Our History

40 Years of Innovation in Weighing, Automation, and Data Management

Company History

Founded on a Vision (1986)

More than four decades ago, Elie Sneward and Jack McDaniel, veterans of Thurman Scale, recognized an opportunity to apply emerging computer and electronic technologies to the weighing industry. Their vision was focused on improving data collection, business management, and operational efficiency for scale‑based operations.

In 1986, they founded Interface Logic Systems (ILS).

“Jack and I brought along Charlie Libicki and Sharon Mathews from Thurman as part of the original team,” recalls Elie. “It was a lot of hard work to build the company.”

Early Focus: Customized Scale Software

ILS initially focused on customized heavy‑capacity scale software, with early deployments in coal mining and preparation facilities. At a time when most competitors offered rigid, standardized systems, ILS differentiated itself through rapid customization.

“You might have five or six aggregate companies located in the same geographic area, and each one would do business differently,” Elie explains. “We became known for customization done quickly.”

This approach allowed ILS to design solutions that reflected how customers actually operated. Even in its early years, ILS demonstrated global reach by delivering customized software in Chinese for a customer in Hong Kong.

Industry First: RFID Unattended Weighing

Interface Logic Systems was the first vendor to introduce RFID‑based unattended weighing to the weighing industry.

The concept originated when a customer sought nighttime operations without staffed scale houses. ILS implemented RFID vehicle tagging to enable unattended weighing as a pilot program. Earlier deployments using card readers at Peabody Coal sites revealed transaction losses caused by inconsistent driver card usage.

After proposing an RFID‑based automated solution, material losses were eliminated. This innovation also enabled site access control, allowing operators to track which vehicles entered facilities and exactly when they arrived.

“From that point, we began implementing site access control at night, establishing exactly which truck arrived at what time,” Elie notes.

Continued Leadership and Ownership Transition

In 2006, a group of ILS employees acquired the company from its founders, ensuring continuity of technical expertise, customer relationships, and company culture.

Elie Sneward is now semi‑retired. Charlie Libicki and Sharon Mathews remain active members of Interface Logic Systems, more than three decades after joining the company.

Interface Logic Systems Today

Today, Interface Logic Systems is comprised of experienced industry professionals with more than 100 years of combined experience in the weighing, automation, and bulk materials industries.

ILS remains committed to its founding principles: practical innovation, deep industry understanding, and ensuring that customer goals are met on budget, on time, every time.