Every warehouse and factory uses loading dock equipment to load and unload the items. This equipment is important to reduce the workforce needed and time of operation. But the idea of using the same products for ages needs to be changed. Older equipment doesn’t have the functions, durability, and specs you need to improve your company’s productivity. They are also hard to operate and often need great experience and training to use them.
New upgraded loading dock equipment can make things easier for the users. They are easy to operate and come with lots of automatic features. Read further to learn when you should not wait and get new products from the market.
Why Upgrade Loading Dock Equipment?
Upgrading your loading dock equipment is essential to achieve efficiency and safety. Wondering how? Let’s discuss how upgrading can make a significant difference.
Loading Dock Equipment Safety
Experts suggest that most injuries occur near or at the loading dock in most industrial facilities and warehouses. The most important thing that any company needs to do is to provide a safer working environment. Trailer and dock separations can cause deadly falls, usually due to inferior or lack of trailer restraints.
On the other hand, an uneven leveler or dock plate connecting the trailer with the forklifts can cause a rough ride, called dock shock. The dock shock can lead to several issues, such as chronic to acute injuries to workers. It can also damage cargo and forklifts that will require expensive repair.
Here are some solutions to get a safer loading dock.
- Carefully and slowly drive forklifts to dock plates
- Fix dock plates and inspect that they safely support, then load
- Gives visual workings near dock edges
- Keep dock edges clear
You can also upgrade your loading dock equipment to eliminate risks. The most important aspect of upgrading is light communication devices, vehicle restraints, and loading dock levelers. Just make sure to look for quality and modern equipment that make the process seamless for you and reduce the risks of injuries.
Loading Dock Equipment Efficiency
Another reason to upgrade your loading dock is the goal of every warehouse and factory, i.e., efficiency. Your productivity and efficiency will eventually increase when you have advanced loading equipment with plenty of new features. The time of loading and unloading will drastically cut downs.
Upgrading the equipment will offer more control over the loading and unloading process. It reduces the requirement of great labor to complete the process safely. If you choose high-tech equipment, it will offer you excellent communication between operators on forklifts and at docks. As a result, you will enjoy a streamlined process that requires less time and energy. Since the workers will be able to work quickly, you can expect to achieve your daily targets in less time.
Note that companies that use advanced technologies have become popular in the market. Employees prefer to work with warehouses and factories that make work easier for them. Since work becomes less challenging with advanced equipment, your company becomes the best place for workers in the industry.
Get Your Fast and Free Garage Door Estimate.
No Obligations. Residential or Commercial.
Is it time to replace Loading Dock Equipment?
Investing in quality and advanced loading dock equipment is always a good idea. Upgrading your tools and equipment allows you to cut energy bills, reduce workplace injuries, make work fun and easier, and lower total operation time. Wondering when you need to replace your old equipment? Here is some reason to replace them.
Outdated Levelers
If you notice the following problems in your leveler, upgrading them is better.
- Your current levelers or dock plates are lifting
- The top lip or dock started to bend or wrap
- Leveler springs and welds are worn
The mentioned problems can worsen over time and result in costly repairs or injuries. So, if you notice any issues, start looking for quality equipment.
Expanding of Facility
If you are planning to move to a new facility to expand your business, you need to consider whether it’s a good idea to relocate your equipment. Transporting the equipment to a new place is not easy. The process can damage them, causing cracks or scratches. Also, there are risks that your current loading dock equipment might not get fixed appropriately to the new place. They can be either smaller or bigger for your new place.
If you are planning to take equipment with you, you must consider installing the same system in the new place. You must install an electrical control panel and communication system in your new facility. Ask yourself if it is better to upgrade the entire system that can offer productivity and efficiency or keep the same system for a couple of decades.
Integration
Cutting-edge technology has greatly improved recently, especially in loading dock safety technology. The newer products in the market allow integration systems. You can connect more than two systems to create a seamless loading and unloading process.
With integration, you can also ensure the safety of the workers, equipment, and other things. While the older products stand alone, new products can be used with different products. The best part is that integrating more than two pieces of equipment is not difficult. You must learn to adjust settings to benefit from your equipment’s functions.
Bottom Line
Have you decided to install new loading dock equipment in your faculty? Good for you! Looking for experts to help you in this case? We are here to help you. At Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay, we ensure to meet the requirements while installing the equipment. We are a highly skilled and experienced team of experts who can guide you to choose the best products based on your needs and preferences and help you install them. So, don’t wait and contact us at 813-885-3667.
