Verena Werner - Arvato Systems
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Innovative Warehouse Management Solutions (WMS)

Your Warehouse Management Combines in one Software

SAP EWM
SAP WM
platbricks® WMS
Services On Top
FAQ
Deep Dive

Constant Change

The dynamism of the ‘on-demand’ world has brought changes to logistics. Order quantities continue to fall while the delivery frequency is rising. Optimal warehouse utilization, efficient stock rotations, increased speed, and enhanced transparency are therefore becoming increasingly important. Today’s modern, complex warehouse and distribution centers as well as warehouses held by SMEs need far more than the classic basic functions of a warehouse management system: Support for goods receipt and issue, stock management, and inventory management as well as advanced functions for controlling complex processes such as return processing or multi-customer warehouses are increasingly important.

Benefit From Our Expertise in Warehouse Management

Integration

Ensures seamless integration of upstream and downstream business processes in SAP ERP ECC 6.0 and SAP S/4HANA Enterprise Management

Project Cycles

Short roll-out times through the use of documented template processes for the core processes of goods receipt, warehouse and inventory management, and goods issue

Clarity

Tried-and-tested, standardized, and easy-to-understand working base that allows specialist departments to be directly involved

Security

Accelerated process workflows alongside minimized risks

Flexibility

Custom developments and specific process mapping adapted in keeping with your requirements

Support

Analysis, implementation, and consulting from experienced logistics consultants

SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management)

SAP EWM is today's proven and for the future strategic solution of SAP of a modern warehouse management system (WMS), whose performance significantly exceeds the SAP module LES (Logistics Execution System). The main components, warehouse management, and material flow control SAP MFS (Material Flow System), support you optimally in the processing of all goods movements as well as inventory management down to storage bin level.


SAP EWM offers you efficient planning of your picking processes, storage and retrieval strategies for optimal warehouse utilization, and flexible warehouse control processes, including a warehouse management monitor. A separate material flow computer is no longer necessary due to the integration of the material flow control (MFS). Additionally, the system offers you an integrated handling unit management and a forklift control system.


Through integration with SAP TM, SAP PP, or QM, EWM is the warehouse management software for your entire supply chain. The direct integration with Core of S/4 has made this integration much easier. The different architecture variants of SAP EWM allow full scaling: From the automated control of large logistics centers on-premise or to smaller warehouses from the cloud, you benefit from the standard features of SAP EWM - in addition, we have developed special modules with which we customize the system to your needs.

SAP WM (Warehouse Management) under S/4HANA

SAP Warehouse Management (WM) provides proven support for handling all internal goods movements and managing inventories in the warehouse. At the end of 2027, SAP will discontinue mainstream maintenance of this software component. Extended maintenance can be completed by 2030 at a corresponding additional cost. Nevertheless, SAP WM customers will face the decision in the medium term to either switch to the successor product SAP EWM under S/4 (embedded, decentralized or EWM from the cloud) or to continue using (a few) partial functions of WM under S/4, the so-called Stock Room Management.


We support you to evaluate your existing and future system landscape including business processes and to perform the migration to S/4. We have developed an agile, highly efficient method for this purpose. Last but not least, it provides you with a reliable calculation and planning (duration, involvement and budget) for your EWM implementation.
 

platbricks® Warehouse Management

Our own Microsoft Azure-based cloud platform platbricks® also has a warehouse management module. With the platbricks® WMS, the flow of goods within a warehouse from goods receipt to goods issue is managed, optimized, and executed with smart wearables.

platbricks® Warehouse Management System - Benefits

Mobile processes are included in the module
Usage-based billing model
Sustainable architecture for growing business
Full transparency of all processes, orders, movements, and inventories
Fully cloud-based
Short implementation times

platbricks® WMS - As Basic or Pro Version

platbricks® WMS Basic

With the platbricks® WMS Basic, we have developed a simple and efficient standard solution for small and medium-sized businesses to enable them to take the step into the digital world cost-effectively and via plug & play.


