The disclosure relates to a data reading system and related methods of operation designed for efficiently calibrating a scale associated with the data reading system. Prior to powering the scale, the data reading system initially determines whether an item is present on the scale via images obtained by one or more data readers of the data reading system. Upon confirmation that the scale is clear of any items that may impact an initial zero weight, the data reading system powers on the scale to complete the initialization process and configure the data reading system for operation.