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SAP EWM: Pallet Storage Strategy by HU Type
In the realm of warehouse management, effective storage strategies are vital for maximizing space utilization, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving inventory accuracy. SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) offers a robust framework for managing various storage strategies, one of which is the Pallet Storage Strategy by Handling Unit (HU) Type. This article delves into the intricacies of this storage strategy, detailing end-to-end configurations and best practices for implementation.
Understanding Pallet Storage Strategy by Handling Unit Type
What is a Handling Unit?
In SAP EWM, a Handling Unit (HU) refers to a physical unit of goods that can be managed as a single entity. This could be a pallet, carton, or any other container that holds items. The Pallet Storage Strategy by HU Type allows warehouses to define how these handling units are stored based on their characteristics, such as size, weight, or type of goods.
Why Use a Pallet Storage Strategy?
Implementing a Pallet Storage Strategy by HU Type enables organizations to:
- Maximize Space Utilization: Different handling units can be stored according to their specific requirements, optimizing the use of available space.
- Enhance Picking Efficiency: By defining storage strategies based on HU types, warehouses can streamline picking processes, reducing travel time for workers.
- Improve Inventory Accuracy: Properly managed handling units minimize errors in stock management, leading to better inventory control.
End-to-End Configuration of SAP EWM Pallet Storage Strategy by HU Type
Define Storage Types
For this example created new storage type T070 for Pallet Storage. Selected Storage Behavior as“1”, HU Requirement mandatory, additional checks needs to configured HU type check , Put away rule — 5 (Empty bin value). You may also refer SAP standard storage type 0070 for basic configurations.
Define Bin Sections
Created below 2 type of bins sections for small and large types.
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Strategies > Putaway Rules > Storage Behavior: Pallets > Define Bin Sections
Perform Bin Sectioning for Bin Type and HU Type
Mapped existing HU types with new bin sections we created as required.
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Strategies > Putaway Rules > Storage Behavior: Pallets > Perform Bin Sectioning for Bin Type and HU Type
Assign Storage bin types to storage types
Assign created Bin Types to storage type T070 we created for this example.
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Strategies > Storage Bin Determination > Assign Storage bin types to storage types
Define HU Types for each storage type
Assign all our HU types to storage type T070 we created for this example
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Slotting > Influencing Parameters > HU Types > Define HU Types for Each Storage Type
Define HU Types for each storage bin type
Map your HU types to storage type T070 and bin types we created.
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Strategies > Storage Bin Determination > HU Types > Define HU Types for Each Storage Bin Type
Generate Activity Area from Storage Type
Generated for warehouse N810 & T070 that we created for this example
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Master Data > Activity Areas > Generate Activity Area from Storage Type
Define Storage Bin Structure
Defined Storage Bin Structure (for ASL- Aisle/Stack/Level) as below
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Master Data > Storage Bins > Define Storage Bin Structure
Create Bins
Created 20 bins as per above structure and then using /SCWM/LS11 edited 10 bins for Type = SMAL
Perform Bin Sorting
Sorted bins using T-code /SCWM/SBST
Define Storage Type Search sequence for putaway
Configured Storage Type Search sequence for putaway in Storage Type T070
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Slotting > Master Data > Storage Type Sequences > Define Storage Type Search Sequence for Putaway
Assign storage types to storage type search sequence
Assigned search sequence to storage type as below
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Strategies > Storage Type Search > Assign Storage Types to Storage Type Search Sequence
Define putaway control indicator
Defined putaway control P070 for new search sequence. (Use this in your product)
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Slotting > Master Data > Define Putaway Control Indicator
Specify Storage Type Search sequence for putaway
Mapped Storage Type Search sequence as below
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Strategies > Storage Type Search > Specify Storage Type Search sequence for putaway
Optimize access strategy for storage type search: putaway
SPRO > SCM Extended Warehouse Management > Extended Warehouse Management > Goods Receipt Process > Strategies > Storage Type Search > Optimize Access Strategy for Storage Type Search: Putaway
Test your configurations
To test this process created a purchase order for product that has our new putaway control P070 assigned and inbound delivery with pallet HUs. Created HU tasks for our distributed delivery and reviewed the destination bins in our warehouse tasks. As you can notice in below image that Pallet Storage Sections are used according to the configurations we made in this example.
Conclusion
Implementing a pallet storage strategy by HU type in SAP EWM is essential for optimizing warehouse operations. By configuring handling unit types, storage types, and storage strategies, organizations can significantly enhance inventory management efficiency. This approach not only maximizes space utilization but also improves the accuracy and speed of warehouse processes. As businesses continue to evolve and face new challenges in supply chain management, leveraging advanced functionalities like HU-based storage strategies will be key to maintaining competitive advantages in a dynamic market. Proper planning, configuration, and testing are critical to the successful deployment of these strategies, ultimately leading to smoother operations and improved customer satisfaction.
