Loss of efficiency due to idling
By default, EWM often encounters the problem that some movements in the warehouse cannot be mapped by the system, or only with additional posting steps that cannot transparently represent the actual situation in the warehouse. Until now, the problem could not be solved by the system, especially in cases where two replenishment warehouse tasks with a total of two handling units were assigned to a resource. The two HUs could only be confirmed separately in the respective warehouse tasks and accordingly could only be moved individually. CONSILIO addressed this problem to SAP and jointly developed a solution. With the newly developed BAdI, the system logic is adapted so that a resource can manage and confirm two HUs in one movement.
The solution: Combining warehouse orders
A specific BAdI can be used to automatically create a new warehouse order that combines both HU movements in a single step. This allows the resource to pick up both HUs at their source bins and transport them to the target bins in a single operation. Optimization is achieved through the following measures:
- Merging individual warehouse orders: A new, combined order is generated instead of separate orders.
- Simultaneous picking: The resource can pick up both HUs and transport them together.
- Efficient confirmation: First the removal of the first HU is confirmed, then the second, before both are brought to their destination together and finally confirmed in one step.
Technical requirements
Specific BAdIs must be implemented so that this optimization can be implemented in EWM (OSS note 3524641 - EWM - resource-based warehouse order optimization):
- Resource-based warehouse order optimization (/SCWM/EX_RSRC_REBUNDLE): Enables the grouping of orders.
- Processing according to a defined step sequence (/SCWM/EX_RF_FLOW_POST): Required for bundling in the goods receipt process.
Necessary customizing settings
To ensure functionality in EWM, some adjustments must be made in Customizing:
- Define layout types: Determine which layout type applies to a resource that can transport two HUs.
- Assign resource type: Assigning a resource to a resource type that allows two HUs to be moved.
In addition, the relevant master data must be configured by assigning the corresponding resource to the resource type.
Functionality in EWM
When confirming a warehouse order, the system runs through the implemented BAdIs. If the check for the resource type and the destination is successful, two separate warehouse orders are merged into a new order. The resource can then move both HUs:
- Confirm first HU withdrawal.
- Confirm the second HU withdrawal.
- Transport both HUs to the destination together.
- Complete the confirmation with the target data.
Advantages of implementation
This optimization brings considerable advantages for warehouse handling:
- Optimal use of resources: forklifts with capacity for two HUs are fully utilized.
- Reduction in confirmation effort: Fewer manual steps in the RF dialog.
- Increased process efficiency: Faster processes thanks to bundled transports.
If you don't fully utilize your resources, you lose time in the warehouse every day. The new confirmation logic creates efficiency exactly where it counts.
Summary
By implementing the rebundling approach in SAP EWM, warehouse processes can be significantly accelerated and optimized. Companies that use resources with capacity for several HUs benefit in particular from the improved system logic.
