VistaTrac Hardware

VistaTrac requires hardware in the plant. This consists of washdown data entry stations (computers), scanners, scales and barcode label printers. We use all off-the-shelf readily-available hardware.

Our data entry station is called the PC4X: that is, a NEMA 4X rated PC. We currently offer two models: one with a keyboard and the other with a touch-screen (no keyboard). Both are fully washdown rated NEMA 4X computers.

The model to the left is our touch-screen plant floor computer. The large, bright screen measures 10.5" diagonally and the whole unit measures about 16" wide by 12" tall.

The data entry station is the only hardware that you need to purchase from Schoneman, Inc. (because it is customized with our software). The remaining hardware (scales, scanners, label printers, etc.) you can either purchase through us or directly from suppliers of your choice (including the Internet as well as surplus/auctions). Some of the hardware you may even have already, such as electronic scales (with or without a printer).

For the Packing Module, a single PC4X can be used to run up to three scales and barcode label printers. The limitations of this configuration include limited operator feedback (typically, the PC4X is on the wall some distance away from the packing line, making it difficult for the operator to see the screen). This setup is more conducive to packing the same product on each line for a long period of time, and/or utilizing the automatic product switching feature of the packing module.

Scanners include two types: those connected to a PC4X data entry station, and those that are wireless. The ones that are connected to a PC4X are still wireless, but a different kind of wireless than the truly "WiFi" portable computers.

Barcode label printers can be from the major manufactures like Zebra, Datamax, Intermec and so on. We prefer the Zebra ones, but that's just our personal preference. For packing and palletizing lines, you need to get the "peeler" or "peel and present" option; whether or not you want the "liner take-up" option is personal preference.

This photo shows a PC4Xe with a low-cost Zebra label printer
and a Doran bench scale.

Any electronic scale can be used with VistaTrac, provided it has RS232 (serial) output capability. Some indicators have a "print" button, which outputs the gross weight to the serial port; others have an "automatic transmission" feature, that outputs the gross weight to the serial port when the weight stabilizes. Either works with VistaTrac. Scale types can be platform, floor, in-motion, rail, etc. We've used Weightronics, Toledo, Fairbanks, Doran, plus many, many more. All scales are set to "gross mode", with all tares and product information stored in VistaTrac and the PC4X.