Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc.

KITCHEN BATCHING SYSTEM

Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc. provides many types of batching systems. A popular type of batching system in many industries, but most especially in the food and related foodstuffs industries is the Semi-Automatic Kitchen Batching System, a.k.a the Kitchen System. The semi-automatic kitchen batching system uses similar automation technology, both hardware and software, as the semi-automatic hand prompt station and automatic batching systems. As with the hand prompt batching stations, the semi-automatic kitchen batching system requires an operator to be present. The primary role of the operator in a semi-automatic kitchen batching system is to manually feed ingredient materials into the batching collection container on the weigh scale of the system.

The batching system will provide instructions read by the operator on the touchscreen display of the system. For example, the system will instruct the operator to place ingredient #1 in the batching container and will tell the operator the amount as well. The batching system will require the operator to enter an ingredient code manually or using the optional barcode scanner. Until the correct code is entered, the system will not allow weighing of the ingredient. Once the system confirms that the correct ingredient is being selected by the operator then the system instructs the operator to weigh “X” amount. The operator simply begins scooping the correct material into the batching container and the system automatically weighs the ingredient. The system has a tolerance for each weighment. When the weighment is within tolerance the system then instruct the operator that the weight is okay and the operator can confirm and move forward with the next instruction. The semi-automatic kitchen batching system always knows where it is in the process of creating the batch so if the operator is interrupted the system knows exactly where it was when the interruption occurred. The semi-automatic batching system uses the automatic interlock approach to ensure the batch is valid and for purposes of lot tracking if required. This eliminates bad batches due to operator error and interruption.