Having precise and up-to-date information on your inventory levels is critical to your overall grain management. Outdated grain bin measurements can have significant consequences, and keeping them up to date minimizes waste. In recent years, technology has changed the game, making grain bin measurements more straightforward and accurate.
Easy-to-use electronic grain monitoring systems provide real-time information on your grain levels, so you can proactively manage your inventory and look toward the future.
What Is a Grain Bin Level Monitoring System?
A grain bin monitoring system, or grain bin level indicator, is a technologically advanced system that continuously monitors the amount of material in a grain bin for comprehensive inventory control. The grain bin sensors use a laser and mounting system to send real-time updates to an app.
This technology works in grain bins and silos, with indicators that relay the information to you. This equipment can revolutionize how tech-savvy farmers manage their inventory. Characterized by its straightforward design and innovative sensors, it’s the perfect tool to get reliable and immediate information on silo levels to stay on top of your grain management operations.
Industry-Leading Solutions for Bin Level Monitoring
Today’s agriculture industry and operational scale require more effective grain management tools. In the past, monitoring systems relied on mechanics to determine grain levels. However, many silos are too large to make mechanical options practical. As a result, several new solutions have come to the forefront of the market.
- BinMaster: Binmaster offers automated grain inventory systems with a range of sensors, software and network devices to monitor solids and liquids in bins, tanks and silos. Depending on your needs, users can opt for solid-state or continuous bin level indicators. The technology includes non-contact radar for powders and solids and pulse radar transmitters for liquids.
- LevAlert: This technology eliminates the need for users to climb bin ladders and offers a clean and simple interface. This mechanically operated indicator fits on a silo’s side wall. When the contents drop below a predetermined level, the indicator changes color. It has no power requirements. When the bin material reaches the indicator, it pushes against a rubber activator to initiate the color change.
- BlueLevel: This rotary paddle-based technology involves a synchronous motor and a simple stainless steel output shaft at 1 revolution per minute. The paddle rotates freely in the absence of material and slows when materials are at the preferred level, giving high, intermediate and low readings with built-in LEDs, preventing over and underfilling and supporting effective bin level management.
The sensor’s rotary paddle style has been a reliable and effective method for more than 70 years. Paddles operated by a small motor monitor the bin level. The paddle spins in the air when the material dips below the checkpoint. The grain’s weight prevents the paddles from turning when it is at or above the checkpoint.
This sensor’s ability to self-recalibrate makes it perfect for accurate measurements. Regardless of your grain levels, you can be confident you’ll get an accurate reading every time.
The Benefits of Technologically Advanced Bin Monitor Systems
Grain management can be demanding, and innovative bin monitor systems can remove much guesswork. Grain silo level indicators can ensure you never overfill your bins, regardless of your facility’s size or the grains you work with. Read on for additional benefits of these systems.
Removing Human Error
A silo level monitoring system developed by people who understand the complexities of on-farm grain storage will protect the products you’ve worked so hard for. The last thing you need in grain storage is a miscalculation due to human error, costing you valuable merchandise. Level sensors remove the guesswork and provide instant, accurate readings on a user-friendly interface, constant monitoring and automated settings, freeing up your time and giving you valuable peace of mind.
Providing 24/7 Inventory Management and Connectivity
Your grain bin sensors connect directly to an app, so you can access inventory reports anytime. You can view the data in real time on your tablet, computer or phone, and receive alerts when your grain reaches a critical level that allow you to take immediate action.
In addition, you can transfer the results to a spreadsheet for a longer-term view of your grain management practices. With this system, you can identify opportunities for improvement across hundreds of bins for a panoramic view. The monitoring app provides you with data for the long term, so you can monitor grain consumption fluctuations and identify trends over time, informing your strategies and processes for the future.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
If you’re energy-conscious, you can use solar-powered grain measurement options, which continue working even during power outages. The energy storage has ample capacity for continuous monitoring. Additionally, the sensors create a separate network and don’t require a Wi-Fi connection.
Boosting Measurement Capacity
Dust and moisture do not affect laser silo level sensors. Instead, the sealed units provide accurate readings up to 197 feet deep, regardless of the elements.
Simplifying Installation
One of the principal considerations when incorporating new technology is the modifications you may need to make to the silos. Laser-based systems require minimal effort — a simple 4 and 3/4-inch hole is all you need for the body.
Enjoying Multiple Applications
You can use many of the sensors on the market for different grains and other solids across industries. You don’t have to stick with a specific solution or application. Instead, you can access any grains or other items from your app and get a broad view of your operation beyond grains.
Reducing Costs
Many grain bin monitoring equipment options are relatively cost-effective to purchase and install. The data they provide you can provide a significant return on investment in the form of information, so you can streamline your grain management strategy to maximize profits and minimize waste.
Manage Your Grain With Confidence
Grain management is an integral part of farming, and everything matters, from the grain storage bins you choose to how you monitor your inventory. TAM Systems can support you by streamlining your processes with various storage bins, dryers and monitoring systems.
We understand your challenges and pride ourselves on having a heart for the farm community, striving to simplify your work with products that meet those challenges. If you would like accurate, real-time monitoring and data to strategize for the future, please reach out to us to learn more or schedule an on-site visit, so we can help you determine the right level monitor for your needs today!
