Using EDI to Mitigate the Impact of Loading Dock Congestion - Part 3: Conclusion & Recap

So far we have explained how and why EDI is important for optimal loading-dock performance and what thekey ingredients are for organizations seeking to improve DC, warehouse andstore-level loading-dock efficiency. In order for an organization and its logistics partners to have a highly effective shipment and delivery operation, there is a need for all of the three components, implemented as part of its logistics operation. 

Using EDI and the proper implementation of the related supply chain pieces that are related across a purchase order, an ASN, as well as a cross-docking type environment will help in achieving maximum benefits.

 

QLogitek has been helping organizations spanning the retail, manufacturing, distribution, telco, utility and public sector industries, by providing full automation and collaboration of various supply chain processes; the result has been the enhancement and streamlining of their purchasing, logistics and goods receipt and goods shipment operations for many years. Our integrated set of modules have helped, equally, all member organizations that are part of the delivery and shipment operations. Find out more about our products and services here. Bottom Line: Being a highly compliant, timely and accurate delivery and shipment operation is key for a successful business operation. In order to achieve this, one cannot be second guessing conveyance/handling equipment and human resource requirements for primary and support operations at the store/warehouse level. One just needs to KNOW.

Using EDI to Mitigate the Impact of Loading Dock Congestion - Part 2: 3 Key Components of an Efficient Loading Dock Operation

Key Components:

In our last post we discussed the need to improve efficiency in loading dock operations. In DCs, warehouses and at the retail store-level, loading-dock congestion can be a very annoying and costly problem. By integrating processes with EDI, organizations can achieve dramatic improvements in loading dock performance. 

The key components that make up an efficient loading dock operation are;

1.	An Integrated Purchase Oder to Advance Ship Notice (PO-ASN) Process
2.	An Integrated Appointment Scheduling Process
3.	Cross-Docking

An Integrated PO-ASN Process

With the proper use of EDI with integration of the PO and the ASN transactions, the loading and unloading of shipments can be efficiently handled as the ASN will identify the products that are being handled, so that the proper conveyances and equipment can be available during loading and unloading. This not only ensures that the shipment is accurate but also provides other necessary information regarding the shipment, so that the loading and unloading can be handled very efficiently.

An Integrated Appointment Scheduling Process

An integrated appointment scheduling system will result in the most optimum utilization of the loading docks, as full product and its handling details will be known by the warehouse/store for a given delivery or shipment. This integrated scheduling process must provide visibility and synchronization between the various processes; beginning with the Purchase Ordering system, to the Logistics System, to the Inventory Management System and finally with the Warehousing and HR scheduling System.

Cross-Docking Process

The cross docking facilities at a given warehouse/store help in reducing and/or eliminating additional steps necessary for product storage and retrieval. The main benefit of cross-docking is that it provides for a more efficient inbound and outbound flow of goods to a store and/or a warehouse. This reduces the need for storage and retrieval, hence speeds up the delivery of goods to their destination.