This Blog is mainly on SAP Exam Questions and Selected "How-to" SAP processes

Monday, April 7, 2025

Question no 4042 : NAST Message Determination Printer Determination

In Material Management as at S/4 1909, which of the following is TRUE about the following Parameter set in the Picture for NAST ? 


(more than one answers)

A. Always select the Printer assigned to the Purchasing Group
B. If Printer not found in the Purchasing Group, then select Printer assigned to the Condition Record of "NEU"
C. If Printer not found in "NEU" Condition Record and no Printer found in the Purchasing Group, then select Printer default at the User Master.
D. If Printer not found in "NEU" Condition Record then select Printer assigned to the Purchasing Group.
E. If Printer not found in "NEU" Condition Record and no Printer found in the Purchasing Group, then no Message can be determined in the Purchase Order

Answer: D, E

In the Configuration screen above, Printer Parameter can be set to Purchasing Group or User Parameter:
If it is set to Purchasing Group:
. 1st try to find Printer in the Condition Record of "NEU"
. 2nd if Printer not assigned to the Condition Record, then select Printer assigned to the Purchasing Group (Header Pur Group)
. 3rd if no Printer is assigned to the Purchasing Group then no Message can be determined
If it is set to User Parameter:
. 1st try to find Printer in the Condition Record of "NEU"
. 2nd if Printer not assigned to the Condition Record, then select Printer assigned to User
. 3rd if no Printer is assigned to the User then no Message can be determined



SAP Technical - Migration Cockpit (First Look of Upload Equipment Master)

CLICK here to view the Presentation

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Q&A in Class (2025-04-07) S4SD1

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Question: What is the Inco term recommendation when using TM for MM Inbound Delivery & SD Outbound Delivery?


Answer: The following is as at S/4HANA 2023:
  • As at S/4HANA 2023, The Freight Order in the TM module can be at both Header and Item level but you will have to be very careful of the Integration points between SD and TM and How the Sales Department would perform the Billing for the Product to the Customer vs how the Freight Costs are to be billed to the Customer from the TM module.
  • In SAP Transportation Management (TM) Freight Order, Incoterms are typically maintained at the header level, although some functionality might exist for item-level Incoterms in specific scenarios or future releases (from SAP help.sap.com Documentation). 
  • It is very important to note that some Organizations prefer to "Split Billing" using the Inco Term as a criteria; so that in One Outbound Delivery with different Delivery items that contain different Inco Terms, the Organization to split the Billing of the Delivery items based on the "Inco Term" which result in One Billing Document only have One Inco Term. (In fact, the "Split Billing" based on Inco Term is really a common practice as Incoterm determines which party (buyer or seller) is responsible for various costs (freight, insurance, etc.) and risks, and these responsibilities are reflected in the Billing Header which would make more sense. 
  • As this point in time (as at S/4HANA2023 which is the only version available for Simulations), it is probably a better decision to combine Freight Units (from Outbound Delivery items) that contain the same Inco Term to ONE Freight Order, so that the Freight Order itself matches the intended Billing Document for both Product and Transportation Services. 
  • However, if there is a desire to still have Item level INCO terms at both Product Billing and TM Freight Order Billing (which from both business and system aspect may not be a good decision), then it must be tested thoroughly; BUT I personally don't recommend.
    SAP's recommendations statement: "While not strictly mandatory, using the same Incoterms for all freight items within a single S/4HANA freight order can simplify the process and reduce potential errors. However, if different freight items have distinct shipping requirements or contractual obligations, using different Incoterms may be necessary."

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Question: What is the latest Architecture on S/4HANA with Distributed TM and EWM ? 

Answer: It is of course the "Best" architecture to be using both Embedded TM and Embedded EWM systems; however, for larger Multinational Organizations; there are multiple business and technical reasons for having a Distributed Architecture. 

For example, a Customer using an ECC system already integrated to S/4HANA TM, and the Customer is only using the Classic WM (and not the EWM system); the company also outsourcing some of its Warehouse and Transportation activities to 3rd party in a more complex Warehousing scenario. In an effort to migrate from ECC to S/4HANA may face multiple challenges of security, data management and system performance; one of the decision would be:

  • Multiple S/4HANA to One-or-More TM system.
  • Link One-or-More TM system to One-of-More EWM system.
  • The S/4HANA maybe also integration to some existing SAP SCM APO system until future migration to a possible Embedded PPDS and Cloud-based IBP.
See further presentation in the following Link: 

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Question: The importance of knowing which Licensing of specific S/4HANA modules signed with SAP (eg S/4HANA EWM)

Answer: With the most recent news just March.2025, SAP announced the classic LE-WM in S/4HANA no longer supported and all customers "must" move to the StRM (Stock Room Management Solution); customer previously using the Cross-Docking, Basic Yard Management, Wave Picking will be able to use them anymore. AND if the customer business must use CD, YM, and Wave Picking; then, the customer must acquire not just the EWM Basic Licensing version BUT the "Advanced EWM" Licensing where only in this version SAP allow to switch on CD, YM, and Wave Picking. 

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Question: Is the LE-WM 2-Step Picking is still possible in the S/4 StRM option ? 

