In the logistics industry, "Tier 1" is often seen as a destination—something businesses strive for only after they’ve reached a certain size. But at The RIC Group, we view Tier 1 differently. It’s not just about the size of your warehouse; it’s about the sophistication of your tools.
TBO4 is designed with a "Ready-to-Deploy" architecture. It provides a rock-solid foundation for everyday WMS needs, but it is packed with high-level features that sit under the hood. For businesses looking to grow, the power of TBO4 lies in its scalability: when you are ready to move from basic tracking to elite-level efficiency, those Tier 1 features are ready to be turned on.
Syncing the Yard and the Floor: The TBO4 Edge
Efficiency isn't found in just one area; it’s found in the connection between the yard and the warehouse floor. Here is how TBO4 uses Tier 1 logic to harmonize your entire operation.
1. Inbound Container Management (Port-to-Gate)
Most standard systems start their journey at the warehouse gate. TBO4 takes a Tier 1 approach by providing visibility much earlier.
The Control: By tracking containers from the port or terminal, TBO4 gives you a "window into the future."
The Impact: When a container arrives in your yard, it isn't a mystery. The system already knows exactly what’s inside, allowing you to prioritize "hot" stock and direct it to the specific dock door that is closest to its final storage location.
2. Advanced License Plate Numbering (LPN)
When volume increases, scanning every individual box becomes a bottleneck. TBO4 offers LPN (License Plate Numbering), a feature usually reserved for high-end enterprise systems.
The Control: LPN allows you to group multiple SKUs or a whole pallet under one unique "License Plate" ID.
The Impact: Whether a pallet is being moved from a trailer in the yard to a staging area, or from the dock to a high-reach rack, your team only scans one barcode. This slashes processing time and virtually eliminates human error during bulk movements.
3. Real-Time Yard Visualization & Spot Management
A basic yard is a parking lot; a Tier 1 yard is a dynamic storage zone.
The Control: TBO4 allows you to manage specific spots and zones within your yard digitally.
The Impact: The warehouse floor never has to guess where their inventory is. If the WMS identifies an urgent order, it can immediately signal which trailer in Spot B-4 needs to be brought to Dock Door 10. This eliminates "trailer hunting" and keeps your dock doors—and your floor staff—moving at maximum capacity.
The Power of "Turning It On"
The most significant advantage of TBO4 is that it doesn't force complexity on you before you’re ready. Many businesses begin by mastering their core floor operations—accurate picking and dispatch. However, as the business scales and the yard becomes more crowded, the Tier 1 capabilities are already there, waiting to be activated. We always recommend the intelligent phased approach.
- Year 1: Streamline your picking and inventory accuracy.
- Year 2: Activate LPN to handle higher pallet volumes.
- Year 3: Turn on Advanced Container Tracking to manage a global supply chain.
Summary: Future-Proofing Your Business
By choosing TBO4, you aren't just buying a WMS for today; you are investing in a platform that supports your 10-year plan. With Tier 1 features ready to be toggled on as you grow, TBO4 ensures that the "chaos" of the yard never disrupts the "flow" of the warehouse floor.
