RFID vs. YMS: What’s the Difference?

Written by: 
YardView
Posted on: 
July 31, 2022

a digital image with an RFID scan tag with the words that state RFID vs YMS Explained

It is important to know the differences between RFID and YMS. Understanding what makes them unique from each other will enable you to make a sounder decision if you are deciding which to implement. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered in determining the differences between both innovative technologies and understanding the proper methods that are applied to each. With this knowledge, you’ll come to understand that moving forward with a full yard management software solution is the best decision for your operation.

What is Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID)?

Radio-Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) 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. RFID can be an essential tool for logistical applications and is used to optimize supply chain processes. RFID was officially invented in 1983 by Charles Walton but didn’t start making news headlines until 2002. When used in yard management, yard managers can achieve real-time visibility into the location, entrance, exit, and intra-yard movement of every asset for which they’re responsible.


How RFID is Different from Yard Management Software

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Aside from RFID technology, a Yard Management System (YMS) is a cutting-edge software that is designed to oversee the movement of assets in the yard of a manufacturing facility, warehouse, or distribution center. Yard Management Software provides a fully integrated solution that streamlines the entire supply chain process, where RFID only focuses on a specific need: asset tracking within yard management. When working together, RFID can increase labor productivity, essentially eliminate lost assets, improves capital utilization, increases productivity, and allows for more precise scheduling, minimizing non-value-added downtime.

When Should RFID or YMS Be Utilized?

To ensure a seamless operations process from beginning to end, a YMS should be utilized from the moment is shipment has been confirmed. With RFID, it should be utilized when product is in motion so Yard Managers can keep track of anything and everything. Yard management facilities use RFID tracking chips to locate and keep a monitor of valuable assets as they make their way through the yard. Yard management systems enable the ability to operate at maximum flexibility by offering both manual and automated control of the yard and surrounding sites, providing complete visibility of your equipment, carriers, staff, and inventory. Better yet, YMS optimizes every process, streamlines inbound and outbound operational workflows, reduces processing times, and maximizes the use of resources.

Reasons Why You’ll See YMS Selected Over RFID More Often

RFID technology was the go-to solution for yard and warehouse management until recent years because it was easy to use and a more simplified solution. However, when logistics and manufacturing businesses began to see and reap the benefits of utilizing a cohesive, comprehensive YMS solution, they knew YMS was the way to go for a more secure long-term solution for their business. Yard management software is recognized by industry leaders as a best-in-class solution with impressive benefits:

When Your Technology is Becoming Too Inefficient, Choose YardView as Your New YMS Provider

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After learning of the unique differences between Radio-Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) and Yard Management Systems (YMS), you can debunk certain myths about how migrating these systems fully would “take forever”, when that is truly not the case. Anything is possible when partnering with the right YMS provider. Each supplier will have their own unique benefits and advantages; see what we have to offer by scheduling a demo of our software today. Have questions beforehand? Our team is available 24/7anywhere in the United States! When ready, please visit our software demo page to see our software solution inaction.

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