Your warehousing and distribution operation is a symphony of moving parts, and your yard is a critical piece of the orchestra. Trucks are constantly coming and going, yard jockeys weave in and out, trailers get loaded and unloaded, and somewhere amidst the organized chaos, your team is trying to keep up with the demand so no backlogs occur. Anyone who’s managed a warehouse or a yard knows this is easier said than done.
Let’s face it: Your yard is the unsung hero of the supply chain. It’s the critical link between your facility and the vast network of roads, rails, and waterways. However, managing trailers, trucks, and everything in between can be chaotic without the right strategy and tools. Yard management solutions enable dock, logistics, and security workers to monitor all movement within their yard, including trailers, containers, and other incoming/outgoing deliveries.
In this blog, we’ll provide an overarching explanation of yard management software, touching on the key functionalities of YMS and how it can benefit your daily operations. We’ll also discuss common challenges dockworkers face in the yard, how to implement yard management software successfully, and the ROI of a yard management system.
A yard management system (YMS) helps optimize all of these processes in three primary ways:
Teams without a well-defined yard management solution will struggle to keep up with the steady stream of trucks, shipments, and orders arriving at their yard. One missing or delayed order can wrench the entire supply chain. Supply chain management is an ongoing battle, so expect to run into the following challenges when managing a yard or warehouse:
Added this section to address Glenn’s comments.
Think of yard management software as your yard’s air traffic control tower. This specialized software gives you real-time visibility and control, bringing order to potential chaos. A high-quality YMS will streamline operations and eliminate many daily yard management headaches.
Yard management software is a game-changing solution for managers who struggle to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of their yards. It removes the time-consuming effort of several manual tasks, including inventory tracking, locating trailers, and scheduling yard activities.
Digitize the pickup and delivery process with Vector, providing supply chain partners with real-time visibility into orders, loads, scheduling, and fulfillment. Eliminate physical interactions during the pickup & delivery process.
The most well-rounded yard management software provides a toolkit for multiple facets of your business operations, from inventory management to reporting. In your search for a software solution that fits your unique needs, keep these critical components in mind:
GPS and RFID technology can show you the precise location of every trailer, container, and yard truck. No more wasting time trying to find a lost container. Organizations can gain valuable insights into their yard operations by implementing time-tracking systems and making data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and overall performance.
Ditch the archaic “first come, first served” approach to your yard. Sophisticated yard management software lets carriers book appointments online, matching their arrival with available resources. When you implement user-friendly slot booking into your yard operations, you avoid congestion and have better control over your dock schedule.
Your yard perimeter is critical. Yard management systems tightly control gate access, streamlining check-in/check-out. It can capture driver information, verify appointments, track trailer movements across entry/exit points, and enhance yard security.
This is where the magic of real-time data comes in. Yard management solutions don’t just track activity; they transform raw information into powerful insights. You get tailored reports on dwell times, dock utilization, carrier performance, etc. These insights help you identify bottlenecks, make better decisions, and continually fine-tune your yard operation.
The above mentioned items naturally come with a list of benefits, such as improved yard security and greater oversight of assets, but what else can managers expect to see after implementing YMS software?
Detention fees need to be paid by warehouse managers when a truck driver has to wait in their yard or warehouse for a specified amount of time, typically after two hours of waiting from their scheduled appointment time. They must have arrived on-time, as well. These fees are usually a result of poor communication or organization within the yard, forcing the carrier to wait until the order is located/prepped for shipping.
This two-hour standard has been around for decades, begging the question, after so much investment and innovation into production scheduling, planning, WMS and TMS, should two hours be changed to one hour?
Over the next five years, we will see more pressure from trucking companies and industry associations rethinking the benchmark. Leading warehouse operators can get drivers in/out within 60 minutes of their facility, thus allowing the driver to get revenue-generating miles quicker.
Yard management solutions eliminate the need to search for lost assets or scramble to make room for an incoming shipment, meaning incoming carriers don’t need to worry about hanging around your yard for hours. This will greatly reduce the detention fees you incur leading to cost savings.
