Integrating the Loading Process for 100% End-of-Line Automation

Despite acknowledging the need for end-of-line automation, many manufacturers are yet to unlock its full potential.

Stubborn organisational silos – both within the company and in partnerships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers – can prevent the automation of important cross-functional processes, such as the loading and unloading of trailers. The challenge lies in creating a seamless operation that maximises the return on technology investments while leveraging the valuable (and scarce) specialist expertise of employees.

Our Sales Director, Wouter Satijn, says companies can overcome silos in the loading bay while ‘keeping their aces in the right places’.

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loading automation

Automation in the factory is no longer a futuristic concept. Automating processes such as picking, packing, and handling of raw materials has demonstrated sizeable gains in efficiency and accuracy, which companies are now looking to achieve at every stage of their supply chain as part of one seamless workflow. End-of-line is no exception. Automating end-of-line processes ensures finished products are delivered into the distribution channel efficiently and cost-effectively. Yet, one crucial stage of this is often overlooked: the loading process.

Efficiently loading and unloading goods from trailers can lead to faster, safer, and more reliable transportation between factories and warehouses or distribution centres. However, while a range of loading solutions exist to complete end-of-line automation, many companies have yet to implement them. Loading areas represent a convergence point between production, warehouse, and transportation: a greater focus on cross-functional collaboration would help companies – and their employees – identify and maximise the benefits of supply chain automation.

end-to-end automation

One of the main reasons for supply chain automation is to achieve a more interconnected operation. The warehouse must be connected to the factory, and this integrated system must extend to seamless loading of products onto the trailers. This requires not only physical automation but also the digitalisation of the entire factory and warehouse to ensure comprehensive monitoring. Extending automation to the loading process is an integral part of this, as it is the touch point between the factory, trailer, and warehouse.

Introducing automation to the loading and/or unloading process significantly reduces loading times, allowing for quicker turnaround and increased throughput. Automated loading systems minimise human error, ensuring that products are loaded correctly and efficiently while improving overall workplace safety, all of which can translate into significant cost and resource savings.

However, realising these benefits requires multiple functions to collaborate on implementing shared processes and technologies. For example, production and warehouse teams must work together to integrate automated solutions throughout the supply chain. After all, a company undermines the benefits of an automated factory if a fleet of forklift trucks is still needed to load products onto trailers manually.

The trouble is that creating cross-functional teams can be met with resistance, perpetuating stubborn silos that can hinder growth.

overcoming silos

Cross-functional collaboration can be difficult to achieve for several reasons. If not managed correctly, sharing knowledge among teams can lead to negative experiences, such as slow decision-making, which will discourage future discussion. Additionally, knowledge is a valuable asset for employees, and there may be concerns about diluting expertise or reallocating talent away from their best-performing areas.

However, greater collaboration between functions doesn’t mean diminishing expertise. In fact, by working together to automate workflows between functions, teams should be able to re-focus more attention on their own functions and specialisms.

External silos between manufacturers and their 3PL providers can further complicate matters. 3PL partnerships are critical to uphold successful end-of-line processes. However, manufacturers often hesitate to suggest alternative solutions to their 3PL partner because they do not own the trailer fleet. The reality is that 3PLs are willing to invest in their long-term partners as it will result in greater efficiencies for both parties – even if it means modifying the trailer fleet. For instance, we’ve worked with several businesses that use their 3PL provider to source, modify and manage the logistics operation. An example of this is MM Packaging at its site in Deeside, UK, where the company has subcontracted Farrells Group to own, manage, run and maintain its logistics operation.

Another consideration is that, as companies look to reduce costs and minimise their carbon footprints, the need for interconnectivity among all logistics companies is set to increase. Working with specialist 3PLs who can help companies apply the right technologies to pool resources – for example, if two companies are making the same trip or if one trailer is only half-full – can add greater efficiencies and sustainability across multiple supply chain operations.

benefits of automated loading solutions

100% end-of-line automation

Less labour required

Reduction of All Operating Costs

Including, People, Trailers, and Forklifts (FLTs)

Health and Safety

Reduced accident rate during high-volume loading and unloading.

Reduction in CO2

No forklifts required and reduction in trailer fleet.

See it in action

watch the video

We help a packaging business revolutionise their packaging production loading processes by unleashing the power of Automated Loading Systems.

