The Warehouse Management (WM) system allows user to use a number of different storage unit types when user transfer and store materials in the warehouse. For example, user can transfer materials on pallets of various sizes, such as European pallets or industrial pallets. Crates or pallets of materials that must be stored in different locations because of height or weight limits can be stored without unnecessary loss of space.

Usage of Storage Unit Types:

In order to use storage unit types user can

• Define storage unit types in the material master record
• Enter a storage unit type on the initial screen to create a transfer order without an originating document
• Enter a storage unit type on the preparation screen for a transfer order

When creating transfer orders, if user enters the storage unit type either on the initial screen or the preparation screen, the system uses the value user enter instead of the storage unit type in the material master record, if one is available. If user do not enter a storage type on the initial screen and user go to the preparation screen, the system uses the storage unit type defined in the material master record. If users do not enter a storage type on the initial screen and user goes to the item screen, the system does not propose a storage unit type, even if one has been defined in the material master. User must enter the storage unit type and then choose ENTER before the system will propose a storage type and bin.

Storage Section:

A storage section is an organizational subdivision of storage type that group’s together storage bins with similar features for the purpose of putting away stock. The criteria for grouping bins can be defined on a user-individual basis, for example, heavy parts, bulky materials, fast-moving items, slow-moving items.

Storage Bin:

The storage bin is the smallest available unit of space in a warehouse. The storage bin therefore describes the position in the warehouse where the goods are or can be stored. Since the address of storage bin is frequently derived from a coordinate system, a storage bin is often referred to as a coordinate. The coordinate 01-02-03 for example, can refer to a storage bin in row 1, stack 2, and level 3.

User assigns each storage bin to a specific warehouse number and storage type according to its location. User must also assign each storage bin to a storage section. User can also define the following additional characteristics of a storage bin:

• Maximum weight
• Total capacity
• Fire containment section

Storing Materials in storage bins:

The WM system manages both homogeneous and mixed storage in storage bins.

1. Homogeneous Storage

Homogeneous storage is the storage of only one material number in a storage bin. User can define a storage type so that only one material can be stored in each available storage bin. Bulk storage areas are set up so that one line or block contains only one material number. For example, materials such as cases filled with beverages, bottled gas and pallets of cement blocks and other construction materials are stored homogeneously in bulk storage areas. This method is preferable when large quantities of the same material are stored in a warehouse.

2. Mixed Storage

When user define mixed storage for a storage type in your warehousing complex, it is possible to store two or more materials (quants) in each storage bin. There is no standard strategy in WM that automatically would place material together with another material that is already stored in a storage bin. User will manually place the different stock with physical bin partition. Mixed storage is particularly useful when user have smaller quantities of several material numbers that need to be stored in the same storage area. Often, slower moving items are stored in mixed storage areas. Homogeneous storage would not be useful here, because that would mean that only a few boxes might be stored in each storage bin.

From the SAP Menu, choose Logistics _ Logistics Execution _ Master Data _Warehouse _Storage Bin _ Create __Manually. Transaction code is LS01.

Creating several storage bins simultaneously

To create a group of storage bins with similar characteristics, user defines a template with the coordinate structure as follows: From the SAP menu choose Logistics_ Logistics Execution _ Master Data _ Warehouse _Storage Bin _ Create _ automatically. Transaction code is LS10

Blocking and Unblocking Storage Bins

In WMS will give flexibility of blocking storage bins for put away as well as for picking. User must block any storage bins that are no longer accessible, that have been damaged or are to be renovated, or when put away or picks are not possible. User can block or unblock storage bins

Selectively

• On the basis of rows
• In bulk storage with a time limit for put away
• For the whole storage type