The Dock Management System, jointly developed by Loading Systems and Traka is a unique, easily installed and affordable solution to prevent an industry problem that has caused countless accidents and injuries.

It prevents vehicles driving away from the loading bay before the dock doors have been safely closed.

How does it work?

There are a number of possible implementations depending upon the degree of management control required, however, in all cases the process will involve attaching the drivers’ vehicle keys to an iFob – an intelligent metal bullet shaped device containing an electronic chip with a unique identification that is then stored in a special electronic cabinet.

When a driver arrives on-site and checks into the transport office, the keys are snapped onto the iFob. The electronic cabinet identifies and confirms which loading or unloading bay is to be used.

The more advanced versions ensure that the dock door cannot be opened until the keys are safely retained in the cabinet and the keys cannot be taken until the dock door is fully closed.

The dock door may then be opened using the existing door control or with an iFob, depending upon the method selected.

Scenario 1 – Identification and Vehicle Key Management

A simple solution that retains a driver’s vehicle keys and identifies which loading or unloading bay the vehicle has been directed to.

The supervisor then has control over the driver’s keys and can see that the vehicle is on site.

There is also an audit of the transport office taking and returning the keys to the driver.

Scenario 2 – Vehicle Key Management and Intelligent Dock Control

A solution to retain a driver’s vehicle keys, identifies which loading and unloading bay the vehicle has been directed to, and ensures that the dock door cannot be operated without the vehicle keys secured in the electronic key control cabinet.

The incoming driver is allocated the loading and unloading bay, parks up and reports to the transport office where his keys are handed in. The keys are then temporarily attached to an iFob and inserted into a socket within the electronic key control cabinet which corresponds to the particular loading and unloading bay door. As the iFob is inserted, and locked in place, an interlock indicates that the dock door may now be opened. At the same time a “paired” iFob is released from the key control cabinet. This paired iFob is the electronic key that will allow the dock door to be activated and can be used by an authorised member of staff or even the driver, if applicable.

Upon completion of the vehicle loading / unloading and after the dock door is fully closed, an automatic signal is sent to the electronic key control cabinet, indicating that the door is safe and that the driver’s keys can be released. However, the temporary owner of the paired iFob must return and insert the iFob into the electronic key control cabinet before the iFob with the driver’s keys are released. 

This process prevents the driver from driving the vehicle away from the loading and unloading bay, until the dock door is securely closed and the area safe.

There is also an audit of the transport office taking and returning the keys to the driver.

Scenario 3 – Intelligent Dock Control and integrated (internal) transportation means control

An advanced solution to retain a drivers’ vehicle keys, to identify which loading bay the vehicle has been directed to, and to ensure that the dock door cannot be operated without the vehicle keys secured in the electronic key control cabine. It also allows the intelligent iFob to operate additional products, such as fork-lift trucks.

The incoming driver reports to the transport office, parks the vehicle at the loading and unloading bay, and hands over the vehicle keys, (as in scenario two above) and the interlock ensures that the keys cannot be taken until the door is safe.

But the dock door may only be opened by a user who already carries a valid personal iFob, one that may also activate additional products, such as fork-lift trucks, cleaning machines or other specialist equipment. The activity of opening the door is also recorded in the iFob providing an audit of use.

This offers the concept of an integrated system and the use of an electronic key for all warehouse equipment. Furthermore the system may also be integrated with an existing access control system to allow management of the available movable equipment as well as access to the building.

System benefits

An increased safety, security and an improved operational efficiency are the primary system benefits.

The Dock Management System has been designed for installation in warehouses and distribution centres where greater control and flexibility is required and it can easily be retro-fitted to existing systems as well as being specified on new installations.

In summary the principal benefits of the system are to:

1. Prevent vehicles from driving away from a loading and unloading bay until the dock door is closed.
2. Ensure that vehicles are directed to the correct loading bay. 
3. Control related to who can control product operation:
    a. Improved safety;
    b. Improved building management;
    c. Minimising human errors;
    d. Increased energy-saving potential.
4. Integrated intelligent system :
    a. Managing dock equipment control;
    b. Applicable in combination with other products, vehicles and facilities.
5. Provides management of performance indicators, such as:
    a. Complete log of all user activities;
    b. Number of cycles the doors have been activated;
    c. Average duration of loading and unloading;
    d. Planned service and maintenance.
6. Allows full integration with the Loading Systems Advanced Control Centre.