📦 SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) Cheat Sheet

🔹 1. EWM Overview

 Purpose: Advanced warehouse management system from SAP

 Key Capabilities:

o Warehouse structure and layout

o Complex putaway/picking logic

o RF framework

o Inventory management at bin level

o Labor Management, Slotting/Rearrangement

📝 EWM Explained

SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) is an advanced and flexible

module of SAP Supply Chain Management (SCM) designed to handle the end-
to-end processes within a warehouse. It goes beyond the basic functionalities
of traditional warehouse management systems (like SAP WM) by enabling
detailed, real-time control over inventory, storage bins, labor management,
warehouse task automation, and complex material flow.

EWM supports seamless integration with ERP, Transportation Management

(TM), Global Trade Services (GTS), and other logistics modules, making it
ideal for businesses requiring precision and efficiency in inbound/outbound
operations, stock movements, and warehouse optimization. Whether you're
handling a single small warehouse or multiple complex distribution centers,
EWM allows for granular configuration of storage types, custom RF
transactions, automated putaway/removal strategies, and multi-step
warehouse processes through POSC and LOSC.

It also supports high-volume operations through real-time mobile execution

(RF), automated replenishment, inventory counting strategies, and
slotting/rearrangement capabilities. With support for labor planning, wave
management, and automation tools (like MFS), EWM enables not just
operations tracking but also performance improvement and optimization at
every level.

In short, SAP EWM is the digital brain of a modern warehouse — optimizing

every box, bin, and byte of logistics operations.
SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) is a modular SAP application
that enables detailed, real-time control over warehouse operations like
inbound, outbound, internal movements, and inventory tracking.

🔹 2. Key Master Data

Master data forms the backbone of SAP EWM configuration and operation.
These elements define the layout, behavior, and control of various
warehouse processes. Proper setup and maintenance of master data ensures
optimal warehouse performance, accuracy in inventory management, and
efficient task execution.

 Warehouse Number: A four-character identifier that uniquely defines

a warehouse within the EWM system. It acts as a top-level
organizational unit and is used to group all related warehouse data
such as storage types, sections, and bins.

 Storage Type: Represents a physical or logical subdivision of the

warehouse, such as high rack, bulk, or staging area. Each storage type
has specific characteristics like putaway rules, bin types, and
strategies which control material handling behavior.

 Storage Section: A further classification within a storage type,

usually used to group bins based on common criteria like hazardous
materials, fast movers, or special equipment zones. It helps in
optimizing bin selection and warehouse performance.

 Storage Bin: The smallest physical location in a warehouse where

goods are stored. Each bin has a unique ID and can hold one or more
products. Bin master data defines capacity, dimensions, and weight
limits for effective space utilization.

 Activity Area: A logical grouping of storage bins used for specific

warehouse activities like picking, putaway, or physical inventory. Bins
from multiple storage types can be grouped into one activity area to
streamline operations.

 Packaging Specification (Packspec): Defines how products are

packed into handling units (HUs). It contains data like dimensions,
materials per carton, and nested packaging levels and is essential for
automated packing and HU generation.

 Handling Unit (HU): A physical unit that contains goods along with
packaging materials. It carries a unique HU number and supports
 tracking, movement, and inventory management of packed products
within and across warehouses.

 Warehouse Process Type (WPT): A key control object that defines

how specific warehouse tasks are executed (e.g., picking, putaway,
posting changes). It governs strategies, storage determination, and
task creation based on the process context.

🔹 3. Common Processes

SAP EWM supports core operational workflows that control the flow of goods
in, out, and within the warehouse. Each of these processes—Inbound,
Outbound, and Internal—can be configured with process steps, storage
control, and task generation to suit specific warehouse requirements.

a. Inbound Process (Putaway)

1. Create ASN / Inbound Delivery

2. Goods Receipt (GR) in EWM

3. Warehouse Task creation

4. Putaway Execution

b. Outbound Process (Picking)

1. Outbound Delivery Order (ODO)

2. Picking Task creation

3. Picking Execution

4. Packing & Goods Issue

c. Internal Processes

 Replenishment: This process ensures that picking locations are

adequately stocked by transferring goods from reserve or bulk storage.
Replenishment can be triggered automatically based on stock
thresholds or initiated manually.

