YMS – Yard management system

The daily schedule of specific loading or unloading activities is set automatically, taking into consideration a few key parameters:

• the working hours of the warehouse staff,
• the technical characteristics of the transport vehicle used (dimensions, tonnage, etc.),
• the characteristics of the goods to be loaded or unloaded,
• the type and availability of docks, and
• the average time required for loading or unloading.

There are also restrictions on the scheduling of activities, depending on obvious priorities. For example, if a vehicle comes to the warehouse transporting cargo and needs to pick up other goods, it must be scheduled to be unloaded first, then loaded.

The xTrack YMS system allows traffic monitoring in the warehouse yard. The application gives users the ability to control vehicle access to the yard and direct them in real time to loading or unloading locations. In the event of any delays during unloading/loading, vehicles that are scheduled to go to the docks are directed to parking spaces where they will stop temporarily so that no unwanted traffic jams occur. The same applies to vehicles arriving too early.

Furthermore, the route taken by each vehicle is recorded in xTrack YMS for possible future checks, with all related data:

• the vehicle registration number, 
• the name of the driver and the transport company, 
• time of arrival and departure from the yard, 
• name of the company of the supplier or consignee, 
• the operations carried out (loading, unloading, parking),
• information about the cargo.

In short, the application provides real-time visibility on the location of vehicles and their operational status and ensures traceability of operations.

Using the YMS system improves response times at the warehouse logistics command and control centre and the productivity of everyone involved.

Optimisation of loading and unloading processes starts with proper scheduling of freight vehicles at the docks. It eliminates from the outset the overcrowding of vehicles at loading docks and the difficulties that this causes during receiving and delivery processes. 

Data centralization and processing ensures that all activities are synchronized and allows real-time adjustment of the set schedule and yard traffic to changes that occur. By optimizing activities, unscheduled breaks during work are prevented, and this ultimately results in faster deliveries to customers and increased customer satisfaction.

Instructions for moving to docks or temporarily parking vehicles in specially designed spaces in the yard are also communicated to drivers via xTrack YMS. Through the app, drivers are automatically sent messages on their mobile devices (smartphone, tablet) instructing them exactly what to do. Verbal face-to-face communication between warehouse employees and drivers is thus replaced by fast and error-free digital communication.

The xTrack YMS system can be used independently. In this situation, much, if not all, of the required data has to be entered manually, which means a high possibility of human error and more effort and time spent on data collection, scheduling, monitoring and optimization of activities. The solution is simple – connecting YMS with other applications used in the warehouse.

Therefore, for optimal scheduling of activities at the docks, an integration with a WMS system is useful, allowing the xTrack YMS application to automatically retrieve the necessary data for scheduling unloading or loading. The integration with a TMS system is also useful for coordinating loading processes. An additional connection to a POD (Proof of Delivery) application can enable warehouse managers to track the delivery of goods to their final destination, step by step, which means achieving full traceability of goods and services.