EWM, or Extended Warehouse Management, is a software application that provides
advanced warehouse management capabilities in SAP's supply chain management suite. The
organizational structure within EWM is crucial for effectively managing warehouse
operations, inventory, and resources. Below is an overview of the typical organization
structure components in EWM:
1. Warehouse Number (WHN):
A warehouse number uniquely identifies a physical warehouse or storage
facility within the EWM system.
Each warehouse number represents a distinct location where goods are stored,
managed, and processed.
2. Warehouse Complex:
A warehouse complex is a higher-level grouping that can encompass multiple
warehouse numbers.
It allows for centralized management and coordination of activities across
multiple warehouses within the same complex.
3. Storage Type:
Storage types define different areas or zones within a warehouse where goods
are stored based on characteristics such as storage conditions, handling
requirements, or inventory status.
Examples of storage types include bulk storage, picking areas, staging areas,
hazardous material storage, etc.
4. Storage Section and Bin:
Within each storage type, storage sections and bins further segment the
warehouse space for efficient storage and retrieval of goods.
Storage bins represent specific locations where items are physically stored,
and they are often organized based on factors like aisle, shelf, and level.
5. Warehouse Organization Structure:
The warehouse organization structure defines how various elements such as
storage types, storage bins, resources (like work centers and labor), and
processes are organized and interconnected within a warehouse or warehouse
complex.
It includes configurations such as storage bin hierarchies, storage control
parameters, and work center assignments.
6. Work Centers:
Work centers in EWM represent physical or logical areas within the
warehouse where specific activities or operations take place, such as goods
receipt, picking, packing, and shipping.
Work centers can be assigned to storage types or specific locations within the
warehouse for task execution.
7. Resources and Resource Types:
Resources refer to physical or human resources used for warehouse
operations, including equipment (e.g., forklifts, conveyors) and labor
(warehouse workers).
Resource types categorize and define the characteristics and capabilities of
different resources, such as their capacity, availability, skills, and usage
constraints.
8. Organizational Units:
EWM allows the creation of various organizational units, such as warehouses,
distribution centers, production facilities, and sales offices, each with its
specific roles, responsibilities, and relationships within the supply chain
network.
9. Process-Oriented Structure:
Apart from the physical organization structure, EWM also incorporates a
process-oriented structure that defines workflows, tasks, and sequences for
executing warehouse processes like inbound handling, outbound processing,
internal movements, and inventory counting.
10. Integration with SAP ERP:
EWM is closely integrated with other SAP modules such as Materials
Management (MM), Sales and Distribution (SD), Production Planning (PP),
and Quality Management (QM) to ensure seamless data flow and process
integration across the supply chain.
This organizational structure in EWM provides a framework for optimizing warehouse
operations, improving inventory visibility and accuracy, enhancing resource utilization, and
streamlining logistics processes within a modern supply chain environment.
