Choose Docks and Doors that Fit Your Warehouse Needs

Mar 30, 2017

Choose Docks and Doors that Fit Your Warehouse Needs

Choose Docks and Doors that Fit Your Warehouse Needs. Designing and building a warehouse means accounting for every practical function your workforce will undertake. You’ll need to think in terms of maximum space efficiency because that has a direct link to profitability. The type of loading docks and doors will need to mesh with the type of shipping and delivery vehicles you expect. You may also find a few customers with non-commercial vehicles that are important to your bottom line. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional loading dock contractor. At Benco Industrial Equipment, our professionals are available to discuss a loading dock system and doors that make sense for your warehouse and business.

Loading Dock Choices

Making a decision about loading docks should be driven by the type of trucks and products shipped and received. For instance, if you’re designing a liquor warehouse, you can expect most delivers from tractor trailers and most shipping to be done by box trucks. For that type of operation, a flush dock with a 4-inch bumper can handle the bumps and bruises from frequent contact. A flush dock is a direct-load setup with a small gap of a foot or so between the warehouse and truck doors.

If the operation handles more delicate goods such as paper products or produce, you may want to consider an enclosed dock. Enclosed docks generally use a loading platform with an extended roof that protects the vehicle and goods from the elements when unloading and loading. A similar type is the open dock that has an overhang protecting only the loading platform.

Other factors to consider when creating your loading dock system is maneuverability. If you have a large open yard, then a straight-line dock shouldn’t be an issue. Complexes with limited outdoor space sometimes use a saw tooth dock system. Sawtooths have trucks back in at an angle. It looks a bit tight and awkward, but you can arrange it in a way that drivers can exit with a more direct route to the roadway. On the other hand, they are a less efficient use of overall dock space.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you may want to designate a single dock for small vans that can be hand loaded while standing on the ground. You will come across those non-commercial vehicles from time to time.

Warehouse Door Basics

There are many different styles of doors that are made to meet a variety of warehouses. Perhaps the simplest question to start with is, powered or manual?

  • Manual:  These are generally sectional doors that glide up on rails and workers can raise and lower them with a handle or attached rope. The benefits are that they are less expensive and require less maintenance than powered doors. The drawback is the bending, lifting and closing. Back injuries can occur from this type of awkward lifting.
  • Powered Doors:  Powered doors can be sectionals or those that roll up at the top. They usually have a mounted panel with red and green buttons. The benefits are the ease and lack of physical exertion. The drawbacks are that these models are more expensive and will require routine service.

A key factor to consider is how often will those doors be opening and closing. If you expect high traffic or periods of rigorous use, powered may be the way to go.

At Benco Industrial Equipment, we take great pride in working with people to create and maintain an effective, efficient loading dock systems and warehouses. As a dock and door dealer, we can also help you with installation and service to keep your warehouse operating smoothly.

Common Hazards in Your Warehouse (And How to Avoid Them)

08 Apr, 2024
Warehouses are the backbone of many industries, storing and distributing goods to keep the economy moving. However, behind the scenes of this logistical hub lurk various hazards that can pose severe risks to employees and property. Let's investigate some of the most common warehouse hazards and explore proactive mitigation strategies. Slips/Trips/Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent hazards in warehouse spaces. Spills, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can easily lead to accidents if not adequately addressed. To prevent such incidents, warehouses should prioritize proper housekeeping, including regular cleaning and maintenance of floors. Additionally, using signage to highlight potential hazards and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the facility can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Fires Flammable materials and electrical equipment in warehouses make them susceptible to fires. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustible materials, and lack of fire suppression systems can all contribute to the risk of fire outbreaks. Implementing preventive measures such as regular equipment maintenance, proper storage protocols for flammable materials, and employee training on fire safety procedures are crucial in mitigating this hazard. Harmful Substances Warehouses often house various chemicals and hazardous substances, which can pose risks to employees' health if not handled properly. Exposure to harmful substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems. To mitigate this hazard, warehouses should properly store and label hazardous materials, provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure adequate ventilation systems, and conduct regular training on safe handling procedures. Falling Objects With shelves stacked high with merchandise, falling objects present a significant hazard in warehouses. Poorly secured storage systems, improper stacking of items, and inadequate safety measures can all increase the risk of objects falling and causing injury. Warehouses can minimize this risk by adequately securing shelves and storage systems, using barriers or guardrails to prevent objects from falling, and conducting regular inspections of overhead storage areas. Overexertion The physical demands of warehouse work can lead to overexertion injuries if employees lack adequate training or don't perform tasks ergonomically. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions can all contribute to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. To prevent such injuries, warehouses should provide comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, encourage the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce strain on employees' bodies.

Common Inventory Management Mistakes

08 Mar, 2024
Effective inventory management practices influence the success of each warehouse, the supply chain, and the business at large. Inventory management involves many moving parts and elements – everything from the product catalog to the warehouse space to tracked KPIs. Experienced warehouse managers know that no matter how fool-proof your inventory management systems are, there’s always room to improve and prepare for unexpected circumstances. Let’s discuss common inventory management mistakes (and what to do instead). Overstocking or Understocking One of the most prevalent inventory management mistakes is maintaining too much or too little inventory. Overstocking ties up valuable capital and warehouse space, leading to increased carrying costs and a higher risk of obsolescence. On the other hand, understocking can result in stockouts, backorders, and dissatisfied customers. Businesses should leverage historical sales data, market trends, and advanced forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting Businesses are prone to making costly inventory planning errors without precise demand forecasting. Relying on outdated data or flawed forecasting methods can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By utilizing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, businesses can better anticipate shifts in demand, seasonal fluctuations, and emerging trends, allowing for more informed inventory decisions and improved responsiveness to customer needs. Lack of Inventory Visibility Poor visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations or channels can result in operational inefficiencies and errors. Without real-time data on stock levels and movement, businesses may struggle to fulfill orders on time, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Implementing integrated inventory management systems that provide comprehensive visibility into inventory across the supply chain can help businesses optimize inventory allocation, reduce stockouts, and improve overall operational performance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts

By Denis Benden • 08 Feb, 2024
Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. It directly impacts productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational success. Effective material handling ensures that goods are moved, stored, and transported in a streamlined and organized manner, minimizing delays, damages, and errors. Electric forklifts play a significant role in effective material handling, transforming the […] The post A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts appeared first on Benco Industrial Equipment.
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