Mastery, control, and optimization of complex warehouse structures and processes with SAP EWM
These days, companies require the supply chain to be extremely efficient and they make great demands when it comes to warehouse logistics. The costs of providing services have to be reduced and the added value of the services maximized at the same time — without negatively affecting the quality of logistics services. The need for intelligent solutions for complex, demanding warehouse logistics systems therefore continues to grow.
valantic’s product portfolio includes solutions for the from-scratch introduction of SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) as well as for the migration of an existing warehouse management system (SAP WM) into the EWM environment. In addition, the introduction can be done as integrated EWM solution in the SAP S/4HANA environment (embedded EWM) or as a stand-alone version.
SAP EWM as a component of the Supply Chain Execution Platform (SAP SCE) is the most popular warehouse management software on the market. This system addresses the warehouse requirements of logistics service providers, producers, and many other companies. SAP EWM is used to handle and monitor all goods transactions in the warehouse including the resource-optimized bundling of storage tasks. As an integrated application, SAP EWM can be used with other modules, for example SAP Transportation management (SAP TM) and the SAP Logistics Business Network (SAP LBN) for comprehensive control of the supply chain.
As one of the central components of SAP EWM, delivery processing handles the basic business documents for executing all warehouse processes on the one hand; on the other hand, it provides the interface for incorporating external (and independent) order management systems.
With the “work management,” “warehouse organization,” and “resource management” functionalities in SAP EWM, you can allocate scarce resources such as employees and conveyor technology optimally. This way, you can reduce operating costs for the warehouse and use capacities efficiently. In addition, SAP EWM can help you automate processes.
Production integration in SAP EWM subdivides production supply into two steps: “provision” and “consumption.” This allows provision processes to be designed product-specifically and optimally. At the same time, the consumption of parts is allocated precisely to the appropriate production order and booked accordingly.
SAP EWM offers various possibilities for getting an up-to-date overview of warehouse activities. On the one hand, current information can be called up and data extracted for reporting. On the other hand, it is possible to intervene actively in the processes in order to react immediately to unforeseeable events. These extensive monitoring and reporting functionalities will help reduce warehouse logistics costs.
Thanks to the integration into SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM), transport planning and warehouse-internal flows can be attuned to one another. The close interlocking of the supply chain achieved this way reduces transport costs and helps further increase the efficiency of the processes in question.
Personnel costs result in high costs for handling storage processes. By using resource management, work packages for particular storage activities can be formed using SAP EWM in order to deploy the available resources in the warehouse optimally. This reduces the throughput time for orders and increases productivity in executing the processes.
SAP EWM synchronizes and bundles orders from SAP and other ERP systems in order to insert the work efficiently into the operative workflow. The result of order bundling is waves that are generated automatically in order to level out the utilization of the warehouse and maximize the performance of storage activities.
A characteristic feature of SAP EWM is its ability to plan activities. The system can plan the deployment of resources and capacities in advance since all required information for the handling of warehouse processes is on hand. This ensures that storage needs can be addressed faster and more flexibly.
It’s easy to control highly automated, complex warehouse technology with SAP EWM. This eliminates the need for interfaces to external systems or additional warehouse control computers. In turn, this reduces development and maintenance costs for external systems and guarantees direct communication of the systems. The SAP EWM component SAP EWM MFS (Material Flow System) is suitable for controlling pallet and container conveyor technology and connected automatic storage systems.
Solutions for producing companies
Optimized material flows and tight integration of warehouse management and production make SAP EWM a quasi-standard – regardless of whether discrete production or process industry. Custom-tailored solutions, templates, and sensible add-ons provide complete transparency with regard to inventories and processes.
Solutions for shippers & logistics service providers
3PLs have their very own requirements for flexible warehouse management. The operation of multi-customer warehouses, flexible processes, quick plugging in of new customers, and the recording of and invoicing for logistics services are in the foreground here.
Solutions for retail
SAP EWM ensures competitive advantages such as transparency and shorter throughput times for storage processes for retail companies that use SAP EWM in the warehouse. The system maps the whole process chain for the warehouse, so that operating costs can be reduced, for these play an important role in increasing profit margins.
Yard management & dock appointment scheduling
SAP EWM can not only be used for areas within the warehouse halls, but also for the control of freight carriers who deliver to and are leaving the warehouse. Arrival times for transport units can be planned with dock appointment scheduling, which means that the buffers outside the warehouse are used optimally and even delivery is ensured.
Food & Beverage
Intelligent solution modules for the specific requirements of food & beverage manufacturers. Regardless of whether process industry or discrete production – with SAP EWM and our industry-specific add-ons, you can address the entire supply chain seamlessly.
Markus Schneider
Vice President Advanced Logistics
valantic Supply Chain Excellence