Coatings manufacturers face numerous issues, including product traceability, quality control, rebatching, operator traceability, inventory control and reconciliation. MultiLoad II Slate is the newest offering in automation hardware for batch control. Slate is an evolution of the MultiLoad II system, a hardware device that oversees each transaction, storing the data and sending it to the customer’s software system. As a batch controller, MultiLoad II delivers straight product or multiproduct recipes using ratio, sequential and various hybrid blending methods. MultiLoad II Slate takes these benefits to the next level by using each company’s database to provide a solution that is specific to their needs.

Due to the varied nature of each fluid industry, companies have traditionally been faced with only three options. The first option has been to endure the slow, manual process of tracking their transactions with pen, paper and a spreadsheet. This leaves them with only a best estimate of how much product moved each month and includes hours of data entry for accounting. The second option has been to use a standard automation system. Since these systems weren’t designed with each industry in mind, this often leaves companies trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. With features they don’t need and language they don’t use, frustrations abound. The third option has been to build a custom automation system. This requires a significant investment of time and money. In addition, the company must pay for more customizations any time they change a process.

MultiLoad II Slate addresses all of these issues. This new device stores any information the company needs before a transaction begins, tracks every transaction and sends it to the software system for a fraction of the cost of PLC/PC-based solutions. Users can then view their data the way they want to see it.

Application-specific databases can be stored in the device, allowing it to speak the language of any industry. In addition, Slate supports custom prompting, allowing companies to choose the amount of security and information they want to receive before each load. As the user-friendly interface for the driver or operator, Slate includes a full alphanumeric keypad and a color display. It is also Division I or II certified. Visit www.toptech.com.