Addressing the insufficient operation capacity of the fixed-side interaction mode adopted by the Guangzhou Nansha Phase IV Automated Terminal,this study proposes a collaborative solution integrating process optimization and layout innovation,based on researching the impact of the yard loading-unloading system and yard planar layout on the interaction capacity of external trucks.By subdividing the functions of interaction zones,reconstructing the operational logic,and optimizing the process flow for the coordination of fixed-point operations with loading and unloading activities,this study further proposes multiple expansion design schemes for interaction zones.Among these schemes,a yard layout featuring an end interaction zone with a U-shaped path based on single-cantilever rail-mounted gantry cranes is selected,which enables the efficient connection of operational links and the rational redistribution and utilization of terminal resources.A simulation model is adopted to verify the optimized scheme,and the results show that the operational capacity of interaction zones for external trucks is increased by 102.00%,which represents a significant breakthrough in overcoming the efficiency constraints of automated terminals with a fixed-side interaction and parallel layout.The collaborative optimization of processes and layout enables a multi-fold improvement in the efficiency of external trucks at low cost,which not only provides an upgrade path for Nansha Phase IV terminal but also serves as a reference for the automated transformation and new construction design of similar terminals.