

(What happens if you forget to press the "end Box" button? See below.)

The Box Number will advance to “1”. Total Weight will show the weight packed so far. Average Weight will show half the weight of box 1.

2. Remove the full box from the scale and replace it with another empty box. Fill that box until the Average Weight shown is satisfactory and press the “End Box” button.

Box Number will advance to “2”. Total Weight will show the weight packed so far. Average
Weight will show the average weight of box 1 and 2.

3. Repeat step 2 until the Box Number shows “20”, the total number of boxes in the order.

The Total Weight will be the total weight of the order.

4. Remove the box and press the “End Order” button.

The Summary Screen will appear showing the summary information for this order. Record this information as desired.

5. Press the “OK” button. Total Weight will go to zero. Lot Number will increase by 1. Average Weight will go to zero.

TallyHo! is ready to prepare the next order.

What happens if you forget to press the "end Box" button?

This screen appears if you forget to press the End Box button.

Missed Box Error

TallyHo! Will return to the previous screen.

Press the “End Box” button and continue packing.

Features and Benefits

• Shows the average weight per box.

• Shows the total net weight of the order.

• Signals when the target weight is approached.
  
  
• Shows the number of boxes packed so far.
  
  
• Signals if a box is accidently skipped.
  
  
• Keeps run of the orders packed
  
  
• Optional Label printer
  
  
• Optional Spread-sheet or text file output to Ethernet,  USB port or a thumb drive
  
  
• Records and reports the weight of each box and each order packed

Accurate computer generated reports.

This shows the orders packed at Station 1 at a certain date and time.

TallyHo! is used as a stand-alone tool to prevent or reduce over-packing losses as each order is packed.

This shows the detailed contents of order number 5 packed at station 1.

This information is made available in digital files sent to your computer by a USB port or network connection. They can also be recorded on a thumb drive and manually transferred to your computer. (See examplesto the left.)

Can't we avoid this problem by using experienced packers?

Yes, experience helps, but you still won't know what you are actually shipping.

Also, what if experienced packers are not available for hire?

Experienced workers take time to develop - like, maybe years. They get experience by making mistakes - costly mistakes, with the high price of lobsters.

Often too, as workers become more highly skilled, they demand higher wages or they may quit and go work for someone else.

The TallyHo! lobster packer allows inexperienced workers to perform well at this task with minimal training, giving management more flexibility in hiring and scheduling staff.

Why can't we use a pack sheet to keep run of what we are packing and shipping?

If a pack sheet means you write down the weight of each box and then add them up with a calculator, that will work.

However there are costs and limitations to consider.

How much time does the packer take to write down the weights? Doesn't this interrupt the work-flow?

How often are mistakes made, especially if the packer is in a hurry?

Who calculates the total and are mistakes ever made keying in the figures?

The biggest problem with recording by hand is that you don't know that errors were made - and there is no way to check, except by re-weighing the boxes.

So on you go, blissfully unaware of the actual weight of lobsters shipped.

The TallyHo! lobster packer automatically records the weight of each box as it is packed, and provides a computer-printed report for every order.

Our system eliminates the over-packing problem and the equipment cost is overcome by the increased efficiency that results.

Where to buy the TallyHo! packer?

We serve Eastern Canada and the Northeastern USA directly.

Know Tech Environmental Inc
201 - 49 Kaulback St.
Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 0B7
Phone: 902 897 5897
email: shandco@gmail.com

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