- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available on mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SafetyCulture?
A top-rated mobile-first platform, SafetyCulture stands out as one of the most effective Yard Management Systems for shipping operations thanks to its features tailored for logistics optimization. Its versatility is unmatched, capable of seamless coordination, on-the-spot scheduling, and efficient gate management. By enhancing visibility through real-time tracking, reducing costs with the help of efficient resource allocation, and increasing productivity by streamlining workflows, shipping yard businesses become the top choice for other companies working in the supply chain.
Features:
- Gain real-time visibility into asset locations, optimize space utilization, and allocate resources better through real-time tracking with the help of geotagging and Sites feature.
- Improve safety measures by alerting personnel to issues (e.g., adverse weather conditions, temperature-related damage, or losses) that could result in potential accidents and disruptions by integrating relevant sensors into the system.
- Streamline task management processes and increase accountability by assigning specific tasks to personnel within the yard, tracking their progress, and ensuring their completion.
- Simplify recordkeeping processes to improve compliance with the system’s automated reporting capabilities (e.g., quality audits, safety inspections, incident management, etc.) and secure these digital documents in a centralized repository.
- Improve coordination for reduced delays, faster turnaround times, and prompt issue resolution by sending alerts, notifications, and other relevant information via Heads Up.
Why use Descartes?
A comprehensive platform made for logistics and supply chain productivity, Descartes offers one of the best yard management software solutions designed to help operators handle trailer movements and associated inventory. It also provides a dock appointment scheduler, which helps the platform become a powerful collaboration tool for shippers, carriers, and consignees.
Features:
- Shipment management with portal
- Customs declarations and compliance
- Warehousing management
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use C3 Solutions?
Dedicated to efficient dock and yard management, C3 Solutions transforms logistics operations into a well-organized infrastructure. With this platform’s fully integrated and cloud-based features, personnel involved can automate various workflows and enhance collaboration among different teams so they can handle the usual challenges in operations.
Features:
- 360-degree asset visibility
- Automated task assigner
- Exception alerts
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Körber ?
This yard management software equips workers with tools to ensure daily operations run effectively. With Körber and its numerous other solutions, all in and outbound workflows are streamlined, increasing overall productivity.
Features:
- Multi-yard and multi-client support
- Transport management
- Inflow control
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Made4net?
A dynamic and highly scalable supply chain platform, Made4net delivers a highly-awarded yard management and appointment scheduling solution that increases yard visibility and keeps on-site traffic flowing. With this, companies can organize and optimize their inbound and outbound operations for supply chain success.
Features:
- Vendor and carrier scheduler and appointment tracker
- Trailer identification and tracking
- Self check-in and out
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Manhattan Active?
Manhattan Active by Manhantan offers one of the best yard management systems that works seamlessly with a dozen other solutions under their extensive supply chain solutions. By unifying yard workflows and enhancing visibility, companies get to perform better, optimize their day-to-day operations, and save on costs.
Features:
- Logistics visibility
- Inventory allocation and replenishment
- Configurable cubing options
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use Oracle?
Considered one of the best and most comprehensive supply chain suites, Oracle offers a yard management system to improve its warehousing software. By increasing the efficiency of logistics service facilities through organizing dock management, all companies involved can increase throughputs, reduce costs, and improve fulfillment.
Features:
- Multi-facility yard operations
- Integration with other Oracle solutions
- RFID, Real-time Location System (RTLS), and mobile Radio Frequency (RF) support
- Free Version: Yes
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
What is Yard Management Software?
Managing the modern supply chain is incredibly challenging. Conventional processes, heavily reliant on paperwork and physical oversight, often result in mistakes and delays. A yard management software is a critical tool for companies involved in logistics and distribution, from manufacturers to transporters. Here are the top reasons:
- Enhances Visibility – With the help of real-time asset tracking and digitized inventory, everyone involved makes better decisions that increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. On top of ensuring quality, gaining a 360-degree view of the operations also boosts safety for everyone involved.
- Increases Efficiency of Yard Operations – By streamlining workflows, everyone can guarantee faster turnaround times and improved throughputs. Productivity in this part of the supply chain means customers receive their items on time.
- Reduces Yard Congestion – Shipping yards are some of the busiest and most crowded work sites, involving numerous employees working for various companies. By integrating this system, yard supervisors can guarantee faster cargo consolidation, improved dwell times, reduced idle times, and lower detention costs.
Vroon, a well-known international shipping company, has revolutionized its inspection processes by utilizing a top-notch Yard Management System (YMS). By equipping their workers with a mobile device, tasks such as data capture, report generation, and information sharing are made simpler and smoother.
Key Features
Some companies choose generic management systems to handle the complex day-to-day processes in their shipping yards. But if you want to transform your operations and make a real difference, a dedicated system for this particular setting is the best option. Here are some of its features:
- Yard management checklists with repository (e.g., shipping logs, vessel arrivals and departures, heavy vehicle inspections, etc.)
- Appointment scheduling
- Gate management with trailer tracking
- Inventory and asset management
- Resource allocation
- Real-time activity tracking and incident management
- Reporting and analytics for compliance
- Collaboration and communication tools
- Integrations (e.g., weather feeds, temperature sensors, etc.)
- Mobile accessibility
Choosing the Right Yard Management Software
All yard management software solutions presented above can help companies involved in logistics and distribution optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. Before making your final choice, take another look at all of them in the summary below:
| Yard Management Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/seat/month* | Yes |
| Descartes | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| C3 Solutions | No | Contact for pricing | No |
| Körber | No | Contact for pricing | Yes |
| Made4net | No | Contact for pricing | No |
| Manhattan Active | No | Contact for pricing | No |
| Oracle | Yes | Contact for pricing | Yes |
* billed annually
Eunice Arcilla Caburao