Want to improve your yard operations? Start by tracking these 5 essential KPIs:
Why these KPIs matter: They highlight inefficiencies, reduce costs, and improve overall logistics performance. Use yard management software (YMS), RFID, and real-time tracking tools to collect data and make smarter decisions. Ready to dive deeper into each metric? Let’s break it down.
After analyzing dock usage, assessing driver and parking lot metrics is crucial to making yard operations more efficient. By tracking these metrics, you can improve yard performance and minimize waste.
| Metric | Description | Target range |
|---|---|---|
| Truck turnaround time | Time taken from yard entry to exit | Depends on yard conditions |
| Parking capacity utilisation | Percentage of trailer space utilised | Varies by operations |
Modern tools like ANPR cameras, the IoT, and workflow software have transformed yard management. These systems provide real-time data, making tracking operations, resolving issues quickly, and making informed decisions easier. The result? Better visibility and smoother day-to-day processes.
Focusing on a few key areas can significantly enhance driver and equipment performance:
Combined with real-time monitoring, these strategies can lead to a more efficient and productive yard.
This metric tracks how long trailers stay at a stop, from entry to exit. By analyzing this, you can pinpoint delays and improve efficiency, cutting costs and boosting overall operations.
Formula: Time Per Trailer Stop = Exit Time – Entry Time
Long dwell times can cause:
Yard management technology tracks entry and exit times, eliminating manual errors and giving you real-time data.
| Strategy | Method | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Automated load pads | Install systems to speed up loading/unloading | Speeds up the process and reduces delays |
| Appointment scheduling | Use digital tools for scheduling pick-ups/drop-offs | Prevents congestion and improves coordination |
| Buffer zones | Set up areas for inspections and registration | Keeps the yard organized and flowing smoothly |
| Real-time tracking | Use a digital overview of parking spots with an automated logbook of movements. | Allows for quick action on delays or issues |
Efficient yards often aim to keep trailer stops under 30 minutes, though this varies widely by industry. Connecting your yard management system (YMS) with warehouse (WMS) and transportation management systems (TMS) can improve communication and reduce unnecessary delays.
Next, we look at Loading Dock Usage Rates to continue optimizing yard performance.
Tracking loading dock usage rates helps you understand how much time your docks are actively in use versus sitting idle. This insight can pinpoint areas for improving efficiency and reducing downtime.
Formula: Dock Usage Rate = (Active Loading/Unloading Time / Total Available Time) × 100%
| Component | What to measure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Active time | Time spent loading/unloading | Reflects productive dock use |
| Idle time | Time with no activity | Highlights scheduling gaps |
| Peak usage | High-traffic periods | Aids in better scheduling |
| Downtime | Maintenance or unused periods | Shows where efficiency drops |
Modern tracking tools play a crucial role in gathering accurate dock usage data. These tools offer:
Take Stanley, Black & Decker as an example: by adopting Peripass, they no longer need to send a shunter driver to manually check the waiting parking to verify which containers have been there the longest and must be sent off first.
To get more out of your loading docks, consider these strategies:
Integrating these practices into your yard management system creates a smoother, more efficient operation.
Managing yard space effectively helps avoid congestion, cut costs, and improve safety by tracking parking spots and trailer locations.
| Metric | Purpose | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Parking spot availability | Tracks open and occupied spaces | Prevents overcrowding |
| Trailer position tracking | Monitors trailer locations and movements | Reduces search time |
| Dwell time per zone | Measures trailer occupancy duration | Identifies bottlenecks |
| Peak usage periods | Highlights high-traffic times | Improves capacity planning |
Real-time monitoring is essential for making the most of your yard space. Tools like Peripass offer accurate and detailed updates on yard activities. These tools allow managers to:
You need smart planning and constant adjustments to get the most out of your yard. Here are a few approaches:
These strategies ensure smoother operations and prepare the yard for seamless integration with advanced technologies.
Modern yard management software brings everything together by offering tools like:
These features make it easier to manage space while keeping operations running smoothly.
Efficient entry and exit processing is key to keeping yard operations running smoothly. This metric tracks truck wait times at gates, directly affecting the operation flow. For example, ArcelorMittal has now cut 85% of demurrage fees using Peripass for their trailer management.
Simplifying documentation and enabling pre-arrival registration are also essential steps. Paired with advanced tech, these measures help speed up gate processing significantly.
Reducing processing times enhances gate operations and elevates overall yard performance. Using data analytics to monitor average wait times can identify and address bottlenecks. The result? Shorter wait times, less congestion, and lower operational costs.
The right software is crucial for effectively using KPIs to improve yard operations. The right tools turn raw data into actionable steps that enhance efficiency.
Modern yard management software processes real-time data, offering clear insights for better decision-making. For example, Peripass provides a Yard Management System (YMS) that automates truck dispatching and enhances yard visibility using digital twin technology and live dashboards.
A well-integrated YMS works seamlessly with other systems, streamlining operations across the board:
| System type | Purpose | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|
| ERP systems | Business process integration | Smooth, unified data flow |
| TMS | Transportation planning | Better scheduling and dispatching |
| WMS | Warehouse operations | Improved inventory management |
Real-time location systems (RTLS) further enhance yard management by combining sensor data with user inputs. This provides precise activity tracking, enabling faster decisions, reduced wait times, and smarter resource allocation.
The best YMS depends on your yard’s size and complexity. Smaller operations might need only basic features, while larger yards benefit from advanced automation. Start with essential functionalities and scale up as your needs grow.
Modern YMS platforms should also connect seamlessly with yard equipment, such as:
This level of integration ensures smooth operations and maximizes the potential of your yard management system.
Tracking yard KPIs like trailer stop times, dock usage, equipment performance, yard space, and processing times helps logistics managers make smarter, data-driven decisions, which leads to smoother operations and lower costs. Combining these KPIs with yard management software (YMS) can transform the results.
Here’s a quick look at the practical outcomes:
| Area of focus | Key change | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Automated data tracking | Reduced delays, better use of resources |
| Cost savings | Smarter space and equipment use | Lower expenses |
| Customer experience | Faster processing and reliable scheduling | Better service delivery |
Automated data collection ensures accurate, timely insights into supply chain events. When paired with a strong YMS, these KPIs drive ongoing improvements. The result? Efficient, cost-effective yard operations that deliver real business results.
Find out why companies like Bridgestone, Alpro, and Saint-Gobain use Peripass to manage their yards. Please fill out the form to see how our software works.
