Transportation mobility technology enables fleet operators in the supply chain to locate and track the movements, as well as monitor conditions, of mobile over-the-road transportation assets in real time, using cellular or, in specific cases, satellite links. It allows these operators to track drivers to ensure driver safety and performance. The analysis of driver performance results in improvements in fuel consumption, prevention of workers’ compensation claims and prevention of accidents. This, in turn, leads to lower operating costs; higher compliance, safety and accountability (CSA) scores; and, possibly, lower insurance rates.
A yard management system (YMS) supports the efficient flow of work, equipment and materials through the normally enclosed area outside of a warehouse, distribution center or manufacturing facility (known as the yard). A yard management system (YMS) provides an overview of yard operations and supports the planning, direction, monitoring and control of activities. These include scheduling, moving, parking, inspecting and reassigning trucks, trailers and containers in the yard. YMSs are typically used to oversee the gate/kiosk, the yard itself and the inbound and outbound dock door scheduling activities. YMSs are often sold as extended modules of a warehouse management system (WMS) or as an independent suite, and sometimes as part of a transport management system (TMS). The gate, yard and dock components may be sold independently or as a combined solution.