What is layout Oriented Oriented Storage Control in SAP EWM?

Oct 12, 20243 min read

What is Layout Process-Oriented Storage Control?

In this blog, we are going to discuss about What is Layout Storage Control (LOSC) in SAP Extended Warehouse Management

Overview

Layout-Oriented Storage Control (LOSC) in SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) controls the movement of products within the warehouse based on the physical layout and storage structure of the warehouse. This type of storage control focuses on optimizing the movement of goods through intermediate storage bins or areas based on the warehouse layout. It is mainly used for managing complex material flows within the warehouse where items need to be routed through specific physical locations before reaching their final destination.

Key Characteristics of Layout-Oriented Storage Control (LOSC)

Intermediate Movements:
- LOSC guides products through intermediate storage areas (e.g., checkpoints, interim storage bins) before they reach their final storage bin or work center.
Routing Based on Physical Layout:
- Unlike Process-Oriented Storage Control (POSC), which is based on process steps, LOSC is based on the physical layout and routing inside the warehouse. It considers obstacles, congestion points, or specific areas where goods need to pass through.
Applicable to Complex Warehouses:
- LOSC is ideal for large and complex warehouses where goods cannot be directly moved from a source bin to a destination bin without passing through certain intermediate locations (e.g., elevators, cranes, conveyor belts).

When to Use Layout-Oriented Storage Control

LOSC is used when:

Physical constraints exist in the warehouse that prevent direct movement of goods (e.g., multi-level warehouses).
Goods need to pass through intermediate locations (e.g., elevators, transfer areas, staging zones) before reaching their final destination.
You want to optimize warehouse resources (such as forklifts or conveyor belts) by routing goods through specific areas.

Example Scenario: Layout-Oriented Storage Control

Imagine a warehouse with two floors. Goods that are received on the ground floor need to be stored on the second floor. However, to get there, the goods need to pass through an elevator.

The sequence would be:

Goods Receipt (GR): The goods are received on the ground floor.
Intermediate Step (Elevator): The goods are moved to an elevator to be transferred to the second floor.
Put away: Once the goods reach the second floor, they are moved to their final storage bin.

In this scenario, LOSC would control the movement through the elevator before the goods are finally stored.

Steps to Configure Layout-Oriented Storage Control in SAP EWM

1. Define Intermediate Storage Bins

First, you need to define intermediate storage bins or areas in the warehouse layout that the goods will pass through. These are the points where the system will guide the movement of goods.

Transaction: /SCWM/LSC
Path: SAP EWM → Cross-Process Settings → Storage Control → Define Layout-Oriented Storage Control

2. Assign Movement Rules

You will need to assign movement rules that dictate how goods are moved through the intermediate bins.

Define movement rules that determine the routing between the source and destination bins based on the warehouse layout.

3. Link LOSC to Warehouse Process Types

Assign LOSC rules to specific warehouse process types to ensure that the correct routing is applied during operations like putaway or picking.

Transaction: /SCWM/WPT
Link LOSC rules to your warehouse process types (e.g., for putaway or picking).

4. Simulation and Testing

Once the layout-oriented storage control is configured, simulate and test the movements in the system to ensure that goods are routed through the correct intermediate locations before reaching their final destination.

LOSC vs. POSC

Process-Oriented Storage Control (POSC): Focuses on guiding goods through various process steps, such as quality inspections or packing stations.
Layout-Oriented Storage Control (LOSC): Focuses on optimizing the physical routing of goods through the warehouse layout, ensuring that they pass through necessary physical locations like staging areas or elevators.

Conclusion

Layout-Oriented Storage Control (LOSC) is used when physical constraints or complex warehouse layouts require goods to pass through intermediate locations. By routing goods through these predefined intermediate steps, LOSC ensures that warehouse operations are efficient and the layout is utilized effectively.