The difference between today’s business environment and having the right, optimized process versus instant visibility makes all the difference in profitability and customer satisfaction. With this in mind, SAP Extended Warehouse Management is one of the strong solutions firms can adopt to optimize warehouse operations. However, as both Basic and Advanced EWM versions are available from SAP, quite a few of them are confused about which version best represents their specific operational needs.
Key differences between SAP Basic EWM and SAP Advanced EWM, advantages, and tips on how to select the best variant for specific needs.
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Understanding SAP Basic EWM
SAP Basic EWM, included in SAP S/4HANA, provides essential functionalities to manage standard warehouse operations effectively. This version is designed for businesses with straightforward warehousing needs and moderate volume, offering the necessary tools for basic inventory management, inbound and outbound processing, and storage control.
Key Features of SAP Basic EWM:
- Inventory Management: Allows for visibility over stock levels and locations, ensuring easy control over inventory.
- Inbound and Outbound Processing: Supporting goods receipt, putaway, picking, and shipping processes.
- Basic Storage Control: Manages goods across designated storage types for organized storage management.
- Resource Management: Offers basic resource allocation for moderate labor management needs.
Basic EWM is a cost-effective choice for companies needing standard warehousing processes without the additional functionalities of Advanced EWM. However, organizations with more complex needs may require the capabilities offered by SAP Advanced EWM.
Exploring SAP Advanced EWM
SAP Advanced EWM provides an extensive suite of warehousing functionalities, ideal for large-scale operations or businesses with complex requirements. This version enables more
detailed control over warehouse management, automation integration, and sophisticated inventory handling.
Key Features of SAP Advanced EWM:
- Advanced Storage Control: Supports both layout-oriented and process-oriented storage control, allowing more complex handling and movement.
- Labor Management: Provides productivity tracking and advanced labor optimization tools.
- Wave Management: Enables efficient order grouping and priority-based handling for high-volume operations.
- Kitting and De-Kitting: Supports assembling and disassembling products as needed for specific processes.
- Slotting and Rearrangement: Slotting and rearrangement with an objective to optimize the storage’s inventory requirements.
- Automation Integration: It offers the closest integration with automated warehouse systems like Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and robotics.
Companies that require flexibility in solution, automation, and scalability would find best fit with SAP Advanced EWM, as the above forms are generally found in retail, manufacturing, and logistics.
Key Differences Between SAP Basic EWM and SAP Advanced EWM
To give you an idea of which one is best suited, we would like to give you a brief comparison of the core differences between SAP Basic EWM and SAP Advanced EWM:
| Feature | SAP Basic EWM | SAP Advanced EWM |
| Functional Depth | Standard functionality for basic warehousing needs | Extended range of features for complex warehousing processes |
| Storage Control | Basic storage control | Layout-oriented andprocess-oriented storage control |
| Resource Management | Limited resource management | Extensive resource allocation and productivity tracking |
| Automation Compatibility | Limited automation integration | Full integration with robotics and warehouse automation systems |
| Labor Management | Minimal labor management | Advanced labor management, task optimization, and productivity analysis |
| Wave Management | Not supported | Available for advanced order grouping and priority handling |
| Kitting and De-Kitting | Not supported | Supported for assembling and disassembling product kits |
| Slotting and Rearrangement | Not available | Automated slotting and rearrangement based on inventory needs |
| Ideal for | Small to medium-sized warehouses with standard operations | Large, high-volume warehouses with complex requirements |
| Cost | More cost-effective, included in SAP S/4HANA | Higher cost due to advanced features and licensing |
| Scalability | Limited scalability | Highly scalable for evolving warehousing needs |
Benefits of SAP Basic EWM
SAP Basic EWM is a streamlined, cost-effective solution for businesses with moderate warehousing needs. Here are its main advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Included with SAP S/4HANA, Basic EWM is economical without requiring extra licenses.
- Simplified Operations: With a more straightforward feature set, Basic EWM is easier to manage and maintain.
- Scalable: For growing warehouses, Basic EWM offers room to expand into Advanced EWM as needs evolve.
Benefits of SAP Advanced EWM
For companies with complex operational demands, SAP Advanced EWM provides the comprehensive tools necessary for high-efficiency warehouse management:
- Flexible and Customizable: Advanced EWM can be tailored to meet specific needs for a range of warehousing complexities.
- Efficiency Boost: Wave management, slotting, and automation integration help increase productivity and reduce bottlenecks.
- Large-Scale Compatibility: Advanced EWM is scalable for high-volume and complex warehousing environments.
- Enhanced Resource Control: Labor management tools allow precise tracking and optimization of resources.
Choosing Between SAP Basic EWM and SAP Advanced EWM
Selecting between SAP Basic and Advanced EWM depends on your warehouse’s size, operational complexity, and budget considerations. Here’s a quick guide:
- Small to Medium Warehouses: Basic EWM may be sufficient for standard warehousing tasks, providing the necessary features without additional complexity.
- Large, Complex Warehouses: Advanced EWM is ideal for operations needing advanced inventory management, labor optimization, and automation compatibility.
How SCM Champs Can Help You Implement SAP EWM
Regardless of the EWM version that suits your needs, SCM Champs offers end-to-end support for a successful implementation. Our team of certified SAP consultants assesses your specific warehousing needs, customizes the EWM solution to fit your operations, and ensures smooth integration with your existing systems. From planning to deployment, SCM Champs is dedicated to helping businesses leverage SAP EWM for efficient, high-performing warehouse management.
Final Thoughts
Both SAP Basic EWM and SAP Advanced EWM offer very important capabilities in the workflow of streamlining warehouse operations, but they each serve different levels of operational
complexity. This distinction allows businesses to better choose what fits best within their unique requirements and long-term goals.
If you would like to know more about SAP EWM or want to know how SCM Champs can help you implement EWM in a customized way, please contact us to discuss how we can assist you in configuring it for success. With our skills, you can achieve smooth integration of EWM and realize the complete benefits of your warehouse management system.