Completing the supply chain picture: TMS, WMS… and now YMS

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) have become staples in modern logistics. They’ve revolutionised how goods are moved and stored, bringing much-needed control and visibility. However, one crucial part of the supply chain is too often still overlooked: the yard.

That concrete patch between the gate and the dock might not get much attention, but it is crucial. Things often go sideways: delays, bottlenecks, miscommunication. That’s where Yard Management Software (YMS) comes in. And it’s not just a ‘nice to have’. The missing link extends the power of your TMS and WMS right up to the gate and beyond.

Bridging the gap between the road and the warehouse

Your TMS is great at planning inbound and outbound transport. Your WMS keeps your warehouse running smoothly. But what happens when trucks arrive with multiple shipments combined, the driver does not speak English, or many trucks arrive simultaneously? That spells problems, wasted driver hours, and extra admin.

YMS connects transport and warehouse by managing everything in between: check-in, dock scheduling, gate control, and real-time yard visibility. It gives you a bird’s eye view of what’s happening outside the four walls, and the tools to do something about it.

Less chaos, more flow

A good YMS shows you precisely what’s in your yard, where trailers are parked, and which ones are ready to move. That means no more walking around with clipboards or calling dispatch to locate a truck or trailer.

It lets you assign docks dynamically based on priorities and availability. No more fixed schedules that don’t reflect what’s happening on the ground. And when your YMS tells you a dock is free, you get the next trailer lined up. Simple.

Digital check-in and access control

Gate congestion? Not with digital check-in. YMS lets carriers register on mobile or a kiosk, upload documents, and do so in their preferred language. It cuts down waiting times, frees up your guards, and gives you a full digital trail for compliance.

Need tighter security? Integrate your YMS with access control systems for a secure flow and let drivers take security tests as needed.

A smart extension, not a replacement

YMS doesn’t compete with TMS or WMS; it complements them. It doesn’t try to do what those systems already do well. Instead, it adds the layer of control missing at the yard level.

And let’s be honest: the yard isn’t going to get simpler soon. More trucks, tighter slots, higher expectations. If your TMS and WMS already deliver value, why leave the yard to chance?

Improved logistics on all fronts

Extending your optimisation efforts to the yard makes sense if you’re already investing in logistics tech. Yard Management Software gives you control where things tend to get messy: outside, in the real world.

It’s not a patch. It’s a proper solution that helps your existing systems work better, together.