Pros & Cons of Different Technologies Used in YMS Systems - RFID, Bar Coding, GPS, Kiosks, and Drones

Written by: 
YardView
Posted on: 
October 5, 2022

An image of trailers in a yard using Drones and GPS for a yard management solution

Yard management systems serve as a one-size-fits-all solution that enhances your business’s yard operations. When stepping back and seeing what makes a YMS what it is and how an operations yard is managed, you’ll discover other unique systems that are used in yard management, such as RFID, bar coding, GPS, kiosks, and drones. The question you may be thinking is, “What makes each one different?” Throughout the article, we will go over each piece of technology, its significance, its advantages and disadvantages, and how they can be supplemented into a singular, uniform system.

What are the Types of Technology Used in Yard Management?

Below are different types of technology you may see used in yard management systems.

RFID

An image of RFID Technology as a yard management solution.

RFID – Also known as Radio Frequency Identification, is a specific type of radio technology that utilizes radio waves to identify tags attached to an object and identify the object as a result. It can be an essential tool for logistical applications and is used to optimize supply chain processes.

Bar Coding

An image of QR Code Technology as a yard management solution.

Bar Coding – Within a warehouse management system (WMS), bar coding allows the ability to tag each warehouse location, rack, pallet, container, or item with a specific label that can be identified and scanned at any time. Bar coding is efficient as they permit faster and more accurate transfers of information, which enables the movement of assets more quickly.

GPS

An image of GPS Technology as a yard management solution.

GPS – When you feel unsure of where an asset is in the yard, GPS Tracking helps you locate those assets quickly so you can use your time for more important matters that require more attention. GPS trackers can be placed on a vehicle or certain asset and won’t require a recharge for several weeks. Additionally, they are a beneficial cost-saving measure if used for a long time.

Kiosks

An image of a kiosk as a yard management solution.

Kiosks – YMS spearheads end-to-end core processes to ensure optimal yard operations. With processes starting at the gate, duties can be performed through using a kiosk, which automates communication with the driver to gather information and deliver proper loading/unloading instructions.

Drones

An image of Drone Technology as a yard management solution.

Drones – To get a better grasp on visibility into asset location in yards, drones with sensors are used for data capturing to increase overall throughput.

What are Some of the Cons with the Technology Used in Yard Management?

An image of trailers lining up at kiosks in a yard becoming a yard management traffic problem

Maybe you’ve found yourself stuck in one of these scenarios or maybe you’re contemplating utilizing one of these specific technologies. Look at the following concerns and see what you think:

Allow Our YMS to Do All of the Work for You!

With emerging technologies looking to find a way to penetrate the YMS marketplace, sometimes it’s better to take a step back and identify what’s most important for your yard operations. YardView’s full-scale yard management system constantly remains updated with new technology based on what’s happening in the market and based on client feedback, so you are always left reassured you’re using a top-notch product. Our team of experts don’t mess around with customer requests. As an extension of your team, when your operation needs something, we are responsive there at the ready every step of the way. YardView provides the most powerful, user friendly, and helpful data and analytics on the market today. Our team of data experts provide deep analytics and information to our customers; we know what you’re looking for. By enhancing and improving our system every month, we are constantly seeking new opportunities to make the system easier to use or integrate with other systems including TMS, WMS, or ERP solutions! We are proud to have served the logistics industry for more than 20 years, and it is a testament to our commitment to what we do well, which is provide the best of breed, easy to use, affordable YMS software that runs 100% well, 100% of the time.

Don’t take our word for it. See it for yourself in-action by scheduling a demo of our YMS today.
Demo Our YMS Software