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Cold Storage Environments Call for ULTRA-SEAL

 

Hello! And welcome to week two of “Dock Seals and Shelters Series”

Now that we have tackled the basics and discussed the differences between a dock seal and a dock shelter, let’s get more specific.

Application-specific!

Something along the lines of cold storage, starting with what the heck a cold storage environment is.

Products stored inside a cold storage environment range from standard perishable products, such
4Front Entrematic Cold Storage Loading Dockas fruits and vegetables to frozen food. According to a recent article in MMH “the global frozen foods market alone is expected to grow from an estimated $165.4 billion in 2009 to $199.5 billion by 2014”. In other words, cold storage is big business and big money.

One of the most challenging aspects of any cold storage environment is maintaining the perfect temperature at all times. Not to mention, the litany of other obstacles such as finding the perfect equipment that will function inside a cold storage environment. Just think: something like a computer must be specially engineered to be able to withstand some seriously chilly temps’ without going loco and busting its hard drive.

Yes, cold storage is big business indeed, engineers work to find the perfect insulation material to protect things like batteries, hard drives and other pieces of equipment that are expected to perform as if they were functioning in a room-temperature environment. That’s not the only demand though, workers, also must be protected from these icy temps. Employees who are exposed to these cold storage conditions are geared-up with specialty hats, gloves and coats to help maintain a safe internal body temperature while working inside a cold storage facility.

Other contributing factors that any cold storage facility manager ought to consider include, lighting choices, even the type of floor you opt to install inside your facility can ultimately play a part in temperature.

Now, I don’t know about you but that sure sounds like a large investment in time and money to me. If I spend x amount of dollars on achieving an energy efficient cold storage facility the last thing I want is to see all that investment leak out through the loading dock. Unfortunately, this is sometimes an area that is overlooked. Hard to believe that the area that’s responsible for receiving and shipping your entire product –the very reason you have a cold storage environment in the first place- is sometimes the most neglected. A Dock Seal is just as critical a component for a cold storage facility as the dock leveler, overhead door, fork lifts, etc.

Solution-specific!

So what type of Dock Seals or Shelter works best for a cold storage environment?

Well, we recommend you begin by answering the following questions.

  1. Does my application require full access to the trailer during loading/unloading?
  2. Do the trailers that frequent my loading dock have swing doors?

These are important questions to ask before purchasing a Dock Seal or Shelter because while a seal is the best answer for energy savings, some seals can impede access to the full width of the trailer, making it difficult to get to pallets at the very back of the trailer or wider loads.  And often seals that spill into the trailer interior get ripped or torn by passing forklifts during the loading cycle.

In cold storage environments, trailers with swing doors are common.  When swing doors are opened, they create gaps between the hinges, that allow energy to escape so compressing the trailer into the dock seal closes off these gaps, but how do you deal with the first question if the dock seal impedes access to the interior of the trailer.  Answer: The ULTRA-SEAL® Foam Dock Seal with Head Curtain.

The ULTRA-SEAL is a patented design that provides the insulating benefits of a dock seal and the full trailer access of a dock shelter, sealing the rear hinge gap on trailers without obstructing the doorway.  And can accommodate a variety of trailer heights, thanks to its versatile head curtain.

Dock Seals and Shelters To Do List:

Again, we emphasize the importance of calling on an expert to perform a dock survey. Measuring your loading dock and researching potential issues are imperative steps. Our experts use an Energy Calculator to show you how a Dock Seal or Shelter can drastically improve energy savings at your facility.

Schedule your free dock survey today by calling 877-778-DOCK (3625) or click here to request more information.

Tune in next Wednesday for post number three in our new “Dock Seals and Shelters Series”

Welcome to Loading Dock Seals and Shelters

 

Ah, the world of dock seals and shelters. You won’t find many products that are more application- specific. And, there is no shortage of people dying to sell you either for your loading dock. But, how much do they, or you, really know about which is best for your needs? We thought we would help by offering up some “must-know” specifics in order to choose the ideal dock seal or shelter. Too often, customers tell us that they ordered a seal from a catalogue or a “door-to-door seal sales person" and when it arrived the measurements were way off. So off that the seal didn’t provide any benefit whatsoever. Yes, a complete waste of time and money. We have heard your cries and we're here to help by providing you with useful information and tips to help you find the most suitable seal or shelter for your loading dock.

