Digitalizing Yard Management with SAP Yard Logistics: Check-In, Weighing, and IoT Integration

LeverX optimized inbound, outbound, and internal yard processes for a European sustainability leader with a scalable SAP Yard Logistics (SAP YL) solution.

Customer Overview

A part of one of Europe’s largest retail groups, this leading German company specializes in recycling, waste management, and sustainability solutions. With over 30,000 employees across Europe, the organization operates across the full value chain, from consulting and disposal to sorting and recycling.

The customer was unable to solve incidents rapidly (spare parts aren’t available for shipping, the forklift is out of order, etc.), used a time-consuming process to prepare shipping manifests, and lacked transparency in monitoring the movement of forklifts, and others.

Challenge

The company initially aimed to replace its outdated yard management solution, which was used in only one location and lacked scalability for broader deployment. To support its sustainability-driven logistics network and prepare for future rollouts across multiple sites, the company needed a flexible and modern yard management solution. Its objectives included:

• Structuring complex inbound, outbound, and internal yard processes
• Ensuring compatibility with both SAP ECC and the future SAP S/4HANA system
• Automating truck Check-In/Check-Out, weighing, and door/working machine assignment 
• Enabling full IoT integration to automate key yard activities
• Providing warehouse operators with real-time process visibility and intuitive interfaces

The goal was to implement a scalable SAP Yard Logistics (SAP YL) solution to digitize yard operations across multiple facilities.

Project Scope

LeverX implemented and tailored SAP Yard Logistics to support the company’s growing operational demands. The project scope included:

• Designing the yard structure and parameters
• Building the solution architecture for cross-system integration
• Configuring inbound, outbound, and internal yard movements
• Integration with external systems for data exchange and automation
• Developing Fiori-based applications and mobile interfaces to support daily yard operations

Solution Description

The LeverX team delivered a robust and scalable SAP Yard Logistics solution, enabling full control and transparency over yard activities:

• Integrated SAP ECC landscape with future-proof design supporting S/4HANA migration
• Automated Check-In/Check-Out of trucks to save time and ensure  accuracy
• Integration with weighing systems for real-time truck weight collection and validation
• Full IoT integration of barriers, traffic lights, weighing bridges, bunker doors, license plate recognition cameras, and QR code scanners to automate and monitor yard equipment and sensors.
• Graphical Yard Cockpit enhancements, offering real-time visual control over truck locations and resource allocation
• Custom Fiori apps for intuitive user experiences and efficient process handling
• Management of bunker doors, zones, and operating hours through dedicated mobile apps and workflows

Technology Stack

• SAP Yard Logistics (SAP YL)
• SAP ECC with future S/4HANA compatibility
• SAP Fiori / UI5
• IoT device integration
• Mobile yard applications
• External system connectivity (APIs, weighing systems, automation controls)

Results

• Full digitalization of yard operations for inbound, outbound, and internal movements
• Reduced truck wait times through automated Check-In/Check-Out
• Improved planning and visibility via Graphical Yard Cockpit and mobile tools
• Faster integration with external systems and scalable architecture
• Future-ready foundation supporting sustainability, efficiency, and continuous improvement