How To Choose The Best Yard Management Software
Melissa Reimus
June 25th, 2024
5 min read
Now you know you need a yard management software (YMS), but how do you make sure you select the best yard management system out of all of the yard management companies? Choosing the best yard management services for your operation is a critical decision that can significantly impact your logistics operations. With the right software, you can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall yard performance. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Before diving into the selection process, it's crucial to understand your specific yard management needs. Assess your current operations and identify the pain points and areas that require improvement. Are you facing challenges with trailer visibility, gate management, appointment scheduling, dock door assignments, inventory management, dock management, yard management process, yard checks, assets tracking, reducing errors, or yard truck operations? Knowing your unique requirements will help you narrow down the options and focus on solutions that address your specific problems.
Must Have Features Of The Best Yard Management Systems
Yards serve as an essential crossroads between shipping and receiving. Although all yards serve similar functions, individual needs can make all the difference. Shopping around can be stressful, so here are a few key feature considerations to help on your journey.
User-Friendly Interface:
Monitoring yard activity should be quick and easy. Unfortunately, this becomes difficult with complex or messy system layouts. Look for software with a user-friendly interface that requires minimal training for your staff. An intuitive design will help your team quickly adapt to the new system, enhancing productivity and reducing the learning curve.
Data Security:
Our modern age has made data security a key feature of supply chain management. All data transmitted through your company should be up to current security guidelines and conduct regular security assessments. Choose a YMS that prioritizes data protection and offers robust security measures, such as encryption, user authentication, and regular security updates. Ensuring the security of your yard management data protects your business from potential threats and breaches.
Enterprise-Wide Visibility:
The best yard management systems offer real-time visibility into operations company wide. As your business grows, your yard management needs will evolve. Choose a YMS that can scale with your operations. The best yard management software solutions provide a digital twin yard view of each facility and a multi-view screen showing the yard views of all your facilities on one screen. This feature enables you to get the most comprehensive information possible, facilitating better decision-making and streamlined operations. This flexibility ensures that your YMS remains effective and efficient as your yard operations expand.
References and Testimonials:
Committing blindly to products and services is daunting. Customer reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of a YMS. However, don't just rely on written reviews. Make sure to talk to someone who is currently using the software. Speaking directly with current users allows you to ask specific questions about their experiences, challenges, and the support they received. This firsthand feedback is invaluable in making an informed decision.
Hardware Agnostic:
A YMS that is "hardware agnostic" functions on its own regardless of mobile device or operating system. This feature allows you to choose the best hardware for your needs without being locked into a specific vendor, ensuring that you can adapt to changing technologies and requirements.
Certified Project Management Professionals:
When selecting your system, make sure that you will have access to PMP certified Project Managers. Implementation and support from certified project management professionals can significantly enhance the success of your YMS deployment. Certified professionals bring expertise and best practices to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation process.
In House 24/7 Support:
The best yard management services have multiple lines of defense against unforeseen issues. When selecting a YMS, make sure that your team has access to knowledgeable support staff 24/7. Having access to a knowledgeable support team around the clock ensures that any issues are promptly addressed, minimizing downtime and disruptions to your operations.
Dedicated YMS:
Opt for a comprehensive, dedicated YMS that is built specifically for yard management, rather than a bolt-on solution. Your staff should never go without necessary yard management features. Once you purchase your system, all necessary features and functions should be immediately available. A dedicated YMS is designed with features and functionalities tailored to yard operations, ensuring better performance and integration compared to generic add-ons.
Easy Integration:
The best YMS should seamlessly integrate with your existing systems, such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions. Integration capabilities ensure a smooth flow of information across different platforms, reducing manual data entry and minimizing errors. Look for software that offers easy integration with your current tech stack reducing time consuming multiple data entries.
Selection Success With YMS
Choosing the best Yard Management Software is a critical decision that can significantly impact your logistics and supply chain operations. Yard Management Solutions stands out as the premier choice, offering industry-leading features tailored to meet the unique needs of your business. Our trailer management system integrates seamlessly with your existing systems, scales effortlessly as your operations grow, and provides unparalleled real-time visibility into your yard activities. With in house 24/7 support and implementation by certified project management professionals, we ensure a smooth and efficient deployment process.
Don't just take our word for it — experience the benefits firsthand. Schedule a live demo now to see how Yard Management Solutions can transform your yard operations and help you achieve operational excellence.