Part 3, Section 9: STP-9: Manual Weight Entries
Reference
Sections 30, 31, 31.1, 32, 33 and 38 of the Specifications Relating to Non-automatic Weighing Devices (1998).
Purpose
This section does not apply to keyboard tare entries (see section STP 11 for Tare Requirements). This section does not apply to devices installed and used in Not For Direct Sales applications (see section STP 3.7 for Marking Special Application requirements).
Metrological features of a device used in trade must be of such design, composition and construction so as to ensure accurate measurement and minimize the potential for fraudulent use. Many devices incorporate features that allow the operator to enter a weight value through a numeric keypad or keyboard.
Manual weight entries may be necessary in certain circumstances, such as POS systems, when credit must be given, or when generating labels for standard packages or correcting erroneous tickets. However, this capability may increase the potential for fraudulent device use if it is permitted without suitable precautions.
Requirements
Manual weight entries can therefore be allowed under the following conditions:
The device must be incapable of weighing when it is processing or printing a manual weight entry.
Displayed and printed manual weight entries must be adequately defined and must be automatically identified as "Manual Weight", "Manual WT" or "MAN WT" ("poids manuel", "pds manuel" or "PDS MAN").
Manual weight entry must be an optional feature that can be enabled/disabled and sealed against use in applications where its use is inappropriate and could facilitate fraud.
Clarification
- When a manual weight entry is printed and automatically identified as such, displaying the manual weight value is optional. If, however, the manual weight value is displayed, it must be properly identified as such.
- Identification of a manual weight entry, with the proper term, must be done automatically without the need for operator intervention.
- The use of a symbol to identify multiple manual weight entries is permitted provided that the symbol is defined on the same page as that on which the manual weight entries appear and the definition of the symbol is automatically printed by the recording element as part of the document.
- The following symbols are not acceptable: MAN, MW.
- Manual weight entries made subsequent to the actual weighing transaction are exempt from the requirements for identifying the entry as a manual weight entry. These manual weight entries are typically entered into a computer or other ancillary device and must not originate from or pass to or through the approved indicator.
- The entry and the use of both manual gross values and manual tare values are prohibited with on-board weighing systems.
Revision
Rev. 2 (2009-02-01)
- remove requirement for LRE to be empty before allowing MWE
Rev. 1 (2008-01-01)
- clarified manual weight entry requirements.
- exempt Not For Direct Sales devices from complying with manual weight entry requirements.
- allow manual weight entries on vehicle scales even if the scale is not at gross load zero.
- correct references to Specifications Relating to Non-automatic Weighing Devices (1998).
- indicate that manual gross value and manual tare value are prohibited with on-board weighing systems.