With the advent of technology, automation has left a lasting impact on almost every industry. Especially the ones where a lot of physical effort is required. The logistics sector is not untouched by this new wave of automated tech, and is now using it to its benefit.
Automatic loading and unloading system are tools and machinery that handle cargo by utilizing varied types of conveyors, docks, drives, rollers etc. It generally has two parts- the one inside the trailer and the other is inside the dock.
Examples of some commonly used automatic loading and unloading systems are moving floor system, trailer skates, boom conveyors etc.
The idea of this whole system consists of a loading plate that moves, and can easily slide within the container space and permit only one entry or exit. Through this, the loading and unloading of merchandise are done inside or outside of the container.
The whole platform can easily support a heavy load, and is run by a hydraulic motor provided with clamps that keeps the structure in position at the time of loading and unloading. Such systems may also have a control system that operates on-site or through remote control and a gate to make sure a reliable goods movement and the container door to close perfectly.
It can be incorporated into warehouse management systems, production sectors and automated/guided vehicles to automate the entire process
Some advantages of such systems:
- Removes the cost of using forklift fleet: The forklift fleets are very costly to buy and the required maintenance, as well as the operation cost, are also very significant. The vehicles also depreciate in value and will be replaced with less resale value. A good alternative is to invest in an automated infrastructure that replaces the requirement of a fleet of forklifts needs very less maintenance
- Helps in optimizing human resources and decrease the labour cost: The automatic loading and unloading system removes double handling of materials and so needs very less human involvement for running. This allows deploying human resources in other valuable work.
- No charges for demurrage: Demurrage charge refers to the charge that is incurred when the warehouse logistics operators stay for extra time than allocated by the supplier for unloading a container delivery. With the increasing frequency of warehouse deliveries in the present-day global economy, increased demurrage charges are also a cause for concern.
- Enhances safety: Forklifts can be dangerous and its removal will enhance workplace safety. The extra movement of goods along with reordering within a container can also be avoided. So, there is less risk of product damage. With this, there are reduced customer claims, devolutions of bad quality of the product as well as reworking.
- Working space is used better: The cargo space is used 100%, eliminating the intermediate and spreading merchandise warehouse storage surrounding the loading dock. When unloading is done, the plate of the automatic system leaves everything in one small place. This increases the availability of space in cases like unexpected dispatches.
Thus we can say automatic loading and unloading system is quite essential as well as an efficient system because of its various benefits that are counted in terms of quality, economics, efficiency and time.
Aaj Enterprises