Answer: 2-step picking can be part of the WAVE Picking feature in SAP LE-WM. First we have to check the features of both: 

WAVE Picking (LE-WM-TFM-CP):
  • Definition: Wave picking is an order fulfillment strategy where orders are grouped into "waves" based on factors like due date, order size, or product availability, and then picked simultaneously instead of individually. .
  • Purpose: To improve efficiency and reduce idle time by scheduling picking activities around common factors, such as shipping deadlines.    
  • SAP: VL35 facilitates the creation of "wave picks," which are essentially work packages for picking, grouping deliveries that are to be processed at roughly the same time. 
  • Example: Grouping orders with the same shipping date or destination into a single wave
2-Step Picking: 
  • Definition: A picking process divided into two steps: a withdrawal step (collectively picking products for multiple deliveries) and an allocation step (distributing the picked products to individual orders).
  • Purpose: To optimize picking processes, especially in warehouses with intermediate storage areas or high racks, by minimizing travel distance and picking operations.
  • SAP: Use transaction code LT72 to determine the two-step picking process for a group, and LT0E to create transfer orders for the group.
  • Example: Picking all the required quantity of a product for multiple deliveries in the first step, then allocating those products to the specific orders in the second step. 
StRM (Stock room management) allows you to use almost all LE-WM functions except the list below:
  • Task & Resource Management (LE-TRM),
  • Value Added Service (LE-WM-VAS),
  • Yard Management (LE-YM),
  • Cross-Docking (LE-WM-CD),
  • Wave Management (LE-WM-TFM-CP),
  • Decentral Warehouse Management (LE-WM-DWM),
  • Warehouse Control Unit Interface (LSR)
The next question to determine is that did SAP park the 2-Step Picking feature under the Wave Management (LE_WM-TFM-CP. 

However it doesn't mean that the transactions will vanish. They are there in S/4HANA and will be there. You are just not entitled to use them in S/4HANA anymore.

You can use the STOCKROOM_COMPLIANCE_CHECK report to check if your usage is within the stock room management limitations 

See SAP note: 
  • SAP Notes 2881166 - SAP is not planning to invest in Stock Room management, strategic product for SAP is EWM.
  • SAP Notes 2882809 - Scope Compliance Check for Stock Room Management.
  • SAP Notes 2270211 - WM is still part of S/4HANA but in a compatibility mode. 
  • SAP Notes 2269324. With the compatibility mode SAP allows customers to migrate their existing solutions smoothly into S/4HANA.
  • SAP Notes 2577428 - SAP also restricts the usage of components which are in a compatibility mode till 31.12.2025.
  • SAP Note 2269324 -  titled "Compatibility Scope Matrix for SAP S/4HANA," provides a detailed overview of the compatibility scope, including information on available alternative functionality, license material numbers, and business impact notes for each compatibility scope item, helping customers plan their transition to SAP S/4HANA. 

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Thursday, March 27, 2025

Q&A in Class (2025-03-28) EWM100

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Question: Is this possible to have S/4HANA integrated to distributed S/4HANA with TM and also integrated to another distributed S/4HANA with EWM ?

Answer: The option for Distributed EWM and Distributed TM seemed to be possible according to Experts on SAP Community. ALSO for the case if the Distributed TM system and Distributed EWM are also on different server Platforms. 

Check the Blog Posts are some of the detail findings:
https://froggysap.blogspot.com/2025/03/blog-post_24.html

Recommendations: It is best to approach SAP for Distributed EWM and Distributed TM for the BEST deployment options, upgradeability and technical difficulties if "Tight integration" between EWM and TM is expected if different S/4HANA versions.  

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Question: In the context of EWM, what is the difference between Stowage Type Role "D" (Staging Area Group) and Storage Type Role "K" (Production Supply) ?

Answer: It is a common practice to use Storage Type Role "K" (Production Supply) for EWM Storage Types designed as Production Supply Area (ie: Staging location for Backflushing from Production Order). In the context of SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), a Production Supply Area (PSA), which corresponds to a storage type role "K" (Production Supply), is used for staging materials for production, while a staging area group (storage type role "D") serves as an interim storage area for goods before further processing, such as loading or unloading. 

  • Storage Type Role "K" is "interim" storage area before Backflush (GI) to the Production Order.
  • Storage Type Role "D" is "interim" storage area as GR Area to MM Purchase Order Inbound Delivery before Final Putaway.
  • Storage Type Role "D" can also be "interim" storage area as GI Area to SD Outbound Delivery before Final Post Goods Issue.

Production Supply Area (PSA):

  • Definition: A PSA is a specific area within a plant or warehouse where materials are staged before they are used in production.
  • Purpose: It acts as a buffer zone, ensuring materials are readily available at the right time and place for production.
  • Function: PSAs are linked to storage locations in Warehouse Management (WM) and are defined in SAP using transaction code PK05.
  • Example: Imagine a factory floor where raw materials are stored in a central warehouse. The PSA would be a designated area on the floor where those materials are moved to, ready for use by a specific production line.
  • Configuration: 
  • You define PSAs in SAP using transaction code PK05, linking them to storage locations and work centers. 

Staging Area Group "D"
  • Definition: This is the Interim Storage Type for GR to PO and Interim Storage Type for GI Area to the Outbound Delivery. 
  • Purpose: The Interim before final Putaway and Interim before final PGI.

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Question: What is Data Management and Landscape Transformation (DMLT) and is the "Migration Cockpit" the same thing ?

