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SAP offers various solutions in the field of warehouse logistics. This article aims to assist in selecting the appropriate system. The different SAP warehouse management systems vary in terms of functionality, integration, costs, and application areas. Here is a comparison of the available solutions:

1. SAP Stock Room Management

• Description: A simplified warehouse management system for basic warehouse processes, integrated into SAP S/4HANA.
• Target Group: Companies with simple warehouse requirements.
• Features:
  
  • Basic warehouse processes like goods receipt, goods issue, and inventory management.
  • Integration into SAP S/4HANA for seamless business processes.
  • Existing LE-WM setups can be retained if available.
• Limitations:
  
  • No advanced features like optimized picking or automation.
  • Does not support advanced functions such as slotting or material flow control.
  • More suitable for small to medium-sized warehouses.
  • No further innovations from SAP.
• License Costs: Included in S/4HANA licenses (no additional costs).
• Application Area: Standard logistics processes without high complexity.

2. EWM Embedded Basic

• Description: A simplified version of SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), directly integrated into SAP S/4HANA.
• Target Group: Companies that need more than Stock Room Management but do not require extensive advanced features.
• Features:
  
  • Support for advanced warehouse processes such as cross-docking and extended inbound/outbound processes.
  • Basic integration with automation solutions (limited functionality).
• Limitations:
  
  • Lacks functions for optimized material flow control, advanced automation, or precise slotting.
  • Reduced functionality compared to the Advanced version.
• License Costs: Included in the S/4HANA standard (no additional license fees).
• Application Area: Suitable for warehouses with slightly higher demands than Stock Room Management.

3. EWM Embedded Advanced

• Description: The full version of SAP EWM, integrated into SAP S/4HANA, offering advanced warehouse functionalities.
• Target Group: Companies with complex warehouse requirements, such as those in the automotive, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods industries.
• Features:
  
  • Advanced warehouse processes like slotting, wave management, yard management, and material flow control.
  • Support for highly automated warehouses and integration with material flow systems (MFR).
  • Optimized strategies for picking and inventory management.
• Limitations:
  
  • Higher license and implementation costs.
• License Costs: Additional license fees depending on the number of users and warehouse locations.
• Application Area: For large and complex warehouses requiring extensive automation and optimization.

4. EWM Decentralized

• Description: A standalone version of SAP EWM that operates independently of the SAP S/4HANA system.
• Target Group: Companies requiring high flexibility or the ability to connect multiple ERP systems.
• Features:
  
  • Same functionalities as EWM Embedded Advanced.
  • Ability to integrate with various ERP systems (e.g., SAP ERP or third-party systems).
  • Suitable for global warehouse networks with distributed sites.
• Limitations:
  
  • Requires separate infrastructure and additional interfaces for integration with SAP ERP/S/4HANA.
  • Higher implementation and operational efforts.
• License Costs: Higher license and operational costs due to the separate infrastructure.
• Application Area: Global companies with heterogeneous ERP landscapes or special integration needs.