Migrate from SAP Warehouse Management to Extended Warehouse Management: How to Ensure a Smooth Transition

In our previous blog posts about Intelligent migration to S/4 HANA and Out-of-the-box WMS software, we already covered the migration from SAP Warehouse Management (SAP WM) to SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM). In this article, we will go into more detail about how we offer a smooth migration from SAP WM to SAP EWM without the business having to worry about losing its logistical intelligence. Together with McCoy & Partners’ specially designed migration cockpit, thorough and structured approach, we guarantee a simple and fast migration to EWM.

Migration approach for SAP EWM

To guarantee a successful migration, it is advisable to adopt a structured migration approach. Our approach consists of three phases that ultimately result in the adoption of a well-functioning SAP EWM system that retains as much of the logistical intelligence accrued in SAP WM as possible.

In SAP WM, logistical intelligence mainly stems from how the warehouse is structured and filled, the storage bins, routing through the warehouse and the strategies that are used to store goods at a given location and retrieve them once they are needed.

Migration needs and pitfalls of SAP WM

The first and most important phase of the migration approach is the analysis phase. During this phase, interviews and surveys are used to determine the exact nature of the migration need and what obstacles you may encounter in the process. For example, the amount of customization in SAP WM could get in the way of a smooth migration process if it is not handled properly.

During this phase, you must also consider the foundation of the customization. It is likely that much of the custom-built functionality within SAP WM can be replaced by standard SAP EWM functionality. As an added benefit, this will make maintaining the new system a lot simpler and less costly to boot.

Last but not least, we will draw up a list of activities that must be conducted once the migration is fully complete. This can include, for example, modifying or enriching SAP EWM customization, modifying master data tables and importing and modifying custom developments.

McCoy Migration Cockpit

The migration cockpit specially developed by McCoy & Partners is perfectly suited for the approach that results in a smooth migration, phase two. The communication between WM and EWM is set up from the cockpit.

We determine in advance what WM objects to migrate. These migration objects can be performed from the cockpit. An important benefit of this approach is that it makes it easier to stay on top of the process and monitor its progress.

For every migration object, the data are retrieved from the old WM system, stored temporarily and then imported in the EWM system. Another benefit of the migration cockpit is that it keeps a log of any records that cannot be imported for whatever reason. After analysing the log, these records can be rectified as needed.

Adopting a properly-functioning SAP EWM system

After the migration of storage types, bins and other matters related to the warehouse's layout, it is time for phase three. During this phase, we go through the list of post-processing activities. Once that is done, the new SAP EWM system will be ready for the first standard tests.

Migrating from SAP Warehouse Management to SAP Extended Warehouse Management this manner ensures that you can start using a functioning EWM system in no time, which can then serve as a prototype for the start of the warehouse project. This generally shortens the lead time and allows for faster discussions.