M-07—Factory initial inspection of point of sale systems

Date: 2008-01-01
Bulletin: M-07 (rev. 2)
Category: Mass
Document(s): Weight and Measures Regulation article 28(2)
Supercedes: M-07 (rev. 1)


Table of contents


1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to clarify the policy regarding initial inspections of point of sale (POS) scale systems. For the purposes of this bulletin, POS means a scale interfaced to a cash register and used for direct sales to the customer. These systems are typically installed at the front end checkouts of a grocery store.

2.0 Background

In the past, Measurement Canada considered all POS systems installation sensitive as per subsection 28(2) of the Weights and Measures Regulations. Accordingly, initial inspections were usually performed on-site following installation of the device at the final end use location.

In the previous bulletin, there was an exemption to the on-site inspection requirement for devices in remote locations - defined as more than 200 km from the nearest Measurement Canada office. Since January 1st, 2007, the initial inspection of these devices is being done, almost exclusively, by Authorized Service Providers (ASP's). The original exemption for remote locations did not apply to ASP inspections.

Compliance data for POS systems does not seem to indicate a correlation between on-site inspection and compliance rates. Accordingly, Measurement Canada will allow the initial inspection of POS systems at the most convenient location, whether this be an inspection on-site at the final end use location or an inspection at another location.

The following will replace the previous policy regarding initial inspections of POS systems.

3.0 Application

3.1 The preferred location for conducting an initial inspection of a POS systems is the final end use location. This ensures that the inspector may assess all of the requirements and identify issues unique to the installation. It is realized that on-site inspection, while desirable, may not always be possible.

3.2 Subject to section 3.3 of this bulletin, Initial inspection of a POS system may be completed in a location other than the final end use location (e.g. factory inspection) under the following conditions:

  1. The POS weighing element must be interfaced to an appropriate cash register (ECR) and all required ancillary equipment (display pods, scanners, etc.) must be installed and functional for the test.
  2. The ECR must be running the same version of software as it will be configured with at the final end use location.
  3. Unless the approval for the weighing and load receiving element stipulates "portable device", the system must be installed in a counter assembly similar to that in which it will be installed at the final end use location. The counter assembly must provide the necessary support and restraint required by the device to ensure accurate measurement.
  4. Unless accompanied by a scale technician from the company conducting the initial inspection, a document outlining the installation requirements must be sent with the device to its final end use location. This document must describe how the device is to be installed and reconnected. All applicable installation requirements such as visibility, level and device restraint requirements must be addressed in this document.
  5. The provisions of Bulletin M-23, Inspection of Scales that are Affected by Differences in Acceleration Due to Gravity, must be addressed.
  6. The installation must be reported to Measurement Canada within 5 days as per section 38 of the Weights and Measures Regulations.

3.3 Measurement Canada will continue to monitor compliance data for POS systems inspected at other than end use locations. If problems are identified, companies involved may be required to return to initial inspections at final end use location only.

4.0 Revisions

The purpose of this revision is to:

Rewrite the bulletin to address initial inspections by ASP's and to allow for factory initial inspections of POS systems under certain conditions.