Inbound and Outbound Status Indication at Loading Dock

WLS15 Dock Door Monitoring for Material Handling

Challenge: Monitoring the Status of Unloading or Loading a Trailer

With frequent inbound and outbound shipments, loading docks are extremely busy and high traffic areas. In a recent material handling application, facility managers needed to walk from their management stations to the loading dock to check the status of the trailer. They did not have a direct line of sight to see how far along the trailer was in the unloading process. Operators also found it difficult to identify when the trailer was empty or when the trailer was full of boxes. They needed to find a solution that would alert them to the status of the trailer capacity in real-time.

Solution: Remote Monitoring of Trailer at Loading Dock

Operators installed Banner measurement sensors, programmable strip lights, and a wireless controller for real-time monitoring of trailer status. They did so within existing infrastructure, eliminating installation and construction costs with deployment. An R70 radio serial data radio sent sensor measurements back to the workstation, where a DXM1200 wireless controller monitored several dock doors. WLS15 Pro lights were installed above each door for quick visual indication of trailer status levels and at operator workstations to mirror the trailer’s status. T30R radar sensors were installed at each dock door to provide insight into trailer capacity. Alternatively, LTF measurement sensors could be used for this application.

Key Benefits

Complete, End-to-End IIOT Solutions

Optimize your DXM applications by making data driven decisions by using Banner’s Cloud Data Services for data storage, condition-based alerts, and visualization. Access your data anywhere and anytime with the powerful tools built into the software which make it easy to view and analyze data from each device in the network, establish performance baselines and thresholds, identify trends and issues, and make timely and actionable decisions about your equipment and assets.

Robust, Longer Range Alternatives to Ultrasonics

The T30R offers more robust detection capabilities and longer range than ultrasonic solutions in a similar package size without the risk of crosstalk from multiple sensors mounted close together. The compact radar sensor has an IP67-rated housing for use in challenging environments. It is resistant to ambient weather such as sunlight, wind, rain, and snow that can be problematic. Radar waves are not affected by ambient temperature changes, providing consistent measurement from -40 to 65° C (–40 °F to +149 °F). The 15 m range and excellent performance in harsh environments make the T30R ideal for outdoor detection at loading docks, tolls, gates, and car washes.

Flexible Indication Capabilities for Material Handling

Visually monitor processes and respond quickly to unwanted conditions. The WLS15 Pro provides locational status guidance for pick-to-light and assembly applications. It offers long range visibility of material level, temperature, weight, and more so operators can monitor machine statuses from a distance and respond to them quickly. The WLS15 Pro comes in Pro Editor, IO-Link, or Pick-IQ compatible models.

Featured Products

T30R Radar Sensor for Detecting the Widest Range of Objects

The T30R sensor is a longer-range alternative to ultrasonic sensors, and provides more reliable detection and position feedback in extreme outdoor conditions and other challenging environments. It features a shorter dead zone, better accuracy, and the ability to see a wider range of targets than traditional 24GHz radar sensors.

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