Multi-depth storage in the fully automated warehouse with EWM MFS
Seamless integration of your automated warehouse into SAP
SAP® EWM - Extended Warehouse Management
SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) is SAP's strategic warehouse management software and, compared to Warehouse Management (WM) or Stock Room Management, offers extended functionalities with which even complex logistics processes can be mapped.
Due to the decentralized approach, as a fully integrated part of the SAP Supply Chain Management platform, the EWM system can be used independently of the ERP, whereby the respective processes can be linked via interfaces and workflows can be combined. However, if required, an integrated system can also be implemented within the ERP landscape through embedded EWM.
This makes it possible to connect SAP EWM to external, non-SAP systems. SAP EWM was developed for the automated control of large warehouse complexes, for which customer-specific extensions were often necessary in the classic SAP Warehouse Management (SAP WM).
Due to the modular structure and design of SAP EWM, small, simple structures can be mapped and controlled in addition to large, complex warehouses.
Material Flow System (SAP® MFS)
Integrated function component for direct communication between EWM and PLC
SAP MFS is an integrated functional component of SAP EWM. The area of application is limited to material flow control for automated warehouse (miniload & high-bay warehouse) and transport systems (conveyor technology, transfer cars, driverless transport systems, etc.). The special feature of SAP MFS is the direct communication between EWM and the programmable logic controllers (PLC). This allows fully or partially automated warehouse systems to be connected directly to SAP without having to use an external material flow computer (via TCP/IP using ABAP Push Channel).
Thanks to the extensions and add-ons we have developed, complex challenges such as multiple-deep storage, different storage strategies or multiple pick-ups by means of STC or shuttle can be implemented without any problems and the following functions can be used via MFS:
- Seamless integration of mobile data collection, RFID, pick-by-light & pick-by-voice
- Fully automated multi-depth storage of handling units (HU) via any number of stations/reporting points
- Efficient putaway and retrieval processes due to empty path reductions/duplicates
- Direct telegram communication between EWM and PLC via bidirectional communication channels
- Error reduction by passing on fault messages from the PLC to EWM
- Control and evaluation via warehouse management monitor directly from SAP (stock views, telegram traffic, warehouse tasks and much more)
Combination options for multiple deep storage
Integrated function component for direct communication between EWM and PLC
The use of automated storage systems with multiple-deep storage leads to significant volume savings. This results in a lower demand for stacker cranes and the associated investment costs. At the same time, multiple-deep storage (Figure 1) leads to more flexibility in the warehouse due to a variety of storage location combinations and intelligent storage strategies.
In the example below, two differently sized transport aids are in use:
The smaller (400x300mm) bins can be used for four-deep storage and the large (600x400mm) bins for double-deep storage. Furthermore, a combination of one large and two small containers in any mixing ratio is possible. In SAP EWM, these containers are uniquely identified as a handling unit (HU) with an HU number.
The multi-deep AS/RS shown uses a stacker crane (STC) including a modern, multi-deep load handling device. This allows for multiple-deep storage cycles and thus more efficient storage, transfer and retrieval strategies for improved supply to upstream or downstream processes.
User-friendly picking dialog
Intuitive user interface for efficient picking
The user interface developed by us offers the user an easy way to pick goods. The picking dialog shown enables the warehouse worker to pick efficiently thanks to its clear display and simple handling.
Customer benefits of a multi-depth automated warehouse with SAP EWM
- Seamless integration of automated warehouses into the SAP EWM system.
- Multiple storage and load handling (outside the SAP standard) with SAP EWM through HPC's individual solution
- Variety of intelligent storage and retrieval strategies
- Transparent system landscape without superfluous non-SAP interfaces
- Cost savings in warehouse architecture due to significantly more efficiently used warehouse volume
- Lower investment costs for warehouse automation due to reduced need for stacker crances (STC)
- Real-time control of warehouse systems
- High degree of automation
