4SIGHT introduces Connect Data

March 25, 2021

New offering enables dock operations, processes to make real-time decisions using seamlessly integrated information

4SIGHT Logistics Solution recently introduced 4SIGHT Connect Data for warehouse and distribution center dock operations.

With Connect Data, enterprise and non-enterprise users can integrate and improve the accuracy of data generated from a variety of loading dock event data points into their process flow using industry-standard methods and practices, according to the company.

With 4SIGHT Connect Data, end users can:

Integrate dock operations into different systems.
Gain more accurate operational insight and the ability to tailor data to fit individual needs.
Leverage existing technologies for required connectivity to either a Kelley or Serco Digital Master Control Panel (which serves as the dock data collection point for equipment status and operation).
Create custom reports and dashboards, along with KPIs and metrics.

Using Connect Data, event-based dock operation data points—such as trailer presence status at a specific dock door or the status of a dock door itself—are sent to the end user within seconds in real-time via MQTT broker (combination publish-subscribe network protocol and server). 4SIGHT Connect Data then delivers the actual data as a JSON payload for each defined event.

Dock operation end users also have the option to manually collect dock data via RESTful API calls. This option is especially important in cases when connectivity is lost for any reason, 4SIGHT said.

For 4SIGHT Connect Data end-users to fully maximize the product’s potential, it is recommended they at least have trailer presence sensors in use at all dock positions. To further utilize Connect Data’s capabilities, trailer restraints are recommended as well.

The various event data entry points on which 4SIGHT Connect Data can provide valuable information (depending on the presence of a trailer restraint or trailer presence sensor) include: