SPECTRUM BATCHING SYSTEM
Command Alkon Spectrum: voted the #1 concrete batching system
Concrete ready mix producers, from small family run busi-
nesses to large multinationals, have long recognized the
benefits of automating batch operations. With typical mar-
gins of under 6% and high costs in materials, automation is
critical to profitability and the ability to compete. Command
Alkon is at the forefront in providing these revenue enhanc-
ing capabilities to producers of every size.
Spectrum is our latest product for the automation of con-
crete ready mix batching. We believe that it is the most
advanced, most reliable system available anywhere in the
world and delivers unmatched productivity and profitability
for its owners. Here are some of the reasons why.
Digital Throughout
One plant operator came to us recently complaining that
they were losing thousands of dollars in mysteriously van-
ishing materials. The cause? Their system, from a com-
petitor, was part digital and part analog. As a result, the
scale readout and the computer readout had drifted apart
over time (sort of like the difference between a wind up and
Up to 12 Simultaneous Displays and
a quartz watch). The computer was adding more material 80 Manual Controls
than was required! Spectrum is digital throughout, making With Spectrum you see and control exactly what's going
drifting scale values next to impossible. on, with or without your PC.
Load Cell Self Test Remote Batching
Are you sure that your load cells are working properly? Have you thought about the advantages of having semi-
What is your cost if they aren't? Spectrum is unique in unattended batching plants and controlling their batch jobs
being able to test automatically for load cell failure, poten- from another primary site? With Spectrum you can not only
tially saving you from bad loads, wasted material, and initiate a remote batch, which one or two other products
unhappy customers. can do, but you can also use detailed, graphical feedback
to monitor discharge and completion.
Uses Standard PC Technology
Unlike other products, which require complicated add-on Multiple Users
computer boards, Spectrum consists of a standard PC con- Do you have more than one employee at your batch site?
nected to the I/O system with just one cable. Connections Spectrum can provide up to four additional users using low
are reliable, repair, if needed, is fast, and the manual station cost remote color terminals to access and use inventory,
has been "future-proofed" to allow simple upgrades and the mix designs, projects, customer records, maintenance, and
capacity for advanced operating systems. orders. Are others able to offer an inexpensive true multi-
user system?
Multiple Plants
Spectrum is able to run up to three plants, directly and TCP/IP
simultaneously from just one terminal. If you have multi- Network protocols are a pain to deal with. Choosing any-
ple plants, or dual lanes, why not take a look at the thing other than the world's most established standard,
proven Spectrum? TCP/IP, is questionable, especially when it comes to linking
with other systems. Spectrum is industry standard and
enterprise upgradeable, making connecting it to a dispatch
system that much easier.
WinLink Remote Diagnostics
If you are a plant operations manager, this feature is invalu- Do you find yourself spending a lot of time on the phone
able. Spectrum's WinLink allows your Windows 95 or later trying to explain a problem? You don't have to with
PC to access up to 50 plants and have complete adminis- Spectrum because our trained technicians can simply dial
trative control of all their Spectrum files. You won't be driv- into your system via modem and take a look for them-
ing to every plant just to make some minor changes or to selves. We see exactly what the operator sees. This
look over batching information. allows quick diagnosis of the problem and a resumption of
production as fast as possible.
Reliability
With easy to replace, low voltage buttons, which can last up 96 I/O Points
to 20 times as long as the high voltage types used by other With additions to your plant like ever more admixes, the
companies, and easily reassignable I/O points, is built for number of valves and gates you control can quickly run out.
the long haul. Spectrum has been designed with simplicity, This can limit your product variety and productivity and give
quality, and standardization in mind to make life easier for the competition the edge. Spectrum can be expanded to 96
you and your operations more reliable than ever before. I/O points (further expandable to a whopping 192!), meeting
the needs of even the very largest of batch facilities.
Advanced Self-Tuning
Some automation systems have simple self-tuning fea-
tures. Spectrum tracks batching results from thousands of
material feed cycles. Using statistical techniques to calcu-
late free fall and other variables, Spectrum provides high
speed loads with fewer tolerance errors giving you higher
productivity, less waste, and higher quality small batches.
Unmatched Flexibility
Spectrum allows materials to be introduced into the cycle
with flexibility unmatched by other systems. If your batch
system uses timers to introduce materials into the cycle,
how is quality maintained from small to large loads?
Dependent Flow Rate Batching
What kinds of problems occur when your aggregates slow
down or hang up? You get clouds of cement or you waste time
trying to correct loads that have only partially discharged, to
name just two. With Spectrum, the discharge sequence is
automatically based on your mix design. Furthermore, if your
aggregate slows down, so will your cement. In addition to all of these features, Spectrum offers the
full range of standard functions you demand for your
Freewheeling automated plant - detailed reports, potentially unlimit-
Spectrum begins weighing the load materials for the next ed mix designs, ingredient listings, projects and cus-
load as soon as the weigh hopper is empty, even while the tomer information, reliable and accurate moisture
current load is discharging. This "freewheeling" maximizes measurement, the best moisture probe in the busi-
productivity and can result in throughput increases of up to ness, slurry mixing, and much more. Call us today for
15%. This isn't an expensive optional extra. With Command a complete demonstration of our extensive capabilities
Alkon, it's a base feature of the system. at +1 614 799 6650 or 800 624 1872.
© 2003 Command Alkon. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The capabilities, system requirements and compatibility with
Command Alkon and third-party products described herein are subject to change without notice. Contact Command Alkon for current information. Alkon, Alkon Enterprise
Series, Auto-Control Series 2000, and AES Financials are trademarks of Command Alkon, Microsoft, Office, Word, Excel and Exchange are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Other product names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information contact a sales consultant at:
Command Alkon Incorporated
1800 International Park Drive, Suite 400
Birmingham, AL 35243
(205) 879-3282
(800) 624-1872
[Link]
PL-SPECTRUM
