Understanding Weighing

A Grocer’s Guide to Metrology

 Supermark
Backroom Service Counter Fresh Produce

kg

Introduction

Metrology is a term you might not be familiar with, but

it’s something that impacts retail grocers all day long.
Metrology is the science of measurement, and the scientific
tool at the heart of every service counter transaction is the
weighing scale. Without an efficient, easy-to-use, and
above all accurate scale, profitability and customer sat-
isfaction would be critically compromised. Dependable
product measuring is essential to managing and tracking
sales volume and to maintaining compliance with industry
regulations.

As the world’s leading manufacturer of weighing devices,

METTLER TOLEDO produces scales that can measure to
the nearest one-billionth of a gram, to scales that can
measure several hundred metric tons. We specialize in
producing high quality, cost effective measuring devices
that meet or exceed the exacting specifications for manu-
facturing, measuring, safety and the environment.

2 Understanding Weighing
ket Bistro

Bakery Checkout Specialty

The purpose of this guide is to identify some of the termi-

nology associated with retail weighing technology, and to
explain the importance of each term as it applies to your
day-to-day business. The terms covered in this guide
include:

• Accuracy • Dual Interval Scales

• Accuracy Class • Tare
• Linearity • Verification
• Load Cell • Hysteresis
• Corner Load • Sensitivity
• Repeatability • Geolocation
• Temperature Stability • Precision vs. Accuracy
• Scale Intervals • Calibration

www.mt.com/retail-metrology

Understanding Weighing 3
Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Accuracy 6

Accuracy Class 7

Linearity 8

Load Cell 9

Corner Load 10

Repeatability 11

Temperature Stability 12

Scale Intervals 13

Dual Scale Intervals 14

Tare 15

Verification 16

Hysteresis 17

Sensitivity 18

Geolocation 19

Precision vs. Accuracy 20

Calibration 21

Tips and Tricks 22

Services 23

Understanding Weighing 5
 Accuracy

Accuracy is the fundamental goal of every weighing instrument ever

built. In fact, all of the other terms that we’ll discuss in this guide are
factors which contribute to the accuracy of a measuring device. But
what actually is “accuracy” when used in regard to weighing? Quite
simply, it’s how closely the measured value on the scale display
equates to the actual weight of the item being measured. If those two
figures were exactly the same, that would be perfect accuracy. And
while perfection is always the goal, infinite accuracy is something that
is physically impossible to achieve.

So when we talk about accuracy, we’re really looking at the degree

of accuracy, which is described as a percentage. Most often, the
percentage used is not the amount of accuracy, but rather the amount
of inaccuracy. So a scale with 0.001% accuracy is more accurate than
one with 0.075% accuracy.

Because today’s retail measuring instruments rely on complex internal

mechanisms, it’s important to calibrate the scale for accuracy at its ul-
timate location of use – rather than at its manufacturing facility. Factors
such as transport, elevation, temperature and other geophysical and
environmental variables can impact the device’s extremely sensitive
technology.

Did you know?

Most commercial scales in use today employ one of two technolo-
gies: strain gauge, or electromagnetic force compensation (Mono-
Bloc). Generally speaking, scales using MonoBloc technology
– which was introduced to the market by METTLER TOLEDO – are
ten times more accurate than strain gauge scales.

6 Understanding Weighing
Accuracy Class

In the course of your experience with scales, you may have come
across certain designations stating whether a device was a Class I,
Class II, Class III or even Class IIII scale. And you may have wondered
what these designations mean. Simply put, a scale’s class designation
is another way of expressing its Accuracy Class – which lets you know
what range of accuracy the device is designed to deliver (and also how
many distinct divisions you can expect the device to display).

A Class I scale is the most sensitive and accurate type of scale. Primarily
intended for laboratory use, it is used to weigh amounts greater than
or equal to 1 milligram. A Class II scale is also likely to be used in a
laboratory, or perhaps a jewelry store. One type of Class II scale is
designed to weigh amounts ranging from 1 to 50 milligrams, while
a second type is designed to weigh amounts greater than or equal to
100 milligrams. There are also two types of Class III scales – and these
might be found in various retail settings, including the post office. The
range of these scales is measured either in grams, pounds or ounces.
The largest scales are referred to either as Class IIIL or Class IIII scales
– and these are used to weigh things like trucks, railroad cars and other
very heavy objects.

