What is a Clean Core?

A 'Clean Core' strategy, in software terms, refers to the central part of the system when kept simple and organized without any additional complexities or dependencies as such.

This concept is essential in efficient software maintenance, upgrade, and testing. With certain cloud-compliant extensions, add-on customizations can also be integrated with core elements without any disruptions.

It also assists in running enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms to adapt to changing business scenarios, with its ability to easily build innovative customizations from the core that are cloud-ready.

The Clean Core strategy

A Clean Core can be achieved by focusing on the six key elements that make up the core of an ERP software.

• Software stack
• Information (Data)
• Extensibility
• Add-on integrations
• Process involved
• Operations overview

Dissecting the various elements that make up the ERP core

Businesses who want to run an effective supply chain must have good governance over their warehouses to ensure there is a balance between supply and demand.

To manage your warehouse operations efficiently, factors like inventory management, time management, budgeting, shipment control, order and replace requests, and resource management are important.

Growing businesses must ensure all their systems can work efficiently together to improve operations to meet increasing customer expectations and demands. Which is why it is important to modernize and move to smarter systems in order to stay ahead of the curve.

Benefits of Migrating from WM to EWM for your business

The SAP roadmap clearly shows there will not be any newer developments on the Warehouse Management (WM) module and the official support will end in 2025.

This might be a great chance for your business to evaluate whether the migration will benefit your operations, or should you transition to Stock Room Management, a downsized version of the earlier WM offering.

Not convinced, let us look at some reasons why this upgrade might be worth it.

1. Workforce Management- The SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) module provides many more advanced features in terms of resource and workforce management. It helps in planning shifts and also measures the efficiency of each shift and employee in a systematic manner.
2. E-commerce Preview- Features like pick-by cart, E-comm returns app 2.0, and change delivery/order reduction support users in collecting multiple orders in the same journey; streamlined return process for both the seller and buyer, and makes it easier to change order information (order quantity and date).
3. Lower Total Cost- SAP EWM is designed to maintain your warehouse operations at a lower cost with peak efficiency. The plethora of features and tools introduced have been developed keeping these two goals in mind for businesses.

Now, let us explore the necessary steps you will need to migrate from the SAP WM module to SAP EWM.

Common challenges in migrating from SAP WM to SAP EWM

The upgrade to SAP EWM module is more than just a technical upgrade, and impacts both the software architecture and procedures laid out for the management of your warehouse.

System Compatibility

It is extremely important to do a compatibility check for any problems that might arise from obsolete hardware or incompatible software versions.

Data Transfer

To prevent data loss and corruption, it is important to ensure data integrity during the migration.

BIN Strategy

This upgrade could be the perfect time to rename your bins and rakes, which makes it even more important to plan ahead.

Custom Code Adaptation

Make sure all the custom code that is being used in WM has been modified/rewritten to function optimally in the SAP EWM environment.

Troubleshooting Once Live

Even after the migration is completed successfully, users should be ready to troubleshoot and check for any common errors that might occur once the system is up and running.

How to Prepare for the Migration from SAP WM to SAP EWM?

Assessing Current WM Systems

A thorough assessment of your existing WM configuration is very crucial before making the jump. Review current system architecture, warehouse processes, integrations and custom add-ons.

Data Cleanup

Before the migration, a meticulous data cleanup is required on your current WM module. Ensure the below-

• Correcting any prevalent data errors
• Removing obsolete data
• Ensuring existing data is up-to-date
• Data archiving can help improve the performance of your system while decreasing the volume of data during the migration.

Upgrading Your IT Systems

To meet the technical requirements of SAP EWM, it is important to update your IT infrastructure like servers, databases and network components.

Pilot Testing

Before entering the operational phase, carry out pilot tests with real-time data to identify any potential errors.

User Guides and Training

A comprehensive guide and on-hands training should be given to all the users, from IT staff to the warehouse teams.

Contingency Plans

To deal with unforeseen problems during the migration, plans on data recovery, system roll back and other emergency response strategies should be in place.

Implementing SAP EWM - A step-by-step process

SAP WM Data Verification

Verify if your systems are ready for the migration, and make sure a backup of your existing WM environment has been made.

Installing SAP EWM

Install the software through new servers or by configuring the current servers to meet all the system requirements of the SAP EWM.

Data Transfer

By using SAPs data migration cockpit, you can align the older data structures to the newer ones while configuring the data transfer routines. This should help you migrate your data seamlessly.