Answer: SAP Data Management & Landscape Transformation (DMLT) is a Collection of Services provided by SAP for data migration, while the "Migration Cockpit" is a tool within SAP used for managing data migration processes, but they are not the same thing. The "Migration Cockpit"is a tool (Fiori App) that can be used as part of the DMLT services, The Migration Cockpit can be accessed through the Fiori Launchpad

SAP Data Management & Landscape Transformation (DMLT): 
  • DMLT is a broader set of services that helps businesses manage their data and transform their IT landscapes, particularly when migrating to SAP S/4HANA or other SAP systems.
  • DMLT focuses on data migration, data quality, data integration, and ensuring a smooth transition to a new or updated SAP system. 
  • Examples of DMLT services but not limited to the following:
    • Data Migration: Moving data from legacy systems to SAP S/4HANA. 
    • Data Transformation: Converting data formats and structures to match the new system. 
    • Data Cleansing: Identifying and correcting errors and inconsistencies in the data. 
    • Data Validation: Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the migrated data. 
    • Data Privacy and Compliance: Helping organizations meet data protection regulations. 
    • Landscape Optimization: Optimizing the IT infrastructure to support the new system. 
    • Process Redesign: Supporting business process redesign during the migration to SAP S/4HANA. 
SAP S/4HANA Migration Cockpit:
  • The Migration Cockpit is a tool within the SAP system that helps users manage the data migration process.
  • It provides a user-friendly interface for uploading, validating, and cleansing data before loading it into the SAP system.
  • Features:
    • Supports data migration from various sources, including legacy systems and external data sources. 
    • Allows users to create migration projects and select migration objects. 
    • Provides different migration approaches, such as "Migrate Data Using Staging Tables
See the following Links:

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Question: What are the Technical setup for EWM RF ?


Answer: In SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), the Radio Frequency (RF) framework enables warehouse operators to interact with the system wirelessly using mobile devices like handheld scanners, facilitating tasks like picking, put-away, and inventory management with real-time data capture and validation. 
SAP provide good enough documentation as a start for "Working with Mobile RF Devices":
https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_EWM/Tech Documentation on Radio Frequency Frameworks

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Question: Conversion Guide from ECC with WM to S/4HANA with EWM ?


Answer: There are some tools residing in the SPRO (Customizing) of S/4HANA system (see above) to help convert WM-customizing to EWM-customizing. However, none of these tools are Mandatory as eventually EWM works completely different from WM AND this is even so in a Brown Fields Project scenario.


There is also a Template EWM Warehouse "0001" in S/4HANA EWM Installed Based systems, which contain Template Storage Types, Storage Section, Bin Structure template, Storage Type Group, Activities Areas, Staging Areas etc. This Template Warehouse "0001" can be used to perform "Complex Copy" to the desired new EWM Warehouse, the copied dependent parameters can then be Fine-Tune based on individual EWM Warehouse Requirements. 

Request the Instructor of EWM100 class for the download of Documentations below: 
Migration of SAP ERP WM to SAP EWM

SAP Community and SAP Press etc for EWM experts sharing available via the following link:
https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_S4HANA_ON-PREMISE/Migration from LE-WM/b17a9fc66417486b07d70cd468c3b.html 
https://pages.community.sap.com/topics/extended-warehouse-management
https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_S4HANA_ON-PREMISE/Warehoue Product Migration/

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Question: As we don't have any exercises on the Serial number for EWM, here is the following setup and demo for Materials with Serialization for EWM processing.


Answer: To use serial numbers in SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), you need to determine a serial number profile for a product, assign it to the product master record, and then specify serial numbers during warehouse task creation or confirmation, depending on the chosen serial number requirement. 

Specific Scenarios:
  • Goods Receipt:
    • EWM copies the serial number from the ERP system and saves it when you make the goods receipt posting in the inbound delivery. 
  • Outbound Deliveries:
    • In EWM, you can work with predetermined serial numbers in outbound deliveries and posting changes. 
  • Printing Delivery Notes:
    • EWM automatically prints serial numbers with the delivery note of the corresponding delivery item. 
  • Monitoring:
    • To display serial numbers at warehouse number level, you can use the "Stock and Bin" functionality in the Warehouse Management Monitor. 
Using Serial Numbers in Warehouse Tasks:
  • Foreground Confirmation:
    • When confirming a warehouse task in the foreground, you can assign serial numbers manually from a list of predetermined serial numbers or by specifying them manually. 
  • Background Confirmation:
    • If confirming a warehouse task in the background, EWM automatically assigns the serial numbers known to the system, provided a complete quant removal occurs and the serial numbers are defined. 
  • Serial Number Ranges:
    • If EWM cannot display a list of serial numbers (e.g., for products with "Serial Numbers for Document Items" or "Serial Numbers at Warehouse Number Level" requirements), you can assign whole serial number ranges to a warehouse task. 
  • Handling Units:
    • If the inbound delivery contains Handling Unit (HU) data, you can change the serial number for the HU data. 
Prerequisites and Configuration:
  • Define Serial Number Profiles:
    • In the ERP system, define warehouse number-independent serial number profiles for EWM that are valid for all warehouses. 
  • Assign Profiles to Products:
    • Assign these profiles to the product master records in the ERP system using the procedure MMSL. 
  • Determine Serial Number Requirement:
    • Define which serial number requirement (serial numbers for document items, at warehouse number level, or in inventory management) EWM uses for each product. 
  • Settings in EWM:
    • In EWM Customizing, ensure the necessary settings are made for serial number management, such as defining work center layouts with the appropriate indicators for assigning serial numbers. 

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Question: Re-visit the process flow for Batch Determination for Outbound Delivery with EWM scenario. 