Suitable for Whom? For Example For:

  • Micro Depots
  • Small Retailers
  • Industrial Companies with Spare Parts Warehouses
  • Franchise Companies
  • Mapping of Internal Storage Areas
  • Medical Practices, Nursing Services, Health Care Institutions


platbricks® WMS Pro

The WMS Pro from platbricks® is a fully comprehensive warehouse management system according to VDI standard 3601. The system covers all processes, from receipt, storage, and picking to goods issues. 


Suitable for Whom? For Example For:

  • Industrial Customers
  • Automotive (Manufacturers and Suppliers)
  • Hospitals
  • Retailers and Wholesalers
  • eCommerce Companies
  • Delivery Services
  • Logistics Service Providers
  • Medical Technology and Pharmaceutical Companies

Services On Top for Optimizing Your Logistics

Capacity Planning

Multi-order Picking

Package Optimization

Our solution for capacity planning in goods receipt provides you with an overview of expected and implemented goods receipts, among other things. The capacity information illustrated supports scheduling when planning goods receipts to optimally utilize warehouse capacities. In addition, this module provides an overview of the number of free warehouse spaces grouped according to the type of warehouse space and helps scheduling set priorities for purchase orders.
 

Your benefits:

Goods receipt

  • Acceleration of goods receipt processes by avoiding delays, stall fees, and out-of-stock situations
  • Prioritization of purchase orders according to free capacities
  • Assigning optimal delivery times for suppliers
  • Subsequent checking of goods receipts
  • Overview provides information on short- to long-term personnel planning in goods receipt

Warehouse

  • Capacity planning in the warehouse provides an overview of the number of free warehouse spaces grouped according to the type of warehouse space for several distribution centers
  • Prioritization of orders according to free warehouse capacities
  • No warehouse overfills
  • No delays in the goods receipt process

Multi-order Picking

The Multi-order Picking module expands your existing SAP EWM with a flexible and configurable solution to pick several delivery orders in one warehouse order. Our multi-order picking solution is based on a two-stage wave concept, consisting of a systemically mapped outline and detailed planning that supplements your SAP EWM, enabling the highest degree of flexibility in daily operations.


The multi-order picking solution from Arvato Systems includes:

  • Two-stage wave concept for picking
  • Individually configurable logic for the creation of pick handling units
  • Scenario-based logic to adjust the picking logic to the different load and capacity situations in the warehouse
  • Adjustment to every warehouse process through freely defined master data
  • Enables the structure of pick orders created to be adjusted to the volumes as well as to daily workflows in the warehouse
  • Time and calendar-based ‘scheduler’ to manage the automatic picking orders system in the background

Intelligent SAP Add-on for ‘Real’ Pick and Pack

Optimize your picking process with the Package Optimizer from Arvato Systems. We collaborated with Fraunhofer IML to develop this package optimization solution, which determines the optimal shipping container before picking starts. Thanks to optimized ‘prepacking’ in the SAP system, it is possible to arrange shipping objects before picking begins. This is an important prerequisite for ‘real’ pick and pack. Arvato’s Package Optimizer 2.0 solution can be implemented as an add-on in SAP Warehouse Management (WM) or SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), as well as in SAP Transport Management (TM). The Package Optimizer 2.0 from Arvato can be adjusted to a variety of client-specific parameters to take groupings, handling of hazardous materials, etc. into account.

Warehouse Management - Frequently Asked Questions

  • When EWM found its way into the core of S/4 in 2015, the basic approach was to copy the existing EWM code and make it usable within the S/4 landscape. This has resulted in EWM being usable as embedded EWM by anyone who has S/4 licenses. EWM 9.5 was the last release (11/2017) on the SCM platform. Now it will only be further developed under S/4.

