How to Overcome Gaps in SAP EWM Putaway Strategies

How to Overcome Gaps in SAP EWM Putaway Strategies

Efficient warehouse management hinges on effective putaway strategies. Many companies leverage SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM) to streamline goods movement. However, standard SAP EWM has a significant gap: it lacks flexibility in the bin search sequence within the goods receipt buffer. This gap can be a major hurdle, but a customised enhancement can bridge this gap and optimise the flow of merchandise into distribution centres.

Understanding Standard SAP EWM Putaway Strategy

SAP EWM’s standard putaway strategy is largely controlled by master data-specific criteria, which means each product follows a fixed putaway strategy. The bin allocation sequence relies on the LAGP table’s sort order based on bin names, assuming the physical space is already optimised. This assumption doesn’t always hold true in real-world scenarios where bin allocation needs to adapt to varying business conditions, such as customs or specific picking requirements.

Industry Gap in the Standard SAP EWM Putaway Strategy

To illustrate this gap, consider the fashion retail industry. Here, products can undergo different processes like customs clearance or additional logistical services (e.g., conversion from laid to hanging goods, steam treatment, and relabeling). The flexibility to dynamically adapt putaway strategies based on these requirements is crucial but not supported in the standard SAP EWM.

In fashion retail, one product may go through different subsequent processes. For instance, a piece of clothing may initially be subject to customs block due to its import from a non-EU zone. This means the product must be moved directly to a separate area and may only be processed further in the putaway process after customs clearance. Without flexibility, this process can become cumbersome and inefficient.

The benefits of the custom approach

The main benefits of this approach to overcoming any gaps in SAP EWM putaway strategies include the following:

• Flexibility: Adapts to varying scenarios and business needs.
• Scalability: Easily scalable by adding new conditions and mappings.
• Efficiency: Optimises bin utilization and reduces handling times.

Real-World Examples of Custom Putaway Solutions

In the pharmaceutical industry, certain products need to be stored under specific conditions, such as controlled temperatures. A custom putaway strategy can dynamically allocate bins based on the product’s temperature requirements, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining product integrity.

In a food and beverage warehouse, products often have different storage needs based on their shelf life. A custom putaway strategy can prioritise products with shorter shelf lives for faster picking, reducing waste and ensuring freshness.

In the automotive industry, different parts may require different storage conditions and handling processes. A custom putaway strategy can allocate bins based on the size, weight, and handling requirements of each part, optimising space utilisation and improving operational efficiency.