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Silo Weighing Solution for Food 4 Education

Client: Food4Education

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Industry: Non-Profit / School Feeding Programs

Solution: Silo Load Cell Weighing System with Precision Dispensing

Scope: Load cell installation, indicator setup, dispatch automation

Introduction

Food4Education is a renowned Kenyan non-profit providing nutritious meals to school children. As part of its mission to improve efficiency in food storage and distribution, the organization partnered with Scales Technology Solutions (Scalestech) to automate their silo weighing and dispatch system. This custom solution transformed how food is stored, monitored, and dispensed with unmatched precision.

Project Overview

The core objective was to retrofit existing silo storage tanks with industrial weighing technology that could:

  • Accurately monitor food inventory in real-time
  • Automate the dispatch of specific amounts (e.g. 30 kg portions)
  • Eliminate manual errors during loading and distribution
  • Provide clear digital data for operational transparency

Installation Process

1. Load Cell Integration

Heavy-duty load cells were installed beneath the base of the storage silos to monitor the weight of the contents. These load cells provide continuous and highly accurate weight data, essential for precise inventory management.

2. Digital Indicator Setup

Each silo was fitted with a digital weighing indicator, displaying the real-time weight of stored food. This setup ensures the team can always track how much inventory is available or dispatched.

3. Automated Dispatch Configuration

Scalestech implemented a programmable dispatch control system:

  • The user simply inputs the desired amount (e.g. 30 kg).
  • The system automatically releases exactly that quantity from the silo—no more, no less.
  • This guarantees portion control, minimizes waste, and improves efficiency.

Key Benefits

Precision Dispensing: Accurate weight-based release ensures food portions are standardized for every delivery.

 Time & Labor Saving: Staff no longer need to manually measure or monitor releases.

 Inventory Visibility: Real-time weight display allows for efficient planning and restocking.

 Food Safety & Accountability: The closed system reduces contamination risk and improves traceability.

 Custom-Built for Scale: The solution is scalable, ready to be replicated in other Food4Education storage sites.

Technology Used

  • Heavy-Duty Load Cells – Industrial-grade sensors for silo-level weighing
  • Digital Indicators – Real-time display of weight data
  • Automated Dispatch System – Smart control for portioned output
  • Industrial Cabling & Mounts – For durability and long-term performance

Conclusion

Scalestech partnership with Food4Education showcases how smart weighing technology can have a direct social impact. By integrating load cells and an automated dispatch system into their silos, Food4Education now operates with greater accuracy, speed, and accountability—ultimately ensuring more Kenyan school children get consistent and nutritious meals daily.