The control of highly dynamic automated components in the warehouse has been, so far, the domain of specialized material handling systems. With MFS (Material Flow System) as part of SAP EWM, this will change. The system promises a high degree of standardization, fewer interfaces and significant benefits in maintenance and support.
Although SAP offers with Task & Resource Management in SAP R/3 LES already an integrated solution to manage operational logistics and material flows, they released with ‘Extended Warehouse Management – Material Flow (EWM-MFS) an additional product to the market. EWM-MFS is a fully integrated key component of SAP-EWM. With MFS being a part of EWM, pretty much all automated warehouse functionality can be controlled via EWM.
Because of the tight integration between material flow and warehouse management, strategies in the warehouse management can now be used to pay closer attention to status and capacity limits of the conveyer segments for example. On the other hand, functionality and data from the warehouse management system is now also available in the Material Flow System.
Not a plug and play
The material flow system is not a plug and plug add-on but more to view like a framework: Multiple customizing settings can be made – like communication points, conveyor segments, routing etc. to optimize the material flow in either an existing, automated warehouse or as part of a green field implementation. Various BADIS are available (pre-configured exit points), which can be used to ease the implementation of individual customer requirements.
MFS adds a ‘direct controllability’ feature to EWM. With MFS, additional warehouse control units between SAP and programmable logic controllers (PLC) are not required anymore. We look at EWM-MFS as a component which allows our customers to use solely SAP from planning to control à Non SAP based material flow systems are not necessary anymore and belong to the past. We recommended EWM with the integrated MFS as of version 7.0. In 9.0, essential improvements and extensions have been added and make it even a more holistic solution.
Give us a call to learn more about the integration of EWM and MFS and what it can do for your organization. We at Blue Harbors offer a free analysis of your existing material flow processes in your warehouse and give you an assessment if EWM-MFS is the right solution for you.
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