Cross Docking Logistics Improved With Mobility

Published on
April 6, 2023

Make Cross Docking Facilities More Efficient by Mobilizing Technology to the Point of Task

Mobilizing technology to the point of task is a cost effective solution for cross docking providers. It delivers immediate results for productivity, is simple to implement, and helps improve employee retention.

Cross Docking: A Solution to Supply Chain Woes

For decades, cross docking has played a major role in keeping the supply chain moving and speeding up delivery times. Cross docking operations have been particularly important for warehouses and major chains running less than a truckload (LTL) shipments, which are becoming more common as customers expect faster and more convenient deliveries.Now, suppliers and manufacturers are utilizing cross docking logistics providers more than ever in order to speed up shipping times and keep up with increasing demand. As a result, providers are evaluating new ways to manage increased velocity and supply chain networks that continue to grow more complicated.

Improved Processes Relieve Supply Chain Pressure

The pandemic brought with it a stark realization that further progress is needed in order to keep the transportation and logistics (T&L) sector running smoothly. Service expectations and supply chain pressure increase continuously, labor shortages wear on, and logistics networks get more and more complex. Meanwhile, the fastest, most efficient suppliers win the majority of new business.As supply chain pressure increases, it’s vital to facilitate a leaner, more streamlined cross docking logistics process to ensure on-time deliveries, accurate order fulfillment, and supplier confidence. Implementing automations is a popular solution to many challenges cross docking facilities face. However, there are still multiple procedures that require human involvement. Additionally, not every facility is prepared to bear the expense of fully automating its processes.

Mobilizing Technology Advances Cross Docking Logistics

Mobilizing technology to the point of task is a complementary solution that helps cross docking providers improve customer service, eliminate waste in their operations, and increase employee satisfaction. Mobilization makes it easier to apply the human element to existing automation processes where necessary, and it may be a cost-effective alternative to other, more expensive automation solutions.

Improve Customer Service

Cross docking logistics providers strive to deliver superior customer service through accuracy and speed. Because of the nature of cross docking operations (tight timetables, speed of loading and unloading incoming and outgoing shipments, etc.), quality service requires careful attention to detail.Mobilized workstations help keep things organized, accurate, and speedy by reducing the physical distance and time involved in processing, sorting, picking, and packing. Additionally, items can be processed as they come off the truck, making it easier and faster to load them directly onto the next truck. This eliminates excess material handling, and it reduces inventory loss and errors.[dt_divider style="thick" /]

Ready to discover mobility tools to make your cross docking logistics operations more efficient? Download our Industrial PowerStation Catalog today!

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Eliminate Motion Waste for Leaner Logistics Operations

Increased motion waste leads to longer dwell times. Spreading tools and technology throughout a cross docking facility and running a makeshift power supply creates a disorganized, hazardous work environment.Fixed workstations increase motion waste by forcing workers to walk back and forth between the point of task and the designated workstation for processing, sorting, and label printing. Even more time and steps are wasted when there is a different workstation for each task.A mobilized, self-powered sorting and assembly workstation allows employees to carry their tools with them and manage all processing activities right at the point of task. Workstations can be customized with various bins for sorting, attachments for assembly tools, and a dependable power supply to support on-the-spot scanning, computing, and printing tasks as well.

Better Employee Satisfaction

Though the labor shortage that began in 2020 is easing up, the problem highlighted some of the most important factors in employee retention. Cross docking logistics providers face special challenges in improving the work environment and company culture due to a high pressure environment with tight scheduling.However, keeping workers safe, providing tools that reduce fatigue, and making it easier to successfully complete assignments goes a long way toward improving employee satisfaction. Industrial workstations help employees get their work done with more confidence and fewer steps. Furthermore, workstations that are ergonomically designed and easily maneuvered reduce repetitive motions and may help prevent strain and overuse injuries.

DTG Mobile Workstations Support Improved Docking Operations

Cross docking is on the rise as the need for faster and more dependable supply chain operations grows, and cross docking velocity is constantly increasing. Operations are becoming more complicated, but additional labor is not always available to smooth out the workflow.Mobilizing technology to the point of task is an important solution to improve customer service, reduce waste, and increase worker satisfaction. Implementing workstations designed to power and support picking, packing, assembly, scanning, and labeling all in one mobile solution, streamlines operations and increases fulfillment speed.DTG’s workstations facilitate leaner operations with their dependable, safe, battery power and ergonomic design. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry is the safest on the market today, and the hot-swappable, interchangeable advanced battery system provides 100% uptime to manage the most strenuous schedules.[dt_divider style="thick" /]Contact us today to discover how a fleet of custom DTG workstations can take your logistics operations to a new level!