 Physical Inventory: EWM supports cycle counting, ad-hoc inventory,

and annual inventory processes. It ensures that the system stock
matches physical stock through planned or unplanned inventory
documents and recount procedures.
  Stock Transfer: Movement of stock within the same warehouse or
between different storage types/bins. This includes ad hoc transfers or
planned ones, such as from overstock to fast-picking areas, often
triggered by system logic or user decision.

 Scrapping: Used when goods are damaged, expired, or otherwise

unfit for use. This process removes stock from the system and updates
inventory to reflect the loss. Scrapping can be done directly from bins
or via warehouse tasks and delivery documents.

🔹 4. Storage Control

Storage Control in EWM is essential for defining the exact movement path of
goods during putaway or picking. It enables the system to guide products
through required intermediate steps based on the layout of the warehouse or
specific operational processes. It ensures regulatory checks (like quality
inspection), repacking, deconsolidation, and routing through temporary
zones or staging areas.

There are two types:

📘 Process-Oriented Storage Control (POSC)

 POSC guides the product through a sequence of process steps required

for putaway or picking.

 It is configured using process steps like GR Zone → Deconsolidation →

Quality → Final Bin.

 Best used for structured, repeatable flows requiring regulatory checks,

sorting, or consolidation.

📗 Layout-Oriented Storage Control (LOSC)

 LOSC is used when a product's path through the warehouse must

include specific storage types or areas, based on the physical layout.

 It allows for routing goods through intermediate areas (like elevators or

tunnels) not due to processing needs but due to spatial constraints.

 Often used in automated or high-bay warehouses. for defining the

exact movement path of goods during putaway or picking. It allows
configuration of logical steps a product must follow, ensuring quality
 checks, deconsolidation, or routing through specific areas of the
warehouse based on layout or process needs.

📘 Process-Oriented Storage Control (POSC)

 Based on warehouse process steps

 Ex: GR Zone → Deconsolidation → Quality → Final Bin

📗 Layout-Oriented Storage Control (LOSC)

 Based on warehouse layout/path

 Used when goods must pass through intermediate storage types

🔹 5. Important Configuration Elements

SAP EWM configuration elements are foundational settings and structures

that define how data and transactions behave in the system. These
configurations include mapping out the warehouse layout, creating rules for
storage and retrieval, defining how tasks are generated and processed, and
how users interact with the system. They are essential for enabling
automation, efficiency, and accuracy.

 Warehouse Structure: Define all physical/logical layout – storage

types, sections, bins.

 Process Types & Determination: Warehouse Process Types (WPT)

dictate how a specific warehouse process like picking, putaway, or
posting change should be executed. Determination logic ensures the
right WPT is selected based on document type, movement type, or
storage type. It controls task creation, strategies, and destinations,
acting as a link between business rules and system execution.: Define
types of warehouse processes (e.g. putaway, picking) and rules for
choosing them.

 Activity Areas, Bin Sorting: Activity areas are logical groupings of

bins for specific activities (picking, physical inventory, putaway). Bin
sorting determines the sequence in which bins are processed within an
activity area. It ensures optimized travel paths and efficient execution
of warehouse tasks, especially in large and high-throughput
environments.: Organize bins for specific activities and optimize
picking/putaway sequence.
 Storage Control Configuration: Involves defining the rules and
steps for POSC (process-driven) and LOSC (layout-driven) storage
control. This setup determines how goods should be routed through
intermediate steps such as deconsolidation, quality inspection, or
elevator transfer before reaching the final destination bin. It ensures
alignment between operational procedures and system-guided
movements.: Set up POSC/LOSC processes and the routing logic.

 Packspec & Packaging Profile: Packaging Specifications (Packspecs)

define how products are to be packed into Handling Units (HUs),
including rules for layer creation, allowed materials, and nested
packing. Packaging Profiles are used to apply these rules during goods
receipt or outbound delivery, enabling automation in packing
operations and consistency across warehouse processes.: Used for
automatic packing logic and HU creation.