  • After discontinuation of mainstream maintenance in 2027 for the core applications of SAP Business Suite, i.e. including WM, SAP is holding out the prospect of the familiar Extended Maintenance until the end of 2030. If a customer decides against Extended Maintenance and continues to run their systems on Business Suite 7, they will automatically fall under Customer Specific Maintenance (as of 02/2020).

  • Since the S/4HANA 1909 release, a very slimmed-down version of WM can be used under S/4 - the so-called Stock Room Management. Some components are missing here, including Task & Resource Management, the Warehouse Control Unit Interface, Yard Management or Cross Docking. Also a decentralized WM cannot be used under S/4. Only those who want to operate a very rudimentary warehouse should consider Stock Room Management, as no new functionalities are developed beyond this. EWM is the strategic solution from SAP that is recommended.

  • Yes, in principle such a migration is possible, both to a decentralized EWM and an embedded EWM under S/4. Since the S/4HANA 1909 FP01 release, SAP has been offering functionalities to migrate EWM objects with the so-called Migration Cockpit. Since each existing implementation has its own pitfalls, such a change should be handled as a separate project.

Deep Dive

White Paper "AI in Logistics"

In this white paper, we describe the importance of AI for the logistics industry, present some use cases, and provide tips and advice on what to consider when implementing AI solutions.

SAP® Transformation in Logistics

Real-time capability and security as well as flexibility and scalability form challenges that logistics managers have to face. A holistic software environment could be the answer.

Use Case Collection: Use Cases of AI in Logistics

The use of artificial intelligence takes process quality and efficiency to a new level in logistics as well. Here, we have compiled ten use cases of AI in logistics for you and show their advantages.

ISG Provider Lens "Digital Business Enablement and ESG Services"

Arvato Systems was recognized as a Leader by ISG in the Provider Lens™ "Digital Business Enablement and ESG Services 2022" for its competencies. Download now.

Demo System: platbricks® Warehouse Management

Get to know the cloud-based platbricks® Warehouse Management in practice and try out the module over a period of 14 days in our free demo system. 

Demo System: platbricks® Chatbot Platform

Please get to know the platbricks® chatbot platform in our free demo system for 14 days and use the five bots provided in it. You can chat independently with the bots and customize or extend them according to your needs. 

Dos and Don'ts of Using Chatbots in Logistics

There are a few things to consider when introducing chatbots in logistics. Our checklist tells you what you need to pay attention to.

Full Transparency in Subcontracting

With these tips, you'll be able to keep track of inventory and manufacturing steps at the contract service provider when subcontracting.

Chatbots In Logistics: Innovation Brief

This Innovation Briefing provides background knowledge on chatbots and presents a number of use cases in detail.

Free Logistics Check-up

Whether you are at the very beginning of your journey or already on the road - we get on board at every stop and accompany you in the Digital Transformation of your supply chain. We will be happy to advise you in our "Logistics Check-up" - make an appointment now.

Digitization Of Logistics With Arvato Systems

An overview of our solutions for digitizing your logistics processes.

platbricks® - Smart Logistics Unlimited

Designed as a digital modular system, platbricks® can be used to orchestrate internal and cross-company logistics processes and execute them with smart mobile wearables.

You May Also Be Interested In:

SAP Transport Management

Transport management solutions in SAP number among our specialties. We offer you comprehensive process expertise in the field of transport and logistics and we know how best to map these transport processes in SAP systems.

SAP S/4HANA – Real-time ERP Suite

Arvato Systems facilitates your digital transformation with S/4HANA, the SAP platform technology of the future. We support you with ‘two-speed IT,’ which offers stability at the digital core and agility in competition.

Overview of Our SCM and Logistics Solutions

Supply chain management is changing rapidly. With our innovative solutions and tools, we provide our clients with strategic logistical advantages.

Your Contacts for Warehouse Management

Verena Werner - Arvato Systems
Verena Werner
Expert in Logistics IT for the Manufacturing Industry
MA_Andreas_Maas_Commerce
Andreas Maas
Expert in Logistics IT for the Retail & Consumer Goods Industry