| Product and weighing range | Minimum and maximum package weight, package dimensions, product type, and conveyor requirements. | A written specification showing the validated weighing range and any product or package limitations. | Confirm that the intended product range is within the system’s specified operating range; do not select by maximum capacity alone. |
| Throughput and weighing performance | Required packages per minute, product spacing, line speed, and acceptable weighing error for each product. | A performance proposal stating the test conditions, sample product, target speed, and agreed acceptance limits. | Throughput and accuracy depend on product characteristics, spacing, vibration, and installation. Require testing with representative products at the intended operating conditions. |
| FAT scope and acceptance | Functional checks, reject operation, alarms, data logging, recipe changes, and performance testing. | An agreed Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) protocol, recorded results, test conditions, and a list of open issues. | Define pass/fail criteria before ordering. A FAT should test agreed functions and representative products; it does not replace site acceptance testing. |
| Calibration and traceability | Calibration method, reference weights, documentation, and how performance checks will be repeated on site. | Calibration records identifying the equipment and results; where required, evidence of traceability to recognized measurement standards. | Calibration of the weighing system is distinct from dynamic production performance testing. For calibration services, check whether the laboratory’s accreditation covers the relevant measurement scope. |
| Legal metrology requirements | Whether the application is subject to regulated weighing or prepackage control in the destination market. | Applicable approvals, conformity documents, and instructions for verification in the target jurisdiction. | Requirements vary by country and application. OIML R 51 addresses automatic catchweighing instruments, but buyers should confirm local rules with the relevant authority or qualified local specialist. |
| Reject system and line integration | Reject-device type, reject confirmation, reject-bin monitoring, line stops, and interfaces with upstream or downstream equipment. | An integration and risk-control description, interface list, and FAT test results for reject and fault conditions. | Confirm that rejected products are detected and handled as intended, including when the reject device fails or the collection bin is full. |
| Hygiene and environmental protection | Cleaning method, washdown exposure, dust, temperature, and contact-material requirements for the application. | Declared ingress-protection rating, cleaning instructions, material details, and any relevant food-contact documentation. | IP ratings are defined by IEC 60529; confirm the exact rating and what it covers. Choose construction and cleaning provisions to suit the actual process rather than relying on a general “washdown” description. |
| Data, records, and connectivity | Production reports, user access, recipe control, data export, and required connection to plant systems. | A confirmed interface list, sample reports, data-retention details, and a demonstration using the buyer’s intended workflow. | Specify the required data fields and interfaces in the purchase documents. Verify compatibility with the actual plant network and software environment. |
| Installation and commissioning | Site preparation, installation responsibility, operator training, commissioning checks, and handover documentation. | A commissioning plan, site utility requirements, training agenda, and completed handover checklist. | Agree who provides labor, utilities, product samples, and line access, and define how site acceptance will be documented. |
| Service and spare parts | Support hours, remote troubleshooting, local service coverage, spare-parts availability, and escalation process. | Written service terms, parts list, warranty conditions, and any contractual response or restoration targets. | Response times and parts availability are supplier-specific. Make required service levels contractual and confirm coverage for the installation location. |
| Total cost of ownership | Equipment price, installation, training, calibration, consumables, maintenance, software, and expected downtime costs. | An itemized quotation with exclusions, warranty terms, recurring charges, and recommended maintenance requirements. | Compare suppliers using the same scope and operating assumptions, not purchase price alone. |