 RFUI / Mobile Transactions: RFUI (Radio Frequency User Interface)

enables warehouse operators to perform tasks using mobile scanners.
This setup includes configuration of RF menu structures, custom
screens, and function codes to support hands-free, real-time operations
for picking, putaway, counting, and more. It significantly enhances
execution speed, accuracy, and traceability on the warehouse floor.:
Setup mobile interfaces for operators using RF scanners. determine
how master data and operational logic come together. These include
structures that define warehouse layout, types and behaviors of tasks,
grouping and sequencing of bins, mobile transaction setup, and
storage control rules.

 Warehouse Structure: This refers to the hierarchical and physical

setup of the warehouse in EWM. It includes the definition of storage
types (e.g., high rack, bulk, staging), storage sections (grouping bins
by criteria), and storage bins (exact locations where products are
stored). A well-structured warehouse layout is crucial for efficient bin
determination, task creation, and inventory visibility.

 Process Types & Determination:

Process Types in SAP EWM represent specific warehouse operations

such as putaway, picking, posting changes, physical inventory, and
replenishment. Each process type defines the business logic,
strategies, and rules that govern how these tasks are carried out within
the warehouse.
 Determination refers to the system's logic for automatically selecting
the correct process type based on various parameters like delivery
type, movement type, or warehouse number. This automatic selection
ensures that the right workflow and strategies are applied to each
warehouse task without manual intervention.

Together, process types and their determination form the backbone of

EWM task management, allowing tailored execution of warehouse
activities aligned with business needs.

 Activity Areas, Bin Sorting :

Activity Areas are logical groupings of storage bins that share a
common warehouse activity such as picking, putaway, or physical
inventory. They can include bins from multiple storage types.

This grouping enables warehouse processes to be focused on specific

subsets of the warehouse to improve efficiency, for example, by
limiting picking to fast-mover bins or segregating hazardous material
areas.

Bin Sorting controls the order in which bins within an activity area are
selected during task creation. It defines priority or sequence rules (e.g.,
closest bin first or based on product characteristics) to optimize travel
paths and reduce operator walking time

Together, activity areas and bin sorting help in designing efficient

warehouse operations by grouping and sequencing storage locations
according to operational goals.

 Storage Control Configuration : Storage Control defines the

routing and processing logic for warehouse tasks during
putaway and picking.

Process-Oriented Storage Control (POSC) lets you configure

sequential process steps a product must go through (e.g.,
goods receipt → quality check → final bin). Each step can have
dedicated storage types or handling requirements.

 Layout-Oriented Storage Control (LOSC) controls product

movement based on the physical warehouse layout. It routes
goods through specific storage types or intermediate areas
 (like elevators or tunnels) to comply with spatial or logistical
constraints.

 Configuring storage control involves defining these process

steps, rules for transitions, and assigning them to warehouse
process types to ensure smooth and compliant material flow.

 Packspec & Packaging Profile

 RFUI / Mobile transactions

🔹 6. Common T-Codes

EWM provides specific transactions (T-Codes) to perform and monitor

warehouse activities. These include delivery processing, task confirmations,
handling unit management, and inventory operations.

Area T-Code

Monitor /SCWM/MON

Inbound
/SCWM/PRDI
Delivery

Outbound
/SCWM/PRDO
Delivery

Handling Units /SCWM/HUMO

Warehouse
/SCWM/TO_CONF
Tasks

Physical /SCWM/
Inventory PI_PROCESS

🔹 7. EWM Flowcharts

Flowcharts are visual representations that outline the step-by-step flow of

operations within EWM. These are extremely helpful in understanding how
various components—like deliveries, warehouse tasks, and handling units—
interact during inbound, outbound, and internal warehouse processes.
Flowcharts make it easier for consultants, users, and trainees to grasp the
logic and integration points quickly. how goods move through the warehouse
in typical scenarios. This section simplifies the understanding of process
flows by breaking down common warehouse operations into clear step-by-
step representations.