We understand that for a seal or a shelter to fit your unique needs and provide the best benefit, it must, well –FIT!

During the month of June and July we will be offering a series of posts all about (drum roll please) ‘Dock Seals and Shelters’

Every Wednesday we will post a new blog discussing an application-specific scenario with a seal or a shelter as the solution. seal and shelters are a critical piece of equipment and any loading dock that participates in a productive supply chain will have one … or the other… or both.

We’re calling it ‘Loading Dock Seals and Shelters Series’ so look out for it every Wednesday on our Blog

We begin the series with:

Seals vs. Shelters the Basics


If a loading dock is left open and exposed to the elements the problems start to roll in. IssuesSerco Dock Seal
such as temperature control in a cold storage facility or damaged product integrity caused by the elements gaining access, security issues that an exposed loading dock faces, even safety is a concern as rain, ice or snow on a loading dock increases the chances of an accident occurring. Made from heavy weight vinyl fabric, dock seals and shelters have been designed to protect your loading dock from the elements by providing an additional layer of defense along the top and the sides of each loading dock opening.

Dock Seals
Seals are fabric-covered foam pads that compress when the trailer backs into them, providing a tight seal around the top and sides of the trailer and closing the gaps between the trailer's door hinges. Seals work best on smaller door openings and loading docks that receive captive fleets, trailers that don’t vary in size.

 

 

Kelley Dock Shelter

Dock Shelters

Shelters are comprised of fabric with covered fiberglass strips, called “stays”, which are attached to side and head frames, creating a canopy around the full perimeter of the trailer and allowing full access to the interior of the trailer. Shelters are ideal for loading docks that receive varied truck sizes and large or wide loads, because shelters are designed to project out away from the building and not impede access to the trailer during loading or unloading.

 


 

 

Be aware of ‘catalogue seal and shelter companies’ that try to sell you a slap up seal or shelter. It is proven that these ‘quick fixes’ just don’t work. Dock Seals and Shelters are referred to as “wear items”, they simply are not designed to last forever; however, the quality of their design, the materials they are made out of and proper application WILL make them last much longer than their quick fix counterparts.

We encourage all of our customers to be informed by contacting an expert to perform a dock survey and ensure you’re purchasing the most suitable solution.  A person who is experienced with seals and shelters will be able to perform a quick survey including taking measurements and researching potential issues. This step is vital in the process of purchasing a seal or shelter for your loading dock.  Our experts can also utilize an Energy Calculator to show you how a dock seal or shelter can improve your situation and how not having one, or having an ineffective one, is hurting your bottom line.

Tune in next week for our second post in the ‘Loading Dock Seals and Shelters Series’ in the meantime remember we are here to answer your questions. You can reach us by calling 877-778-DOCK (3625) or click here to request more information.


Top 3 Areas of Concern at the Loading Dock

 

Just sitting on the loading dock of the bay?

Watching profits roll away?

Loading Dock

Maybe that has something to do with the 25% of all accidents occurring at, no other than, yes you’ve guessed it, the loading dock. The majority of these accidents result in the dreaded back injury which, according to OHSA, ultimately ends up costing a whopping $80 billion dollars annually. There is no doubt that the loading dock is potentially dangerous but with adequate safety measures it can be a safer place to venture.

Loading dock door drop offs.

With a 4 ft. drop, open and unprotected dock door openings have the potential to be an accident waiting to happen. Equipment and signage that warns workers of danger ahead to avoid driving off the dock in a forklift or stepping that little bit too far and falling are critical safety measures. In the past, chains or thin weak metal were used to ‘prevent’ drop off. Today, innovative engineering has developed more effective solutions such as safety barriers and impactable dock doors.

