Future Ready
A Step by Step Guide to Loading Dock Automation
| Kargo | 8 min
What You Need to Know
A recent survey by global consultant SCALA reveals that 69% of respondents plan to invest at least $1 million in warehouse automation between now and 2028. Nearly a quarter (23%) plan to invest approximately $25 million or more.
By extending automation to loading docks, your warehouses achieve better efficiency and accuracy crucial entry and exit points, while contributing to a safer work environment.
For many companies, loading docks present gaps in supply chain visibility. But there are literal truckloads of data passing your docks everyday.
With Kargo, computer vision automatically captures shipment information and loading dock activity to create a new source of data that you can use to improve your logistics processes.
Freight label information, bar codes, or other data elements on pallets are compared against bills of lading to verify shipment accuracy, flag discrepancies, and update inventory in real time.
Plus, by expanding common definitions of data to include visuals, Kargo offers contextual understanding of your operations. Explore efficiency ratings by dock door, track safety violations via AI identification, or see exactly what happened in the warehouse to resolve a damage claim.
Companies that don’t have access to this data are already falling behind. As automation expands, the gap between which companies are innovating and which are stagnating will only get wider.
The good news is that automating your loading docks may be easier than you think - and the benefits can accrue quickly.
Here are some of the ways you can streamline operations:
- Eliminate manual scanning during loading and unloading to limit risk of human errors and increase productivity.
- Verify actual shipments against bills of lading and other documents automatically for improved accuracy and shorter dwell times.
- Flag damages and discrepancies in real time, before downstream customer impact becomes more costly for everyone.
- Update existing inventory systems in real time, so your network of suppliers, manufacturers, and distribution centers can assure product supply.
- Access video evidence of all dock activity to resolve issues with complete accuracy and transparency, while building trust with customers.
- Provide actionable data to drive continuous improvements across loading dock activity, shipment accuracy, warehouse throughput, logistics networks, trucking partnerships, and customer satisfaction.
Bringing these benefits to your supply chain and logistics can happen in a matter of weeks.
In this guide, we tell you what to expect as you ramp up automation.
Any questions as you review? Email us at go@mykargo.com
Discovery
When you start exploring loading dock automation, we connect on your needs and how you deliver on your customers’ needs.
The main point of discovery is to determine how automation can drive revenue based on your company’s unique position in supply chain and logistics.
- We explore how computer vision solves common industry challenges and closes gaps other technology can’t.
- We review ways to empower greater accuracy and productivity, so you can capture greater market share.
- We examine partner benchmarking and determine customer service opportunities to build stronger relationships.
- We discuss how to tackle other big industry changes ahead, so you can be a leading voice at your organization.
When you’ve finalized your decision to move forward, we visit you onsite to develop your onboarding strategy.
- We create current and future state maps of your operations, so you have a clear understanding of how Kargo improves workflows.
- We align on milestone commitments with timelines that support progress expectations.
- We perform constellation mapping of your label requirements to ensure capture of data attributes that matter to your business.
When this stage is complete, your company has a clear set of automation goals and a plan to achieve them.
Installation
Kargo Towers are installed in warehouses by a Tower technician and electrician crew. Our team takes care of the labor. You’ll just need to clear the dock area ahead of time.
Once the Towers are up and running, our remote team finalizes software installation, activating your Towers for immediate and ongoing use.
When this step is complete, your loading docks are officially able to capture and translate data automatically.
Your data is available in the Kargo Platform, where you can manage shipments and analyze trends for continuous improvements.
Tower Installation
On the first day of installation, Kargo coordinates with your warehouse manager to confirm loading dock and electrical panel access, plus any other details specific to your scenario.
In some cases, a technician comes out the day before installation begins to pre-drill anchor holes. This can help with speed and efficiency.