Docking Management System: linking lean and green

Loading docks are one of the essential parts of industry or distribution center operations. With control over the flow of goods, well-managed loading docks can become a significant advantage for manufacturers and logistics businesses looking to accelerate their operational efficiency. To achieve that, many buildings, factories, and warehouses often keep their large doors open for longer for a faster cargo flow.

However, the push for efficiency may lead to larger electricity bills, impeding environmental sustainability efforts. To this end, a solution that can help reduce energy costs without hurting productivity would be an ideal approach.

Docking Management System, a digitalized solution developed by ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems as part of their digital offerings Insight, has shown promising results in helping facilities become more green and lean at the same time. 

Richard Sundbye, Digital Solutions Product Manager

“Our Docking Management System (DMS) enables distribution centers to achieve greater efficiency by replacing substantial manual tasks with automated processes,” said Richard Sundbye, Digital Solutions Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems. “Through DMS, operators can monitor their entire facilities, gaining critical insight on the movement of goods and energy use in any part of their facility.”

DMS allows logistics center operators to adjust their planning by having a real-time read of the movements on the ground. Facility managers can assign docks by observing the activities on a screen and direct trucks to necessary locations to speed up loading and unloading. Not only does real-time monitoring help improve efficiency, but it also ensures that idle docks remain shut to save energy. 

For distribution centers, it is important to keep the doors closed to reduce temperature change because energy waste from door openings can make a dent in profits in large facilities. Furthermore, in warehouses that keep food, beverage, or pharmaceutical products, frequent infiltration of air and dust might risk spoiling the inventory. 

Second, the built-in proactive service feature keeps track of the service record of connected hardware and reminds the user of necessary maintenance. The preventive setup enables greater predictability and foresight into which equipment needs to be serviced, and when, thereby increasing equipment reliability and up-time. Thanks to regular maintenance, the product will have a longer lifetime, saving customers the substantial cost of unnecessary and unplanned repairs due to neglect or oversight. 

Third, DMS does not compromise on security features. Its interface allows operators to monitor every loading bay in their facilities and lock unoccupied doors remotely at any time. The system is also flexible enough that operators can set up time slots, easily granting access to their staff or truck drivers at any given moment.  

Finally, and most importantly, DMS can analyze the data it collects to offer an assessment of operational efficiency at the facility, which allows the customer to further optimize their energy use.  

“DMS is already making a difference to our customers' distribution centers and warehouses,” Richard says. “The results are really promising, and we see great potential in the future of DMS.”

Read more about DMS here.