Answer: See the following link to Blog Posts for the Outbound Delivery with Batch Determination:
https://froggysap.blogspot.com/2022/06/sap-scm-ewm-batch-determine-for-ewm.html

To perform batch determination for outbound deliveries in EWM, you need to configure batch management in SAP S/4HANA SD Batch Determination conditions: 
  • Batch Determination can be done in the ERP Outbound Delivery and the batch determined can then be transferred to the EWM Outbound Delivery Order for the Picking Warehouse Task. 
  • OR can also leverage the EWM integration to determine batches based on selection criteria sent from ERP, rather than assigning batches directly in ERP Outbound Delivery. 
  • In addition, two Business Add-Ins (BAdIs) are available for you to override the batch determination setting defined in Customizing for each storage location, and to change the batch selection criteria used in the batch determination to meet your individual requirements. For more information, see Customizing for Logistics Execution under SAP EWM Integration  Cross-Process Settings  Enhancements for Batch Management.
  • If you are using SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM), you can determine batches directly in SAP EWM instead of using batch determination in SAP S/4HANA. Batch determination in SAP EWM takes into account the warehouse layout in SAP EWM (and can be of use, for example, when optimizing the picking process). In this case, SAP S/4HANA only transfers the characteristics as batch selection criteria to SAP EWM. (However, batch determination to take into account the warehouse layout will have to be simulated first confirm whether it does work). 

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Question: What is the relationship between Labor Management (LM) Processor and the EWM "Resource" ?

Answer: In SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) Labor Management (LM), a Processor represents a warehouse employee, while an EWM Resource can be any asset used in warehouse operations (like RF device, forklifts, equipment, or even a specific storage location). 

Processor:
  • Represents a warehouse employee assigned as a business partner (BP) of type person. 
  • Used to map employees in the warehouse for labor management purposes. 
  • Allows for tracking and managing the performance and workload of individual employees. 
  • Essential for recording time effort and performance data. 
  • Can be created and maintained in the SAP system using the Business Partner function. 
  • The LM Processor is assigned to the SAP User (Warehouse Operation person which will be using the EWM Resource ie: the RF Gun). 
Resource:
  • Represents any asset used in warehouse operations, including RF device (RF Gun), Equipment,  Vehicles etc. 
  • Can be used in conjunction with Processors to track how resources are utilized by employees. In this case, the SAP User assigned to the LM Processor is also assigned to the EWM Resource (RF Gun). 
  • The Resource is used in conjunction with the Processors to track how resources are utilized by the Employees (SAP User) who can use the RF Device (RF Gun) to record WT/WO Confirmation and the Labor Time entries. 
  • Combining LM's Processor and EWM Resource can be used to optimize resource allocation and improve warehouse efficiency by evaluating the KPI of Planned Time from LM to the Actual Time recorded by the Resource assigned to the SAP User. 

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Question: Review of Production Supply with ECC or S4HANA Backend TO Distributed S/4HANA EWM Process Flow as below diagram:

Answer: In SAP S/4HANA with EWM, a Production Supply Area (PSA) is a designated area where materials are staged for production, acting as a bridge between the warehouse and the production line, and is defined and managed via transaction PK05. 

Setup and Configuration:
  • Define PSAs and Storage Location Mapping: 
    • Use transaction PK05 (Define Production Supply Areas) to create and maintain PSAs, linking them to specific storage locations and work centers (in ECC or S/4HANA Backend). 
    • Map storage locations to stock types in EWM. 
    • If using EWM, ensure that the storage location assigned to the PSA is managed by EWM or Inventory Management (MM-IM). 
  • Storage Type Role K: 
    • In the S/4HANA EWM, Assign storage bins created as part of the Storage Type type "K" (Production Supply) to a PSA (note: highly suggested to use the SAME PSA coding in ECC and S/4HANA EWM). 
  • Control Cycles: 
    • In the ECC system, define Control Cycles (using transaction LPK1) to manage replenishment of materials to the PSA, including details like the supply area, source storage location, and replenishment strategy ("Pick Part" for Staging and later Backflushing). 
  • Material Staging and Consumption:  
    • When staging materials for a production order, the system generates deliveries (via EWM Posting Change Document with a Warehouse Task) for stock transfers to the PSA.  
    • Consumption of materials from the PSA is triggered by the confirmation of the Production Order or Process Order or Repetitive Planned Order.
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Question: What is Expected Goods Receipt for Production Order in EWM ?


Answer: In SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), an Expected Goods Receipt (EGR) for a production order is a temporary document that EWM generates based on data from the production order in SAP ERP, acting as a template for creating inbound deliveries and facilitating goods receipt processing within EWM. 
  • Purpose:
    • EGRs allow EWM to anticipate the arrival of goods from production, enabling efficient warehouse planning and preparation for the goods receipt process. 
  • Functionality:
    • You can use the EGR as a template to create EWM inbound deliveries. 
    • You can adjust quantities and other details in the inbound delivery based on the EGR. 
    • EWM uses the EGR to calculate the expected workload for goods receipt. 
    • EWM posts the goods receipt and transmits the information to SAP ERP, which updates the stock in the production order and the inbound delivery. 
  • Production Order TO Temporary Document for Preparation of Production GR (EGR Document): 
    • When a production order is created in SAP ERP, EWM receives a notification and generates a corresponding EGR. 
    • EWM uses document type IDPD (Inbound Delivery from Production) to differentiate inbound deliveries created from EGRs. 
    • The EGR contains data from the production order, including planned quantities, materials, and expected times. 
    • EGRs are temporary documents and are deleted by EWM when no longer needed. 
    • You cannot change the data in the EGR itself; however, you can change the data in the related inbound delivery. 
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Question: Review the Process Flow of Opportunistic Cross-Docking as below: 


Answer: In SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), opportunistic cross-docking (OCD) is a strategy that allows goods to be moved directly from inbound to outbound docks, bypassing storage, when an opportunity arises, enhancing efficiency and reducing handling. 

