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.