SAP Warehouse Management (SAP WM) ERP-integrated warehouse management
For many years, SAP Warehouse Management (SAP WM) as an integral part of SAP R/3 or SAP ECC was the most frequently used standard software for warehouse management (>10,000 installations worldwide). The use of SAP WM eliminated the need to use external warehouse management systems (WMS, WMS, WCS). It may have been necessary to connect external material flow computers (MFR) in order to control automated high-bay warehouses or small parts warehouses. These systems were usually connected to SAP WM via the SAP IDOC interface.
For the future, however, the use of SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM) is recommended, as SAP EWM is the current software solution from SAP and is fully integrated into SAP S/4HANA integrated. The main components of SAP EWM (effectively the "successor" to SAP WM) are warehouse management and material flow control with the SAP Material Flow System (SAP MFS). In terms of its range of functions, SAP EWM replaces SAP WM as a more future-proof, comprehensive warehouse management solution.
SAP EWM can also be used to control all types of automated warehouses: high-bay warehouses, small parts warehouses, shuttle warehouses, etc. External material flow computers (MFR) are no longer required with SAP EWM.
Further information on SAP EWM – SAP Extended Warehouse Management can be found here.
SAP WM – Function examples
With SAP Handling Unit Management (SAP HUM), SAP offers extensive functions for mapping multi-level package structures and for storing packing instructions. Standards such as NVE, SSCC and WE/WA notifications at package level can be used consistently across the entire supply chain and for intercompany traffic.
Traceability in accordance with EU178/2002 and serial number handling are optimally supported with SAP HUM.
Since R/3 Rel. 4.7 (Enterprise), SAP has delivered the material flow control component Task and Resource Management(SAP TRM) integrated in SAP Logistics Execution System (SAP LES) as part of the SAP standard. As an extension of SAP Warehouse Management (SAP WM), SAP Task and Resource Management enables the detailed mapping and optimization of multi-level material flows in the warehouse. SAP TRM can communicate as SAP MFR (SAP material flow computer) directly from SAP with the subordinate programmable logic controllers (PLC) of a high-bay warehouse or small parts warehouse, such as SIEMENS S5/S7. This completely eliminates the need for external material flow control systems, reduces the number of interfaces and simplifies communication.
SAP ITSmobile communicates directly with browser-based MDE devices and displays specifically designed front ends. The browser is located on the end device, which communicates directly with the SAP web application server using HTML/business HTML. SAP ITSmobile does not require any proprietary clients as standard and offers unrestricted differentiation of end users in the SAP system. With the SAP RF standard transactions, SAP ITSmobile offers a wide range of configuration options and supports a wide variety of end devices. This gives users a high degree of flexibility in their choice of implementation/hardware partner. SAP ITSmobile is complemented by SAPConsole, a tried and tested SAP RF communication system based on ASCII/Telnet.
The SAP Extended Express Ship Interface is the standard component for storing all relevant routing information from transport service providers in SAP. This allows all necessary shipping documents (parcel and pallet labels, delivery manifests, etc.) to be printed directly from SAP and the EDI advice note to be sent. Shipping subsystems and specific software/printers of the transportation service providers are no longer required with SAP Extended Express-Ship-Interface. Comprehensive, integrated Track & Trace functions for all general cargo and parcel service providers connected to SAP support sales and customer service in the event of queries from your customers.
SAP TRM (SAP Task and Resource Management) knows all physical coordinates (X,Y,Z), routes and the characteristics of the forklifts in the warehouse. This makes it possible to optimally assign transport orders to the forklifts in real time, minimize routes, generate double cycles and avoid empty runs. Comprehensive TRM (SAP Task and Resource Management) functions for monitoring and prioritizing upcoming transports provide the control station with all the information and control options it needs. The dwell time recording at transfer points and buffer locations is used to realistically determine and evaluate transport times.
SAP Yard Management offers effective management of all incoming and outgoing trucks, trains, swap bodies and containers. This means that the material flow can also be coordinated beyond the "four walls" of the warehouse with yard and gate management. Extensive functions are available, such as an electronic planning board with allocation of time slots to forwarders, etc.
Value added services are additional logistical services such as assembly, labeling, packaging and kitting and can be carried out in the warehouse via corresponding orders. The value of individual additional services provided in the warehouse can be recorded. The necessary recording and charging of these services to the customer can therefore be largely automated.
Sales SAP EWM / TM