Adapting Custom Codes

To migrate all your custom code to the SAP EWM environment, you will have to either rewrite all scripts, work on developing new functionalities or modify the current customizations.

User Training

Now you can start rolling out the training programs for all your staff, and also share the user guides for easier accessibility.

Monitoring Systems

After the migration has been rolled out, make sure all the systems are tested and ready. You can now focus on commissioning, check whether there are any ongoing issues and resolve them on time.

Post-Go-Live Support

Continue to provide support to all your users, assisting them adapt to the new system. Collecting feedback and making changes will help in increasing your operation's efficiency. 

Are you confused about which is the right SAP Warehouse Management Solution (WMS) for you?

Navigating the SAP WMS landscape, however, can be akin to traversing a labyrinth, particularly given the plethora of products available. By understanding your specific warehouse management requirements, considering factors such as warehouse size & complexity, and aligning your budget with the right WMS, you can transform your warehouse into a well-oiled machine, driving growth and success.

To choose the right WMS for your business, first, let us explore the different solutions available in the SAP warehousing ecosystem.

Available Solutions in the SAP Warehousing Ecosystem

The SAP warehousing landscape has different WMS options to choose from depending on business needs and wants. Let's delve into the capabilities of each offering to gain a comprehensive understanding of their functionalities.

Stock Room Management:

• Stock Room Management is essentially SAP's replacement to the initial SAP Warehouse Management (WM) offering, giving customers a non SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) solution.

• It is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and offers basic  warehouse management functionalities.

• It has simple warehouse features, like managing inventory, moving stock, and counting physical inventory. This ensures efficient stock control and visibility.

SAP Warehouse Management (WM):

• SAP WM is the original product offering from the SAP suite of warehousing solutions. It provides businesses with basic warehouse management functions that can be extended with Task and Resource Management (TRM).

• Medium-sized businesses with complex warehouse operations adopt SAP WM for their businesses as it employs enhanced inventory management capabilities.

• Advanced features like bin management can be accessed, enabling optimized warehouse operations and ensuring inventory accuracy.

• Regarding a future-proof solution, SAP EWM (Basic) will replace SAP WM by the year 2025.

SAP Extended Warehouse Management Basic (EWM):

• Offers more advanced functionalities beyond SAP WM.

• It is mainly suited for medium-sized businesses with manually operated processes who seek an extensive range of warehouse management capabilities

• As a part of SAP's strategic offering, it can be customized to include additional functions when necessary.

• Includes support for integrated yard management, cross-docking, and multi-warehouse setup. It also helps in streamlining complex warehouse operations and improving its efficiency.

SAP Extended Warehouse Management Advanced (EWM):

• It includes all the functionalities that SAP EWM Basic provides on top of other added features such as labor management, slotting management, and integration with automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).

• Tailored to the needs of large enterprises with highly demanding warehouse management requirements, it is SAPs flagship offering.

• Being a part of SAP Supply Chain, it can seamlessly integrate with Quality Management, Transportation Management, Global Track & Trace, and Production-Planning-Execution. It also provides support for automation, integration, picking & putting away strategies, and more.

• Integrating automation into your warehouse operations can enhance flexibility and enable more efficient management.

Choosing the right SAP WMS for your business

Basic Outlook

Comparison of Functionalities 

Integration Capabilities

*All SAP S/4HANA references are based on either SAP S/4HANA On-premise edition or RISE with SAP S/4HANA Private edition

Recommendations Depending on Warehouse Size

*All SAP S/4HANA references are based on either SAP S/4HANA On-premise edition or RISE with SAP S/4HANA Private edition

Features of SAP Warehouse management (WM)

*All SAP S/4HANA references are based on either SAP S/4HANA On-premise edition or RISE with SAP S/4HANA Private edition

Conclusion

First, a clear understanding of the size, complexity, and characteristics of what may be unique to your warehouse is very important. This will help you in identifying specific processes such as inventory management, warehouse automation, order fulfillment, etc. that need optimization.

Understanding the above aspects will give you an idea about which WMS is the best for your business. Furthermore, it is essential to assess your budget and timeline since implementing SAP Warehousing solutions can vary in cost and complexity. Establishing a clear timeline for the implementation project can help in ensuring minimal disruption to your ongoing operations and ensure the allocation of the right amount of resources.

The total cost of ownership, mostly, and not limited to, include the software licensing fee, customized hardware requirements, implementation services, and ongoing maintenance of the solution.

By meticulously evaluating your warehouse management needs, understanding your budget and timeline, and consulting with experienced SAP WMS implementation partners, you can confidently select the optimal warehousing solution that empowers your business.

