Amidst the wave of retail digital transformation, scales have evolved from simple weighing tools to critical equipment for improving operational efficiency. Communication scales, label scales, and AI scales each have their own advantages. Which is the ideal choice for retail stores? This article will systematically analyze the technical principles, applicable scenarios, and key indicators to help you make an informed choice.

I. Core Differences

01Communication Scale

Basic weighing + data transmission

• Technical features: Electronic scales with data transmission function (serial port/USB/Bluetooth, etc.) can send weighing data to the cash register system.

• Core advantages: low cost and simple deployment.

• Applicable scenarios: small and medium-sized merchants with limited budgets, such as fresh food stalls, delicatessen counters, fruit stores, and farmers’ markets, who need fast weighing and access to cashiers.

02 Label Scale

Weighing + printing integration

• Technical features: Integrated weighing and label printing functions, can generate self-adhesive labels containing weight, price, barcode and other information, and supports PLU (product unit management) database.

• Core advantages: Improve packaging efficiency, reduce human errors, and label standardization facilitates unified chain management.

Note: Label scales are mainly used for front-end pre-packaging and label printing. Settlement still needs to be completed by scanning the code through the cash register system.

• Applicable scenarios: supermarket fresh food/prepared food/bulk areas, bakeries, braised food shops, central kitchens, and other scenarios that require large quantities of pre-packaging.

03 AI scale

Intelligent identification + full process integration

• Technical features: Intelligent terminal integrating AI visual recognition, weighing, label printing, and cash register settlement.

• Core advantages: AI automatically identifies products, lowering employee operating thresholds and training costs; completes identification, weighing, printing, and checkout in one stop, improving checkout efficiency and reducing misoperations.

• Applicable scenarios: high-end supermarkets, fresh food chains, smart vegetable markets, etc. with many SKUs, large customer flow, fast employee turnover, and pursuit of efficiency and technology.

II. Interpretation of Key Indicators

01Core performance parameters: accurate measurement is the basis

• Metrology certification: Select equipment with China Metrology Instrument Type Approval (CPA) certification;

• Accuracy: Class III scales are generally required for common retail scenarios;

• The calibration graduation value of the scale is equal to the actual graduation value, that is, e=d, and the common retail 2g/5g scale is sufficient.

02 Protection level: Environmental adaptation is the key

• IP54: splash-proof, suitable for general wet environments;

• IP66: Can withstand strong water jets and is suitable for fresh produce areas that require frequent cleaning (according to IEC 60529 standard).

03Interface compatibility: protocol matching is a prerequisite

• Communication scale: It is recommended to give priority to RS-232 or USB as the communication interface to ensure compatibility with existing POS drivers;

• Label scale: You should choose a device that supports universal printing instruction sets (such as ESC/POS/ZPL, etc.) to ensure seamless integration with mainstream cash register software or back-end management systems.

04 AI recognition capabilities: Determines the level of intelligence

• Equipped with a high-performance wide dynamic camera, it can maintain high recognition accuracy under complex lighting conditions such as backlight, strong light, and dark light;

• Supports incremental learning, making it easy to enter new products.

05Material and durability: Food safety cannot be ignored

• The amount of heavy metal dissolution in food contact parts complies with relevant food safety standards;

• The smooth surface and no-dead-angle design facilitate cleaning and disinfection, prevent bacterial growth, and meet the requirements of food safety management systems such as HACCP.

III. Applicable Scenarios

Note: Although AI scales are more expensive, they can significantly improve efficiency and customer experience. In the long run, they can bring greater benefits to medium and large retail stores or stores pursuing efficient operations.

IV. Accurate matching of Rongta's four products

01

Requirements: weighing, simple, durable, low cost

• Product: Rongta C3 weighing scale

• Highlights: Class III measurement, 2/5g and 5/10g graduation values optional; serial port communication, easy connection to cash register or PC POS machine; IPX6 waterproof.

02

Requirements: weighing + marking, standardized management

• Product: RLS1815/1830 Barcode Label Scale

• Highlights: Can store 10,000 items; 224 hot keys + item query; product/discount/traceability management; dual printing of receipts/stickers; waterproof, moisture-proof and insect-proof.

03

Demand: high customer flow/high SKU/high interaction

High efficiency and environmental protection

• Product: Rongta AURORA S2L-S Smart AI PC Scale

• Highlights: Linerless label printing; automatic half-cutter; AI fast recognition; 15.6" ten-point touch screen + dual-screen customer display.

Choosing the right scale means choosing the right operating model. Taking into account product type, store environment, and cost-effectiveness, the Rongta product line offers unique strengths, helping you precisely match your needs and drive sustainable retail growth.