Rajesh Sharma
- Apr 15, 2023
- 3 min read

ERP-EWM Distribution Model

What is Distribution Model?

The Distribution Model provides to transfer objects from the SAP ERP system to SAP EWM system. The object consists of

Inbound delivery
Outbound delivery

EWM LINKAGE==> GENERATE DISTRIBUTION MODEL

From S4HANA to SAP HANA in addition this activity performed for each warehouse number.

Why Distribution Model required?

The Distribution Model in SAP Extended Warehouse Management is a configuration framework that allows you to define and manage complex warehouse processes and tasks involved in the distribution of goods. It helps optimize the flow of goods within a warehouse or distribution center, enabling efficient and streamlined operations.

The Distribution Model enables to transfer of the transaction data such as

Inbound deliveries
Outbound deliveries
Production deliveries

Or deliveries you created in SAP ERP or SAP S/4HANA system to SAP EWM system or to Embedded EWM system. All deliveries are sent from S/4HANA system Embedded EWM.

Scenarios:

What kind of data you can transfer to SAP EWM system, the data can be any type of transactional data or master data.
The distribution model transfers the data from S/4HANA system to SAP EWM system via qRFC communication model.

Distribution model Key Components

The key components of distribution model in SAP EWM are;

1. Warehouse Process Types

These define the various warehouse processes, such as

Inbound Deliveries
Outbound Deliveries
Internal Warehouse Process
Physical Inventory

That takes place in warehouse. Warehouse process types determine how goods processed, and they can customize to suit the specific requirements of a warehouse.

2. Warehouse Process Categories

These group warehouse process types into categories, such as

Receiving
Picking
Packing
Shipping
Internal Movements

Warehouse Process categories help organize and classify warehouse processes for easier management and reporting.

3. Warehouse Tasks

These represent the physical tasks that need to be executed in the warehouse, such as

Picking
Packing
Shipping

Warehouse tasks are generated automatically based on warehouse process types and their associated configurations, and they are used to guide warehouse operators in executing tasks.

4. Warehouse Order Creation Rules

These define the criteria for automatically creating warehouse orders, which are the tasks that warehouse operators perform. Warehouse order creation rules consider factors such as;

Priority

Product Characteristics
Storage Bin availability
Storage Bin capacity

Constraints to determine when and how warehouse tasks should be created.

5. Warehouse Order Consolidation Rules

These determine how multiple warehouse tasks can be consolidated into a single warehouse order to optimize warehouse operations. Warehouse consolidation rules take into account factor such as;

Product similarities
Picking strategies
Storage bin availability

To determine which task can be combined into single warehouse order

6. Resource Management

These components allow you to define and manage the resources such as;

Equipment
Man power (labor)

Needed to execute warehouse tasks, resource management includes defining resource types, capacities, availability, as well determining the optimal allocation of resources to tasks based on defined rules.

7. Exceptional Handling

This component handles exceptions and errors that may occur during warehouse operations such as;

Missing stock
Damaged stock
Incomplete tasks

Exceptional handling includes defining rules for identifying and resolving exceptions, as well as triggering notifications and alerts to warehouse operators or other stakeholders for prompt resolution.

The distribution model in SAP EWM provides a flexible and configurable framework to model complex warehouse processes and tasks, allowing for efficient and optimized warehouse operations. It enables businesses to streamline their distribution processes, improve warehouse efficiency, and achieve higher level of customer satisfaction.

Generate Distribution Model

Update the following details;

ERP Warehouse Number: Enter the warehouse number for the object that to be included in the distribution model
Logical System of SAP EWM: Enter the logical system name for the target SAP EWM system. The logical system name of S/4HANA system will read automatically.
Distribution Model View: Enter the name of distribution model, this enables to locate the distribution model in the distribution model transaction.
Objects: choose the types of transfers- Inbound Deliveries, outbound Deliveries, Product Material Request, choose all options radio button for above types.
Action: Choose the option “Create Entries” or “Check Entries”