  • What do impactable dock doors have to do with preventing driving or falling off a dock? Well because they have been specially designed to withstand damage caused by fork lift impacts to the door panels and track, it means they keep working and the doorway can be fully closed when not in use.
  • In situations where the door needs to be open, ventilation in warmer climates for example, a steel or fiberglass impact barrier is a great solution. The APS Dock Impact Barrier: is a lower impact barrier bar, constructed of 9/16"-thick steel cable inside a flexible fiberglass rail, capable of stopping a 10,000 lb fork truck moving at 4 mph.  It also prevents pedestrian traffic from getting too close to the edge of the dock

It is always worth your while to ensure that each loading dock has the proper protection. Wall opening and holes such as dock doorways should be protected as advised in the OSHA regulation 1910.23(b). Remember, a chain doesn’t cut it!

The all too familiar slips, trips and falls.

The frustrating thing with slips, trips and falls is that many times these occurrences are easy to prevent. In 2008 and 2009, 10,000 employees suffered an injury as a result of slipping, tripping or falling in one way or another. One sure way to increase the probability of accidents caused by slips, trips or falls is slick, wet floors. Add forklift traffic and moving product, and you have quite the recipe for disaster on your hands.

Keeping floors dry has got to be a top priority at the loading dock, no matter what the elements suggest, you must ensure that your floors are dry and safe for workers. Thankfully, products are readily available to help you achieve this objective. Here are a few product solutions that can be installed at your loading dock to help keep slips at bay.

 

  • Dock Seals & Shelters are fabric structures mounted on the exterior of the building around the top and sides of the loading dock door opening that are designed to seal out the elements and prevent energy loss.  Snow, sleet, rain and condensation build up can prove challenging, however, by providing an effective barrier against the elements you can keep your dock safe and dry.
  • Serco's DryDock®: Rain Sealing System is specifically designed to keep external moisture out of the loading/unloading area. This system mounts over a dock seal or shelter and literally wipes the water off the top of the trailer as it backs into position with its unique “wiper” pad design. 
  • HVLS fans: These fans are all about the efficient movement of air. Long gone are the energy guzzling ways of the past. The blades of these large HVLS fans such as Kelley's FUSION™ fan produce a massive column of air that the flows down toward the floor and outward in all directions before drawing it back vertically toward the blades, creating what is known as the horizontal floor jet. The floor jet produces improved circulation and many other benefits such as minimizing floor condensation, keeping areas drier and safer.

Trailer creep.

While a moving trailer is a good thing, indicative of demand and a fully functioning supply chain, trailer creep is not. OSHA requires the use of preventative measures such as restraints while using trailers for loading and offloading. The problem you will find is some of the methods used to restrain a vehicle, such as rubber wheel chocks, are just not capable of preventing a massive semi from moving when it is not supposed to. In the event that a truck should creep away from the dock or prematurely depart from the loading dock, it is possible that the forklift will plunge onto the ground below causing serious, sometimes fatal, accidents. To ensure safety measures are in place at all times, we recommend equipping your dock with reliable powered vehicle restraints and LED light communication systems.

  • Powered Vehicle Restraints: The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29CFR 910.178(k)(1) stipulates that all trucks must be restrained throughout loading and unloading operations. The safest solution is to make the trailer an extension of the facility by effectively anchoring or restraining the trailer in place with a mechanical or powered vehicle restraining system that engages the rear impact guard or the rear wheels of the trailer. Kelley and Serco have a variety of models designed to do just that.
  • LED Communication Lights: Kelley and Serco powered restraints are all standard with LED communication lights on the interior control panel and exterior wall.  These light communication systems provide visual confirmation of dock status for dock workers and truck drivers using green/amber/red flashing lights on the interior control panel and on the exterior building wall. These communication lights can make all the difference in preventing trucks from pulling away from the loading dock prematurely and causing a forklift to drive off the dock, resulting in serious injury.  Another solution for applications not using vehicle restraints, the APS & Go LED communication light system is a great solution to provide that same visual confirmation of dock status. These communication lights can make all the difference in preventing trucks from pulling away too early from the loading dock and causing an accident. 
For more ways to increase safety at the loading dock, contact one of our Loading Dock Specialists today at 877-778-DOCK (3625) or request more information by clicking here.

