Exception Handling
In this blog, we are going to discuss Exception Handling in SAP Extended Warehouse Management
Overview
Exception handling in SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) refers to the processes and strategies used to manage and resolve unexpected situations that deviate from the normal flow of warehouse operations. These include discrepancies, damaged goods, incorrect quantities, or unforeseen events like system errors. Proper handling of these exceptions ensures that warehouse efficiency is maintained, minimizing delays and disruptions.
Here are some common types of exceptions and how they are handled in SAP EWM:
1. Inventory Discrepancies
Issue: Discrepancies between the actual physical stock and what is recorded in the system.
Handling:
Cycle Counting: Regular physical stock counts to reconcile the system data with the physical inventory.
Physical Inventory: Perform a full physical inventory check to address significant discrepancies.
Difference Analyzer: In SAP EWM, you can use the difference analyzer to investigate discrepancies and update records accordingly.
2. Damaged or Defective Goods
Issue: Goods are damaged during receipt or storage.
Handling:
Quality Inspection: Damaged goods can be flagged for inspection using the Quality Inspection Engine (QIE).
Blocked Stock: The system allows goods to be moved to a blocked stock type for further processing or return to the vendor.
Stock Posting: SAP EWM allows you to adjust stock types (e.g., from unrestricted to blocked or scrapped).
3. Warehouse Task Failures
Issue: Warehouse tasks cannot be completed due to various reasons, such as missing stock or faulty equipment.
Handling:
Exception Codes: SAP EWM allows users to assign predefined exception codes that can trigger alternative workflows (e.g., redirecting tasks, triggering replenishments).
Manual Adjustments: Tasks can be manually reassigned or adjusted if the automatic process fails.
4. Picking and Put-away Errors
Issue: Errors during picking or put-away processes, such as wrong items or locations.
Handling:
Error Handling Strategies: SAP EWM provides automated tools to identify these errors (e.g., scanning validation at picking and put-away).
Exception Handling for Put-away/Picking: Assigning exception codes can redirect operations, or tasks can be manually corrected.
5. Handling Capacity Exceptions
Issue: A storage bin or zone exceeds its capacity, or items are not properly allocated.
Handling:
Re-slotting: Reassign items to different locations based on available space.
Replenishment Tasks: Trigger replenishment tasks automatically when capacity exceptions occur.
Alternative Storage Locations: EWM provides a dynamic slotting mechanism to reroute stock to alternative storage bins or zones when capacity thresholds are breached.
6. Goods Receipt/Inbound Exceptions
Issue: Issues with inbound deliveries like missing items, incorrect quantities, or damaged packaging.
Handling:
Handling Units (HUs): Use of handling units in SAP EWM helps in managing inbound exceptions by keeping the goods in a structured format.
Inbound Delivery Adjustments: Users can adjust inbound deliveries to reflect the actual received quantities or mark goods for inspection.
7. Automation and Integration Failures
Issue: Integration with automated systems like conveyors or robots fails.
Handling:
System Monitoring: SAP EWM provides system monitoring tools to identify where breakdowns occur.
Workaround Procedures: Manual intervention can be initiated for tasks that are stalled, and alternative workflows are triggered until the issue is resolved.
8. Delivery Exceptions (Outbound)
Issue: Issues during outbound processes like incorrect packaging, failed pickings, or delivery delays.
Handling:
Post-Processing Framework (PPF): SAP EWM uses PPF to automatically generate tasks for correcting issues.
Repacking: If goods are not packed correctly, SAP EWM provides repacking options within the delivery process.
9. Replenishment Exceptions
Issue: Automatic replenishment does not occur as planned.
Handling:
Monitor Stock Levels: Set minimum stock thresholds that trigger replenishment tasks automatically.
Manual Replenishment: Manual tasks can be triggered within EWM if automatic replenishment fails.
10. Returns Handling
Issue: Returned goods from customers need to be handled differently from regular stock.
Handling:
Returns Process: SAP EWM provides a dedicated returns process that allows goods to be inspected, returned to stock, or scrapped.
Return Stock Types: Goods can be classified as returns stock, which allows special processing (like sending back to the supplier).
Conclusion
Exception Management Tools in SAP EWM:
Exception Codes: These predefined codes allow warehouse staff to flag issues during processes and trigger predefined workflows.
Alerts and Notifications: The system can be configured to send alerts for certain types of exceptions, allowing immediate action.
Exception Handling in Process Execution (Monitor): EWM provides a monitor for tracking process execution and identifying exceptions in real time.
User-Defined Exception Handling: SAP EWM allows customization of exception-handling workflows to meet specific business needs.
Credit
This blog writing inspiration is from Naidu Sir's Live EWM Training Recorded Videos at SASTRAGEEK.
Rajesh Sharma
SAP WM/EWM Functional Consultant
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