A warehouse dock door control system (101) has a system controller (147), an interior side unit (144), an exterior side unit (142) comprising a key repository and a key detector. The key detector is configured to detect and identify a specific vehicle key having unique identification data associated therewith. The key detector is configured to detect the presence of the key within the key repository and to read the identification data associated therewith. The controller is configured to use the identification data to determine whether the vehicle key is an authorised vehicle key. In response to the determination, the controller communicates with the interior side unit to authorise opening of the dock door and controls the exterior side unit to secure the vehicle key in the key repository to inhibit removal therefrom until a signal is received indicating that a loading or unloading process is complete.