GradeWatch

The Griffith Elder GradeWatch system is for recording potatoes and other vegetables and consists of any number of weighing stations, each with a local display if required, all coupled up to a computer running the GradeWatch programme.

Each weighing station is designed to be an integral part of the potato grading, cleaning and packing line. The weigh sensors can be built into a big box filling machine, or made as a free standing platform, or built into a bagging or packing machine. Dirt and rejects can also be weighed. Each time that a box / bag is placed on the weigher the weight is taken. When the filling or emptying is complete the second weight is taken and the results are stored on the computer. If the boxes have electronic tags on them the computer also stores the number of the box.

There is a console for an operator to manually enter a number if boxes are to be categorised for stock reconciliation and first in first out inventory control. Also, results from trucks weighed on a weighbridge can be manually entered in the GradeWatch programme in order to make comparisons with the actual amount of finished product which gets packed for sale.

All data is stored in a database as events in real time so that an audit trail is produced of exactly what has been put through the line and when. The computer programme is password protected so that setup parameters cannot be changed without appropriate permission, and access to the data is controlled. Details of suppliers and customers can be entered along with potato varieties and transaction details. Stock position, amounts, tare percentage and a range of other data can be accessed and printed out in a report, and labels may be printed each time a box is filled.

Sorting and categorising the data is all handled by a programme called DataBase Browser which allows the user almost infinite choice in searching and reporting from the data. This very powerful tool turns highly sophisticated analysis into a simple operation. Any of the data can be copied into a spread sheet, to a separate file or direct to a printer as a report. Mathematical calculations can be performed on certain data giving totals, averages and other calculations such as standard deviation, making the reports more comprehensive.