In the late 1970s, SAP introduced the WM solution and has Since been updating the program. With greater warehouse operations management capacities, SAP WM has been embraced by many customers worldwide as part of their update plans. SAP changed the logistics game by incorporating SAP EWM in 2005, which can be a part of its Supply Chain Management (SCM) module. EWM has the exact same fundamental core characteristics as WM, but with added attributes, such as inner routing and labour administration.
According to the SAP roadmap, the WM module will not longer Be built and its service interval will end in 2025. It’s time to plan for the SAP EWM migration! Now, would you consider moving from SAP Warehouse Management (WM) into SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)?
This blog help you to knowing the gap will Assist you to create the alternative.
Table of Contents
What is SAP WM?
WM module that offers warehouse management functionality is SAP Warehouse Management (WM). This module includes tools & procedures for maintaining the optimum level of stock. A software that’s been available since SAP R2 is commonly known as traditional SAP Warehouse Management. SAP WM also had a substantial increase in new capabilities to handle warehouse activities once the client-server version of SAP R/3 premiered in 1992. It’s a scalable solution in various business environments and businesses that has been implemented from simple raw materials warehouses to sophisticated, high-volume, and automated distribution facilities.SAP WM could possibly be used as a solution that is centralized or decentralized. As part of the new SAP variant ECC 6.0. , the performance of SAP WM has been extended further.
What does SAP EWM stand for ?
SAP EWM stands for SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)
What is the future of SAP EWM?
In 2005, SAP launched a new warehouse management solution called SCM-EWM.EWM is the abbreviation for Extended Warehouse
Management, which offers flexible, automated service for its handling of different movements of goods and the management of inventories in easy to complicated warehouses, in addition to encouraging the preparation and efficient processing of all customer warehouse logistics processes. SAP EWM maps in detail the entire Warehouse complex from the machine, down to the amount of the storage bin.
At any Given instant, the business consumer can still decide precisely where a stock Belongs to a certain material in the warehouse complex. This redesigned Solution accommodates ERP WM’s core attributes with added capabilities that Match those available from third parties. Labor direction, slotting and a solution called
Material Flow Systems are the most important improvements in functionality, Designed to allow the WMS to immediately control automation without using What’s popularly known as a warehouse management program or WCSS
What is the difference between WM and EWM in SAP?
Capability comparison between WM & EWM
- WM has transfer requests and transfer orders. Transfer orders are the actual job orders based on which a warehouse is responsible for the stock movement.
- Warehouse order & Transfer order Both documents are presented somewhat differently by EWM. EWM has a Warehouse order that is similar to a WM Transfer order and a Warehouse task that is similar to the Transfer Order Line object. There is a concept of warehouse process type in WM movement types that specify the shipment type in the Transfer Order. There is a concept of warehouse process type in EWM that describes the production of warehouse tasks with reference to reference document types
- In WM printing, the configuration is managed by configuration based primarily on the form of motion. There is a new concept called the post-processing system in EWM. It has a state table concept with action profiles.
- WM is designed primarily as a central warehouse that interacts with other logistics modules and is part of the execution of logistics in the same ERP system. Although it can be deployed in the ERP environment, it is most generally regarded as an application in the SCM server landscape. The SAP EWM system is designed to operate as a decentralized system.
Below is the high-level comparison for the different functionalities provided in WM & SAP. The Below table chart compares WM in ECC 6.0 with SAP EWM 9.5.
In this post we’ve thoroughly examined the two SAP solutions. Discussed their differences in terms of capabilities, features and usage scenarios. For warehouses, with inventory needs SAP Warehouse Management (WM) is a practical and cost effective choice. Its designed specifically for businesses seeking a warehousing solution. WM encompasses all the features for managing inventory picking, packaging operations and basic inventory tracking.
On the hand SAP EWM offers a warehouse management solution tailored for large and intricate distribution hubs. It goes beyond cost effectiveness to prioritize effectiveness. With features like labor analysis, slotting optimization and transport integration businesses can ensure operations in todays highly competitive market. EWM empowers companies, with warehouse operations by providing control, transparency and automation they need to succeed amidst complex warehouse demands.
Conclusion
Since the late 1970s, SAP has been developing SAP Warehouse Management (WM), an inventory management solution that aims to manage fundamental warehouse operations like picking, stock placement, and goods receipt. It offers straightforward features for inventory control and movement and is user-friendly and quick to adopt. WM’s support cycle ends in 20251. SAP EWM, introduced in 2005, builds upon WM’s core functionalities with advanced features such as labor management, internal routing, and customization options. It is designed for both centralized and decentralized systems and is considered a more robust and versatile alternative to WM. Benefits of EWM include resource optimization, cost reduction, increased inventory accuracy, automation for scalability and flexibility, and an optimized warehouse experience for positive customer interactions. In summary, SAP WM is simpler and easier to implement, while SAP EWM offers advanced capabilities and customization options suitable for complex warehouse processes.
How Does SAP EWM Differ from SAP WM?
SAP EWM offers customization, advanced concepts like activity zones, Work Centers, and Resources, and is increasingly being migrated from SAP WM due to its enhanced capabilities.
What Should I Consider for Migration?
Consider migrating to EWM as part of SAP S/4HANA for a next-level strategy, offering robust features and scalability in warehouse management.
Can you explain more about EWM’s internal routing features
SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) utilizes internal routing features to optimize material flow within the warehouse. These features include routing guides, which define rules and regulations for shipping goods, and process-oriented storage control (POSC) and layout-oriented storage control (LOSC). Routing guides specify the path or sequence for transporting goods, while PSC focuses on optimizing material flow based on process requirements, such as picking, putaway, and cross-docking, while LOC optimizes material flow based on the physical layout of the warehouse, considering factors like aisle structure and storage zones.
Efficiency of internal routing reduces travel time, minimizes congestion, and ensures optimal resource use. Accuracy ensures goods follow the correct paths, preventing errors and delays. Flexibility allows dynamic adjustments based on changing warehouse conditions. Effective internal routing enhances overall warehouse productivity and contributes to seamless operations.
