Follmann Chemie
Implementation of S/4HANA embedded EWM

Always benefit from the latest technologies while utilising the full scope of an on-premise solution: Follmann Chemie switches from WM to EWM and moves to the private cloud with RISE.

Implementation Highlights

Integration of the new solution with current organisational structures
Use of the Fiori dispatch cockpit instead of the previous in-house development

Customisable putaway strategy for automated location search instead of manual location determination
Go-live after a project duration of just 15 months

100

Latest technologies

Months Project duration

Migration days

Initial situation

The existing SAP warehouse management system, a customised WM system, only offered limited options in the S/4 environment for the planned innovations and process adjustments for the coming years. For this reason, and in view of the planned end of maintenance of SAP WM in 2027, Follmann Chemie decided to replace the existing SAP WM solution with embedded Extended Warehouse Management. Following the S/4HANA implementation, the introduction of embedded EWM as a pilot and innovation project was intended to cover current and, in particular, future logistics requirements/innovations and lay the foundation for their implementation.

The abbreviation SAP EWM stands for SAP Extended Warehouse Management. As the name suggests, it is a warehouse management system with an extended range of functions. Essentially, the SAP EWM system supports the entire warehouse logistics, the processing of all goods movements and warehouse management. The focus is on efficient logistics and warehouse processes.

The challenge

On the one hand, intuitive, scalable and efficient processes should continue to be ensured, taking into account the planned growth at the site and constantly increasing customer requirements, and a sustainable basis for future innovations and new technologies (including logistics platforms) should be laid. On the other hand, the integration of the new embedded EWM solution under S/4HANA was to take place on the basis of the current organisational structures without weeks of downtime, especially for shipping activities. In addition, the high number of customised developments proved to be a major challenge during the course of the project.

Project goals

The aim of the project was not only to implement existing processes from ERP WM in EWM Embedded 9.1. under S/4HANA 1909, but also to utilise new functions available under S/4HANA as far as possible in the future. The Fiori Launchpad was to be used as the user interface, giving the project pilot status.

In view of the planned future logistics volume, the aim was to implement effective, efficient and digital site logistics - including initial optimisations from incoming goods to outgoing goods. Instead of countless customised solutions and individual processes, a return to the SAP standard was desired, at least insofar as the process requirements could be covered.

The project was also intended to be a first step towards the use of new, innovative solutions now available under EWM, such as Dock Appointment Scheduling and Shipping Cockpit for incoming and outgoing goods.

Main benefits for Follmann Chemie

The go-live finally took place on 20 March 2023 after a project duration of just 15 months. With the replacement of SAP WM, various in-house developments that could be largely mapped in standard SAP with EWM were eliminated. In particular, the shipping processes, which are important due to the high service requirements, could be shifted more to the SAP standard in terms of system mapping.

In addition, as part of the changeover, dock appointment scheduling was implemented for both incoming and outgoing goods, the control of shipping based on this via picking waves and the realisation of automatic storage specifications in intralogistics based on logistical dimensions and the classification of hazardous substances. In the production area, further automation took place with the introduction of a precisely timed provision of materials.

With the current embedded EWM solution in the private cloud, the company benefits from modern technologies that are available in the cloud, but at the same time retains the flexibility of the private edition for its own customisations. For example, Follmann Chemie uses the Fiori shipping cockpit instead of the in-house development and uses the previously outlined, customisable putaway strategy of EWM for automated location searches instead of the original manual location determination.

The decision to move the system to the private cloud as part of the RISE-with-SAP package was based firstly on the high level of data security. Secondly, the RISE-with-SAP package includes various tools and instruments such as the Business Technology Platform, which serves as the central middleware for Follmann Chemie's process landscape and interfaces.

Follmann Chemie GmbH

The family-owned company Follmann Chemie is a pioneer in the development, manufacture and sale of speciality chemicals for the processing industry as well as sealing systems and marking materials for the construction sector.

With innovative solutions, products and customer-specific services, more than 900 employees worldwide generated a turnover of approx. 250 million euros and achieved a production volume of > 60,000 tonnes.