Process, People, and Technology: A Balanced Approach to Successful Yard Management
Updated: August 4, 2025
A yard management system (YMS) can improve visibility, reduce delays, and simplify coordination. But software alone doesn’t guarantee efficiency. A successful strategy brings together the processes that guide your operation, the people who run it, and the technology that supports them.
In this post, we’ll explore the essential elements of a well-balanced yard management approach and why strong processes and human oversight matter just as much as the system itself.
If you’re just starting out, cosider starting with our definition and overview of yard management systems.
What Skills Drive Effective Yard Management Operations?
Even the most advanced YMS needs capable people and proven practices behind it. Successful yard operations rely on strong planning, precision in trailer movement, situational awareness in a fast-paced environment, and accurate data capture. Just as important are clear communication and coordination across teams to keep everyone aligned as priorities shift.
If your yard struggles in these areas, technology alone will not solve it. A good YMS should support your team’s strengths, not replace them.
Why Yard Operations Still Depend on Effective Planning
Even with automation, yard operations break down without a strong planning process. Effective planning helps align schedules, trailers, and labor before issues arise.
Ask yourself:
- What is coming in?
- What is going out?
- How should we track and monitor what each trailer contains?
- What can be switched out to ensure a faster product flow?
Consistent answers to these questions create a more predictable operation. A YMS with robust reporting can improve planning and drive smarter decisions. Learn how robust analytics and reports supports smarter planning.
How Communication and Collaboration Shape Yard Operations
Yard operations rely on real-time alignment across teams. A small miscommunication can result in delays or incorrect trailer assignments.
A strong YMS helps teams:
- Centralize move requests and trailer status updates
- Notify the right teams when something changes
- Keep everyone working from a single source of truth
Technology can create clarity, but the culture of communication ensures it’s used well. A good YMS helps team improve communication and tasking.
Why You Still Need Human Oversight With a YMS
A yard management system is a powerful tool, but it needs guidance. Even automated yards require teams to:
- Monitor trailer activity and exceptions
- Respond to alerts and bottlenecks
- Review daily reports and take corrective action
- Maintain accountability across shifts
Technology runs the system. People keep it aligned to your goals.
What Makes YardView’s Approach to YMS Different?
YardView has focused solely on yard management since 1998. We are widely recognized as one of the first to offer a dedicated YMS built for the yard—unlike platforms where YMS is just an add-on.
With YardView, you can:
- Automate trailer moves and gate check-ins
- Track trailer status and location in real time
- Streamline communication with role-based alerts and dashboards
- Monitor performance with configurable reports
- Reduce detention and demurrage costs through better planning and control
For more than 25 years, logistics teams have trusted YardView to simplify yard operations and deliver consistent, measurable results.
Ready to Create a Balanced Yard Strategy?
Technology enhances yard operations—but it’s the combination of process, people, and platform that drives long-term success.
Request a personalized demo of YardView’s YMS today »
