Automation of commodity data acquisition at Maryborough sugar factory

Extensions to the Maryborough sugar factory's manual weighbridge data collection system to enable a completely automatic capture of commodity movement data are described. These commodities include sugarcane, molasses, and sugar. Modifications were made to the existing cane receival software, and two new systems were introduced-Way trans (weighbridge transactions) and sample tracking. An automatic weighing control station (AWeS) computer was installed at the weighbridge to process all weighing operations automatically. The AWeS uses a combination of electronic vehicle identification tags, optical ticket reading, and vehicle in position sensors. The data collected by the Awes are transmitted to either the cane receival system or the Way trans system after the transaction has been completed. From this point, both systems are administered separately, running from two distinct databases with separate reports and amendment procedures.