Frequently Asked Questions
Please review the subject headings in this frequently asked questions section, if you don't find what you're looking for here, please feel free to contact us, we'll be happy to answer your specific questions.
What is Sierra RapidScan?
Sierra RapidScan is a patented method for measuring and counting wood boards. It's a special ruler with barcodes that allows you to scan widths with a laser beam, instead of measuring then entering manually. You can also scan other information from the ruler such as product types, for ease of data collection. It's a flexible stainless-steel ruler, 24" in length. In Lumber applications, RapidScan helps with end-tally operations and data collection. Please visit Sierra Tally Tech page for more information.
How do I use the Sierra DigiTally system at my business?
In general, you'll use the mobile system to collect data at the yard or warehouse, and manage it at the office. The data you collect becomes part of your business, providing information about your stock and giving you the ability to transact easily. You can use a mobile device and RapidScan ruler to scan your tallies, or enter product and tally information manually. The tallies are saved on the mobile device by bundle/pack #. Data is then uploaded from the mobile device to the Sierra-Stock application. Now all of the data you saved is available for access in real-time from anywhere. You may run reports, search for a specific product, print labels, manage packs, create shipments, or export your data. Suppose you would like to know if you have Red Oak, FAS, 4/4 in inventory, you enter your search criteria and the system will display the packs with that information. You may also print tally reports for export requirements or for customer shipments, create shipments and reports, maintain your stock easily and effectively. Here's more information on How Sierra DigiTally Works.
How do I print Tallies?
After you capture the tallies on your mobile device, you can print directly to your office printer from the handheld device, or print a label with all of the information including detailed tallies. You can also upload the tallies to the Sierra Stock application via wi-fi. Then, each pack tally will be available to print in a detailed Tally report, or basic labels. You can save reports as a PDF file too, and e-mail to your customers. With our system your tallies are not thrown away as some of the older systems required in the past. Those other systems required a specific printer connected to the handheld by cable. With Sierra DigiTally you can use your existing office printers. In summary, our system allows you to save the packs you tallied, and you have the convenience to print as needed. Additional info about Label printing: Barcode and Label Printing
How can I try Sierra DigiTally Mobile app or Sierra Stock cloud application?
If you plan to use your Android device, smartphone or tablet, you can download Sierra DigiTally from Google Playstore, we offer a 30-day free trial. See Sierra DigiTally Demo Page to Download.
If you'd like to deploy our devices with Sierra DigiTally Packages installed, our solution-guarantee with equipment is 10-day risk-free trial.
If you'd like to try the Sierra Stock cloud application please send us a request and we'll send you login credentials to access the application online. Please visit our Demo Page for more information.
What's the difference between Sierra and other handheld solutions for tallying?
Other handheld systems are not specifically designed for capturing tallies; they are based on manual data-entry, requiring user to visually read and then key in data by hand. This is tedious work that demands much user-focus for long periods, and it's error prone. Those other methods are not much different than using a standard ruler and a calculator. The difference in our system is that a laser-beam is used to read the value from the ruler, that reduces the possibility for errors and speeds up the tallying. User doesn't have to focus as much while he or she is shooting and scoring. A "single-beam" reads the data and calculates everything needed. So more work is done by the system, and not by the operator. Operator's eyes and attention do not need to shift from lumber to device with each entry. With Siera DigiTally, each firing of the laser trigger captures the width, calculates, and saves it all automatically -- Sierra RapidScan is not only faster but more accurate. You just shoot and score.
How are pack or bundle numbers assigned?
The pack numbers are generated based on your definitions. For example, if you'd like to increment a number based on a starting number, such as 2400, next number will be 2401. Or you can design a custom number generation rule, one that includes a date and a sequence, in the form DDMMYY-#, such as 012021-1, next number will be 012021-2. Alternatively, you can include characters and prefixes, such as "ABC-1005", and so on... In some cases, you may also want to enter a pack number manually, the system will ask to enter a pack number. The pack number creation can be configured to match your needs.
Can I use my existing products, species?
Yes, you can define your current product data, species, grades and/or any product codes you now use in your business. You can add, edit, delete products on the Sierra Stock application, and synchronize with all your devices.
How much does Sierra DigiTally cost?
We offer economical options as well as packaged systems with high-end rugged devices. Sierra DigiTally is also available on Android devices and you can visit Google Playstore for pricing, download and try it risk-free for 30 days.
For package pricing and Sierra Stock application, please send us a request via the contact form or call us; based on your specific needs we can provide specific pricing as well as proposing a targeted solution.
