SAP EWM WAREHOUSE STRUCTURE
SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) is a module of
SAP Supply Chain Management (SCM) that provides flexible,
automated support for processing goods movements and
managing inventory in the warehouse. The structure of an SAP
EWM warehouse is hierarchical and can be broken down into
several key elements. Here’s an overview of the primary
components:
1. Warehouse Number
The highest level in the hierarchy. It represents a physical
warehouse or distribution center.
2. Storage Type
A subdivision of a warehouse that groups similar storage
spaces according to predefined characteristics, such as high-
rack storage, picking area, or bulk storage.
3. Storage Section
A further subdivision within a storage type, grouping bins that
share certain attributes, such as fast-moving or slow-moving
goods.
4. Storage Bin
The smallest addressable unit in the warehouse. It represents
the actual physical location where products are stored.
5. Activity Area
A logical grouping of storage bins based on warehouse
activities, such as picking, putaway, or inventory.
6. Storage Bin Type
Defines the type of bins in terms of physical dimensions and
capacity, useful for managing storage space efficiently.
7. Quant
A quantity of material with the same characteristics in a single
storage bin. It allows for detailed tracking of stock levels within
bins.
8. Storage Section Indicator
Used to control putaway and stock removal strategies by
categorizing materials based on storage characteristics.
9. Warehouse Process Type
Defines the logistics processes, such as putaway, picking,
physical inventory, or internal movements.
10. Handling Unit
A unit used to group materials for handling and storage, such
as a pallet or a container.
11. Work Center
A physical location within the warehouse where specific tasks
are performed, such as packing, deconsolidation, or value-
added services.
Key Concepts in SAP EWM:
1.Putaway and Removal Strategies: Rules that determine
where goods should be stored and from where they should be
retrieved.
- Task Interleaving: Optimizing the sequence of tasks for
warehouse operators to reduce travel time.
- Wave Management: Grouping warehouse tasks into waves
to optimize resource utilization and improve efficiency.
- Labor Management: Monitoring and managing warehouse
workforce performance.
- Slotting and Rearrangement: Optimizing the placement of
products within the warehouse to improve picking efficiency.
Example Workflow in SAP EWM:
1. Goods Receipt:
- Receiving goods into the warehouse.
- Creating inbound deliveries and putaway tasks.
2. Putaway:
- Placing received goods into appropriate storage bins based
on putaway strategies.
3. Order Processing:
- Creating outbound deliveries for customer orders.
- Generating picking tasks and assigning them to warehouse
operators.
4. Picking:
- Retrieving goods from storage bins to fulfill orders.
- Consolidating picked items at work centers if necessary.
5. Packing and Shipping:
- Packing picked items and preparing them for shipment.
- Creating shipping documents and updating inventory
records.
6. Physical Inventory:
- Conducting regular inventory counts to ensure accuracy of
stock levels.
- Adjusting records based on count results.
This structure allows for a highly detailed and flexible approach
to warehouse management, enabling organizations to
efficiently manage complex logistics operations.