Click here to review the Configuration and an example of Opportunistic Cross-Docking in S/4HANA Embedded EWM: 

How it works:
  • Inbound-Driven: 
    • The system checks if any outbound delivery order (ODO) items exist that match the inbound goods receipt (GR) items regarding quantity and expiration date. 
  • Outbound-Driven: 
    • The system checks if stock in the goods receipt staging area exists that is more adequate for the ODO item than stock from within the warehouse. 
Key Considerations:
  • Configuration: 
    • Requires careful configuration in EWM to define the cross-docking relevance based on warehouse process type, stock type, and product group. 
  • Integration: 
    • Requires seamless integration with inbound and outbound delivery processes. 
  • iF using EWM in SAP APO: 
    • SAP Advanced Planning & Optimization (SAP APO) defines whether an inbound delivery is PD-relevant or PFGR-relevant. 
  • iF using S/4HANA EWM-Triggered (Distributed or Embedded)
    • Opportunistic Cross-Docking This process takes place entirely within EWM, where the system determines if cross-docking is relevant when generating putaway or pick warehouse tasks. 
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Question: Review the Principles of Yard Management in S/4HANA EWM system.


Answer: In SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), yard management focuses on efficiently managing vehicle and transportation unit (TU) movements within the warehouse yard, including check-in/out, parking, and docking to doors for loading/unloading, all managed using warehouse tasks

Key Concepts:
  • Yard as an Extension of the Warehouse: EWM views the yard as an extension of the warehouse, managing movements within it using warehouse tasks. 
  • Checkpoints: Designated entry and exit points for vehicles and TUs. 
  • Parking Spaces: Temporary parking areas for vehicles when doors are unavailable. 
  • Doors: Where TUs arrive and are loaded/unloaded. 
  • Transportation Units (TUs): The containers or vehicles that carry goods. 
Key Processes:
  • Vehicle Check-in: When a vehicle arrives at the yard, it's checked in at a checkpoint.
  • Moving to Parking: If doors are occupied, the vehicle is moved to a designated parking space using a warehouse task.
  • Docking to Doors: When a door is available, the vehicle is moved to that door using a warehouse task to prepare for loading or unloading.
  • Unloading/Loading: Goods are loaded or unloaded from the TU at the door.
  • Moving to Checkpoint: After loading or unloading, the vehicle is moved back to the checkpoint for check-out.
  • Check-out: The vehicle is checked out of the yard at the checkpoint. 

How EWM Supports Yard Management:
  • Warehouse Tasks: EWM uses warehouse tasks to map movements within the yard, ensuring efficient and controlled operations. 
  • Warehouse Management Monitor: You can monitor your yard activities in the warehouse management monitor. 
  • Integration with Other Modules: EWM integrates with other SAP modules, such as Inventory Management and Delivery Processing, to ensure seamless data flow. 
  • Yard Location Management: EWM helps manage yard locations, including parking spaces and doors. 
  • Yard Movements: EWM tracks and controls movements of vehicles and TUs within the yard. 
  • Yard Stock: EWM provides visibility into stock located in the yard. 
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Question: Review the Process flow of DAS (Dock Appointment Scheduling)  in S/4HANA EWM system.


Answer: SAP Dock Appointment Scheduling (DAS):
  • When integrated with SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), allows for efficient planning and execution of vehicle arrivals at warehouse doors, optimizing dock utilization and streamlining the flow of goods. 
  • DAS aims to optimize warehouse operations by facilitating the scheduling and management of vehicle arrivals at docks, reducing wait times and improving efficiency. 

Key Features and Functionality:
  • Appointment Creation: Carriers or warehouse operators can create and manage loading appointments, specifying the dock, time slot, and other relevant details. 
  • Real-time Synchronization: DAS and EWM synchronize status changes of loading appointments and their related transportation unit (TU) activities in real-time. 
  • TU Creation: When a loading appointment is created, EWM automatically creates a TU, linking the delivery with the dock appointment. 
  • Status Updates: As the truck progresses through arrival, unloading, and departure stages, the status of the loading appointment and TU is updated in both DAS and EWM. 
  • Yard Management: DAS can be used to manage yard activities, such as assigning trucks to specific docks and tracking their movements. 
  • Collaborative Portal: DAS can serve as a collaborative portal between carriers and warehouse operators, facilitating communication and coordination. 
  • Optimized Resource Utilization: By scheduling appointments, businesses can optimize dock utilization, reduce congestion, and improve the overall flow of goods. 
  • Real-time Visibility: DAS provides real-time visibility into loading and unloading operations, allowing businesses to track all goods entering or leaving their yard. 
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Question: What is "Pick Face" in the context of Warehousing Operations ? 


Answer: In warehouse management, a "Pick Face" (also called a forward-picking location) is a designated area or shelf where products are stored specifically for picking and fulfilling orders, typically located on the ground level or near the picking area.

