To help meet these demands the new organization Crawford Monitoring Systems has introduced Crawford 101 Dock Management - a software system for efficient coordination of truck traffic and warehouse operations.
Efficient handling of goods is crucial for different actors within the transport and logistics arena, such as shipping companies and carriers. Crawford Monitoring Systems mission is to improve the customers’ operations by providing software systems that enhance navigation, monitoring and service level. The new unit is lead by Sébastien Leichtnam, in addition to his current duties as Segment Development Manager. Hendrik Müller is Product Manager for the Monitoring Systems range.
Improve warehouse efficiency
Many shipping companies have realized the importance of developing a good relationship with the carriers and therefore offer them a number of services to make the supply chain more cost efficient. Crawford 101 Dock Management, the first product introduced by Crawford Monitoring Systems, is an excellent tool that supports these services and in the end improves warehouse efficiency by up to 20%. Sébastien Leichtnam draws an example:
“Imagine being a truck driver with a tight schedule, heading to a warehouse to unload the goods you have just picked up. Well at the warehouse you realize that there are no free docking bays and the yard is filled with waiting trucks hindering others to manoeuvre in and out of the bays in an efficient way.”
“Using the Crawford 101 Dock Management you can avoid situations like this, which will result in saving a lot of time and money for both carriers and shipping companies.”
Reduce waiting time
Carriers waste up to 25% of their time waiting for loading and unloading at available dock bays. To solve this problem, some shippers extend the opening hours of the facilities, making the most of the facilities’ capacity. Yet, this solution means additional costs, e.g. hiring additional personnel. The Crawford 101 Dock Management makes the most of the facility
and its capacity during regular opening hours, by leading truck traffic to available dock bays. Using an intelligent dock bay reservation system, it reduces the truck waiting time by up to 20%.
Plan capacity with transport forecasts
By forecasting the movement of goods, the carriers can plan their capacity according to the expected needs. Crawford 101 Dock Management collects statistics for the flow of goods, loading and occupancy time and sequences per loading bay at the warehouses or logistics centres. These statistics are an
important input for estimating the capacity needed in terms of truck loads and warehouse space, giving more accurate forecasts.
Evaluate performance
To make the handling of goods more efficient, shippers not only evaluate the performance of the carriers, but also how well their own operations and facilities meet the requirements of the carriers. By using the Crawford 101 Dock Management, important information about the facility performance can be extracted and used in this evaluation.
More products to come
“The Crawford 101 Dock Management is only the first in line of several products within Crawford Monitoring Systems that will be released in the future”, says Sébastien.
“Since we are one of only a few players offering our customers these kinds of products, we have a great opportunity to develop competitive software systems that enhance the efficiency of our customers’ facilities.”
Crawford 101 Dock Management - key benefits
The Crawford 101 Dock Management is the perfect decision support software, fulfilling several crucial needs of supply chain professionals. Some of the key benefits are:
- Up to 20% improved warehouse efficiency
- Up to 20% reduced truck waiting time
- Environmentally friendly - reducing carbon dioxide emissions and energy losses