Did you know?

The unit of measurement used in the world’s most sensitive
scales is something called a yoctogram (or one septillionth of a
gram). Here is how one yoctogram would be written numerically –
0.000000000000000000000001 g. What kind of objects would
be measured in yoctograms? Well, a single proton from an atom
of the elemental gas xenon has been weighed at 1.7 yg.

Understanding Weighing 7
 Linearity

Linearity, as you will notice, comes from the word “line.” With regard to
weighing technology, it means that a scale’s sensitivity will be the same
across the entire spectrum of its weighing capacity. In other words, on
a 1,000 gram-capacity scale, the reading for a 50 gram test weight will
be 50 grams, the reading for a 500 gram test weight will be 500 grams,
and the reading for a 1,000 gram weight will be 1,000 grams. When a
scale is in perfect linearity, there is no noticeable deviation when weigh-
ing different amounts – so whether you’re weighing one slice of cheese
or an entire block, you can be sure the reading is accurate.

All high-sensitivity scales are linearized by the manufacturer, but can

gradually develop unacceptable deviations over time. You can perform
a routine test for the linearity of your scale by using calibrated and veri-
fied test weights that, when all weighed together, register the same (or
a little less than) the instrument’s maximum capacity. Start with a light
weight, and note the readout’s accuracy. Do the same with increasingly
heavy loads, each time checking for accuracy. Finally, do the same
with all of the weights on the scale. In each case, the readings should
be identical to the verified test weights. If you observe that there is a
meaningful disparity (more than one division) at one or more points
along the weighing range, the instrument may need to be adjusted.
Contact your METTLER TOLEDO representative to have your measuring
device evaluated by an authorized professional.

Did you know?

The presence of static electricity can impact the weighing perfor-
mance of a measuring device. Minimizing the potential for static
electricity in the weighing environment (e.g. rubber floor mats,
adequate humidity) can help ensure more accurate readings.

8 Understanding Weighing
Load Cell (Strain Gauge Transducer)

Many, if not most, of the commercial scales in use today depend on

something called load cell technology. What is a load cell? Well, first
of all it’s a transducer – a device that converts one form of energy to
another. Most retail scale load cells typically have four “strain gauges”
that help measure the amount of force being applied by the object being
weighed. These strain gauges are usually made of metallic foil or film
that adheres to a flexible metal beam typically made of aluminum or
steel alloys. As the beam bends (due to the weight of the object on the
scale), the strain gauges deform – which causes a change in the elec-
trical signal passing through them. This change is in direct proportion
to the amount of weight on the scale.

Because there is bending and flexing in the load cell during weighing,
it’s very important to consider the scale’s maximum capacity when
weighing materials you think might be in excess of the rated capacity.
While METTLER TOLEDO scales are specifically designed to protect load
cells from being overloaded, other devices may not have this fail-safe
option. So, when overloaded beyond the scale’s rating, the load cell
may not return to its original shape afterward, and future readings
will no longer be accurate. When used properly, strain gauge load
cell scales are dependable, durable and cost efficient. But as with all
commercial equipment, care and good sense must always be exercised
when using these devices.

Did you know?

When strain gauge load cells were first introduced, they were only
moderately sensitive, and consequently were used primarily for
weighing very heavy loads (for which precise accuracy was not
critical). But the technology – and the accuracy – has improved
significantly since then, due largely to METTLER TOLEDO’s pioneer-
ing efforts in developing and patenting strain gauge solutions.

Understanding Weighing 9
 Corner Load

In the real world, it’s not always possible (or practical) for retail
associates to place items directly in the center of the weighing pan.
But it’s important that the scale delivers an accurate reading no matter
where the product is placed. When the readout varies depending on the
location of the item on the scale, this is known as “corner load error,”
“off-center loading error” or even “eccentric loading error.” When this
type of error occurs, it tends to become more pronounced as both the
weight – and the distance from center – increase.

However, if the readout remains consistent regardless of where the item

is placed on the weighing pan, the scale can be described as having
no corner load deviation. This designation should be the goal of every
scale, especially those that are used in fast-paced retail environments.

Did you know?