Characteristics of "Pick Face":
  • It is also usually referred to Bins in a warehouse usually setup for loose pick activities where it is not full pallets storage bins. 
  • Pickfaces are usually located on the group location of a rack, or it may be located at one or two levels above the ground location. At the ground location, it is easier and more efficient for anyone to perform loose picking by hand. To perform loose picking at a higher level, the picker shall either need to use a forklift or a reach truck to bring down the pallet, pick the required quantity and return the pallet to the original rack location.
  • As products are picked from Pickfaces, they need to be replenished from the main storage area to maintain a sufficient stock level. 
In warehouse management, Dynamic Pick Faces assign products to locations based on real-time demand, while Fixed Pick Faces assign products to specific, unchanging locations. Dynamic Pick Faces offer better space utilization and adaptability, but Fixed Pick Faces are simpler to manage. 
Here's a more detailed comparison:

Dynamic Pick Faces:
  • Definition: Products are stored in locations that are not fixed, but rather assigned based on demand and other factors, allowing for flexible storage and picking.
  • Advantages: 
    • Space Efficiency: Maximizes space utilization by allocating items to locations based on their demand.
  • Adaptability: Easily adjusts to changing inventory levels and seasonal spikes.
  • Scalability: Accommodates growth in inventory or seasonal spikes without significant adjustments.
  • Disadvantages: 
    • Complexity: Requires a robust IT system to manage dynamic assignments and optimize locations based on demand.
    • Initial Setup: Can be more complex to implement than a fixed system. 
Fixed Pick Faces:
  • Definition: Each product is assigned a specific, unchanging location for storage and picking. 
  • Advantages: Simplicity: Easier to manage and understand compared to dynamic systems. 
  • Predictability: Pickers know where to find specific products, which can lead to faster picking times. 
  • Disadvantages: 
    • Space Waste: Can lead to underutilized areas if demand for specific products fluctuates. 
    • Lack of Flexibility: Difficult to adapt to changing inventory levels or seasonal spikes without significant adjustments. 
    • Inefficiency: Can lead to inefficiencies if demand for certain products is high and space is limited. 
"Pick Face" in SAP S/4HANA EWM (as at 2025):
  • SAP EWM doesn't have a dedicated "Pick Face" for Storage Type Role definition.
  • But it is possible to configure and manage picking areas using storage types and other EWM features to achieve similar functionality, in this manner the Storage Bins selected as "Picking Areas" effectively can act as "Pick Face" Storage areas. 
  • It is important to note that it is entire possible to set up replenishment processes to move stock from "Full Palette / Box Storage" Bins  to your designated Picking Areas (Storage Bins for "Pick Faces"). 
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Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Question no 4041 : Account Assignment Changeable NOT selected for Account Assignment Category influences to the Purchase Order Account Assignment

In Material Management, the case of "Account Assignment Changeable" NOT selected or NOT flagged will have the following characteristics.


(only one answer)

I. The field is applicable for GR Valuated.
II. The field is applicable for GR Non-Valuated.
III. Only Partial Goods Receipts still offer for Account Assignment changes in the PO item.
IV. Only Complete/Full Goods Receipt will no longer allow Account Assignment changes in the PO item.
V. Regardless of Partial or Full Invoice (IV before GR), the Account Assignment cannot be changed in the PO item.

A. I, V
B. I, III, V
C. I, II, IV, V
D. I, IV, V
E. I, II, V
.

Answer: E

This indicator means that after IR (Invoice entry) or GR (Goods Receipts), can the Account assignment in the PO be changed:
If selected, then after if there is an IR or GR, the PO Acct.Assignment can still be changed. 
If not selected, then after if there is an IR or GR, the PO Acct.Assignment cannot be changed. 

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Question no 4040 : Account Assignment Changeable for Purchase Order

In SAP Material Management, the "Account Assignment Changeable" field IF Selected is for which of the following situation ?


(more than one answer)

A. It is for both GR-Valuated and GR Non-Valuated.
B. It is for GR-Valuated only.
C. For GR valuated setting, if Goods Receipt is performed in Partial Qty of the PO, the Account Assignment is Changeable in the Invoice. 
D. For GR valuated setting, if Goods Receipt is performed in FULL for the PO, the Account Assignment is Changeable in the Invoice. 
E. For GR non-valuated setting, if Goods Receipt is FULL fo the PO, the Account Assignment is Changeable in the Invoice.

Answer: A, E

The Characteristics of the "Account Assignment Changeable" if Selected/Flagged
. It is for both GR-Valuated and GR non-Valuated cases.
. For GR valuated, as the CO charge to Cost Center already posted at GR, the Account Assignment is no longer changeable in Invoice Entry.
. For GR non-valuated setting, the Account Assignment is still Changeable even if the PO has been fully Goods Receipt.



Thursday, March 13, 2025

Q&A in Class (2025-03-12) S4H00

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Question: What is the difference with RISE with SAP and GROW with SAP, and is RISE with SAP only for SAP Cloud Solution?


SAP Cloud ALM - SAP Cloud ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) is a cloud-based solution designed to help customers manage the entire lifecycle of their SAP cloud and hybrid solutions, from implementation to operations, offering a central platform for managing projects, monitoring performance, and ensuring business continuity. One component of the ALM is the SAP Activate Methodology (previously ASAP in the early 2000s). The six phases of the SAP Activate methodology are Discover, Prepare, Explore, Realize, Deploy, and Run.
In short: this is SAP's Implementation Methodology.

