Vehnet launches free optimiser

Software specialist Vehnet has launched Advanced Yard Design Optimiser (AYDO), designed to enable users to accurately design and fully optimise individual yard layouts. It is available to download and use free of charge.

According to Steve Jones, Vehnet group MD, intelligent layout design is key to effective yard optimisation but achieving optimal design has traditionally proved expensive and time-consuming. "The introduction of AYDO has changed all that," he explained. "Now, users can simply locate their site with Google Maps, literally draw round the perimeter, buildings, major features and roadways. These co-ordinates are then imported into AYDO and appear as a to-scale canvas, allowing individual yards of any size or type to be designed according to key criteria."

AYDO allows different yard scenarios to be created, alternatives explored and impacts assessed, with changes able to be made quickly and cost-effectively.

The freeware is also delivered with icons for people, transportation modes, handling equipment, parking areas, gates, doors and buildings. It has a "bird's eye view" to help users identify hazards and increase security. Finished drawings can be created to presentation standard and the final version is easily exported to a jpeg format for publication.