Effective yard management is critical for smooth terminal operations. With increasing container volumes, diverse cargo types, and tight delivery schedules, terminal operators need tools that go beyond spreadsheets or manual layouts. A modern yard planning and visualization system provides a clear, real-time picture of the container yard, helping teams organize storage areas, monitor space usage, and plan container movements with precision.
By combining 2D layout views with dynamic 3D stacking, depots and terminals gain the visual clarity needed to minimize re-handling, reduce travel distances for equipment, and maximize yard space utilization.
Why Yard Planning and Visualization Matter
Traditional yard layouts often lack visibility. Planners and equipment operators rely on printed maps or memory, leading to inefficient container placement, traffic congestion, and unnecessary moves.
A digital yard planning system solves these challenges by:
-
Displaying the yard in real-time 2D and 3D formats
-
Highlighting container positions, stacking levels, and equipment paths
-
Allowing planners to simulate placements before execution
-
Improving safety through zoning and clear slot allocation
This approach reduces operational friction and enables smarter decisions.
2D and 3D Yard Maps
Real-Time Yard Representation
The yard is displayed in a grid-based format, showing each storage block, row, and tier. Containers are color-coded by status — empty, full, reefer, DG — and updated live as movements happen.
-
See which slots are free or occupied
-
Zoom into specific zones or blocks
-
Identify bottlenecks or underused areas instantly
3D Stack Visualization
For better depth perception, the 3D view represents stacked containers by height. It also shows load density and weight concentration visually.
-
Color-coded stacks by container type
-
View tier height and stacking history
-
Useful for operational forecasting and shift planning
Slot Allocation and Zone Management
Full/Empty Area Separation
The system supports configuration of storage zones for empty units, full containers, reefers, and special cargo. Automated rules prevent misplacement and improve overall yard structure.
-
Separate areas for different cargo types
-
Prevent blockages by allocating accessible slots
-
Designated reefer and DG zones with visual borders
Predefined Placement Rules
Slots can be assigned automatically based on:
-
Container size (20’, 40’, high-cube)
-
Cargo type or hazard class
-
Destination, client, or shipping line
This minimizes manual intervention and ensures consistency in yard planning.
Optimization for Yard Equipment
Crane & Reachstacker Efficiency
Planners can design moves that reduce crane swing time or limit reachstacker travel distance. This leads to:
-
Shorter loading/unloading cycles
-
Fewer unproductive relocations
-
Better safety around equipment paths
Crane operators benefit from knowing the stack height before a lift is made, while reachstackers avoid digging through poorly planned rows.
Integration and Automation
The yard visualization module connects with:
-
Gate operations to reflect incoming/outgoing units
-
Inventory control for container status
-
Billing modules to start or stop storage timers
-
External systems via API (WMS, CTMS, TOS)
Planners can receive alerts about overstacking, capacity thresholds, or zone conflicts in real time.
Operational Benefits
Implementing 2D and 3D yard visualization delivers measurable improvements:
-
Clear view of current yard capacity
-
Easy planning for large container inflows or evacuations
-
Enhanced coordination between dispatchers and operators
-
Reduction in human error and miscommunication
-
Better overall flow and container turnover
A smart yard visualization tool is more than a map — it’s the operational heart of an efficient terminal. Whether planning slots for inbound loads or ensuring that empty rows are ready for exports, real-time visibility is essential for agility and control.
With intuitive layout tools, stack simulation, and equipment-aware planning, terminals are equipped to run faster, safer, and smarter.