Does your organization often face operational inefficiencies and struggles to pinpoint the areas that need improvement? Or do you often witness a high customer churn rate but lack insights into the reasons behind it? If so, your organization can significantly benefit from SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) which can leverage the power of data to assist in data-driven decision-making. This article will delve into how SAC facilitates data-driven decision-making, highlight its key features, and provide best practices for optimizing its potential.

Understanding Data-Driven Decision-Making

Data-driven decision-making entails the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform strategic choices. It enables organizations to uncover valuable insights, identify patterns, and make evidence-based decisions. With the implementation of SAC, businesses gain access to real-time data from multiple sources, which can then be visualized on intuitive dashboards, allowing for actionable insights.

Key Features of SAP Analytics Cloud

SAP Analytics Cloud offers a host of powerful features that streamline data-driven decision-making. These include:

• Data Integration:

  SAC seamlessly integrates with various data sources, both SAP and non-SAP systems, consolidating all relevant data into one centralized platform.

• Data Visualization:

  SAC provides visually appealing and easily understandable data representations, such as charts, graphs, and maps.

• Predictive Analytics:

  SAC incorporates built-in machine learning capabilities, facilitating trend identification, outcome prediction, and proactive decision-making.

• Collaboration:

  SAC fosters collaborative decision-making by enabling teams to share and annotate reports, fostering cross-functional discussions based on data insights.

• Mobile Accessibility:

  SAC's mobile app ensures decision-makers can access critical information on the go, leading to real-time decision-making capabilities.

Implementing SAC for Data-Driven Decision Making

To effectively drive data-driven decision-making using SAC, organizations should follow these best practices:

• Defining Clear Objectives:

  Precisely articulate the goals and questions that require data analysis, aligning them with the overall business strategy.

• Data Quality and Governance:

  Implement data quality controls to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability, supported by robust data governance policies.

• User Training and Adoption:

  Train users on SAC functionalities and promote its usage across the organization to foster a data-driven culture.

• Role-based Access and Security:

  Establish role-based access controls and stringent security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure data privacy.

• Continuous Improvement:

  Regularly assess the effectiveness of SAC dashboards and reports, gather user feedback, and make iterative improvements to enhance decision-making capabilities.

Real-World Examples of Data-Driven Decision-Making with SAC

To demonstrate the power of SAC in driving data-driven decision-making, here are a few real-world examples:

• Retail Sales Optimization:

  A retail chain can use SAC to analyze sales data from various stores across different regions. By examining factors like product performance, customer demographics, and promotional effectiveness, they can identify that certain product categories perform better in specific regions. Based on these insights, they can optimize their inventory allocation, marketing campaigns, and store layouts to match local preferences, resulting in increased sales and customer satisfaction.

• Healthcare Resource Allocation:

  A hospital can leverage SAC to analyze patient data, including admissions, length of stay, and treatment outcomes. By identifying patterns and trends, they can optimize the allocation of healthcare resources such as staff, beds, and equipment. This data-driven approach helps them streamline patient flow, reduce wait times, and improve overall operational efficiency, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.

• Financial Planning and Forecasting:

  A financial institution can utilize SAC to analyze historical financial data, market trends, and economic indicators. By leveraging predictive analytics, they can develop accurate financial forecasts and scenario models. These insights empower them to make data-driven decisions related to investment strategies, risk management, and capital allocation, ensuring financial stability and maximizing returns for their clients.

• Customer Experience Enhancement:

  An e-commerce company can employ SAC to analyze customer data, including browsing behavior, purchase history, and customer feedback. By uncovering insights about customer preferences, pain points, and satisfaction levels, they can personalize the online shopping experience, recommend relevant products, and optimize their website design. This data-driven approach enhances customer engagement, increases conversions, and fosters long-term customer loyalty.

• Manufacturing Process Optimization:

  A manufacturing company can utilize SAC to analyze production data, including machine performance, maintenance logs, and defect rates. By identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks in the production process, they can optimize scheduling, maintenance routines, and quality control measures. This data-driven decision-making results in increased production efficiency, reduced downtime, and improved product quality.

In today's data-driven era, organizations must leverage tools such as SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) to unlock the full potential of their data and make informed decisions. By effectively implementing SAC and adhering to best practices, businesses can enhance their decision-making capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage. Embracing a data-driven culture with SAC allows organizations to adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics, positioning them ahead of the curve. Start harnessing the power of data with SAP Analytics Cloud and drive your business toward success in this data-driven world.