You can test your weighing equipment for corner load deviation
by placing an item in the center of the pan, and then weighing
that same item in each of the four corners of the pan (after
zeroing the display between each measurement). Then check to
see if the deviation (if any occurs) is within the manufacturer’s
specifications.

10 Understanding Weighing
Repeatability

With a high-precision weighing device, the readout should not deviate

when tested over and over again under identical conditions. In order
to test for repeatability, the measurements must be carried out by the
same operator, using the same weighing method, in the same loca-
tion on the weighing platter, in the same installation location, under
constant ambient conditions (e.g. temperature, air currents, vibrations,
humidity, etc.) and without interruption. This is the essence of repeat-
ability. After multiple tests have been performed, any variations noted
will be expressed as the standard deviation for that device.

It’s essential to understand that repeatability, in and of itself, is not a

substitute for accuracy. It’s possible that a scale could give the same
inaccurate reading over and over again. Nonetheless, repeatability is
an essential characteristic of retail weighing equipment. When properly
calibrated, a dependable scale should consistently deliver test results
that are either absolutely identical, or have an extremely low standard
of deviation.

Did you know?

When testing a weighing device for repeatability, you should
use a test weight that is at least half, and preferably close to, the
maximum load for that device. If possible, use an object designed
to be used as a test weight. If none are available, be sure to use
an object that is solid, non-porous, non-magnetic, static free and
impervious to dust and dirt.

Understanding Weighing 11
 Temperature Stability

The sensitivity of weighing instruments can be affected by changes in

temperature, and as a consequence this can affect the device’s
accuracy. Load cell scales have been shown to deflect at a reduced
rate in cold conditions, and consequently, a “temperature coefficient
of sensitivity” has been calculated in an attempt to account for the
discrepancy. But this approach is certainly less than ideal, resulting in
nothing more than an approximation of accuracy.

When operated within the manufacturer’s recommended temperature

range (usually between 14° and 104°F or -10° and 40°C), METTLER
TOLEDO’s retail scales will deliver consistent, accurate readings that
will not vary with moderate changes in ambient temperature. However,
when moving a scale from one climate to another, it’s best to give the
scale’s internal components plenty of time to adjust to the new
temperature before calibrating the device.

Did you know?

While it’s possible to operate a weighing device outside of its
recommended temperature range, inaccurate readings will
become more common – and more pronounced – if operation
of the scale continues in extreme conditions. Sensitive electronic
components intrinsic to the scale’s accuracy are not designed to
operate outside of their recommended temperature ranges.

12 Understanding Weighing
Scale Intervals

When you weigh something on a scale – any scale – the precision of

the measurement is determined by the scale “intervals” (also known
as scale divisions) that the device employs – or in other words, by the
smallest possible increment between two measured values.

On retail scales featuring electronic digital displays, that “smallest

difference” might be a gram, or perhaps one one-hundredth of a pound
(0.01 lb.). While in truth the actual weight of an item is most likely
somewhere within the interval, the reading will show the closest incre-
ment either above or below it.

Scale intervals vary greatly depending on the type of loads that the
instrument is designed to weigh. Obviously, the scale intervals of a de-
vice built to measure the weight of a highway truck will be far different
than the intervals of a scale designed to measure spices or tea.

Did you know?

Even though two measuring devices might have the same scale
intervals (e.g. 0.01 lb.), they can still possess different levels of
sensitivity. A scale with a 100-pound maximum load that has
intervals of 0.01 lb. offers greater sensitivity than a scale with a
10-pound maximum load and intervals of 0.01 lb. because it has
10 times as many measurable increments.

Understanding Weighing 13
 Dual Interval Scales

Traditionally, scales have been designed to employ a single scale

interval. Depending on the size of the loads it measures and the type
of working environment, that interval may be one kilogram, one pound,
one ounce, one gram or possibly an increment that’s even smaller. And
in most cases, the single interval scale provides a measurement that is
precise enough for the application being used.

But in certain applications – particularly in the retail grocery environment

– the same scale may be used to weigh large, bulky items one minute
and the next minute be asked to provide an accurate measurement for
items weighing less than a hundredth of an ounce. Imagine one
customer transaction involving the purchase of ten pounds of basmati
rice, followed immediately by the purchase of two or three fine threads
of saffron. It was precisely for these types of situations that METTLER
TOLEDO developed weighing instruments with built-in dual scale
intervals. These scales will auto-adjust, selecting the appropriate scale
interval for the item being weighed.