Get Thrifty and Nifty at the Loading Dock

 

Energy savings is a top consideration for commercial and industrial businesses. Maybe this is because these entities are the biggest consumers of energy, gobbling up an astonishing 49 percent (49%) of energy in 2009. It’s no doubt that energy saving is in everyone’s interest. A recent blog post on Discovery.com cited a report from The Energy Information Administration, estimating a potential savings of $20 billion yearly should industrial and commercial business increase their energy efficiency by just 10 percent.

Who turned the lights out?
LED Dock Light

You might want to thank them, especially if you’re referring to the energy-guzzling incandescent
kind. LED lights are paving the way to a carbon-reducing, energy-saving future. The High Impact LED™ Dock Light from APS Resource delivers maximum light output and only uses 18 watts. It’s the best way for you to quickly yet efficiently up the ante on energy savings at the loading dock today. It boasts a super durable exterior, capable of withstanding the rough life on the loading dock and you won’t have to replace this lamp as often either, its runs for up to 60,000 hours.

Time to pull out that ‘Little Black Book’.

No, we’re not telling you to call-up an ex. Rather; we’re advising that it’s time to assess the energy offenders at your facility. Make a list of all of your outdated products and analyze how much energy is seeping out your doors. Doors, in fact, are a great place to start where energy-savings is concerned. Our TKO Dock Door Specialists have the tools necessary to perform a high-tech energy analysis of your warehouse doors.

TKO Energy Efficiency Analysis
Each Energy Efficiency Analysis entails:

  • A statistical review of energy loss at a door opening
  • Thermal imaging to confirm gaps and energy loss
  • Site-specific energy loss calculations and documentation using our exclusive Energy Calculator
  • Recommendations for service and/or replacement dock door equipment

Nip energy loss in the bud.

You might not factor maintenance in as a cause for energy loss. Consider this: the standard
method for performing maintenance has been based on a time table. Say, something like, every
4SIGHT Loading Dock and Yard Management Software three months we check our dock leveler or every six months we look at oil levels in hydraulic equipment. Now imagine having an automated system in place whereby your maintenance schedule is based on needs verses calendar dates. What I mean by ‘need’ is usage. The 4SIGHT™ dock management system gives you the means to setup reports for each dock, a report or notification email, can be setup to go out when a dock and its equipment is near or reaching a certain threshold of usage. This usage report then signals that it may be time for a servicing. This feature saves time as it is automating a process, its saves on cost when you keep on top of servicing’s and it saves you on wasted labor. With 4SIGHT you only service what needs to be serviced not what your calendar tells you to service.

Get on it, get nifty and thrifty at the loading dock, achieve an energy efficient warehouse and watch the benefits roll in!

For more ways to save energy at the loading dock, contact one of our Loading Dock Specialists today at 877-778-DOCK (3625) or request more information by clicking here.


4SIGHT Protects Ivy League’s Museum with Increased Security

 

Art –“Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse.

Unfortunately nowadays, it’s not only artists who are creative, thieves are exceptionally creative with the various ways they can break through security. Bottom line, if you want to protect your commodity you must increase your security measures.

Show us the challenge at the loading dock and we can show you a solution – we’ve done it for plenty of other customers. Take for example a recent case where one of our customers, a well-known Ivy League university in Massachusetts, called us to increase security levels at their loading dock.

Nifty thieves.

The university added a new art museum to the campus. The museum needed to have reliable
4SIGHT Yard and Dock Management and efficient security systems in place to protect the priceless pieces of art coming on and off trucks at the museum's loading dock. Before finding 4SIGHT and calling our team, the university worked with a security company to install measures such as cameras and standard door open sensors. The only problem was these methods had no control or scope over the loading dock equipment. As thieves seem to be getting smarter and even more effective at stealing, our security systems need to be even sharper. Preventing use of loading dock equipment unless authorized is a major step in securing any facility.

Too often the loading dock is not an area of high security, even where high value product is concerned – the paradox of the loading dock. The 4SIGHT team is fully aware of this and knows that this is a targeted area where thieves can gain entry to your facility and get away with millions of dollars of product depending on the commodity.

