Kitchen Batching System
Sterling Systems & Controls, Inc. provides many types of ingredient batching systems. A popular type of batching system in many industries, but most especially in the food and related food industries, is the semi-automatic kitchen batching system, a.k.a the kitchen system. The semi-automatic kitchen batching system uses similar approach and control technology, both hardware and software, as the semi-automatic hand prompt batching station, as well as a SQL database like automatic batching systems. As with the semi-automatic 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 batch container on the system scale(s).
The kitchen 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 batch container and will tell the operator the amount required. The batching system will require the operator to enter an ingredient code manually, or use the optional barcode scanner. Until the correct code is entered, the system will not allow the weighing of the ingredients. 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 batch container and the system automatically weighs the ingredient. The system has a programmable over/under weight tolerance for each ingredient to be weighed. When the weight is within tolerance the system then instructs 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 kitchen batching system uses the automatic interlock approach to ensure the batch is valid, and for the purposes of lot tracking. This eliminates bad batches due to operator error and interruption.
- Multiple Ingredient Bins/Totes
- Stainless Steel Work Table(s)
- Moving Stainless Steel Weigh Table w/ Platform Scale and Touchscreen Display
- PC Control Panel with Weight Instrument(s)
Ingredient Bins
Each semi-automatic kitchen batching system is customized to include the maximum number of bins required by your specific formulas. The bin size can vary depending on weight size and desired storage capacity. Two types of bins are often utilized, the floor bin and the shelf bin. The larger floor bin typically provided has a nominal capacity of 2.75ft3 (other sizes available), and includes rugged casters for ease of movement in/out from underneath the batching system tables. The smaller shelf-type bin typically has a nominal capacity of approximately 0.84ft3 (other sizes available) of bulk solid material and sits on the work table top. The bins are manufactured of food-grade plastic material, have clear lids, and integrated material scoops (stainless steel bins are available).
Tables
The semi-automatic kitchen batching system side-by-side racking table design (shown in the picture above; inline table design shown at right) has work tables sized to fit with the number of ingredient bins, and for operator comfort. The tables are manufactured of stainless steel material, typically grade 304, for food-grade compatibility. The ingredient tables are of rugged construction and are designed to be stationary. The moving weigh table is also constructed of 304 stainless steel. However, unlike the ingredient work tables the weigh table is not fixed. It is designed to travel smoothly between the two ingredient work tables. The operator simply moves the weigh table as needed to reach the next ingredient that is required. A roller system attaches the moving weigh table to the ingredient tables. The platform scale and the operator interface touchscreen are mounted to the top of the moving weigh table. The cabling from the scale and touchscreen display are enclosed within a flexible cable carrier and is routed between the moving weigh table and an adjacent ingredient table(s).
Control Panel w/ Touchscreen Display
We know electrical controls and automation technology and can customize a system using standard control and automation components. For the semi-automatic kitchen batching systems we have used a PC (control panel mounted) and an industrial touchscreen monitor (moving weigh table mounted). The control panel encloses the PC and other components to allow for its operation and interface with the monitor and scale. A weight indicator is also included and mounted on the front door of the control panel. A barcode scanner can also be provided for operation with the lot tracking part of the control system to ensure batch validation. RFID can also be provided.