Dock appointment scheduling software streamlines process before & during pickup. Drivers will find it as easy as ordering a Big Mac.

When it comes to scheduling and executing dock appointments, simpler is better! That’s why Canadian Alliance Terminals (CAT) have instituted the new Smart Dock system to ensure that clarity and convenience are optimized throughout the process.

The software is easy to implement and works to make life easier for drivers, clients, and warehouse workers. The end result is time savings, reduced labour costs, and improved visibility.

Appointment Scheduling Software Eliminates Phone Calls and Emails

“The customer goes to the system, and chooses a convenient time from the calendar,” explains CAT Director of Technology Seyed Behnejad.1 “There’s a short form to fill out and they’re able to book the appointment right then and there.”

The dock appointment scheduling software eliminates the need for emails and phone calls, while also doing away with the confusion and hassle that can be inherent in those modes of communication.

The Smart Dock system is a joint venture between Extensiv, who provide CAT’s 3PL Warehouse Manager, and Opendock. It allows warehouses to create available time slots that can be selected by clients. The client uses the system to select the available time slot most convenient to them while providing information such as PO# and pallet counts. In return, they’ll see the appointment in their schedule and will also receive a confirmation email.

“You can just book yourself in,” says Behnejad. “There’s no need to wait for a response.”

Like McDonalds at the Loading Dock 

The system not only makes the booking process easier, but also streamlines the situation at the dock.

“It’ll be sort of like the experience you have at McDonalds when you make the order on a kiosk and see it on the screen,” says Behnejad.

Drivers will arrive at the warehouse and check in using service kiosk tablets, or their own smartphones. They’ll provide their name and company name and then their destination will pop up on the screen; for example, dock 11.

“The inspection sheet is all digital and simply provides a better experience for the driver,” says Behnejad. “They won’t have to wait for anyone and they’ll know exactly what’s going on. It will reduce the amount of time that drivers will have to spend waiting in the yard.”   

Onboarding Not Difficult 

“This technology is being used by more than 3000 warehouses in North America, so most of the carriers are already familiar with how it works,” says Behnejad. “Drivers may even have their own credentials that they already use with another warehouse, so it’s very convenient that way.”

Canadian Alliance Terminals provides customer support to those transitioning to the new system, making the process as simple as possible. CAT customers will enjoy the added convenience and clarity provided by the system, which far outweigh any effort associated with making the switch.

It’s technology whose time has come, and if it’s being used to order Big Macs, it only makes sense to leverage it at the dock.

If you’d like more information about our Smart Dock system or would like to discuss utilizing CAT’s warehouse and 3PL services, contact Canadian Alliance Terminals today!

 

Cited Sources

1 Direct Communication with CAT Director of Technology Seyed Behnejad