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Significance of RF in Warehouse Management:
Mobile data entry in the warehouse involves the use of wireless radio frequency (RF) terminals or devices carried by
the warehouse staff to record data. The use of bar codes and RF devices has made warehouse operations more
efficient. Data entry errors are fewer and the time needed to perform operations in the warehouse has been reduced
because the date can be collected by a RF device without requiring manual collection and manual entry of data. The
use of RF devices for data collection and transaction processing in warehouse management has been increasing
over a number of SAP releases. The modern efficient warehouse uses RF technology and constantly reviews
procedures to further adopt the technology to improve operations.
Technical and Functional Landscape of RF environment
1.
2.
A.
B.
Efficient warehouse management processes requires faster data entry and processing for inbound, outbound and
internal warehouse operations. SAP transactions can be executed on RF devices that are handheld (terminals,
barcode scanners) or forklift mounted. No middleware software is required to connect the devices to SAP.
SAPs functionality enables real time handling of material flow through RF scanning devices. There are two standard
RF devices that can be used with SAP which are
1. GUI Devices: uses windows based operating system and this graphical user interface RF device can use
a small keypad, touch screen or some other procedure, but the data is always displayed to the user in a graphical
manner. The device is connected to the SAP system as any other standalone computer.
2. Character based devices: The character based device is not connected directly to SAP but communicates
via an interface called SAP Console. The communication between SAP console and the RF device can be achieved
using a Telnet server. Two industry standard screen sizes are supported by SAP
RF Devices for Forklift: 8 X 40 (8 lines by 40 characters)
Portable RF Devices: 16X20 (16 lines by 20 characters)
RF screen for 8X 40 looks like
SAP Console enables RF devices to be run within SAP applications. SAP Console is used as a framework for
automatic data collection in a warehouse environment. SAP console translates GUI screens to character based
screens that are used on a variety of data collection devices. The SAP console does not contain business logic,
database or external functionality. Its sole function is to translate SAP GUI screens in the SAP environment to the
character based equivalent. The SAP console consists of four components, which are:
1.
RF terminal: The RF terminal which is the Telnet Client receives data directly from the SAP
System and transmits the results back to the system. We can scan the information that needs to
be recorded, such as storage unit numbers, using a bar code (for example, based on
UCC/EAN128 standards), and also use the bar code scan to verify the storage bins.
2.
3.
4.
1.
RF in distribution environment
Radio Frequency is primarily used in Warehouse Management process in distribution environment as it efficiently
handles the huge volumes of transactional data processing requirements and minimizes human interventions. The
high volume of warehouse transaction processing requirements in industries like Retail, chemicals, pharmaceuticals,
1.
2.
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5.
Auto Components can be handled using the RF integration with warehouse Management. The following processes
can utilize radio frequency devices:
Goods Receipt Processes with shipping notifications
Goods Issue Processes for outbound Deliveries
Internal Warehouse Processes
Stock Transfer Processes within the Distribution Network
Physical Inventory Processes for the warehouses within the Distribution Network
2.
A.
RF supports Goods Receipt Processes with Inbound Delivery. The goods receipt for the inbound delivery can be
performed based on the Inbound Delivery number, Handling Unit Number, Staging Area, Shipment Number etc.
warehouse workers can perform the following goods receipt-related functions:
B.
C.
D.
Picking Process for Deliveries: Picking execution is based on transfer orders created in
the warehouse management as part of the delivery processing processes.
E.
Physical Inventory:
RF devices can be used for inventory counting, enabling a greater degree of accuracy and efficiency. New Dynamic
Cycle Counting functionality provides a number of features that facilitate cycle count in the warehouse including
Physical Inventory counting against inactive inventory documents (while open transfer orders exist for a bin),
inventory counting at quant level, creation of inventory documents by RF users and automatic clearing of active and
inactive documents.
3.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Configuration for Bar codes: Verification profile is a set of fields that can be verified by the user.
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry> Verification control> Define Profiles
Verification profile can be assigned to movement types used in warehouses that will be subject to bar code
scanning.
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry> Verification control> Assign Verification
Profiles to Goods Movements.
Define bar codes for warehouse
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry>Bar Code> Assign Bar Code Types to
Warehouses.
Maintaining Bar code specifications
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry>Bar Code> Maintain Bar Code
Specification.
Defining the Radio Frequency Queue: To assign a range of activities to certain users, functionality called the RF
Queue Management must be defined
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry>Rf Queue Management > RF Queue
Definition
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry>RF Queue Management > RF Queue > Assign
areas and activities to queue
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry>RF Queue Management > RF Queue > Assign
processors to queue
4.
1.
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7.