Did you know?

Because of their advanced precision with smaller, lighter items,
METTLER TOLEDO’s dual interval retail scales reduce the “minimum
weight threshold” – or the lowest amount of measurable product
that is legally allowed to be sold (legal for trade). With their ability
to weigh even the smallest quantities, these scales help retailers
maximize their profitability – particularly on the sale of very light (but
expensive) items.

14 Understanding Weighing
Tare

The word tare comes from an old Arabic word meaning “the thing
deducted or rejected” – and refers to the container that’s holding the
material you want to know the actual weight of. Most retail scales will
have a tare button that can be used to reset the display to zero when
the empty container is sitting on the weighing pan.

Here’s how the tare button works: if the scale is reading 0.00 kg, you
place an empty container on the scale and it reads 0.05 kg (0.11 lb.).
You press the tare button, and the scale display now reads 0.00 kg.
You fill the container with product, and the scale display reads 0.56 kg
(1.23 lb.). This is the actual weight of the product. When you remove
the container from the scale, it would now read −0.05 kg (−0.11 lb.).

Here’s a real life example: Consider the actual weight of a single piece
of deli paper is 0.0015 kg (0.0033 lb.). Many retail scales use a single
interval and would therefore have to round up to show 0.005 kg
(0.01 lb.). This means 0.0035 kg (0.0067 lb.) is being given away! With
dual interval scales, the lowest interval is now reduced considerably
and shows 0.002 kg (0.005 lb.), thus, now only 0.0005 kg (0.0017 lb.)
is given away. Therefore, METTLER TOLEDO dual interval scales save
retailers several cents per transaction and, over the course of hundreds
of transactions per day, a retailer can save thousands of dollars per year
for each scale in use.

Did you know?

METTLER TOLEDO retail scales give retailers the ability to program
specific tare amounts by PLU, simply by configuring a preset tare
key. This feature improves the accuracy of fast-paced, high-
volume weighing. It also reduces the labor time required to
process a transaction, which can add up to significant savings.

Understanding Weighing 15
 Verification

Retail scales must be verified to comply with local, state or national

regulations in order to be used. Verification protects consumers from the
consequences of incorrect measurements, and safeguards a company’s
reputation against the damaging effects of public perception of unfair
weighing practices. Consequently, verification of compliance is essen-
tial if the retailer wishes to stay in business or avoid paying heavy fines.

The verification process for scales can be either a one-step or two-step

process, depending on the model, the manufacturer or the location
at which the scale is used. First-step verification takes place at the
manufacturing site (typically only in Europe). The second step of the
verification process must be carried out at the retail location, and be
performed either by authorized METTLER TOLEDO service personnel or
by a local Weights and Measures official.

Verification regulations vary greatly from country to country, in terms

of period of coverage, date on equipment seal, and the verifying body
itself. In Germany, verification must be performed every two years by
Weights and Measures. In the U.S., scales must be verified by Weights
and Measures annually. In the Netherlands, there is no defined period
of coverage, and the verifying body is METTLER TOLEDO. Every country
has a different set of regulations – so having METTLER TOLEDO as your
knowledgeable verification partner eliminates all of the confusion.

Did you know?

The more diverse and complex a retail business becomes, the
more difficult it can be to manage the verification process for all
of the weighing equipment throughout the enterprise. METTLER
TOLEDO Verification Management provides a complete range of
functions and services to keep of your equipment compliant,
accurate and precise.

16 Understanding Weighing
Hysteresis

The term hysteresis derives not from the word history but rather from
an ancient Greek word that means “lagging behind.” Nevertheless,
history does play a major role when it comes to weighing equipment
hysteresis. It occurs when the reading you get for a particular load is
affected by the previous load and consequently produces a reading that
is inaccurate. For example, when a light item weighing 0.11 kg (0.25 lb.)
is placed on the scale immediately after an item weighing 6.8 kg (15 lb.)
is weighed, the reading for the lighter weight may register as more than
its actual weight.

