Dockflow automations streamline logistics by automatically monitoring milestones, setting flags, and sending notifications to enhance efficiency and collaboration. Start with popular workflows like ETA Change Notifications and Discharge Event Alerts
Automation is a vital part of today’s logistics management, helping you simplify operations, reduce manual errors, and keep track of important milestones with ease. With Dockflow's automation tools, you can effortlessly monitor key events, create personalized alerts, and foster better collaboration within your supply chain. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how automations work, and you’ll find handy links to specific guides for popular automations like ETA Change Notifications and Discharge Event Notifications, among others.
What Are Automations?
Automations in Dockflow are rules or workflows you configure to perform specific actions automatically when certain conditions are met. These workflows can:
- Track changes in shipment milestones (e.g., ETA changes or discharge events).
- Set flags to highlight shipments requiring attention.
- Send notifications to keep relevant stakeholders informed.
- Enhance visibility by sharing critical updates with partners.
Key Concepts
- Flags
Flags act as visual markers for significant events or conditions, such as delayed shipments or confirmed discharges. Flags do not generate email notifications by themselves but can be linked to notifications for real-time updates.
Example
- Triggers
Triggers initiate automations when specific conditions are met, such as a milestone change or an email being sent.
Example
- Notifications
Notifications alert team members or partners about flagged events, either immediately via direct email or as part of a daily report summarizing all flagged items. - Collaboration with Partners
Flags can be shared with external partners to improve transparency and coordination, ensuring everyone involved is aware of critical developments.
Common Automations
1. ETA Change Notifications
Stay informed about delays or early arrivals with automation that monitors changes in the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).
🚀 Learn how to create ETA Change Notifications
2. Discharge Event Notifications
Automatically flag and notify your team when a container is discharged at the terminal, ensuring timely follow-ups.
🚀 Learn how to set up Discharge Event Notifications
3. Centralized Outgoing Email Tracking
Send a copy of all outgoing emails to a designated address for transparency and record-keeping.
🚀 Learn how to automate email tracking
Setting Up Your First Automation
- Access the Automation Menu
Navigate to the "Automations" icon in the menu bar. Use the tabs to manage existing automations or create new ones.
Example
- Define the Workflow
Create a trigger (e.g., milestone change) and link it to an action (e.g., setting a flag or sending a notification).
Example
- Enable Notifications
Configure notifications for direct emails or daily reports to keep the right people updated.
Example
- Collaborate with Partners
Share relevant flags with your partners or set up automations in their accounts to enhance visibility.
Example
Best Practices for Automations
- Set Clear Thresholds: For triggers like ETA changes, define clear thresholds (e.g., 48 hours) to avoid excessive alerts.
Example
- Test Your Automations: Always test new automations in a controlled environment to ensure they work as expected.
- Monitor and Optimize: Regularly review automation performance and refine settings to meet your operational needs.
By leveraging Dockflow automations, you can significantly improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration in your logistics operations. Explore the specific guides linked above to implement automations tailored to your requirements. Let Dockflow handle the repetitive tasks, so you can focus on strategic decisions!