Avery Berkel has launched IM, a new range of counter service scales that delivers all the essential functions that independent retailers and small chains demand, without the costs associated with more complex weighing systems.
The scale has just received the industrial design award at the West Midlands BDI Industry and Genius Awards in December 2007, set up to recognise and reward collaborations between designers and industry as Greg Astill product manager for Avery Berkel comments:
“Independent stores have distinct needs from a scale. Working with Birmingham (UK)-based H2 Product Development, we have therefore designed this robust and aesthetic scale range to meet their demands. Quite simply, it’s got everything they need and nothing they don’t.
“The IM range is easy to install, connect and use - simply plug it in, set it up and it works. Yet this simplicity is not at the expense of functionality. Data is at the heart of every retail business and combining these scales with our software helps keep owners on track and ahead of the competition.”
Five models are available in the new range to fit any counter or checkout arrangement, including a compact hanging scale. Each has a very small footprint and an eye-catching design that complements modern shop layouts. The counter scales also have point-of-sale and checkout functionality and can be combined with a cash drawer for an integrated weighing and checkout solution.
The logical, tactile keyboard helps prevent operator errors whilst the bright blue graphic display ensures all data is presented clearly to both the operator and customer. The robust printer is designed for long life with graphic printing capabilities, whilst the external battery option enables flexible use on market stalls or outside the shop in good weather.
Each scale has memory for 6000 Price Look Ups (PLUs) as standard and up to 60 ‘hotkeys’ can be programmed with a combination of PLUs and frequently-used functions, to help speed service times and reduce queue lengths.
The IM range has ethernet communications as standard, so that scales can be linked together easily or form part of a larger storewide network. Wirefree RF communications are available as an option.
Some smaller retailers may not require a fully-networked system, but still need to obtain and transfer valuable data between scales. The IM offers the additional benefit of a USB connection, which means that there is no need to install a network. Using a standard USB memory device, the operator can exchange product data or reports simply with a PC. USB connectivity also means that a group of unconnected scales do not need separate programming since the data can be copied and shared between them in minutes.
Combining the scales with software from Avery Berkel makes it easier to manage scale data. The MX050 scale support package allows operators to set up and configure all of the scales on a back office pc and provides simple reporting, label and keyboard design functions. For businesses that need a greater degree of control and automation, Avery Berkel can also offer complete scale management systems with MX400 and MX410 software as well as integration to any third party back-office system with MX100.
Concludes Astill: “The IM range is designed to make life easy for both the operator and the business. It can also be used to handle the latest traceability legislation, act as a packing machine and display eye-catching promotional messages when not in use. In short we have listened to what independent retailers need and designed a scale accordingly. Nothing more and nothing less.”
