Several types of traditional analog scales (double-balance, triple-balance, and spring) are still in use today, but they are not nearly as reliable or accurate as electronic scales. They are accurate at weighing large objects within one pound, and small objects within a few ounces. However, many industries and businesses require far more accuracy. In medicine, scientific research, and manufacturing, measurements have to be precise as possible to ensure quality data and effective results. Thus, most industries and business have turned to electronic scales for improved reliability and efficiency in their measurements.

Electronic scales are far more accurate and reliable because of the way they are constructed. Unlike analog scales, which rely on levers and fulcrums in order to measure weights, electronic scales have load cells made from different types of metal that change shape when force is acted upon it. Attached to this metal are strain gauges, which stretch as the metal adjusts its shape. As the gauges stretch, they change their resistance; the change in resistance is converted into an electronic signal and displayed on the scale as a weight reading. Electronic scales have other characteristics which make them easier to use than analog scales. For example, the digital display on an electronic scale makes it easier to read than the gauge on an analog scale. Electronic scales are now used in virtually every industry. They can be as small as a kitchen scale for measuring out food at home or in a restaurant kitchen, or as large as a platform scale for weighing livestock or boxes of goods to be shipped out of state.

The type of metal that the load cells are made from vary between aluminum, nickel plated steel and stainless steel. The most desirable is stainless steel, as it is the most rugged, and is also much less prone to corrosion. This will provide longer useful life for the scale.

Electronic scales come with a number of different features to accommodate different industries. For example, scales used in medical facilities might have wheelchair ramps to weigh handicapped patients, and scales used in labs might contain a special casing to protect the material being weighed. But one of the most universally desired useful features of electronic scales is Ethernet capability. When capable of networking, the scale reads and object’s weight, connects to a local area network (LAN), and sends information to one or more computers, and can be integrated directly into spreadsheets and databases. Ethernet-equipped scales can also connect directly to printers, so that hard copies of the data can be printed. In warehouse settings, weight measurements can be sent around the company so that everyone can get data updates in real time. Ranchers, farmers, and veterinarians might also want this feature in order to track animal weight and have the data automatically uploaded and saved. In shipping and manufacturing, weight information can be immediately printed off on a label, either for identification or mailing.

Ethernet-capable scales are also a more efficient way of tracking weight over time; the scale can send or print each change in weight without requiring a researcher or technician to hover over the sample, freeing them up to perform other tasks. Finally, when data can be sent to a computer, technicians can monitor data off-site by logging into their computer network. This allows managers to track data while traveling, or while working in a different location, resulting in improved efficiency.