Turn on bin functionality and consequences for ordering and picking

[former_member784701]

Hi there... We are looking to improve warehouse inventory accuracy and create options for FIFO etc. I would like to utilise the bin location functionality but would like to allay some concerns that have arisen. I am new to S/4 but have used R/3 years ago. I have been advised that to use bin locations requires turning on "batch controls".

Firstly around batches. I believe that batch numbers can be used if desired but that SAP also has the ability to "self assign" a batch. Also that some parts are not batch controlled and that the functionality exists to ignore some parts.

Secondly when creating a pick or order that the user can create the job without specifying any batch at the time of creation, that the system can allocate if required, or that the warehouse can assign or overwrite a batch that is actually used.

The main issue is that from the operational (on the floor) side of the business there is a need for the bins, at the admin side it is viewed as adding complexity. The warehouse needs FIFO for some items only, serial number tracking on some, but generally batches are not required.

Regards

Tony

[former_member763929]

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[JuergenPitz]

Hi,

" have been advised that to use bin locations requires turning on "batch controls"."

Who told you that? That are two separate things, and of course warehouse management does not require batch management and vice versa.

You write that you are looking "to improve warehouse inventory accuracy and create options for FIFO etc.". So what do you use now? No warehouse number? No warehouse management system whatsoever?

Of course using a warehouse management system does add complexity. But only up to a certain number of products / quantities / storage requirements you can work without a warehouse management system. What this number is, you have to figure out by yourself. Or with the help of a business consultant.

Brgds

Juergen

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[former_member784701]

Some of the existing SAP users. They are of the opinion that using bins properly will require batch or serial use which then adds complexity to their roles in creating orders and picks etc. It did not make sense to me on the surface of the argument however I am new to SAP S/4 and therefore do not know.

At present we use a plant/SLoc only. All items are in this one bulk location (SLoc) under the plant. So from my perspective we have no stock locations. It means that if we need to find 2 of something but the first location has one we need to physically look at each externally similar crate in the warehouse to find the second one. Currently the stock is all stored according to where it was last stored. Basically you need to know in your head where stuff is or you can't find things without searching.

We do not use FIFO which I believe poses a risk. We also cannot audit by location or location group because they are not recorded. The business used to use a second system for the management of the locations, however when they moved to SAP they just didn't set up SAP properly (in my opinion)