C3 Yard

C3 Yard Review

Pros:

That it's: - a web based software, so providing there's an internet connection you can connect from anywhere. - the visibility it offered not just to a few users for our entire operation from the gatehouses to the baordroom, to the infeeds and to linehaul/planners (something our previous system did not offer!) - it's flexibility in being able to cope with any process changes required or needed by the business. - the time stamps for any actions and confirmations meaning you can extract a plethora of data depending on your company KPI's, targets and measure the data for continuous improvement. - it's expanded the overall knowledge of the business as people who now use the software can find out different information that wasn't captured before.

Cons:

The only issue we've really encountered has been a speed issue when using the system. In its infancy this happened quite often, but now it is infrequent. When this does occur, it does hinder our operation and slow us down.

C3

Comments: Benefits realised at present are a reduction in shunt task distance, thus saving resource. By having the options available within the 'Cons' section, further resource savings can be realised.

Pros:

The ability to have variable neighbourhood parking rules for trailers. This allows the business to utilise the yard more effectively, based on day of week and time of day. For busy operations utilising a small main yard with larger offsite parking areas, a reduction in shunt moves is realised.

Cons:

The system will slow down for users during busy times of day. It seems as though the more transactions being evaluated by C3 will result in user frustration, often resulting in having to refresh the session. Should the busy time be continued, more refreshing required. No simple quick simple way for users to change the destination of an existing task to a door. Without this ability, shunt moves can be increased. No full suite of options for Dock Assignment Criterias. There are currently around 10 options available, however, other sections of the system provide the full suite. This is then also impacted by the fact that only 'Equal' or 'Not Equal' options can be utilised. If an easy 'Change Destination' option and a full suite of Dock Assignment Critera were available, I envisage a mostly automated operation.

C3 Yard Review

Comments: Our main benefit is that due to the improved visibility and reporting we have a much-reduced chance of missing a customer's inbound trailer. We have a clear view of everything that has arrived on-site and at what stage that trailer is in (loaded, partially unloaded etc...).
We have also seen improved inbound times at the gate, faster shunter movements in the yard and reduced yard congestion overall.

Pros:

The software is highly configurable and is set up based on your individual business needs. The c3 team are very quick to help implement new changes after the software is in and working if an internal process changes. The software gives us clear visibility of everything going on around the different sites and we now have great reporting and useful data surrounding our yards.

Cons:

There is a steep learning curve with the C3 yard software. It took my team and I a little while to master, it can seem a little daunting for new users when you first start taking them through it. The good thing is that most people only need limited access to one area of the system and only need to be trained in that one area. Training super users is a little more difficult and it isn't something that just anyone can pick up.