The perfect palette.

4SIGHT offers you the ideal palette, it uses technology to provide facilities with increased visibility, productivity and security in their yard, loading dock and warehouse to prevent thefts. This system comprises a variety of “modules” depending on your needs, such as yard management with real-time RFID and GPS information, a dock management module for increased efficiency, asset tracking, door monitoring or a tailored solution for your unique application.

The clear objective for the university and the 4SIGHT team was to create a secure loading dock area. In order to achieve extensive security at the loading dock, all equipment was wired and interlocked with the loading dock leveler, the truck dock lift and powered dock door controls. The controls were integrated together in one master control panel. A biometric scanner was added to this master control panel so only those with authorized finger prints could operate the equipment.

Manage your masterpiece.

This 4SIGHT design gives the university thorough control of the loading dock equipment for consistently high security and control. 

4SIGHT is just one of those really capable products that can be tailored to meet just about any application no matter how complex. The 4SIGHT team is available to visit with you and demonstrate just how capable this tool actually is. Call 866.691.1377 or email info@4SIGHTsolution.com  to setup a free demo today

5 Dock Leveler Maintenance Tips – Revisited

 

A while back we wrote a very popular blog offering some dock leveler maintenance tips and given the success we decided to revisit this subject once again. Take a look at these helpful tips for maintaining your dock leveler:

Sometimes overlooked on maintenance schedules, the loading dock and the dock leveler in5 Tips for Dock Leveler Maintenance particular ought to be included in loading dock maintenance plans.  From a mechanical dock leveler to a vertical storing dock leveler, these tips are sure to help you get your dock leveler bridging the gap and moving your product from the trailer to the warehouse without any interference.

  • Operation: Every now and then do a dock leveler raise test, raise the leveler to full height and make sure it does so smoothly. Are there any springs or binding that might need to be adjusted? Check all of the dock level supports and tug on chains to be certain they’re in safe working order.
  • Fluid Levels: Hydraulic dock levelers call for the occasional fluid check. Perform this check with the dock leveler resting and the lip pendant. Every year, you will need to drain, flush and change the hydraulic oil.
  • Lubrication: Again, a 90 day check is required on all pivot points, pins and hinge tubes on your leveler, during this check you should also lubricate.  Refer to your owner’s manual for exact lubrication points and types.
  • Cleaning: Loading docks get dirty, it’s a given. If you have a pit-style dock leveler you know just how dirty!  Sweeping will help to clean the dock leveler pit and surrounding areas, we suggest doing this every 3 months.  The higher the loading dock traffic the more frequent the sweeping.
  • Visual Inspection: It is a good habit to visually inspect your dock leveler every 90 days. Look for any noticeable signs of wear and tear. Also, peek at any warning labels and ensure that they are still attached to the dock leveler. Bumpers generally wear down over time, so have a look at these and check whether or not you have the recommended 4” of dock bumper remaining. Some dock levelers are welded into place; check these welds to see how they’re holding up.

 

While these tips are here to help, as always we advise you to refer to your owner’s manual for additional and more specific information. Take good care of your dock leveler and plan your dock leveler maintenance today.

If this sounds like too much work, let someone else do it for you: Planned Maintenance Program 

Contact your local distributor for more information 877-778-DOCK (3625) or to set up a planned maintenance program for your dock. 

 

We’re now 4Front Entrematic!

 

If you’ve heard anything about our new name, you’re probably wondering “what exactly does it mean?” It all started back in December 2012 when ASSA ABLOY acquired 4Front Engineered Solutions, Inc.  Following that acquisition 4Front Engineered Solutions was strategically placed into the ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems division and grouped under ASSA’s recently launched brand Entrematic.  As a result, we were renamed 4Front Entrematic. The name ‘Entrematic’ will also be added to leading brands Kelley® and Serco®.

4Front EntrematicThe new name 4Front Entrematic marks exciting times ahead as 4Front joins an exceptional team of specialists. The Entrematic team aggregates nearly 200 years of experience in entrance solutions into a comprehensive offer. 4Front will continue to maintain its position as an industry leader by combining a clear focus on customers’ needs with innovation, automation and attention to detail.

