1. Loading and unloading processes
The first challenge faced by warehouse owners or managers is concerning the loading and unloading processes of goods. Injuries or fatalities affects the safety of warehouse managers and employees.The Innovative docking solutions and mechanized loading and unloading processes such as Dock levelers, telescopic conveyors are employed for this purpose. NIHVA's docking and warehousing solutions incorporate safety, speed, and efficiency.
Manual loading and unloading processes
Manual handling is an integral part of the activities performed by workers in a warehouse or storage facility. They are involved in the loading and unloading of goods into and onto transport vehicles.
Pros:
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Manual handling is essential when automated systems malfunction.
Cons:
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Costs of injury to workers due to unfavorable ergonomic conditions
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Errors and inaccuracies in locating, retrieving, and storing goods
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Low productivity
Mechanized loading and unloading systems
The mechanized loading and unloading systems used are conveyors,levelers, pallet wrappers, etc. There are some pros and cons associatedwith the automated loading and unloading systems.
Pros:
- Less use of forklifts and the need to maintain them
- Decreased Labor cost as there is minimum manual handling ofgoods
- Enhanced safety
- Less congestion around the docking area
- Increased productivity
Cons:
- More expensive Automated equipment than manual equipment
- Possibility of downtime due to malfunctions or breakdown ofequipment
- High maintenance costs of automated equipment
Automated loading and unloading systems in the warehouses are
Dock leveler
A dock leveler is an adjustable mechanized platform, which can beincreased, lowered, or tilted. It connects the dock to the vehicle platformthat allows forklifts to access the dock and load goods. Due to the weightof the cargo, trailers, or trucks' height changes when loading or unloadingtheir cargo. To compensate for this height variation, dock levelers are thebest solution, as they provide seamless and safe transportation to andfrom the warehouse, without damage to goods or workers.
Figure 1: Dock leveler
Telescopic conveyor
It comprises several steel sections having a slider bed design, usually placed just after the dock leveler connected to the trailer. It is an extendable conveyor used for loading and unloading containers faster, easier, and safer. They are ideal for loose items, parcels, or unconventionally shaped goods. NIHVA’s telescopic conveyors are ideal for large-sized logistic areas.
Figure 2: Telescopic belt conveyor
2. Weather conditions affecting cargo
The goods and equipment in warehouses can be affected by adverseweather conditions. Floods, earthquakes, avalanches, and other harshweather conditions affect the delivery of goods and equipment in thewarehouse. It becomes a logistical nightmare for warehouse owners. Thetransport of cargo and its loading and unloading in the dock area isessential. Docking solutions are available to warehouses. These are in theform of Dock shelters, Load house, High-Speed doors
Dock shelters
Dock shelters are structures that seal the space between the loading dockof the warehouse and the trailer or truck. Dock shelters protect goods andequipment during the loading and unloading process in adverse climaticconditions such as heavy rains, snow, or storm. These dock shelters aresuitable for all sizes of vehicles and protect goods from environmental
damage. NIHVA gives you the choice of curtain and inflatable dockshelters for a range of vehicle sizes and industrial applications.
Figure 3: Dock shelter
Load house
Another docking solution to warehouse loading and unloading problems is the Load house. Load houses provide insulation solutions to the docking bay with a dock leveler, dock shelter, and sectional door. They are useful in thermally controlled buildings, where the temperature variation between the building and docking bay has to be maintained. Moreover, the use of Loadhouses is essential, where the warehouse layout is small or restricted. NIHVA offers Crawford LH6080L Load house for your warehouse loading dock challenges
Figure 4: load-house
Solutions to warehouse problems provided by experts
Experts at NIHVA provide solutions to the warehouse problems. Our wide range of docking solutions such as Dock levelers, Dock shelters, Loadhouses not only help in minimizing the hurdles faced during loading and unloading goods and equipment but also in protecting damage caused to the goods/equipment. NIHVA's best-in-class automated solutions are fit for various factories and warehouses across industries.
