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LOADOUT TRANSPORTATION rized by grade to simplify inventory monitoring. Another way to improve aggregate inventory records in‐ volves installing a scale system onto a front‐end loader. Load cells can be installed beneath the scoop of the front‐end loader, so that the aggregate materials are weighed as they are lifted and transported into stock. These load cells send electronic signals in response to the strain experienced by the load to an in‐cab instrument, which replaces the tradi‐ tional weight indicator in this scale arrangement. More so‐ phisticated in‐cab instruments can be programmed to store each load's weight by the grade, allowing users to closely monitor gravel inventory with every delivery. Selling Aggregates with High Accuracy When aggregates are sold to trucking and construction com‐ panies, truck scales are obviously used to gather the weight of materials by the truckload. This scale may be paired with a simple weight indicator used to display and print weight designations, as with raw materials. However, when selling materials, several factors may need to be tracked: ■ Purchasing company's name. ■ Amount of aggregate to be purchased (by weight). ■ Grade of aggregate to be purchased. ■ Driver ID. ■ Truck number. Here, a sophisticated weight indicator can also prove advan‐ tageous. The display on the indicator can provide operator messages and images to enhance the operator HMI. This op‐ erating routine of the indicator can be tuned to meet the ap‐ plication. It can facilitate one‐time weighing by storing the empty weights of trucks from multiple customers – plus in‐ formation such as truck number, driver ID and company name – in the indicator to serve as tare options. Then, when picking up a purchased load, a driver from one of these companies merely enters an ID number into the in‐ dicator to set the tare weight, as well as the grade and amount of aggregate to be purchased. The indicator then generates the legal‐for‐trade net weight of the load in a sin‐ gle step. The driver can then select to print a receipt of the transaction, or for invoicing, the weight indicator may be programmed to communicate this data to the aggregate pro‐ ducer's main computer database. In addition, if the indicator software is linked to the aggre‐ gate producer's inventory system, the benefit is twofold. First, users can verify that current inventory levels can sup‐ port their customer's order. Second, once the aggregate is loaded and weighed, this amount can be subtracted from in‐ ventory immediately, updating records in real time. These advantages ensure aggregate producers not only remain compliant with legal‐for‐trade requirements, but also im‐ prove inventory records – all by tracking aggregate produc‐ tion from start to finish. By utilizing advanced weighing technology to enhance aggre‐ gate applications, weighing inaccuracies and humor error is minimized and uptime is maximized, allowing operators to improve productivity and profitability. Larry Behrens is global product manager, Truck and Rail Scale, Avery Weigh-Tronix, www.averyweigh-tronix.com. Michelin Earthmover Sets up Repair Accreditation Program Michelin Earthmover is partnering with Tech International and leading Michelin Earthmover dealers to launch the Michelin Earthmover Repair Ac‐ creditation Program, providing consis‐ tent and quality earthmover tire repairs in Michelin's accredited repair shops. This new program enables end users to get the most value out of their tire investments. The Michelin Earthmover Repair Ac‐ creditation Program will provide deal‐ ers with a host of services. These include: training, technical support, in‐ ventory control systems, quality repair products and procedures, and trace‐ ability systems. Tech International will provide initial training, as well as bian‐ nual training on repair methods, prod‐ www.rockproducts.com uct inventory procedures, and quality and traceability systems. The Michelin Earthmover/Tech Inter‐ national certification/audit program will help verify that dealers are provid‐ ing long‐lasting and consistent tire re‐ pairs in all locations. An accredited repair shop will go through a series of these audits by Michelin Earthmover and Tech International to prove that they meet the criteria for repair capa‐ bility and quality controls. Repair Accreditation Program will en‐ sure that earthmover tires are repaired to the industry's highest standards, leveraging the Michelin and Tech Inter‐ national relationship. Tech Interna‐ tional will provide its industry leading repair products and procedures, and Michelin will monitor and track repairs for the benefit of the end user." Michelin, www.michelin‐us.com "We have found that there is a need in the industry for consistent, quality re‐ pairs and we want to make it easier for end users to find them," said Michael Reich, earthmover services category manager. "The Michelin Earthmover ROCKproducts • JULY 2013 31