Systems and methods for monitoring components of a loading dock station that implement a remote monitoring and authorization system are disclosed. The systems and methods can provide information regarding the status of various components of the loading dock station to a remote monitoring and authorization control unit, where a supervisor or the like is capable of reviewing real time information regarding the status of the components and progress through and adherence to a workflow protocol. The systems and methods can also provide for authorization requests to be sent to the remote monitoring and authorization control unit, such as requests to override certain components of the docking station. The user at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit can then grant or deny requests based on status information and other data provided at the remote monitoring and authorization control unit.

Monitoring and alerting systems for detecting hazardous conditions at loading docks are disclosed. An example monitoring and alerting system includes a first sensor system to monitor a location of a first brace of a first dock station of the loading dock. The first brace being positionable in a first stored position, a first operative position, and a first transition position, where the first transition position is between the first stored position and the first operative position. A second sensor system is to monitor a location of a second brace of a second dock station of the loading dock adjacent the first dock station. The second brace is positionable in a second stored position, a second operative position, and a second transition position, where the second transition position is between the second stored position and the second operative position. A first signaling device at the first dock station is responsive to outputs of the first sensor system and the second sensor system. A second signaling device at the second dock station is responsive to outputs of the first sensor system and the second sensor system.

An automatic dock servicing system can monitor status of dock stations and/or dock station components, analyze the status to determine whether it satisfies a service condition for one or more service actions and, when service conditions are satisfied, cause the corresponding service actions to be performed. In some embodiments, a control panel can track a number of trailer loading/unloading cycles at the dock station. When the number of cycles reaches a threshold for performing a service on the dock station, the control panel can automatically initiate the service action. Some service actions that can be initiated by placing a maintenance or part request, sending control signals to a control panel or to dock station components, and/or sending messages or providing remote controls to other personnel.

A system and method are provided for automated engaging of a truck trailer at a loading dock. Sensors measure a distance and an angle of alignment between the incoming trailer and a wall of the loading dock. An outside lighting system guides a truck driver backing the trailer toward the dock door. A vehicle restraint system fixates the trailer within the loading dock in response to signals from the sensors. An overhead dock door opens once the trailer is successfully fixated by the vehicle restraint system. A dock leveler deploys after the overhead dock door opens. An inside dock light indicates to dock personnel that the trailer is ready to be serviced. Once servicing of the trailer is finished, an automated release of the trailer from the loading dock may be initiated by PLC communication.

An example system includes pedestrian sensors to monitor a first pedestrian zone and a second pedestrian zone in front of a dock face of a loading dock. A first vehicle detector is to attempt to detect a vehicle near the first pedestrian zone and a second vehicle detector is to attempt to detect the vehicle near the second pedestrian zone. A sensor manager is to disable the first pedestrian zone when the first vehicle detector detects the vehicle approaching the first pedestrian zone and the at least one pedestrian sensors does not detect the pedestrian in the first pedestrian zone. The sensor manager is to disable the second pedestrian zone when the second vehicle detector detects the vehicle approaching the second pedestrian zone and at least one of the at least pedestrian sensors does not detect the pedestrian in the second pedestrian zone.

A control panel is configured to operate one or more dock devices in a loading dock environment. The control panel can be supported at least in part by a bollard disposed in the loading dock environment. In one form, the bollard is configured to contain portions of the control panel and dock devices including sensors, lights, and the like. In one form, the control panel and one or more dock devices are mounted to a preexisting bollard to add functionality to the loading dock environment.

Pedestrian-Vehicle safety systems for loading docks are disclosed. An example system includes a first sensor system to determine a position of a vehicle relative to a pedestrian zone adjacent a dock wall of a loading dock and a second sensor system to monitor the pedestrian zone. The second sensor system to attempt to detect a pedestrian in the pedestrian zone, the second sensor system responsive to signals from the first sensor system to enable the second sensor system to dynamically change a sensing area of the pedestrian zone to maintain a delta threshold between the vehicle and the pedestrian zone in response to the vehicle moving toward a dock wall of the loading dock.

A loading dock safety detection system and method is provided. The detection system includes a plurality of components that are coupled to the material handling vehicle. The system includes one or more sensors, and a feedback device. The sensor is coupled to the mast and positioned to sense the environment in front of the material handling vehicle and to view the status of the loading dock. The detection system includes a processing device that is coupled to the body and determines, based on data from the sensors, the status of the loading dock and the corresponding loading dock components. The processing device determines if the status is in an acceptable or unacceptable condition and notifies the operator via a feedback device accordingly.

Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a sequence of operations. The sequence of operations can include different sub-sequences based on loading dock conditions. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of control elements that enable operation of the loading dock equipment. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment. Some functionality of the control panel can be enabled or disabled based on a current level of authorization.

Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.