🔄 Inbound Process Flow

Vendor

ASN (IDN)

Inbound Delivery (EWM)

Goods Receipt (GR)

POSC (e.g., GR -> QC -> Final Bin)

Putaway to Storage Bin

🔄 Outbound Process Flow

Sales Order

Outbound Delivery (ERP)

Delivery Order (EWM)

Warehouse Task for Picking

Packing (HU)

Goods Issue
🔄 Storage Control Logic

Start

Is POSC active?

|-- Yes --> Follow defined process steps

|-- No --> Is LOSC active?

|-- Yes --> Add intermediate steps

|-- No --> Direct Putaway

🔹 8. Best Practices

Following industry best practices in SAP EWM not only ensures that the
system is used effectively but also reduces the risk of errors and
inefficiencies. These practices are based on real-world usage patterns and
SAP's recommendations and help ensure that the warehouse runs smoothly
and is easily scalable for future needs.

 Use monitor (/SCWM/MON) extensively for real-time tracking and

troubleshooting.

 Always define Warehouse Process Types (WPT) correctly for each

movement.

 Use POSC for multi-step putaway/removal processes that require

intermediate steps.

 Leverage LOSC for layout-based movement controls when spatial

constraints exist.

 Implement HU management to maintain traceability of packed goods.

 Train operators on RFUI to ensure mobile-driven efficiency and reduced

paper usage. in EWM helps avoid common pitfalls and enhances
warehouse performance. These include using the Monitor effectively,
setting up WPTs clearly, leveraging storage control, and adopting
mobile RF interfaces.

 Use monitor (/SCWM/MON) extensively

 Always define WPT properly

  Use POSC for multi-step putaway

 LOSC helps in path-based movements

 Leverage HU management for traceability

 Train users on RFUI screens for mobility

🔹 9. Integrations

SAP EWM is not a standalone module; it connects with several other SAP
components to enable seamless logistics operations. Integrations with ERP,
TM, and GTS allow streamlined data flow across procurement, delivery,
freight, and compliance processes.

 SAP ERP: Deliveries, Inventory, BAPIs

 TM (Transportation Mgmt): Freight integration

 GTS: Customs handling

🔹 10. Useful Enhancements

SAP EWM is highly flexible and can be extended to meet unique business
needs through enhancements. These enhancements allow developers and
functional consultants to introduce customer-specific logic, new fields, or
even entirely new process steps without disrupting the standard behavior.

 BAdIs (/SCWM/EX_*): Business Add-Ins allow insertion of custom logic

in standard EWM processing.

 Custom RF screens: Develop new screens or adapt existing ones to

meet warehouse operator requirements.

 Monitor Custom Nodes: Enhance /SCWM/MON with user-defined

views, reports, or buttons to improve usability. such as BAdIs and
custom RF developments to meet specific business needs.
Enhancements allow tailoring of standard functionality, monitor views,
and RF processes for customer-specific scenarios.

 BAdIs: /SCWM/EX_*

 Custom RF screens: /SCWM/RFUI

 Monitor custom nodes

🔹 11. Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a well-configured system, errors and issues can occur in SAP EWM.
Troubleshooting tools and reports in EWM allow users and consultants to
detect the root causes of these issues, especially in integration scenarios and
task execution. Mastering these tools is essential for maintaining a healthy
warehouse operation.

 Use /SCWM/MON to trace document flow, statuses, and errors.

 Check SMQ1/SMQ2 for queue errors between EWM and ERP.

 Use /SCWM/PI_DOC to manage and analyze physical inventory

documents.

 Monitor /SCWM/HUMO to review HU details, status, and bin

assignments.

 Compare stock between ERP and EWM using

/SCWM/ERP_STOCKCHECK. processes, various tools and transactions
are available for resolution. These include the Monitor for document
tracking, queue management for integration errors, and reports to
reconcile stock or task inconsistencies.

 Use /SCWM/MON to trace documents

 Check queue errors (SMQ2/SMQ1) for integration

 Use /SCWM/PI_DOC for physical inventory

 Monitor /SCWM/HUMO for HUs and status

 Use /SCWM/ERP_STOCKCHECK to compare stock

✅ With this cheat sheet, you'll be able to:

 Understand EWM architecture

 Manage inbound/outbound logistics

 Configure and troubleshoot key components

 Visualize the full flow from delivery to putaway or goods issue