NEW!

Introducing...

the Tally Ho! Lobster Packer...

by Know Tech Environmental, Inc.

So, what's the 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. Packers 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. With lobsters selling for $8 - $15 per lb, the potential loss exceeds the cost of losses from all other sources.

How does the Tally Ho! Lobster Packer solve this problem?

As shown below, the Tally Ho! Displays the average weight of the order so far. By observing the average weight the packer can trim the contents of the box being packed to keep the average weight of the order very close to the target weight.

What else?

1. Tally Ho! is very easy to use. As the weight of the box being packed approaches the target weight, the graphical weight display window just below the weight display gradually turns green, indicating to the packer that the box is nearing the target weight.

2. Sometimes packers lose track of the number of boxes packed so far and someone has to do a re-count. This is avoided because Tally Ho! shows the number of boxes and the total weight, packed so far for the current order.

3. The person packing signs on Tally Ho! at the beginning of the shift and signs off at the end of the shift, so production by the packer can be measured.

4. Tally Ho! generates a permanent record of each box packed. As each box is finished the "END BOX" icon at the lower left side of the screen is pressed. This sends a record of the box to a computer in the office, even if it is being used for something else at the same time. When the order is finished, the "END LOT" icon at the lower right side of the screen is pressed. This signals the computer to finish the current lot, advance the lot number, zero the total weight and the average weight, thus beginning a new lot.

   The Tally Ho! is connected to the office computer program by a wireless radio link. The permanent record on the computer can be printed, faxed, filed, shipped with the order or whatever. The name "Tally Ho!" is taken from the tally record generated on the computer.

   Below are samples of the computer records, first for lobster packer "mharvey" and then for "lot # 1", packed on July 19, 2004.

   

5. The printed shipping manifest providing by Tally Ho! not only appears much more professional than just an invoice, but the customer knows that you know, and have a record of, exactly how much weight was packed in each box, exactly when it was packed and by whom.

6. Boxes are not missed. If the packer happens to try to remove the box without recording it, Tally Ho! displays a large "STOP" sign which must be cleared before proceeding.

   

The Tally Ho! Lobster Packer is an add-on to a regular digital scale. It connects by a cable and water-proof plug to the printer port on the scale. It comes in a water-proof box that can be mounted wherever it is most convenient.

The Tally Ho! Lobster Packer is powered by plugging into 120 volts AC.

The digital scale continues to operate normally.

Starting up Tally Ho!

The Tally Ho! Lobster Packer is controlled just by touching the screen. On powering-up, the first screen that appears is:

The Tally Ho! Lobster Packer is selected by pressing the Tally Ho! Button which brings up the Tally Ho! operating screen.

See the note below regarding the use of the "New User" button.

At each corner of the screen there is an icon. The functions of the bottom two were discussed above. The upper right icon returns to the opening screen.