A solid dock scheduling solution can grease the wheels in any warehouse.

When managing a warehouse appointment planner with numerous inbound and outbound shipments moving throughout the day, there are many things to consider.

But there’s an easy way to gain control of your warehouse. BOLD VAN’s distribution enablement system (DES) software includes a handy dock manager that takes care of the day’s itinerary for you.

DOCK MANAGER

In a previous post, I wrote about the DES Dock Manager and its ability to help companies identify inefficiencies. I explained how DES allows you to create unique user profiles for each warehouse worker so you can see who is getting the job done effectively. In this post, I will share another component of the DES dock manager that can change how you run your warehouse.

First, let’s look at common scenarios that often cause enormous headaches for all parties involved in warehouse logistics.

SENT TO DETENTION

Long lines of trucks waiting for their turn to unload or load cargo are formed when a dock isn’t scheduled correctly. Carriers pay their drivers by the hour, and when the trucks sit around in a waiting game, that extra cost is passed on to you. The delay is called “detention time,” and carriers often assess detention fees to the warehouse. (I shudder when I hear the word “detention,” but that’s a story for another blog.)

TRAFFIC CONGESTION

Another situation that makes me tremble is sitting in traffic. Warehouses only have so much space for loading and unloading. Long lines of freight trucks cause congestion. Local authorities may hit you with a fine or an order to shut down until the situation is cleared up. No one wants that!

DES TO THE RESCUE

DES Dock Manager can be a lifesaver for large warehouses with hundreds of bays and smaller outfits with just a few docks. Not only does it allow you to schedule each dock throughout the day, but it also signals when trucks are late or early.

Figure 1 shows an example of what’s on tap for dock #6 in this warehouse. The 7 am carrier was late and flagged in the system. The truck scheduled for 8:30 am was early, and the scheduler indicated the loading time. This visibility is a valuable asset that can help companies gain control of their warehouse. The late truck can be sent to an open dock, and you’ll know when the early arrival is finished and on its way.

Figure 2 shows how simple it is to schedule a dock appointment. Because this is all within our DES software, the information is at your fingertips, and it’s super fast to schedule the time slot. No need to toggle from a different program; DES is entirely seamless.

This tool is also fully customizable so that you can add drop-downs and information about your operation.

ONE PROGRAM. LOTS OF OPTIONS.

Why choose DES for dock scheduling? It’s simple. We let you do everything in one place. The convenience of scheduling out your dock and managing all of your shipments, carriers, orders, EDI documents, and invoicing from the exact location and at an affordable price is invaluable.

You can take control of your warehouse today. Contact BOLD VAN: call 844-265-3777, email info@boldvan.com, or start your three-month trial.