YMS software: Active involvement of the driver in dock management

Dock management requires the participation and coordination of different agents and elements to ensure the success of operations, such as vehicles, drivers, goods and warehouse personnel.

If we pay attention to the main problems that arise during the process of loading and unloading goods, we see that the most striking one is the lack of time coordination between the driver and the logistics center.

In this sense, it is important to have a YMS (Yard Management System) software that actively involves the driver in dock management, in order to optimize times, reduce costs and improve productivity in general.

Traditional role of the driver in dock management

Traditionally, drivers have played a passive role in the logistics process of dock management.

So much so that they only followed the instructions of the warehouse personnel, without participating actively in the process at any time.

This lack of collaboration with the main player in the transport of goods resulted in long waiting times, as the driver and the loading and unloading point did not coordinate with each other to reserve slots according to real-time operations.

At times when delivery accuracy is crucial, this context is inefficient and entails significant costs.

In this sense, to solve this problem, it is important to have a YMS software that actively involves the driver in dock management.

Active driver involvement with YMS software

As we saw in the post What is Yard Management System? a YMS software is a dock management system that focuses on managing and optimizing the activity of the yards of logistics centers.

The YMS helps to efficiently coordinate and control the entry, exit, movement and storage of vehicles and goods in the yard.

In this sense, it is logical and necessary for this software to include the driver in the process to achieve the goal of optimizing dock management.

Specifically, this system provides tools that allow the driver to be an active agent in the logistical process of dock management, making the driver’s role radically transformed by winning:

Access to real-time information

The YMS Software provides drivers with key information such as dock status, assigned schedules, exact dock location and any changes to the schedule.

Through mobile applications or connected devices, drivers can consult this data in real time, reducing uncertainty and waiting times.

Autonomy in the inbound and outbound process of logistics facilities

Many YMS Software include features that allow drivers to check-in using automated systems, such as QR codes, digital terminals or automatic license plate registration.

This eliminates the need for constant interaction with administrative staff and speeds up the check-in and check-out processes.

Automatic notifications

With YMS software such as FIELDEAS Track and Trace, drivers, as well as the rest of the agents involved in the process, are alerted of any changes in the schedule, delays in the assigned dock or reassignments due to unforeseen events.

This functionality speeds up the process and allows the driver to adapt his route and operation, as well as to avoid confusion.

Immediate incident reporting

With the FIELDEAS Track and Trace dock management module, drivers can report problems from within the application, such as breakdowns, loading delays or documentation issues.

These last two points provide real-time feedback that improves communication between all stakeholders.

Benefits of driver participation in dock management

Integrating drivers into the logistics process using YMS software improves the driver experience and generates a number of benefits that impact the entire supply chain.

Reduction of waiting times

By providing drivers with clear and up-to-date instructions, downtime is minimized.

Vehicles spend less time parked, reducing yard congestion and improving overall productivity, as well as reducing emissions.

Increased accuracy of operations

Active driver involvement helps to avoid common errors, such as incorrect dock assignments or lost documentation. This ensures smoother and more accurate loading and unloading processes.

Improved driver experience

At a time when the driver shortage is one of the main threats to the stability of the road sector, this point is crucial.

With more and better information and tools to facilitate their work, drivers experience higher levels of satisfaction.

Resource optimization

Driver involvement in dock management allows for better utilization of yard resources and optimization of dock personnel, as real-time coordination reduces idle time and maximizes dock utilization.

Compliance with regulations

Driving and rest times, as well as waiting times, are subject to very binding regulations, so that non-compliance results in penalties for companies.

YMS software facilitates compliance with these regulations by optimizing schedules and minimizing waiting times.

With all that we have seen, we can affirm that a YMS Software represents a paradigm shift in dock management from a traditionally centralized approach to a more collaborative and dynamic one.

FIELDEAS YMS Track and Trace Software

The FIELDEAS Track and Trace dock management module allows to optimize loading and unloading operations in logistics platforms in a collaborative way.

Thus, drivers can make dock reservation requests, access data or report delays or changes.

In addition, drivers will be notified in case of delay or change in their slot reservation and will be able to see in real time the modifications made, having quality and timely information.

The management of loading and unloading docks is an integrated module within our FIELDEAS Track and Trace solution, Supply Chain Visibility platform that allows visibility of all transportation processes, regardless of the model and mode of transport.

The main feature of our Supply Chain Visibility is its flexibility, which makes it easy to manage both in-house and outsourced fleets, various logistics facilities and to take into account complex logistics activities.