Dock scheduling helps manage the flow of vehicles at your warehouse loading docks. This prevents congestion, ensures efficient loading/unloading, and keeps operations running smoothly.
Understanding Dock Scheduling
A dock schedule is a booked time slot for:
- Inbound deliveries from suppliers
- Outbound shipments to customers
- Warehouse transfers
- Returns processing
Accessing Dock Schedules
Go to Dock Schedules in the sidebar. You'll see:
- Calendar view of scheduled arrivals
- List of today's appointments
- Dock availability status
Creating a Schedule
- Click New Schedule
- Fill in details:
- Warehouse - Which location
- Dock - Specific dock (if multiple)
- Type - Inbound/Outbound
- Date and Time - Arrival window
- Duration - Expected time needed
- Carrier/Driver - Who's arriving
- Reference - PO number or order
- Click Create
Schedule Types
Inbound
Deliveries arriving at your warehouse:
- Supplier shipments
- Customer returns
- Inter-warehouse transfers
Outbound
Vehicles departing from your warehouse:
- Driver routes
- Pickup collections
- Warehouse transfers
Dock Management
If your warehouse has multiple docks:
Dock Configuration
- Go to warehouse settings
- Define each dock:
- Name/number
- Type (any, inbound only, outbound only)
- Capacity
Dock Assignment
When creating schedules:
- System suggests available docks
- Manual override possible
- Balances across docks
Time Slot Management
Slot Duration
Configure default slot lengths:
- Quick: 30 minutes
- Standard: 1 hour
- Extended: 2+ hours
Buffer Time
Add gaps between appointments:
- 15-minute turnaround
- Prevents overlap
- Accounts for delays
Status Updates
Track schedule status:
| Status | Meaning | |--------|---------| | Scheduled | Appointment booked | | Arrived | Vehicle at dock | | In Progress | Loading/unloading | | Completed | Finished | | Delayed | Running late | | Cancelled | Not happening |
Updating Status
- Find the schedule
- Click status button
- Select new status
- Add notes if needed
Notifications
Configure alerts for:
- Upcoming arrivals (30 min, 1 hour)
- Delayed shipments
- Cancellations
- Dock congestion
Set in Settings > Notifications.
Supplier/Carrier Portal
Allow external parties to book slots:
Portal Access
- Go to Settings > Dock Scheduling
- Enable External Booking
- Configure available times
- Share booking link
Booking Rules
- Lead time required
- Maximum slots per day
- Blocked dates (holidays)
Capacity Planning
Monitor dock utilization:
- Peak hours identification
- Dock efficiency metrics
- Suggested improvements
Access from Reports > Dock Schedule.
Best Practices
- Enforce appointments - Require pre-booking
- Build in buffers - Allow for delays
- Communicate clearly - Share instructions with carriers
- Track punctuality - Identify problem carriers
- Review regularly - Optimize time slots based on data