In the first case like other SAP modules, changes can be made in the standard SAP transactions to meet the specific
business requirements using the suitable user exits. In general the custom RF transactions are developed to merge
several RF transactions into one RF transaction in order to optimize and reduce the process steps to be carried out.
For example for a goods receipt of an inbound delivery with handling units the GR transfer order should be created, it
should be confirmed and put away transfer order should be created for the same. Therefore the GR process includes
execution of three standard SAP RF transactions but the same processes can be executed using single custom
developed RF transaction.
The custom RF Transaction development includes the following steps:
Creation of the executable program
Creation of the screen
Creation of the function module to access the screen
Screen Programming
Subroutines to call the screen and check the data coming from the screen
Assigning transaction code to the program
Assigning transaction code to the RF menu
The custom development should be made considering the workload and the extent to which the automation is
required in the warehouse. The average transaction volume, warehouse efficiency and the cost/benefit analysis
should be made before deciding on the custom development requirement.
5.
Warehouse Management transaction LRF1 is used to monitor the queues of warehouse person. Warehouse
supervisors can drag and drop the transfer orders from one queue to other as per the load situation, user absence.
The transfer order priorities can also be changed as per the requirement. The monitoring of the queue can be
configured per warehouse based on the business requirements by following the given steps:
- Define Queue
6.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The following change management related topics should be considered before implementing WM and RF
Selection of appropriate RF Device based on the existing business processes
Transaction Volume analysis and assessment of custom developments
Identifying users and setting up appropriate users profile and assigning users to the RF monitoring queue
Users training and Process Documentation
Introduction
Companies that have deployed SAP Warehouse management (WM) software have come to rely on its
flexibility and capabilities in managing increasingly complex and time-sensitive shipping, receiving and
warehousing tasks. Extending the capabilities of SAP WM software to mobile workers increases the
ability to gather data and direct operations in a seamless and efficient manner. Understanding the
requirements and capabilities of mobile terminals in an SAP environment can help make the right
decisions at the right time.
SAP Data Collection Solutions - SAPConsole, WebSAPConsole and ITSMobile
SAP offers multiple options for connecting RF-linked mobile terminals to the SAP mainframe: SAP
Console,WebSAPConsole, and ITS Mobile are the most common methods in use today. Each of
these solutions is designed and assumes an always-on RF link back to SAP R/3. SAP Console
translates SAPGUI pages into text-only pages for character-based terminals. WebSAPConsole and ITS
Mobile provide a similar interface but maintain the SAPGUI look for mobile terminals running Windows
CE or other graphics-capable operating systems.
SAPConsole includes an administrative function (SAPConsole Administrator) to create and manage
connection profiles that link the mobile terminals to an SAP module. The SAPConsole server translates
SAPGUI screens to suitable text-only screens for character-based mobile terminals and receives input
from the terminals for transmission to the SAP module. Once the connection has been established, the
mobile terminal can provide the same functionality as a desktop terminal running the SAP WM module
software.
WebSAPConsole is essentially the same as with SAPConsole except that server is a web server,
running Microsoft IIS or SAPs own Web Application Server (WAS). The same capabilities and
procedures are used for terminal ID and communication between the mobile terminal, the
WebSAPConsole server and the SAP WM module. The significant difference, in terms of the user
experience, is that WebSAPConsole maintains the graphical look of standard SAPGUI screens.
ITSMobile similar to WebSAPConsole, ITSMobile produces web-based screens for display on graphical
mobile terminals. Unlike WebSAPConsole, however, the translation of SAPGUI screens is completed at
development time, rather than runtime. As the ITS engine is embedded in the SAP Netweaver
Application server, there is no need for a separate web server, making ITSMobile a truly direct connect
solution for an SAP environment. The development methodology of transactions in SAP for ITSMobile is
identical to SAPConsole.
SAP's ERP Warehouse Management functionality offers a number of "pre-configured" RF transactions
that are accessible by SAPConsole, WebSAPConsole and ITSMobile. These transactions include the
most common transactions and simplify the set-up and configuration of mobile terminals. Since each
application is different and pre-configured modules cannot be provided to cover every contingency,
each option supports transaction development using SAP's standard Advance Business Application
Programming (ABAP) and SAP Graphical User Interface (GUI).
RF Device Support
Mobile data entry in the warehouse today involves the use of wireless radio frequency (RF) terminals or
devices carried by the warehouse staff to record data. The data is usually in a bar code form, either as
bar code printed in Transfer orders or bar codes that identify products, storage bins or other objects.
Mobile Data Entry currently supports two device types:
GUI devices (with graphical user interface) that run on Windows 3.x/95/98
Character devices (character-based) under terminal emulation mode
GUI Devices
These devices are connected to the SAP System just like any other client-dependent PC. The screens
can be touch screens, using predefined pushbuttons, or they can operate using a keyboard. If you are
using touch screens, you simply "touch" the appropriate positions on the touch screen instead of
clicking with the mouse on a pushbutton.