Say goodbye to wasted time at your dock doors. Yard management solutions streamline loading/unloading, keep trucks flowing, and turn your docks into productivity powerhouses. Dock management becomes easy with the help of YMS software.
Yard audits have historically been a clipboard and walking activity. With a centralized system of record and tablet interaction, trailers can be flagged for exception and updated within the YMS within minutes. In addition, if you are a temp control shipper, having a command center view of your current temperature readings and fuel levels allows you to monitor trailers at risk.
Especially in temperate controlled freight, trailers are used as a warehouse on wheels, and having an electronic log of temperature and reefer unit fuel readings allows your users to take action before it’s too late.
As we’ve briefly touched on, managing a yard can sometimes feel like drinking from a firehose. You’re responsible for your immediate staff, incoming carriers, inventory, order fulfillment, and much more. It’s not unfathomable to think some things may slip under your radar.
Real-time data tracking grants companies a bird’s eye view of their yard and allows them to make decisions with unmatched accuracy. YMS software logs the status of every asset and process in your yard, ensuring deliveries remain on schedule.
Clear communication is pivotal in the supply chain. With so many moving parts, it’s almost inevitable you’ll run into issues corresponding with your client, carrier, and even your employees. Yard management software bridges those communication gaps and keeps every relevant party just a few clicks away from each other.
A centralized YMS platform eliminates the frustrations that come along with lapses in communication during the supply chain process.
When your yard runs like a well-oiled machine, your customers reap the benefits. On-time deliveries and predictable operations create loyalty and drive repeat business.
The question isn’t whether you can afford a yard management system, it’s whether you can afford not to have one. Between reduced detention fees, boosted efficiency, and improved data that drives better decisions, this software can rapidly pay for itself. That doesn’t even account for the intangible benefits like reduced stress and customer perception.
Imagine a less stressful and chaotic yard environment. Picture the boost in staff morale when the daily struggle to find assets and manage schedules is eased. A yard powered by a yard management system is a profitable yard, but it’s also a smoother and more enjoyable place to work.
So, you’ve decided you want to move forward with implementing YMS software into your yard. What next? We’ve highlighted four steps to take to ensure a seamless integration.
Before jumping headfirst into a yard management solution, it’s best to step back and assess your needs. Start by identifying pain points, roadblocks, and recurring issues. Are you finding yourself constantly paying detention fees? Do you have a habit of losing track of trailers?
This process also includes nailing down your goals. What do you hope to achieve by implementing this software? Answering these questions will help inform your decision during the next step.
Once you’ve assessed your needs, you’ll then want to choose your YMS provider. There are plenty of options, some offering features that others do not, so it’s crucial to weigh your priorities. Research integration capabilities and compare key features to find the best-suited product.
After choosing your yard management system, start to plan the implementation. Consider breaking up the rollout into different phases, allowing for a slow but smooth integration into your existing yard operations. The last thing you want is to implement new technology that only ends up causing more confusion.
Rely on your YMS vendor to provide helpful tips and answers to questions you may face along the way.
Finally, it’s important to remember that training is key. Even the best YMS won’t deliver results if your team isn’t on board. Invest in comprehensive training for dock workers, yard jockeys, and management. Provide clear user manuals and ongoing support resources.
The future of warehouse and yard management is set to be transformed by a series of technological innovations aimed at increasing efficiency, accuracy, and overall operational fluidity. Here are some of the key trends and technologies that will shape the future of this vital field:
Vector is a comprehensive solution for managing your yard. If your yard operations feel like a constant battle against chaos, you’re not alone. There’s a path forward: the strategic implementation of a YMS with Vector.
With the implementation of a yard management system, you’ll gain efficiency, visibility, and the data-driven insights you need to make your yard hum. And that’s where Vector can help. Our cutting-edge YMS solutions and deep industry expertise can transform your yard from a headache into a competitive advantage. Visit our website or contact us today to discover how Vector can streamline your operations and take your business to the next level.
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