Why Yard Management Needs a Purpose-Built System (Not Just a WMS or TMS Add-On)

Written by: 
Kelly Ohaver
Posted on: 
July 16, 2025

In supply chain operations, the yard is often overlooked. While companies invest heavily in warehouse and transportation systems, the space between the gate and the dock is often still managed by spreadsheets, radios, or legacy systems that weren’t built for the job. That’s where YardView yard mananagement software makes the difference, because it is a platform specifically designed to bring visibility, control, and efficiency to the yard.

YardView is not an afterthought or a “bolt-on” set of features. It’s a dedicated Yard Management System (YMS), built specifically to handle the unique demands of the yard. If you’re using a module within a Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Transportation Management System (TMS) to manage yard activity, it’s time to rethink what’s possible.

The Yard is More Than a Transition Point. It's a Critical Link

Many systems treat the yard as a temporary holding area or transfer zone. In reality, delays, errors, and inefficiencies here can ripple throughout your supply chain.

The yard is where trailers wait, bottlenecks build, and real-time visibility often ends. Relying on a WMS or TMS to handle these yard-specific dynamics can compromise efficiency, especially when those platforms weren’t designed with yard operations in mind.

At YardView, we’ve been putting the yard first since 1998. We believe it deserves that level of attention.

WMS and TMS Systems Aren't Built for the Yard

WMS and TMS solutions have their strengths, but the yard is not one of them. When yard functionality is tacked on to these platforms, it often lacks the depth, configurability, and responsiveness needed in live yard environments.

Common shortcomings include:

  • Delayed or missing trailer location updates.
  • Inflexible rules that don't match real-world yard operations
  • Limited visibility for drivers, dispatch, and dock teams
  • Overly complex interactions not built for yard-specific users

These systems were built for warehousing or transportation, not the fast-moving and variable conditions that exist in the yard.

A man in front of a computer with a 'real-time' dashboard and using binoculars to look out a window to watch over trucks in a yard.

YardView: A Yard Management System Built for Operational Efficiency

YardView was designed from the ground up to meet the real needs of logistics teams managing busy yards. We understand that every second matters, and that accuracy and clarity are critical.

Our platform includes:

  • Real-time trailer and container tracking
  • Intelligent move logic to optimize driver activity
  • Flexible rules to match your operational flow
  • Custom alerts and dashboards
  • Integrations with your existing WMS, TMS, ERP, and more

YardView puts you in control of your yard and works in harmony with your existing systems, so you gain efficiency without introducing friction or complexity.

Even More Essential for Complex Logistics Environments

Complex operations demand more than basic yard functionality. While YardView serves any industry, it’s purpose-built design enables it to meet the unique requirements of high-volume, multi-layered logistics environments like 3PLs, cold storage, and food and beverage distribution.

These operations face added layers of complexity, such as temperature-sensitive shipments, strict scheduling windows, and rapid turnover across multiple customer profiles.

YardView provides:

  • Granular visibility scross multiple customers or zones
  • Configurable workflows to support industry-specific compliance
  • Integrtion with access control systems and dock scheduling tools
  • Audit trails and reporting features designed for regulated environments

These are capabilities that general-purpose systems simply cannot match. For operations where precision is everything, YardView delivers the visibility and control you need.

YardView delivers proven results with real impact. Our customers consistently report:

  • Reduced trailer dwell times
  • Improved gate throughput
  • Higher yard driver productivity
  • Fewer detention fees
  • Better coordination between warehouse and yard teams

From ease of use to fast setup and hands-on support, YardView earns top marks from logistics teams every day. See what real customers are saying about YardView’s impact.

Why a Dedicated YMS From YardView Makes the Difference

Your yard deserves more than an afterthought. It deserves a system built to manage its complexity, speed, and strategic value. YardView isn’t a module. It’s a mission-driven platform designed to keep your operation moving, no matter how complex.

Ready to see how YardView can elevate your yard?

Request a personalized demo