Regardless of how big or small a logistics facility is, the parking space is almost always limited. This is why it is crucial to put a system in place to ensure proper parking management and overcome the challenges of manual parking. How do you plan to utilize parking space in your logistics facility? Moreover, how will the existing parking management solution help you reduce congestion within the facility and boost supply chain efficiency and productivity?
Well, parking management in logistics can be manual or automated. Most logistics facilities in India heavily depend on a workforce to manage the incoming, parking, and outgoing of vehicles. How does manual parking impact the supply chain? In this post, we will discuss the problems associated with manual parking management and figure out why we recommend replacing it with automated parking solutions through Logistics Process Automation. Let’s get started.
Seven key challenges of manual parking management
Are you still managing vehicle parking manually in your logistics facility? Here are some of the ways it is negatively impacting your company —
1. Long queues and waiting times
Manually monitoring the parking spaces can wreak havoc on the flow of vehicles within a logistics facility. As the communication between parking and gate supervisors happens manually, a small information gap can result in long queues and congestion in front of parking. This can cause major delays within the supply chain and lead to customer dissatisfaction.
2. Increased chances of errors
Since the vehicle data moving toward parking is recorded and maintained manually, the probability of errors in the process is significantly high. Errors in parking space allotment and other related information shared between the supervisors can result in a catastrophe as it can impact the movement of vehicles toward loading and unloading stations.
3. Increased security risks
The security risks in manual parking management are high as it involves people to achieve an optimized parking process. Human intervention comes with a conflict of interests and manual documentation makes the vehicles coming in subject to product theft and pilferage. As more and more vehicles create congestion, it can be difficult for supervisors to monitor them and prevent security risks.
4. Difficulties in enforcement
Supervisors manually manage the workers at the gates and parking spaces. Without automation, it becomes extremely challenging to monitor their actions and solicit accurate information. Supervisors will not be able to efficiently enforce company policies in manual parking management.
5. High overhead costs
Manual parking systems in logistics facilities require a manual workforce in the form of parking supervisors, announcers, and guards. Vehicle movement and associated documentation are paper-based too, which results in expenses related to register maintenance and storage. Congestion and long queues can slow down vehicles and increase fuel consumption due to idling. Lastly, companies will have to invest in training to make sure new workers understand parking management.
6. Low sustainability
Another critical challenge of manual parking is the lack of sustainability. Sustainability takes a beating when logistics facilities use manual parking systems. Its paper-based and error-prone nature contributes to more congestion, higher vehicle idling, and increased pollution within the facility. Automated parking management in Logistics Process Automation is an excellent and greener alternative.
7. Lacks support for expansion
Are you planning to expand your logistics facility? You have to get rid of manual parking management otherwise you will need to hire more and more workers and increase your dependence on manual documentation. Without automation, your plans for efficient expansion will result in lower profit margins.
Top benefits of parking automation in logistics
Now that you know how manual vehicle parking in logistics disrupts functioning in a logistics facility, it’s time we find better alternatives. Here are the most compelling reasons why we recommend an automated vehicle parking management solution —
1. Enhanced security
One of the key challenges of manual parking is the lack of visibility and security. A high-quality parking automation rig comes loaded with high-definition cameras that provide real-time access to parking spaces. Any form of illegal activity happening in the parking lot can be recorded and reported to authorities.
2. Reduced cost
The workforce managing the parking space can be replaced by an automated system, which eliminates the need to provide training. The alternative prevents manual recording or documentation of vehicles, helping save on register and storage-related expenses. Seamless parking flow also reduces vehicles’ fuel consumption.
3. Better parking experience
Automated parking management solutions like Logistics Process Automation ensure truck drivers experience a flawless parking flow. The presence of LED screens and frequent callouts give truck drivers enough information to move their vehicles within the logistics facilities.
4. High efficiency and time savings
Parking automation is all about improving the efficiency and productivity of the supply chain. As it eliminates human intervention, delays caused by human errors decrease significantly. Since parking-related information is displayed throughout the facility, drivers will find it easier to make quick decisions regarding their movement to/from loading and unloading stations.
5. Better space optimization
Parking management becomes easier with Logistics Process Automation. The traffic flow is determined by the FIFO (First-In First-Out) sequence which optimizes vehicle movement and helps maximize the traffic space. The automation solution also provides truck drivers and supervisors with information about parking space availability.
6. Higher sustainability
The parking automation solution within Logistics Process Automation fosters sustainability by reducing dependence on paper-based recording and documentation. Optimized parking also reduces vehicle idling, which helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of your organization.
Best features of automated parking solution in LPA
Indeed, the reasons behind automated parking solution implementation are quite compelling. But how are you going to execute the idea? This is where our Logistics Process Automation solution comes in handy.
Top features of complete Logistics Process Automation by FleetRobo —
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition system
- Weighbridge automation system
- Automated parking system
- Automated logistics tracking and reporting
- Automatic mobile alerts and notifications
- Seamless e-Way Bill integration
- Complete Inbound/Outbound logistics management
These solutions collectively contribute to improved scalability, reduced turn-around time, reduced expensive errors, better logistics integration, increased compliance safety, and more.
Read more — Quit Manual Processes: Achieve 20% Higher Efficiency with Logistics Process Automation
Final thoughts on challenges of manual parking
Automation across logistics and supply chains has a significant positive impact, which we have discussed in some of our previous posts too. Parking management is no exception. As you push for growth and expansion, your logistics facility will require better parking management solutions. Relying on manual parking will only take you so far since the challenges of manual parking are unending. This is why we highly recommend contacting our Logistics Process Automation expert to discuss the potential for increased efficiency and productivity. Did you find this post helpful? Stay tuned as we share more informative posts in the future.
