INFORM launches YMSlite for smaller yard operations

INFORM has launched YMSlite, a cloud-based yard management product for smaller logistics facilities running yard, dock and gate operations.

The company positions it as an entry-level option for small to mid-sized warehouses, distribution centres, carrier and container yards, third-party logistics providers and manufacturing sites with yards. The software provides real-time visibility of trailers, containers and chassis, with operational data presented through a web-based interface.

At many smaller sites, yard management remains less digitised than other parts of the supply chain. Operators often track equipment and movements through phone calls, radios and manual lists. This can increase dwell times, keep dock doors occupied longer than planned and create queues at site gates. It can also raise detention and demurrage exposure and increase the risk of miscommunication between warehouse teams, transport partners and gate staff.

INFORM says it has observed these patterns in day-to-day operations in Australia.

"In Australia, a lot of everyday yard operations still run on clipboards, spreadsheets and local knowledge," said Gary Van Tassel, Director of Sales for Terminal & Distribution Centre Logistics at INFORM. "At the same time, customers feel growing pressure from rising transportation costs, skilled labor shortages and increasing expectations to drive efficiency. YMSlite gives small and mid-sized operations a practical way to gain control over their yards- with real-time visibility, better dock planning and fewer surprises at the gate-without the overhead of a big system implementation."

One platform

YMSlite combines yard, dock and gate functions in a standalone application. Users can configure a yard layout that includes parking spots, docks and bulk areas. The system then tracks equipment location and time on site. A live overview shows where each unit is positioned and how long it has been there.

Teams can assign equipment to specific doors, block and unblock locations, and manage trailer moves between parking slots and docks. For gate teams, the product provides an overview of expected arrivals and departures. Check-in and check-out can be recorded in the system, linking a truck to a unit and yard location.

The product also includes a KPI view covering yard occupancy, dock utilisation, gate activity and dwell times. INFORM describes this as a way for operations teams to monitor performance and identify bottlenecks.

Fast setup

The product is designed for sites seeking a simpler deployment than the yard management tools typically used in larger networks. INFORM says the interface is intentionally straightforward for operational users, with limited training requirements.

Setup is central to the pitch. INFORM says new sites can be configured in 30 minutes. As a cloud-based system, it does not require on-premises infrastructure and can be implemented without a dedicated IT project.

YMSlite uses a subscription model with a flat monthly rate, according to INFORM, and includes a 15-day free trial.

According to its product team, INFORM is extending its logistics portfolio downmarket with the product.

"Over the past decades, INFORM has built a strong portfolio for complex logistics operations all over the world," said Karsten Schumacher, Product Manager YMSlite, Terminal & Distribution Centre Logistics at INFORM. "With YMSlite, we are deliberately extending this portfolio to smaller logistics operations. Many of these sites face the same visibility and efficiency challenges as large operations but have lacked a solution that fits their scale and resources. YMSlite closes this gap and allows us to support customers from small businesses through to global enterprises with the right level of functionality in each case."

Pilot feedback

INFORM says customer pilots replaced paper-based yard lists and manual gate logs with a shared digital view of trailers, docks and appointments. Participants reported faster access to information, fewer misunderstandings between staff, and more predictable flows during peak periods.

One beta user described the product as an alternative to spreadsheet-based processes and cited quick onboarding.

"YMSlite has been a clear step up from working in Excel. The interface is clean, the system is easy to understand, and we were up and running in about five minutes. Cloud access means we can reach the same up-to-date information from anywhere and don't have to worry about different file versions. If you're looking for a straightforward, more structured alternative to spreadsheets, I'd recommend giving YMSlite a try," said a warehouse manager for a leading regional 3PL and a YMSlite beta user.

INFORM says it continues to gather feedback from beta users and plans product updates to expand analytics and reporting.