In today’s ever-changing supply chain environment, warehouses encounter unique challenges ranging from talent pool constraints to facility access. While some trends in warehouse automation and AI technology have garnered attention recently, there are still many long-term logistic processes that remain unchanged for decades. One such process is inbound logistics from the time a truck arrives at a facility to the moment it leaves. This article delves deeper into the importance of streamlining the gate-to-gate driver check-in to release process.
It’s no secret that there are plenty of products and services available to optimize over-the-road logistics, inventory management, and other steps involved in the supply chain. However, enhancing the inbound logistics process can understandably go unnoticed among the many pieces of the supply chain puzzle. Thomas, a 40-year veteran managing a large Retail Distribution operation in Arizona, explains that while some methods exist to track a truck’s entry time, the traditional clipboard method is not reliable, and it doesn’t provide any insights into the rest of the process. Our leadership introduced a YMS to manage yard moves for drops however 80% of our inbound are live deliveries. We needed a comprehensive solution for all inbound vendors and processes. For these reasons, it is worth exploring other ways to further improve the warehouse’s inbound receiving logistics process.
“For as long as I can remember, our teams have used clipboards and spreadsheets to track trucks coming in and out of the facility. We did not know how badly we needed to digitize this process until recently” Thomas explains. “With a high turnover of gate and security staff, it’s been nearly impossible to maintain consistent processing of trucks throughout the unloading process. The more we looked at that, the more we realized that our detention fees were not always correct, but it was nearly impossible to provide any data or proof of a truck’s and any of the receiving steps along the way at our warehouse.”
Inbound logistics represents a crucial phase in the process of getting goods to their final destination. This step is critical because it can streamline or impact upstream and downstream activities, leading to increased costs or risks. Providing transparency into this process, therefore, improves operational efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances driver and customer satisfaction.
Having an efficient inbound logistics process helps businesses maintain a competitive advantage. FreightSmith is at the forefront of this phase. Launched in January 2023, FreightSmith offers an intuitive solution to monitor gate-to-gate performance metrics so that warehouse managers can make valuable improvements.
“Each business and facility are unique, and we understand that. Our solutions are based on a deep history of understanding the inbound receiving process and the vast variables that can affect daily operations” explains Joe Curry, Founder and COO of FreightSmith. “We took into account many factors in the process while focused on providing a solution that is easy to use and
While innovations in AI and warehouse automation present noteworthy improvements, it’s essential to take a step back and focus on the foundation of inbound logistics, the gate-to-gate process. One company had entered the arena as the first of its kind in digitized inbound receiving. FreightSmith, offers tailored solutions to meet each customer’s unique needs, making them the go-to company for improving a facility’s gate-to-gate process. Learn more about this innovative software solution and get details specific to your facility and warehouse needs.
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Oftentimes, the FreightSmith platform pays for itself by saving warehouses on headcount overhead and detention fees. Fill out the form below and we will send you a custom quote based on your facilities details.