The main challenges in logistics yard management and how to solve them

The management of logistics yards is one of the most strategic points in the entire supply chain, since all transports, agents and goods converge there.

Despite the fact that the latest legislation on transport sustainability has led to an optimization of its management, the management of loading and unloading docks continues to face significant challenges that impact operational efficiency and logistics costs.

In this post we will analyze the main challenges in the management of logistics yards and we will see which is the most effective solution to overcome them.

Main challenges of yard management

Among the main challenges of logistics yard management are the lack of visibility, lack of communication and coordination between the different actors, penalties for stoppages, sustainability and occupational safety, among others.

Next, let’s look at some of the main challenges of yard management:

Lack of visibility in the management of loading and unloading yards and docks

Lack of visibility of what is happening in the logistics yard is one of the main efficiency leaks in slot management.

Without real-time data on dock occupancy, wait times or operational delays, companies can face access congestion, inefficient resource allocation and, ultimately, unnecessary operational costs.

To avoid this, it is key to implement Yard Management Systems (YMS), which allow the monitoring of each vehicle, its status and location in real time, facilitating decision making and reducing downtime.

Change management

The adoption of new technologies or processes in yard management is often met with resistance from employees, either due to lack of knowledge, distrust or fear of change.

In this regard, it is important to make a training and information effort that includes all personnel, at all levels.

In addition, internal communication must be clear, explaining the benefits of the new methodology and how it will improve day-to-day activity at the logistics platform.

Lack of communication with carriers

Not knowing the status of the route, the exact time of arrival of the truck or possible incidents along the way makes planning difficult and causes unnecessary delays.

This information can only be obtained by maintaining direct communication with the drivers, so that they can report any changes in the route and, in turn, can receive notifications issued by the shipper.

Penalties for stoppages

High waiting times at loading and unloading docks have a direct impact on logistics costs, as shippers can face stoppage penalties, which are regulated by law.

Currently, the maximum time allowed for a truck to remain in the plant is 1 hour. Exceeding this time limit entails financial penalties and possible conflicts with carriers.

To avoid this, slot management systems must be implemented, loading and unloading planning must be optimized and waiting times must be reduced through automation, always in a collaborative scenario.

Resource optimization

In addition to improving relations with external parties and closing existing communication gaps, it is also important to optimize the logistics yard’s own resources.

This involves making the best use of available space, avoiding unnecessary accumulation of trucks and allocating human resources strategically.

Occupational safety

Logistics yards are high-risk areas, with a constant flow of vehicles and people in motion. An error in management can lead to accidents at work, damage to goods or even failures in general operations.

To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to implement strict security protocols that are supported by digitization solutions.

Little control over inbound operations

While outbound operations are controlled directly by the logistics center manager, inbound operations depend on external suppliers, which creates a blind spot in planning.

This can result in uncoordinated arrivals, lack of dock availability and, consequently, inefficiency in yard management.

An effective solution is to establish collaboration agreements with suppliers and use digital tools that allow the synchronization of goods arrivals, improving overall planning.

Sustainability

There is no area in any company that is not focused on meeting sustainability and carbon footprint reduction goals, and dock management is no exception.

Long waits for moving trucks, lack of efficient planning and inadequate use of space contribute to higher fuel consumption and unnecessary CO2 emissions.

To mitigate this impact, it is recommended that waiting times be reduced, routes optimized and clean energy used in yard logistics.

Failure to meet delivery deadlines

Failure to meet deadlines directly affects customer confidence and the company’s reputation.

The problem often lies in poor planning of loading and unloading times, which leads to delays in the supply chain.

The key to avoiding this is digitization, which allows real-time monitoring of the status of each operation, improves accuracy in dock scheduling and ensures on-time deliveries.

How to overcome the challenges of yard management?

As we have seen in each of the challenges we have analyzed, the answer to this question is simple: with digitization.

Specifically, by implementing a Yard Management System (YMS) solution, which improves visibility, optimizes resource allocation, reduces waiting times and ensures safety.

For example, the FIELDEAS Track and Trace dock management module can solve all yard management challenges as follows:

• For the challenge of lack of visibility, our YMS offers a transparent environment thanks to the platform management or layout functionality, which makes it possible to locate on a map of the platform where the trucks are at all times and if there are any delays or deviations.
• Lack of communication with carriers is not a problem with our YMS. We have different functionalities that generate a collaborative environment with a constant flow of information, such as slot planning or booking, real time andloading calendar.
• Reduce by more than 90% the penalties for stoppages. The collaborative and transparent environment provided by our dock management solution reduces waiting times by optimizing resources and management by exception.
• Complete control of inbound operations. The inbound planner of our dock management module allows you to request raw materials from suppliers so that they can define the quantity to be sent to the logistics center, indicating the date and time. In this way, the supplier sees what his customer needs and plans the route by reserving a space, giving the shipper or manufacturer all the necessary information to complete his logistics grid with a comprehensive view of the flow of goods.
• Increased customer satisfaction. With our slot management solution and its logistics grid planning and operator availability functionality, delivery times are guaranteed, which reinforces your customers’ confidence and your company’s reputation.