As Juan Vargues, President of Entrematic said, “4Front’s solid market position, excellent products and experienced team make it a powerful addition to our growing portfolio of products and to our presence in North America.”

The aim of Entrematic is clear, to offer customers a greater range of products and greater opportunities. 4Front’s core values, in addition to the inherent value of its brands, place it and Entrematic at the forefront of the industry. 

For more information on the new 4Front Entrematic name please see our website and tune into our social media channels, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin

 

4Sight Yard and Dock Management Tailored to your Needs

 

Automation talk is on. In the material handling field, distribution centers and supply chain managers are hot on the tails of the latest and greatest YMS or WMS software. People want only top shelf systems to optimize key areas through automation. The problem with ‘hot’ products is everyone wants a piece and so you find multiple companies jumping for their 15 minutes of fame. Not to worry, we’re here to clear up the smoke and lay the facts down on the table. 4SIGHT Yard and Dock Management System works to collect data through the combined use of RFID, GPS and sensor technologies. When it comes to managing your facility, your operation deserves the best yard and dock management system available.

Read on to find out what you ought to know about yard and dock management software. Become a pro at identifying which system is better suited to your specific application and needs.

4SIGHT Yard and Dock Management System

One size fits all.

One size fits all, in a word, no. Particularly when it comes to software needs, one size does not fit all. In fact, when it comes to software packages you will find that it takes many, many varieties before you find the right supply chain software.

Lean on a trusted friend.

When it comes to optimizing your yard and dock system, trust a resource that truly understands the industry. Not merely a trendy .com company but a company that develops not only the software but has more than 60 years’ experience engineering dock levelers, dock doors and other equipment used on a daily basis in the material handling world.

Never say never.

Evolving with the customer, creating more and more solutions per application is the center of 4SIGHT. Take a quick look at some of the areas 4SIGHT has focused over the years:

  • iPhone / Mobile Interface (4SIGHT is technically driven, yet simple and convenient to use.)
  • Cold Storage Integrity (4SIGHT can be tailored to even the most sensitive applications.)
  • Yard Jockey Coordination (Reel in problem areas through efficient automation.)
  • Yard Management (4SIGHT puts the control back into your hands with added visibility.)

Leveraging technology with years of engineering experience.

4SIGHT yard and dock management software didn’t just pop up overnight. It is the result of industry experts and exceptional developers coming together to meet the unique demands of even the most sensitive applications.

Some key features of 4SIGHT that can be tailored to your needs:

  • 4SIGHT can be integrated fully with your loading dock equipment. 
  • By utilizing the latest sensor technology (RFID and GPS) this system guarantees that your loading dock and yard are prepared for demand shifts.
  • Maintenance is based on actual usage as opposed to a traditional time-based schedule.
  • Data is collected and displayed in real-time through a user-friendly tailored interface.

Contact a 4SIGHT expert today 866.691.1377 or info@4SIGHTsolution.com and discover the ways in which this system can be tailored to your specific needs. 

Keep Warehouse Security in the Right Hands

 

When you think of a big-time heist, armed robbers getting away with thousands or millions of dollars, rarely do you think of cigarettes, perfume or maple syrup. Perhaps, jewelry, diamonds or even pricey electronics sound more like it? The reality is, when it comes to a burglary that occurs at a warehouse lacking in security, thieves can take enough 30 dollar bottles of perfume or empty enough drums of maple syrup to rack up quite a steal. 4SIGHT addresses security concerns while decreasing inefficiencies in the yard and at the dock.

According to a crime report by The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in 2011, two brothers from New Jersey robbed a Carlstadt, N.J., perfume warehouse in which approximately $500,000 in perfume was stolen. Prior to this, in January 2010, the two brothers made away with $8 million worth of cigarettes after robbing a warehouse in East Peoria, Illinois.

