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Are you considering the switch from SAP Warehouse Management (WM) to SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)? Understanding the difference will help you make that decision.
Tables of Contents:
- Goodbye, SAP WM. Hello, SAP EWM!
- The Difference Between Functionalities of SAP WM and SAP EWM
- What does SAP EWM offer?
- Migrating to SAP EWM
- SAP Resources for SAP EWM
According to SAP, support for WM within the ECC environment will end in 2025 as part of the company’s efforts for intelligent enterprises and migration to fully SAP S/4HANA. As a result, companies migrate from SAP WM in the ECC environment to SAP Supply Chain Management – EWM.
Goodbye, SAP WM. Hello, SAP EWM!
SAP introduced the WM inventory management solution in the late 1970s and has been upgrading the software since. With boosted capabilities and warehouse management applications, many customers worldwide adopted SAP WM as part of their upgrade strategies. SAP changed the logistics game by adding SAP EWM in 2005, which is a part of its Supply Chain Management (SCM) module. Essentially, EWM has the same basic core functionalities as WM but with additional capabilities, such as labor management and internal routing.
According to the SAP roadmap, the WM module will no longer receive development, and its support cycle will end in 2025. It’s time for you to prepare for an SAP EWM migration!
The Difference Between Functionalities of SAP WM and SAP EWM
The table below compares SAP WM in ECC 6.0 with SAP EWM 9.0.
(Ref: SAP SCM EWM vs SAP ECC WM)
What does SAP EWM offer?
From simple to complex processes within the warehouse, SAP EWM supports it down to the small details. Your company can efficiently and quickly manage physical inventory and various goods movement, thanks to SAP EWM’s flexibility and automation.
Robust Capabilities of SAP EWM
Obtain visibility and control of your logistics by integrating your supply chain processes with your warehouse and distribution operations.
- Inbound process management: accept and optimize receipt process, support storage bin determination, etc.
- Storage and internal process control: view status of material handling equipment, manage physical inventory, etc.
- Outbound processing management: schedule pick/pack/ship processes, stock selection according to business processes, etc.
- Cross-functional features: perform analytics, dock appointment scheduling, etc.
Key Benefits of SAP EWM
- Maximize resources to reduce warehouse costs
- Standardize warehouse procedures to increase inventory accuracy
- Enable automation for enhanced scalability and flexibility to efficiently handle high-volume transactions
- Optimized warehouse to foster positive customer experience and retain loyal customers
Migrating to SAP EWM
You have options when it comes to migrating to SAP EWM! One option is taking EWM to the next level with an embedded solution as part of SAP S/4HANA. S/4HANA is the next-level strategy that you should consider!
Like SAP WM, the end-of-maintenance deadline for SAP ECC is coming up in the next few years. SAP encourages all its customers to eventually migrate over to SAP S/4HANA as part of its intelligent enterprise initiative. Get ahead of the curve by planning for an S/4HANA migration which would include SAP EWM!
If it’s not already part of your company’s business strategy for the future, the first step is to get everyone on board with the idea. Learn how to build a solid and convincing business case for your SAP S/4HANA migration.
SAP Resources for SAP EWM
All relevant parties in your journey to SAP EWM need to understand how the system can benefit your company and its users. Here are resources for you and your end-users to check out:
- Introducing Extended Warehouse Management with SAP S/4HANA (SAP Press): Explore warehouse management functionality and compare embedded or decentralized EWM
- Warehouse Management with SAP EWM (SAP Press): Learn how to set up and configure SAP EWM according to your requirements
- Training for SAP EWM in Logistics Execution & Warehouse Management (SAP Training): Prepare your end users the fundamental and overview knowledge of SAM EWM, as well as how to use the major features of the module
- SAP EWM Architecture and Planning (SAP Press): Understand the architecture of SAP EWM and enable your team to program the software components to meet your warehouse’s required functionalities
Implementing SAP EWM in your company? Read more about our top 5 lessons we’ve learned from integrating shipping in SAP EWM.
ShipERP’s ShipEWM rapidly runs the pick, pack, and ship process directly out of SAP EWM. Our efficient warehouse management solution enables transparency, faster delivery, and compliance with safety regulations to satisfy customer demands and transform your logistics process.