Why does hysteresis occur? Often, it’s due to elasticity of the scale’s
internal assembly. The component retains a “memory” of the previous
load, and consequently gives an inaccurate reading when the next
load is weighed. Other factors that can produce varying degrees of
hysteresis include mechanical friction, the presence of strong magnetic
forces, and even the elapsed time between measuring loads.

METTLER TOLEDO’s high-quality, high-precision scales are designed

to reduce or eliminate hysteresis – and deliver a consistently accurate
measurement regardless of the load weighed immediately before it.

Did you know?

The effect of hysteresis can also depend on the surface upon
which the weighing instrument is placed. To demonstrate this
phenomenon, try weighing something with the scale on a hard
surface, and a second time with the scale on a thick carpet. The
readings are indeed different (and the reading taken with the scale
on a hard surface will most likely be the more accurate one).

Understanding Weighing 17
 Sensitivity

When used in regard to weighing technology, the term sensitivity is

so “sensitive” it can actually mean different things, depending on the
context of the discussion. The first and most obvious meaning has to
do with a scale’s ability to detect smaller and smaller changes in the
items being weighed. In other words, how much of the item you need to
add – or subtract – to make the scale display a different weight reading.
Factors that might have an impact on a device’s sensitivity include the
age of the equipment, the amount of friction between the scale’s moving
parts, and even the steadiness of the scale operator.

Another way in which the term sensitivity is applied to weighing

technology has to do with the way variations in temperature affect the
accuracy of measured values. It’s a bit complicated, but what it boils
down to is a measurable relationship between temperature changes of
the item being weighed, and how those changes affect the displayed
reading for the item. There’s actually a formula you can use to determine
the offset expected for a particular temperature change, but it’s better
to simply remember that weighing something when it’s very hot, very
cold, or at room temperature can produce discrepancies in the
measured readings.

Did you know?

For industries that must comply with strict quality control regulations,
regular testing – sometimes daily – for weighing equipment
sensitivity is required. As part of its GWP® Good Weighing Practice™
global standard, METTLER TOLEDO provides online resources that
walk users through the step-by-step procedures to make sure their
devices are operating at the highest possible level of accuracy.

18 Understanding Weighing
Geolocation

This term, when used in regard to weighing equipment, means the

exact location on earth where a particular scale is being operated. The
two main factors that contribute to geolocation-based variability are
elevation and latitude. Changing the geolocation of a scale will impact
the accuracy of an item’s measured weight. (In other words, if a scale
is perfectly calibrated for one location – and then sent to another loca-
tion – it will likely produce different readings for the same test weight.) It’s
important that configuration of any instrument be set for its ultimate loca-
tion of operation. This can be accomplished by doing the configuration
on site or by using the METTLER TOLEDO geocode adjustment feature.

A little science lesson: what we call “weight” is a function of the gravita-

tional force of Earth acting upon the gravitational force of the object
being weighed. The further an object is from the center of the earth, the
lower its measured weight. So the weight of an object at sea level is
fractionally higher than its weight at 1,000 feet above sea level – even
though its mass remains constant. Secondly, the centrifugal acceleration
caused by Earth’s rotation works to subtly counteract the force of gravity.
This acceleration is greatest at the equator and diminishes as one
moves toward the poles – so an object literally becomes heavier as it
gets further from the equator. Because of these factors, it is a sound
practice to reconfigure your scale after changing either its elevation,
latitude or geolocation.

Did you know?

“Weight” and “mass” are used interchangeably, but they are
actually two different things. Weight is a force that’s equal to mass
times gravitational acceleration (see Newton’s 2nd Law) – so a
50 kg weight – on Earth – is actually 50 kg of mass x 9.8 m/sec2.
And that “weight” (or more literally, “force”) would be measured
not in kilograms, but in Newtons – in this case, 490 Newtons.

Understanding Weighing 19
 Precision vs. Accuracy

Ideally, any weighing instrument would be both precise and accurate.

But in reality, it could be one or the other, and not necessarily both.
Here’s how the two terms compare and contrast with one another:
1) accuracy refers to how close a measured value relates to the actual
value of the item being measured; 2) precision is the degree of con-
sistency to which the measured value of an item persists in producing
identical results.

