Optimize Your SCM with an Automatic Truck-Loading System

There is no question that the COVID-19 epidemic significantly hampered supply chains worldwide. Production decreased, and there was a shortage of raw materials, as supplies were delayed, due to the lockdown and travel restrictions which had led to the shutting down of factories. To regain the necessary resilience and to boost the operations again, supply chain operators started looking at a variety of possibilities. From comprehensive traceability solutions like laser marking to tracking systems, businesses are now embracing automation to streamline operations, with automatic truck loading systems being among the most sought-after methods to ease logistics.

WHAT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRUCK LOADING/UNLOADING SYSTEM, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Have you ever wondered how many trucks are loaded and unloaded in a day? Millions if not Billions.

An automatic truck loading system, also referred to as an ATLS, involves the minimally intervened automatic placing and removing pallets from/into a truck. The loading procedure is streamlined and optimized without the use of manual labor thanks to specialized types of equipment.

Today’s truck loading systems have been developed to include a variety of technologies and improvements that improve automation, efficiency, and safety.
When it comes to loading trucks, Automated conveyor systems remain a popular choice. This system works on moving goods straight from the warehouse or loading dock directly to the truck or trailer using motorized belts or rollers. Automated conveyor systems streamline the process by making loading efficient and continuous while using less manual labor.

Imagine getting pallets in and out of trucks in a flash. That’s what Automated Truck Loading Systems (ATLS) do. An ATLS system helps in the loading/unloading of palletized goods from/into a truck, wherein the system could be integrated with the outbound & inbound conveyors of an automated storage system. What used to take 40 minutes now takes just 5, all with some standardization in vehicles and pallets considering a typical 40 ft closed container. Plus, thanks to ATLS working with IoT, you can keep an eye on those pallets from the moment they’re loaded until they reach their storage spot. It’s all about making things faster, simpler, and more secure.

WHY SHOULD YOU INVEST IN AN AUTOMATIC TRUCK-LOADING SYSTEM?

Increased Output
With automatic loading platforms, you may quickly load and/or unload a complete truck holding numerous pallets, thus boosting the number of items that are dispatched and received. Additionally, they also contribute to quicker truck turnaround times, streamlining logistics operations.

Optimal usage of space
Truck unloading can be streamlined to accelerate the dock-to-stock activity. As a result, the staging area will require less room, and you can use that space for other purposes. By employing ATLS, you enhance dock availability for the upcoming dispatch, even before the vehicle arrives at the dock.

Enhanced Safety
By minimizing physical handling and lowering the possibility of accidents or injuries brought on by conventional loading techniques, automation can improve safety. Automatic truck loading systems comply with industry norms and regulations and are frequently built with safety measures.

Improved Traceability
To increase traceability and quality control, automatic truck loading systems can be utilized to monitor cargo as it is loaded and unloaded. When integrated with the conveyor system the cargo can be traced up to the specified storage location in the plant. For loading the errors in loading the shipment can be minimized by tracing the cargo till it gets loaded in the vehicle.

By investing in an automatic truck loading system, businesses can leverage flexibility, enable autonomous operation, and contribute to the overall optimization of the supply chain of a business.

At Blue Star E&E, our state-of-the-art automatic truck loading system solutions will help your operations by improving the truck turnaround time, better dock availability, and reducing the errors in dispatches resulting in warehouse operations running easily and effectively. Contact us right away to enter an age of speed and optimization.