The comprehensive solution for managing all types of loading docks

Proper management of loading and unloading docks is essential for the proper functioning not only of the logistics platform, but of the entire supply chain in general. However, not all loading docks are the same, and this is where one of the great challenges arises: how to efficiently manage different types of loading docks without losing operational control?

The answer: with a flexible, scalable, real-time digital solution.

We have already seen in the post Different types of loading and unloading docks and how to optimize their management the different types of docks in a logistics center. In this post we are going to analyze the integral solution of FIELDEAS Track and Trace to be able to manage any type of dock, goods and operations.

One solution, all types of loading berths

Docks at ground level, with mobile ramps, retractable, hydraulic, automated, shared or dedicated… The typology is as varied as the logistics operations in which they are involved. This diversity complicates planning, creates bottlenecks and can lead to downtime or even incidents that impact the entire supply chain.

Therefore, full visibility in their management is essential.

The Yard Management System (YMS) or dock management module of FIELDEAS Track and Trace, supply chain visibility platform, is designed to adapt to any infrastructure, type of operation and level of digital maturity of the logistics center or warehouse.

Flexibility and control on all types of loading docks

Our slot management solution allows you to manage your logistics grid in a simple, intuitive and efficient way, but above all, it allows you to adopt a flexible management of your docks, which is so necessary in a context of constant disruptions.

Furthermore, despite all the inconveniences that may arise, our YMS guarantees full control of operations at all times in real time.

With all this, the functionalities of the FIELDEAS Track and Trace dock management module are as follows:

Planner

One of the most powerful functionalities of our software is its ability to precisely organize dock reservations, allowing you to define exactly the day and time when each loading or unloading operation will take place.

The management process is completely flexible: the logistics manager can approve or reject incoming requests, thus ensuring total control over the operation and avoiding planning conflicts.

In addition, if unforeseen events arise or adjustments need to be made, the platform allows any existing reservation to be modified, either by changing the assigned dock, rescheduling the date or time, or both at the same time. This facilitates dynamic, real-time management, adapted to day-to-day needs.

On the other hand, it is also possible to block or reserve docks for internal uses, such as maintenance tasks, overhauls or activities not directly related to transportation, but which also have an impact on dock occupancy. Everything is reflected in the planning grid for a complete and updated view.

In addition, our solution incorporates a module that provides visibility on the availability of operators, considering their capacity, the estimated time of each operation and the minimum personnel required to execute it correctly. This allows more informed decisions and avoids bottlenecks due to lack of human resources.

Real time

This capability requires the Track and Trace solution, leveraging its ability to monitor and provide full traceability of transport operations.

This real-time connection makes it possible to accurately calculate the ETA (estimated time of arrival) of each truck en route. Thus, the system can anticipate whether the vehicle will arrive at the scheduled time, with a small deviation or with a significant deviation, either by overtaking or delay.

Thanks to this information, the dock management platform not only reacts, but also anticipates potential operational conflicts.

Through Track and Trace’s integrated alerts and notifications system, arrival deviations are automatically communicated to all stakeholders: from logistics managers to transport providers and drivers themselves. The entire ecosystem is instantly informed.

In addition, as in planning, this capability is complemented by a real-time view of the availability of the logistics center’s operators.

Loading schedule

Our dock management solution also plays a key role in controlling access to logistics platforms, improving both security and efficiency in vehicle entry.

Security personnel can consult in advance all relevant information about the vehicles that are about to arrive: license plate number, driver’s identity and details of the goods. This allows them to easily verify if the arriving truck is the one that was planned and authorized, avoiding unwanted or unplanned access.

Furthermore, thanks to the integration capabilities offered by Track and Trace, the solution can be connected to physical control devices, such as license plate readers or automatic barriers, allowing the entry of vehicles to be managed in an automated manner and coordinated with the logistics agenda.

In addition, the platform is integrated with CAE solutions (External Access Control), which allows to verify in advance if the driver meets all the necessary requirements (documentation, training, current permits, etc.). This streamlines the entry process and avoids unnecessary operational bottlenecks.

Platform or layout manager

Among the solution’s advanced functionalities, the layout or platform manager provides a clear, real-time visualization of the logistics yard. This tool allows the exact position of each truck within the yard to be located on an interactive map, which greatly facilitates the monitoring of operations.

At a glance, it is possible to identify whether a vehicle is in the loading or unloading dock, whether it is in the weighing area or whether it is going through quality control.

This visibility allows the logistics team to check whether processes are running according to plan, detect possible deviations in planned times or identify incidents that may be affecting the operational flow.

Thanks to this visual layer, yard management is transformed into a much smoother, more accurate and easier to monitor operation, even in complex logistics environments with multiple control points.

Entry planner

One of the biggest challenges for shippers and manufacturers in logistics management is the lack of visibility into the inbound flow of goods. Inbound processes are a blind spot that hinders efficient planning of resources and operational capacity.

To address this problem, our solution incorporates the Receipt Planner, a functionality specifically designed to organize and coordinate raw material receipts from the source.

Through this module, manufacturers can request the necessary materials from their suppliers, allowing them to indicate how much they will ship, when and at what time, according to the needs of the logistics center.

In this way, the shipper gets a complete view of the inbound flow, can anticipate resources and space, and achieves comprehensive planning that eliminates uncertainties and maximizes the efficiency of the logistics yard.

FIELDEAS Track and Trace Yard Management System (YMS)

With everything we have seen in this post, we can affirm that the FIELDEAS Track and Trace dock management module adapts to any type of logistics structure and to any loading and unloading operation.

Thus, the three pillars of our integrated solution for the management of all types of loading docks are:

Flexibility

The flexibility of the platform makes it easy to manage own and subcontracted fleets, different logistics facilities with different characteristics and even to take into account logistics activities such as outbound and inbound or other more complex ones such as cross-docking in which any modification generates a chain of alterations that can worsen the service offered to the end customer.

In addition, our solution allows you to configure specifications for each dock.

Collaboration

The most important feature of our dock management solution is collaboration, as all chain agents are involved in the slot booking process.

In addition, all participants in the process have all the information in real time, from the logistics platform manager to the driver, suppliers and carriers.

Transparency

Our dock management system generates a constant flow of information between all the agents involved, resulting in full transparency which, in turn, ensures full visibility.

On our platform, carriers receive updates on their dock bookings, operators receive arrival and departure information, and managers have an overview of dock performance.

In addition, our YMS generates reports and provides analysis on spring management performance.