the ultimate guide to automated loading systems

Automated loading systems are systems that allow you to load pallets and other items into a trailer or container, or remove them from them, with only a minimum amount of operation. That means they require little or no human effort. Some warehouse managers think if they had twice the amount of loading bays, their operation would be twice as efficient, but this isn’t the case. Automation creates efficiency.

Often, fully automated loading requires a combination of systems: one in the truck or trailer, and a fixed installation in the facility. Conveyors and other systems bolster efficiency. An automated loading and unloading system shifts the product from a standard system to a customised one, especially when combined with a conveyor. Streamlining loading and unloading processes captures the core principle of lean management: reducing time and labour wastage.

Investing in an automated loading system can have several main benefits:

• efficiency;
• better use of space;
• elimination of inappropriate equipment and manoeuvres;
• contribution to the creation of a safe, organised environment;
• elimination of manual labour and health and safety risks;
• avoidance of issues with a labour crisis;
• systems that are effective across lots of different SKUs.

Automating your container loading and unloading will definitely speed things up. Not only will the system transfer items in and out of the container more quickly, but, unlike humans, automated systems don’t have to stop to take breaks. If you have high volumes of loading or unloading to conduct, the automated system will lighten the operation considerably so teams can power through the task.

The automated system will help you to make full use of the cargo space, rather than leaving cargo scattered around the loading dock. If you’re unloading goods, the system will deposit the goods all in a condensed area. The more efficient use of cargo space also means you’ll have more cargo space, should you receive an unexpected delivery of goods or have to conduct an unexpected dispatch.

By implementing an automated system designed specifically for loading and unloading, you’re avoiding the use of alternatives that could place staff at risk, and of damaging goods, equipment or the building in general. An automated system may also require less maintenance than the other equipment you’re using.

Operating with specialised equipment fosters a safe working environment. You’ll be encouraging good manufacturing practices (if you’re implementing the system in a manufacturing facility) and developing a more organised, more orderly premises. Staff will be able to locate goods easier, which will increase their own level of job satisfaction.

One of the main benefits of automated loading systems is that they reduce the need for manual labour and also the costs associated with it. Employing the minimal labour necessary allows operators to assign workers towards other tasks in the warehouse, terminal or other facility.

This becomes a key factor in the return time on your investment. Not only does the system remove a lot of manual labour, but it also eliminates a lot of health and safety risks, and, by extension, also spares the business the costs associated with these issues.

In the current climate, recruiting workers to load and unload containers and trailers is challenging. Installing an automated system will solve the problem by either removing the need to recruit for this or by minimising the amount of training necessary.

Naturally, before you invest in any kind of automated loading system, you must assess your needs both in the present and in the future carefully so you can choose the best one. There are several systems out there that can tackle a wide range of loads and different sizes of pallets, so consider the different items you’re loading into your containers and from them, and select a system that meets your business’s needs.

Of course, there’s more than one way to skin a cat, which means there are different automation methods you can implement when it comes to loading or unloading your trailers. Here are a few to consider:

• automated guided vehicles (AGVs);
• Automated Trailer Loading Systems (ATLS) with skates;
• roller conveyor systems.

As you might expect from the name, these automated systems make use of skates that can connect the trailer with the loading dock. The operator merely loads the pallets or other goods onto the skates; then the skates can take care of the loading.

Conveyor systems transport goods from one location of a facility to another and can connect up with trailers. Often, operators will set up roller conveyors in the reception and dispatch areas. They’re used to deposit pallets that are still to be unpacked or unbundled. The rollers on a conveyor will carry the load and propel it further along the circuit.

One of the benefits of roller conveyors is their high versatility. Operators can create a variety of different circuits with them. The conveyors are tough and durable, are firmly established pieces of equipment in the logistics industry, and are a fast and safe way to transport loads around warehouses.

Although used more for getting materials from A to B within warehouses and factories, AGVs are a major means of automated unloading. These vehicles are driverless pieces of technology that can retrieve raw materials from reception or other areas of a facility and carry them through to the production line. Without them, the production line can grind to a halt while it waits to receive the materials.

AGVs handle tasks that operators might normally call upon a manual cart, conveyor or forklift to address. Often, they transport raw materials such as rubber, plastic, metal and paper, and can deal with large volumes of materials.

At Joloda Hydraroll, we’re all about lightening the load and making your loading operations as swift and as safe as possible with our equipment. We understand how costly logistics operations are to run, which is why we offer a variety of automated systems to help you reduce your expenses and still increase the efficiency of your operations.

Our automated Loading systems reduce the number of employees necessary to conduct loading, and they also make loading and unloading safer by removing the need for forklifts to enter trailers. This reduces the amount of traffic in the loading area and decreases the potential for accidents.  To load the trailer, the operator simply places the pallets or other load onto the system and then pushes a button. The system takes over the loading from there.

We understand how complex it can be to implement such a solution in a business premises. When you decide to invest in a system, we’ll help you to determine the most suitable one for your warehouse or other business premises. We’ll also help you install it. The good news is the design of a lot of our systems will require you only to make minimal changes to your premises or trailers for installation, if any at all.

McPherson is just one of the many companies who have benefited from implementing one of our automated systems. The company shifts tonnes of spirits around the UK and needed a fast, flexible loading system. Most importantly of all, they wanted one that was safe because they’d have to transport highly flammable liquids, in which case all equipment must be Atmosphere Explosive (Atex) compliant.

Enter Moving Floor Conveyor System, which is ATEX compliant and has sensors that are all fire and explosion-proof to ensure complete safety when moving heavy loads. The system restricts the movement of loads during transit. For extra safety, we fitted an automatic safety bar.

McPherson have been implementing our solutions for more than 20 years. Thanks to the use of the moving floor, the company can use the same trailers to deliver barrels of whisky between distilleries and bonds. The extra safety the system brings guarantees they can rely on this system to deliver their goods quickly and safely. The on-board control unit of the system works together with McPherson auto docks, but can also operate independently, which provides the company with the necessary flexibility.

If you think one of our automated loading solutions could be the piece of equipment your business needs to boost your logistics operations, contact us. We’ll be happy to advise you on the best system for you.