SAP WalkMe - SAP WalkMe is a digital adoption platform (DAP) acquired by SAP that helps organizations improve user onboarding and training by providing interactive guides, walkthroughs, and insights into user behavior within applications, particularly within the SAP ecosystem.
In short: this is SAP's Training Solutioning with Learning Hub, SAP Courses and Certifications
Link: https://events.sap.com/soldemoseries-202502-wal/en/home

SAP Build - SAP Build is a comprehensive suite of low-code, pro-code, and generative AI tools within the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) that enables users to accelerate application development and automation, extend SAP and non-SAP applications, and design digital workspaces.
In short: this is SAP's Automation of Code building (write ABAP program by the Robot)

SAP BTP - SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) is a unified cloud platform developed by SAP that provides a suite of services for database and data management, AI, analytics, application development, automation, and integration, all running on one platform.
In short: this is SAP's Technology foundation (or Basis +++ or Netweaver ++)
 
SAP LeanIX - SAP LeanIX is a software platform that helps organizations manage their IT architecture and optimize their enterprise architecture (EA) by providing tools for visualizing, analyzing, and managing IT landscapes, enabling better decision-making, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
In short: this is SAP's new Hardware Sizing tool

SAP Signavio - SAP Signavio is a suite of solutions with Best Practice Scenarios, including a business process management (BPM) platform, that helps organizations understand, improve, and transform their business processes, offering features like process modeling, workflow management, and analytics to drive efficiency and customer excellence.
In short: this is SAP's Best Proactive Repository

Answer: RISE with SAP focuses on migrating existing SAP systems to the cloud, offering a comprehensive, customizable solution for larger enterprises, allowing businesses to refine processes and embrace digital transformation. While GROW with SAP is designed for smaller and mid-sized businesses seeking a streamlined, pre-configured, and cost-effective path to cloud ERP adoption. While "RISE with SAP" is fundamentally a journey towards the cloud, it's not strictly tied to cloud-only solutions. You can use RISE with SAP to transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, but also to modernize your on-premises systems or even to move to a private cloud deployment.
see the following links:
https://learning.sap.com/learning-journeys/overview-of-grow-and-rise-with-sap/

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Question: Why is FIORI App slow ? 

Answer: Since the introduction of SAP Fiori App into S/4HANA in 2015, the common complaints on SAP Fiori App usage is that SAP Fiori apps can appear slow. Some of factors that likely contribute to this "Fiori speed problem" could be due to large datasets, complex UI elements, slow backend processing, network issues, and inefficient code, all impacting loading times and responsiveness.

Possible Backend Issues:
  1. Slow OData Calls: The data transfer between the Fiori frontend and the backend (using OData) can be slow if the backend system is overloaded or the OData services are not optimized.
    • To improve slow OData calls, focus on optimizing queries by using $select to request only necessary columns, $filter and $top to limit results, and server-driven paging instead of client-driven paging, and consider using $batch for multiple requests. 
  2. CDS View Performance: Poorly designed or optimized CDS (Core Data Services) views can lead to slow data retrieval, impacting app performance.  
    • To improve CDS view performance, focus on minimizing complexity, pushing filters down to underlying tables, and avoiding unnecessary data transfers and calculations, while leveraging tools like HANA PlanViz for analysis.
    • HANA PlanViz (Plan Visualizer) is a performance tool within SAP HANA that provides a visual representation of SQL query execution plans, allowing users to identify bottlenecks and optimize queries for better performance. 
  3. Server-Side Bottlenecks: Insufficient server resources or network issues can cause delays in processing requests and delivering data to the Fiori apps
    • To avoid server-side bottlenecks, implement caching, optimize images, monitor server metrics, use load balancing, and consider server-side rendering (SSR) for performance gains and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). 

Possible Frontend Issues: 
  1. Large Datasets: Displaying or processing large amounts of data in Fiori apps can lead to slow rendering and sluggish performance.  
    • Avoid opening too many tiles (Fiori Apps) especially tiles with large data sets. 
  2. Complex UI Elements: Using complex UI elements or animations can increase the load on the browser and slow down the application.  
    • Follow the Best Practice Principle of Fiori tile creation and best to avoid ay animations in the Fiori App design. 
  3. Network Latency: Poor network connectivity or high latency can cause delays in loading the Fiori apps and transferring data.
    • To address network latency issues, you can optimize your network configuration, use wired connections, improve your internet plan, and monitor your network performance.
  4. Browser Cache Issues: Outdated or corrupted browser cache can lead to slow loading times.
  5. SAP UI5 Version: Older versions of SAP UI5 may have performance limitations. Ensure you're using the latest version for optimal performance.  
    • Regularly clear your browser's cache and cookies, keep your browser and extensions updated, and consider using private browsing modes. You can also perform a hard reload or check cache-control headers for specific websites. 
  6. Too Many Tiles & Groups: A Fiori Launchpad with too many tiles and groups can slow down the initial loading time.  
    • Reduce the number of tiles and groups for each user. 
    • Do not User to edit the Groups to add tiles or add Groups. 
    • Switch over to user the new 'Space and Pages".
  7. Poorly Written Code: Inefficient code or improper coding practices can lead to slow load times and increased resource consumption. 
    • For best practices in SAP Fiori UI code, leverage SAP Fiori Elements for rapid development and UX consistency, follow SAP Fiori design guidelines, and ensure your apps are UI components compatible with the Fiori launchpad. 
Other Factors:
  1. Fiori Launchpad Performance: The SAP Fiori Launchpad itself can be a bottleneck if it's not optimized for large numbers of tiles and applications.
    • Highly recommended to use "Space and Pages" over the classic "Fiori Group" as the new Interface offers some improvements particularly those assigned to multiple business roles.
  1. Customization: Overly customized Fiori interfaces might introduce bloat and performance issues.
    • Use PlanViz to retrieve information on the runtime of specific queries and pinpoint bottlenecks in your system for data model optimization.
    • See link: https://www.youtube.com/PlanViz introduction/
    • "SAP Simplifier" is a tool, often used in conjunction with SAP Fiori, that helps streamline the creation and management of Fiori apps and workflows, whether for SAP or non-SAP backends, by facilitating requirement gathering, system integration, and integration extension. 
    • See link: https://simplifier.io/en/custom-fiori-apps/
  1. SAP GUI vs. Fiori: Fiori apps are web-based, while SAP GUI is a native application, which can lead to Fiori apps potentially being slower due to the nature of their architecture. User who are accustomed to executing transactions using SAP GUI usually can be annoyed with the naturally slower speeds of the Web-based FIORI Apps.
    • Recommendations: only allow User to use either GUI or Fiori App for the same transactions otherwise the constant speed comparison will be inevitable.  
  2. Caching: Fiori Launchpad performance is heavily reliant on caching. Server-side changes might require cache invalidation, which can affect performance.
    • Caching stores frequently accessed data in temporary storage for faster retrieval, improving performance by reducing load on the original source. To improve caching, optimize cache policies, use cache-control headers, prioritize caching static assets, and consider using Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). 

