Yard management is evolving into site flow management, according to Greg Braun, vice president, C3 Solutions (514-932-3883, www.c3tools.com), a provider of comprehensive yard, dock and asset management solutions.

"This new way of looking at yard management changes the emphasis from reactively managing trailers as they enter the yard to proactively scheduling the arrival of trailers and inventory to correspond with outbound departures," Braun said at D/C Expo. "That minimizes the handling of both trailers and inventory."

C3's newest release manages tractors and drivers as well as trailers and docks. For instance, the system utilizes an airport-style arrival and departure screen to notify drivers when and at what dock their loads will be ready and where their tractors are located.

The system is designed to integrate with warehouse and transportation management systems to enhance the flow of product from the gate to the yard to the dock and to the line, especially in just-in-time and lean manufacturing operations.

"In these industries, the arrival of a trailer represents the arrival of inventory that is seriously needed," Braun said. "Missing inbound inventory can mean service failures or costly manufacturing stoppages."