System fonts and size should correspond to the guidelines provided in order to achieve optimal
utilization of the screen size.
Character-Based Devices
These devices are linked to the system through an SAP standard interface called the SAPConsole. The
SAPConsole operates on a Windows NT/Windows 2000 platform and interacts with the RF terminals
connected to it. This concept is currently supported by the leading providers of RF terminals.
The following two industry standards for screen sizes are supported:
Devices for forklifts: 8 lines by 40 characters each
Portable handheld devices: 16 lines by 20 characters each
Bar code support in SAP:
SAP reads bar codes for identification and verification. The items that can be identified include Storage
bin, Material, Storage unit, Handling unit, Quantity, Delivery, Staging area, Shipment, Pick wave. It is
possible to scan items for verification purposes and these fields includes Storage unit, Storage bin,
Material, Quantity.. SAP may increase few more fields in future.
Verification profile can be assigned to movt types used in warehouses that will be subject to
bar code scanning.
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry> Verification control>
Assign Verification Profiles to Goods Movements.
Menu Management configuration settings can be done and you can set up the menu sequence
for a particular user
In this Transaction you configure the settings of the screens. You can define logical screen
names and assign a format (narrow and large format) to each logical screen
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry>Define Screen
Management.
The definition and management of queues, as well as the assignment of activities and users to
queues, assigns a range of activities to certain users and ensures that transfer order processing is run
as efficiently as possible.
Path: IMG>Logistics Execution>Mobile Data Entry>RF Queue
Management.
Define Queues
The queues
Monitor queues, including the number of assigned TOs, number of users and ratio of workload
to users
User Exits in RF
User exits offer you the option of enhancing existing functions according to your personal
requirements.
User Exit Screens
The RF solution supports the two screen formats (8x40/16x20) that are offered by most manufacturers
of RF devices. The user exit function enables you to display other fields, according to your particular
requirements, and also to implement other screen formats. You can add fields that are available
through standard transactions to the existing screens. Currently, these fields can only be used for
display purposes. Also, you can eliminate fields, which are part of the RF solution, from the display.
Verification with User Exit
Mobile Data Entry supports the following four types of verification:
Storage bin
Material
Quantity
To be able to verify other fields, the system also provides a general verification entry. You can use this
verification to meet individual requirements, such as verification of batches.
Sorting Using the User Exit
Mobile Data Entry supports sorting possibilities for system-guided transfer order processing:
Printing Using the User Exit
Mobile Data Entry supports the printing of different label types, such as shipping and handling unit
labels. You can use the print pushbuttons in the respective transaction by creating your own user exit
function module, which is called from the LE_MOB_PRINT function module.
Delivery number
Handling unit number (if HU already exists and is assigned to an inbound delivery)
Staging area
Shipment number
Other criteria
We recommend that you use the staging area selection method only when you
cannot identify deliveries by any of the other criteria, since this method is
time consuming.
Procedure
GR for Delivery Identified by:
Delivery
Number
1 From the RF
menu,
chooseInbound
HU Number
Staging Area
Shipment
Number
Other Criteria
From the RF
menu,
chooseInbound
From the RF
menu,
chooseInbound
From the RF
menu,
chooseInbound
From the RF
menu,
chooseInbound
Process Goods
Receipt GR by
Delivery.
The Select
Delivery screen
appears.
Process Goods
Receipt GR by
Handling Unit.
The Select
Storage
Unit/Handling
Unit screen
appears.
Process Goods
Receipt GR by
Staging Area.
The Select
Delivery by
Staging
Areascreen
appears.
Process Goods
Receipt GR by
Shipment.
The Select
Delivery by
Shipment screen
appears.
Process Goods
Receipt GR by
Others.
The Select
Delivery by
Others screen
appears.
Enter the
shipment number
using the scanner
or keyboard.
Material
Vendor
Delivery
date
External
delivery
reference
Service
agent
3 Choose Nxt. The Delivery Header Information screen appears, displaying the following
information for the delivery:
Load/unload status
Vendor name
Number of packages
Receipt.
You can also determine that the delivery is automatically posted when all of the
delivery items are processed in Customizing for Logistics Execution Warehouse
Management Interfaces Shipping Define Shipping Control Define Shipping
Control at the Movement Type Level. Enter
2 in the Copy WM quantity field.
You can also set the system for partial posting of deliveries (data for a specific delivery item,
whose TOs are completed, is posted) in Customizing for Logistics Execution Warehouse
Management Interfaces Shipping Define Shipping Control Define Shipping Control at
the Movement Type Level. Enter
4 in the Copy WM quantity field.