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Question: What is BTP ? 

Answer: There are always 2 sides of SAP ie: the Application side and the Technical side. While the Application side (often where Application Consultants works are associated with) are the SAP software areas like FICO, MM, SD, PP, HR etc.
  1. Basis: The Technical side of SAP ensure that everything should work the way it should, and during the R2 and R3 SAP versions are usually referred to as Basis (often the job function of Basis Consultants). SAP Basis is technological foundation and system administration component for running SAP
  2. Netweaver: SAP NetWeaver, originally developed by TopTier Software in 1997 and acquired by SAP in 2001, was first released in 2004. The TopTier Software develops the portal technology that would become the foundation of SAP NetWeaver. SAP Basis is the foundation of SAP NetWeaver, with Basis evolving into the Web Application Server (WAS) and becoming a mandatory requirement for installing any NetWeaver component. NetWeaver encompasses various functionalities, including Portal, Business Intelligence, and Process Integration, building upon the capabilities of the previous Basis. I'd like to call Netweaver the Basis++ as Netweaver builds on top of the SAP Basis. 
  3. BTP: Perhaps the one of the best differentiating statement on Netweaver vs BTP is that SAP NetWeaver is the on-premise foundation for SAP applications, while SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), formerly SAP Cloud Platform, is its cloud counterpart. SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) was introduced in January 2021. SAP BTP was introduced as part of the SAP strategy to unify its portfolio and cloud offerings under a single platform. I'd like to call BTP as NetWeaver++ as BTP enhanced on top of SAP NetWeaver. 
SAP will continue to add new components to its BTP platform but the most recent (or one of the most recent SAP release) introduce BTP to consist or 5 components (or 5 Pillars): 
  1. SAP BTP for Data Management offers a wide range of data management options (previously the BI component of NetWeaver) are offered by SAP BTP, including:
    • Data Warehousing: Storage and analysis of vast amounts of data are made possible by the cloud-based data warehouse offered by SAP BTP.
    • Data lakes: Regardless of the type or structure of your data, SAP BTP offers a cloud-based data lake that can be used to store it all.
    • Data Visualization: Dashboards, reports, and charts are just a few of the tools available in SAP BTP for visualizing data.
  2. SAP BTP for Application Development is for the creation of applications, SAP BTP offers a range of tools and services, including:
    • Cloud based IDE: SAP BTP offers an IDE in the cloud that may be used to create apps in a number of different programming languages.
    • Code Repository: SAP BTP offers a repository for managing and storing code.
    • CI/CD Pipeline : The build, test, and deployment of apps can all be automated using the CI/CD pipeline offered by SAP BTP.
  3. SAP BTP for Application Integration offers several integration capabilities are offered by SAP BTP, including:
    • API management: SAP BTP offers a platform for the creation, administration, and security of APIs. In the context of SAP systems, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) like RESTful APIs using OData are generally considered more modern and flexible than BAPIs (Business Application Programming Interfaces) which use RFC (Remote Function Call).
    • Event-driven architecture: SAP BTP offers an event-driven architecture that can be used to integrate apps without a shared data model.
    • Microservices: To help developers create scalable, loosely linked systems, SAP BTP offers a microservices architecture.
  4. SAP BTP and Intelligent Technologies uses a range of clever technologies, such as:
    • Artificial intelligence (AI): SAP BTP offers a range of AI features, such as computer vision, natural language processing, and machine learning.
    • Machine learning (ML): SAP BTP offers a range of ML features, such as fraud detection, predictive analytics, and consumer segmentation.
    • Internet Of Things(IoT): Data collecting, data analysis, and predictive maintenance are just a few of the Internet of Things (IoT) features offered by SAP BTP.
  5. SAP BTP and Analytics offers a number of analytics features, such as:
    • Data Mining: Finding patterns and insights in data is a process known as data mining. To extract insights from your data, SAP BTP offers a range of data mining tools and methods.
    • Predictive analytics: Utilizing data to make predictions about the future is known as predictive analytics. To predict consumer behavior, fraud, and other outcomes, SAP BTP offers a number of predictive analytics tools and approaches.
    • Business intelligence: Business intelligence (BI) is the process of using data to enhance decision-making. To visualize data, produce reports, and build dashboards, SAP BTP offers a number of BI tools and methodologies.
So, is BTP an SAP Product, not really! BUT since the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is an amalgamation of existing and new SAP cloud services, note the following points: 
  • While not strictly mandatory for all S/4HANA implementations, SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) is highly recommended and often essential for extending and integrating S/4HANA Cloud solutions, especially for side-by-side extensions and connecting to other systems.
  • SAP BTP is a key platform for building and deploying applications that extend the functionality of S/4HANA Cloud, allowing for customization and integration without altering the core S/4HANA system. 
See the following links: 

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