F.B.I. records also report that later the same year, in March, these brothers would play an integral role in what has been termed as the largest pharmaceutical heist in U.S. history.  For many warehouse owners the March 2010 break-in of the warehouse in Enfield, Connecticut, marked the realization that better security systems were needed. If a group of 11 thieves could purchase supplies at Home Depot and use these tools to steal $80 million worth of drugs, clearly security measures need to be reevaluated.

In December 2012, The New York Times reported a very different warehouse burglary. This time the commodity was even more unusual. Authorities in Quebec, Canada, worked diligently in an attempt to recover $18 million worth of valuable Canadian maple syrup that was stolen from Global Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve. By renting another portion of the warehouse for an unrelated business, thieves were able to drive large trucks into the building without causing alarm. Over time, they loaded up enough trucks to make away with 16,000 drums of maple syrup. 

The unfortunate variable that connects each of these burglaries is lack of adequate security systems.

One solution to increase warehouse security is through technology. Installing a system that4Sight monitors your yard and dock in real-time is a superb way to sharpen visibility and ensure high security. By using RFID and GPS, 4SIGHT Yard and Dock Management System can decrease inefficiencies in the yard and keep an eye on the goings-on at the dock. This intelligent software integrates with dock equipment through a network of sensors, providing a deeper layer of control.

Imagine having the ability to remotely close all dock doors from a single location. With a system such as this you have that control. You can also lock out dock equipment and allow only authorized personnel to enter the dock at any given time with biometrics such as fingerprint identification. Additionally, should an alarm at your warehouse go-off, this system is capable of recognizing whether or not it is a security breach or regular operations. This feature alone saves time and money on costs associated with investigating false alarms.

Simply put, a yard and dock management system helps to keep your warehouse and product secure, and in the right hands.

Increase security today and reap the benefits of a far more efficient loading dock and yard. Contact a 4SIGHT expert at 866.691.1377 or click here to schedule a live demo please.

Is it time to put your loading dock on an energy diet?

 

How big is your facility’s carbon footprint? If this question makes you shudder, chances are you may be in dire need of a loading dock diet. Thankfully, there are an abundance of effective remedies and diet plans available. Reducing energy use has never been easier. Choosing smart dock equipment increases loading dock energy efficiency and energy-savings.

Slim light Diet.

The Slim Light Diet replaces energy guzzling halogen dock lights with LED lamps that provideAPS E-Saver LED greater illumination, longer lamp life and are low in energy calories. Get your warehouse into shape with the Slim Light Diet and watch the pounds decrease off your energy bill and increase in your wallet.

  • The APS E-Saver™ LED Replacement Lamp will save significant amounts of energy with a rapid return on investment.

South Beach Door Diet.

What dock door can withstand Florida’s tropical weather and increase energy-savings at your warehouse?

  • TKO Dock Doors offers the CruiserWeight® Door with Wind Load Package. This door received Florida building-code approval as well as the industry’s first Notice of Approval from Miami-Dade County for hurricane-susceptible areas and high windload environments.

Able to withstand pressures of +52 and -67.5 pounds per square foot, this TKO door features damage-resistant, knock-out capable, polycarbonate interior skins, full height Impact-A-Track, slide locks and lock-out pins attached to the tracks to secure the door during high-wind and retractable plungers in lieu of roller wheels.

Dock Watchers Diet.

describe the imageKelley knows how to ‘watch’ and decrease your carbon footprint with eco-friendly dock equipment. One of the longest running and most successful loading dock manufacturers, Kelley engineered the first dock leveler in 1953. Today Kelley presents an entire portfolio of levelers to meet your specific needs.

  • aFX® Air-Powered Dock Leveler is based on the age-old, tried-and-true method of customer satisfaction, kick start energy savings at your loading dock by installing a more sustainable dock leveler.

This leveler offers safe, powered performance at a cost comparable to mechanical dock levelers, the aFX dock leveler also features airDefense® which eliminates stump-out and provides a measure of free-fall protection.

As with any diet, results take time and commitment. Loading dock energy efficiency is a top priority and is deeply rooted at the core of any sustainable supply chain. Reduce energy use at the loading dock today.

Discover more ways to kick start your energy-savings today, click or call one of our energy-efficient experts at: 877-778-DOCK (3625)
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