To understand this discrepancy better, let’s imagine two hypothetical

scales – Scale A and Scale B. Each scale will measure a test weight
of 1.000 lb. five times. In the five measurements, Scale A obtains
readings of 1.002, 1.004, 0.998, 1.001 and 0.995 lb. For Scale B, the
five displayed readouts are 1.133, 1.134, 1.132, 1.134 and 1.135 lb.
Which of the scales is more accurate, and which is more precise? The
readouts of Scale B vary from each other only by an amount of 0.0003
lb. – though they all deviate by at least 0.132 lb. from the actual test
weight. So because of their consistency, Scale B can be described as
having a higher level of precision than Scale A (which is certainly more
accurate, having only deviated from the true test weight by 0.005 lb. in
any of the tests).

Did you know?

While absolute accuracy is unquestionably the goal for any
weighing device, the importance of precision is something that
should not be taken lightly. This is particularly true when careful
testing can determine both the degree of precision and the amount
of deviation from the true actual weight.

20 Understanding Weighing
Calibration

Calibration is a metrology term that, while almost universally under-

stood, is also almost universally misused. The reason for the misuse is
that calibration, in and of itself, is simply the act of establishing the
relationship between a known value and its measured value, under
specified measuring conditions. In other words, it’s taking a known
weight (e.g. 1 kg) and noting any deviation from that value on the dis-
play. Some scales offer internal, motorized calibration weights that can
be used to determine the deviation, but all weight measuring devices
can be externally calibrated as well. Calibration helps determine what
kinds of adjustments may be necessary to return the scale to the state
of accuracy required for its acceptable use.

Scales undergo a certain amount of wear and tear over time as a

result of high use. Consequently, it’s essential that any working scale
is calibrated on a regular basis, and that adjustments are made when
necessary. In the retail grocery business, all scales that are used to
determine product pricing are inspected on a regular basis to ensure
that their accuracy meets or exceeds local regulations. When a scale
fails to comply with those standards, the penalties to the business
owner can be quite severe. To avoid these penalties (and to minimize
lost profitability due to inaccurate measurements), many retailers agree
that investing in high quality scales – along with regularly scheduled
calibration service – is money well spent.

Did you know?

In order for a scale’s accuracy to be “certified” – i.e., in accordance
with local requirements – it must be calibrated on site. METTLER
TOLEDO certified technicians will calibrate and certify your
equipment at your location, ensuring legal compliance with local
Weights and Measures regulations.

Understanding Weighing 21
 Tips and Tricks

Maintaining your retail weighing scale will extend the life of your
equipment and reduce your overall cost of ownership. Follow some
of these basic tips to ensure maximum uptime and accurate
performance.

• Follow a regular preventive maintenance schedule.

• Thoroughly clean scale at least once per day.
• Ensure area around the scale is free of debris.
• Ensure the scale is always level. Adjust the leveling feet as needed.
• Keep scale away from any vibrating surfaces.
• Monitor accuracy by testing for corner load deviations.
• Do not place scales directly under air currents.
• Do not place scales where temperatures can change often and
quickly (i.e., near the store doors during the winter season).

Learn more at:

www.mt.com/retail-metrology

22 Understanding Weighing
Services

Ensure Uptime, Increase Performance

METTLER TOLEDO Service understands what it takes to suit your specific

business needs. Benefit from the experience of the market leader and
ensure optimal equipment uptime, performance, compliance and the
expertise necessary to maximize your investment. These pillars of our
approach take METTLER TOLEDO to the next level in service far beyond
the competition.

METTLER TOLEDO Service offerings cover your equipment’s complete

life cycle. Our goal is to maximize the efficiency and productivity of your
operational processes. Find out more about how our tailor-made service
offerings can add value to your business operations. Learn about the
following service offerings:

• Repair Services
• Calibration Services
• Installation Services
• Training Services
• Professional Services
• S oftware and Remote Services

Learn more at:

www.mt.com/retail-service

Understanding Weighing 23
 www.mt.com/retail
For more information

Mettler-Toledo GmbH
Heuwinkelstrasse 3, 8606 Nänikon
Tel. +41 44 944 22 11
Fax +41 44 944 30 60

Subject to technical changes

© 02/2017 Mettler-Toledo GmbH
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