We dive into an extraordinary case study that will redefine the way you look at packaging production! Witness how cutting-edge loading automation technology is changing the face of the industry as we unveil our groundbreaking solution that automatically loads pallets from the production line directly into the trailer. Say goodbye to labour-intensive processes and hello to streamlined productivity!

You can learn more about this project by checking out the full case study available today.

Watch Here

case studies

A Big Step Forward: Moving Floor System Transforms Wooden Floor Manufacturer's Transportation

Packaging Industry: Revolutionising loading processes with Automated Loading

Moving Spirits Safely, with McPherson

Take a look at how McPherson used our moving floor to move their spirits safely.

Lightening the Load for Tetra Pak

Find out how we got lightened the load for Tetra Pak for moving their heavy paper rolls with our automatic loading system

Automating and Optimising the Stora Enso Container Stuffing Operations

Efficiency and Safety for Britvic Soft Drinks

Joloda – keeping Eurofit’s tyres moving

Find out how we got Eurofit moving more efficiently with our automatic truck-loading system

Heinz use Joloda Hydraroll to keep our favourites loading

Trailerskate System Supports DHL, Cannock Expansion

our automatic truck loading systems around the world

why invest in an automated loading solution?

We've explained why you should consider investing in an automated loading solution, the features and benefits of our solutions and the return on investment you can come to expect from a tailored automated loading solution.

the shuttle run

transforming logistics with automated loading systems

In the busy world of logistics, operating a shuttle run to move goods safely and efficiently is a critical component of logistics operations for businesses.

In this article we explore the pros and cons of operating with a shuttle run, how an automated trailer loading system (ATLS) can improve your logistics operations and the benefits of doing so. We also discuss the key differences between modified and unmodified trailer solutions so you can determine which is right for your business.

common goal

An automated loading process is about more than efficiency gains and even ROI. For many companies, it is simply about ensuring high volumes can still leave the factory as quickly as possible. Factories often operate in older buildings, some of which have been in use for centuries.

Over time, the production demands within these facilities have significantly increased. Where a factory might have once produced 30 pallets per hour fifty years ago, the same factory must now handle 200 pallets per hour. This increase in capacity is only made feasible through automation.

conclusion

Given the persistent labour and skills shortage across the supply chain, automated processes can also help provide the existing workforce with the support they need to thrive and grow in their specialist areas.

With automated loading, factories can unlock more space by reducing the need for large equipment like forklifts, while operating with fewer personnel. A more efficient process also reduces the number of trucks that are required to complete shuttle runs or deliveries to customer warehouses, as well as truck waiting times at the facility.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

typical business case example

In the scenario that a business produces and ships a high number of pallets each day, we’ve put together an automated loading system typical business case example to help explain the benefits and how an ROI can be achieved with the investment of an automated loading system.

If a business is running a shuttle run from a factory to a warehouse and back again, they’ll benefit from an automated loading system with fewer people, trucks and forklifts.

Take A Load Off...

why choose us?

We help businesses lighten loads and are highly regarded as the world's leading loading and unloading solutions provider in the logistics industry. Over the last 60 years, we've helped thousands of businesses streamline their logistics operations to be more cost-efficient, more sustainable, and more health and safety-conscious. Learn more About Us, here.

As experts in all kinds of unloading and unloading solutions, we can help innovate, automate and streamline your end-of-production line problems, wherever you are.

Get in touch with our experts today to learn how we can provide a safe working environment, call our friendly team on +44 (0) 151 427 8954, on our Let's Chat page, via email on sales@joloda.com or on LinkedIn...

OUR NETWORK

a global leader, with local partners

Around the world, we’re known as the number one; the global leader in loading and unloading solutions. This is not only because we are the largest but also the first too; we've been pioneering loading solutions since 1962.

What truly makes us great is our fantastic product assortment supported by the best partners worldwide. We have an experienced network of 30+ distributors that also support an aftersales network, which is key, especially for automatic loading and unloading.

Learn more about our global distributor network here.

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Contact us today for a consultation session with a member of our Systems team.

During the consultation, a Joloda Hydraroll Group Systems Expert will speak with you about your business' current logistics operations, plans and goals.

We have over 60+ years of experience providing cutting-edge technological solutions to the logistics industry and have helped countless companies around the world lighten their load.

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integrating the loading process for 100% end-of-Line automation