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 (the yard). It provides an overview of yard operations and supports the planning, direction and control of scheduling, movement, parking, inspection and reassignment of trucks, trailers and containers in the yard. YMSs typically oversee the gate/kiosk, the yard itself, and the inbound and outbound dock door scheduling activities. YMSs are typically sold as extended modules of a WMS or as an independent suite and sometimes as part of a TMS. The gate, yard and dock components may be sold independently or as a combined solution.