The “Free” Yard Management System (YMS) that Came with Your Warehouse Management System (WMS) is Costing You Thousands
Originally posted: September 2, 2020
Updated: October 29, 2025
Many Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) include a “free” Yard Management Software (YMS) add-on. But what seems like a convenient bonus can end up costing your facility significant time and money.
Implementing a yard management feature that comes with a WMS may seem simple. In truth, both WMS and YMS are complex systems designed to meet unique operational needs. So, relying on a basic, free YMS add-on often leads to inefficiencies and higher costs.
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What’s the Difference Between WMS and YMS?
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) optimizes indoor warehouse operations. This includes inventory tracking, picking, packing, and order management. The goal is to ensure speed and accuracy inside your facility.
A Yard Management System (YMS) manages outdoor yard activities. This includes trailer movements, gate check-ins, dock assignments, driver scheduling, and trailer visibility. The goal is to streamline and optimize your yard operations.
Together, they keep your supply chain moving efficiently.
With logistics expected to account for 10% of the U.S. GDP by 2023, even small yard inefficiencies matter. An independent 2023 study showed companies using a dedicated YMS reduced dock congestion by 33% and improved trailer turnaround times by 28%. These are performance levels most WMS add-ons cannot match.
How Do I Choose the Right Yard Management Software?
Yard operations are often the last step in the supply chain. They are also one of the most expensive to mismanage. Without the right tools in place, inefficiencies like trailer delays, long gate check-ins, missed appointments, and miscommunication between drivers and docks can add up quickly.
A modern Yard Management System (YMS) helps eliminate these issues by providing real-time visibility, automation, and centralized control. The right platform will show you exactly where every trailer is, whether it is loaded or empty, how long it has been sitting, and which dock or gate it needs to reach, all from a single dashboard.
What Features Should a Yard Management System Have?
When evaluating a yard management solution, make sure it includes the following essentials:
1. Appointment Scheduling
Basic but critical. A good YMS lets you assign exact arrival times for trucks and avoid backups at the gate or dock.
2. Mobile Optimization
The system should be easy to use on any device. So, staff, drivers, and managers can access yard data, receive alerts, and manage schedules from anywhere.
“… Easily accessible from any device. (mobile device, tablet, computer)…” Customer review from Steven D., Sr. IT Manager
3. Real-Time Alerts and Notifications
Stay ahead of issues like demurrage fees by setting alerts when trailers overstay, dwell times spike, or yard capacity is stretched.
4. System Integrations
Your YMS should integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack, including WMS, TMS, and temperature-monitoring systems like Thermo King. YardView has a proven history of integrating with major platforms.
5. Customizable Automation
While automation is a core feature of most YMS platforms, it should be flexible enough to adapt to your specific workflows. Not every feature needs to be turned on. Good systems allow you to tailor the experience.
“Great product!!! Not only is it customizable to fit your needs the support is also on point.” Customer review from Drone Recon
YardView is a Provider for Yard Management Only, Nothing Else
Widely believed to be the first YMS, YardView specializes in streamlining yard management. Making it a top-of-the-line yard management solution. It includes automation, integration, dock scheduling, and driver tasking prioritization. YardView's YMS delivers everything you need to run an efficient yard and improve communication with your drivers.
Below are just some of the benefits of the software platform:
- Real-time visibility
- Reduced detention and demurrage fees
- Improved trailer spotting
- Improved driver communication
- Cloud based – 24/7 access anywhere, anytime
Don’t settle for a limited “free” YMS add-on. Choose a dedicated solution that saves time, cuts fees, and improves yard operations.
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