ImpoundDeskPaper impound log book vs a digital yard log
Updated October 26, 2026 · For towing and impound yards
The paper impound log is a fixture of tow yard offices: a bound book, one line per vehicle, written by whoever took the call. Some yards keep it because their city or their insurer expects a written record.
A log book is a good record of what came in. It is a poor tool for answering questions about what is in the yard right now, and that is most of what the phone is for.
Keep the book if you need it
If your jurisdiction or contract requires a written log, keep it. A digital log can sit alongside it: the book is the record, the app is what the desk uses to answer calls and run releases.
Paper log vs ImpoundDesk
- Finding a car
- Paper log Flip pages by date
- ImpoundDesk Search by plate
- Current status
- Paper log Not recorded, or crossed out
- ImpoundDesk On hold, ready, released or to auction
- Who changed it
- Paper log Handwriting
- ImpoundDesk History on each vehicle: who changed what, and when
- Two people at once
- Paper log One book
- ImpoundDesk Staff sign in with their own email
- Release paperwork
- Paper log Separate forms
- ImpoundDesk Release steps, claimant, fee due and pickup time on one record
- Backup
- Paper log Photocopies
- ImpoundDesk Export to CSV whenever you like
| Paper log | ImpoundDesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Finding a car | Flip pages by date | Search by plate |
| Current status | Not recorded, or crossed out | On hold, ready, released or to auction |
| Who changed it | Handwriting | History on each vehicle: who changed what, and when |
| Two people at once | One book | Staff sign in with their own email |
| Release paperwork | Separate forms | Release steps, claimant, fee due and pickup time on one record |
| Backup | Photocopies | Export to CSV whenever you like |
Switching without losing the trail
- Enter what is in the yard today; old released cars can stay in the book.
- Write the date you started the digital log on the book’s current page.
- For a month, check the two against each other at the end of each day.
- Then keep whichever your rules require, and use the app for calls.