Automate SAP EWM, Warehouse Management & Logistics: Your way into the S/4HANA world.

How-to: SAP S/4HANA – Guide to the logistical changeover.

For many companies, the switch to SAP S/4HANA is more than just a technical project - it is a strategic change that affects all areas of the organisation. While the focus is often on the modules relating to finance and controlling, logistics processes can easily fall by the wayside. Yet they are the heartbeat of many companies: Without functioning warehouse processes, the business stands still.

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Our authors and experts

Pascal Contursi

Digital and sales marketing

Author

Dirk Pawlowski

Consulting Logistics SAP

Expert

Last updated on 10.07.2025

Target image and scope: What should the logistics of the future look like?

Especially in intralogistics, a clean changeover is crucial - not only from a technical perspective, but above all in terms of processes. In this article, we show how companies can successfully migrate their SAP warehouse management to the S/4 world. With practical relevance, a structured approach - and a clear focus on what really matters. It doesn't start with the technology, but with a simple question: What should logistics look like in the future?

In many companies today, warehouse and transport processes are stable - but not necessarily efficient. The changeover to S/4HANA is an opportunity to critically scrutinise and rethink established structures. Will you continue to work with SAP WM in compatibility mode? Or should the switch be made directly to SAP EWM Embedded or decentralised? Risk also plays a role: some companies initially adopt their existing WM processes before switching to EWM in a second step. This reduces complexity in the short term - but delays necessary modernisation.

Typical questions in this phase:

Which processes are particularly critical today - e.g. in the warehouse or in production?
Which systems are connected - e.g. conveyor technology, pick-by-light or AutoStore?
Which areas can be modernised directly, where does a gradual transition make sense?

Conclusion: A clearly defined vision is the foundation of every successful transformation - not only for the project team, but also for stakeholders and specialist departments.

Evaluating and analysing your SAP Warehouse Management - What is running today and why?

Before you break new ground, you should understand how you have been travelling so far. Many SAP Warehouse Management processes have grown over the years - with in-house developments, customised solutions and workarounds.

There is enormous potential here: by analysing existing processes, it is often possible to identify where standardisation, automation or streamlining is possible.

Particularly relevant in the analysis phase are

Which in-house developments (e.g. Z transactions, user exits) characterise today's SAP warehouse management?
Which movement types, fields and reports are really used - and for what?
Are there integrations with modules such as MM, SD or PP?
Which functions have been omitted or replaced in the S/4HANA environment?

Practical observation: Almost every project shows that the warehouse is not a pure SAP standard. A critical clean-up saves a lot of effort later on - also in terms of training, documentation and support.

Migrating to SAP S/4HANA? This way!

We are experts in S/4HANA integration and migration. Read more guides and success stories from our customers here:

January 14, 2026

CubeDeploy: The new AutoStore update tool for fast, secure and cross-location rollouts

With CubeDeploy, AutoStore is entering a new era of software deployment: updates are faster, more secure and fully automated – without downtime and without manual effort. A single installer keeps the entire system up to date worldwide and ensures maximum stability and IT efficiency.

In combination with status C store:IT, a perfectly coordinated connection between AutoStore and SAP is created – for smooth processes, maximum availability and an automation landscape that remains effortlessly scalable.

December 17, 2025

AutoCase from AutoStore: How automated carton handling is transforming warehouse logistics

Automated warehouse logistics reaches a new level: AutoCase expands AutoStore with fully automated carton handling – from storage to shipping. This makes material flows faster, more precise and completely independent of manual intervention.

Together with status C store:IT, a seamless connection between AutoStore and SAP is created – for maximum efficiency, scalability and future-proof processes in intralogistics.

December 9, 2025

Picking with SAP: from hand scanners to AutoStore

If picking today means more than just hand scanners and shelf aisles, warehouse processes in SAP must fulfil new standards. Real-time bookings, transparent stock levels and an intuitive user interface are crucial.

Whether manual picking, semi-automated systems or fully automated AutoStore integration - with the status C solutions from Connected Warehouse and Connected Manufacturing, all scenarios can be controlled efficiently and securely on one platform.

November 11, 2025

FlexBins as a game changer: Greater flexibility and efficiency with AutoStore Autumn Update 2025

When warehouse automation sets new standards, it means more flexibility and fewer restrictions. With the new FlexBins, the full potential of AutoStore can be exploited for the first time – different container sizes, maximum space utilisation and efficient processes in one system.

Together with status C store:IT, you can combine AutoStore and SAP into a seamless, scalable solution – for intelligent warehouses that adapt to your product range, not the other way around.

October 30, 2025

Migration from SAP ECC 6.0 to SAP S/4HANA

When outdated ERP systems reach their limits, it's time to take the next step: switching to SAP S/4HANA.

Real-time data, automated processes and an intuitive Fiori interface create the basis for agile business processes and informed decisions.

Whether greenfield, brownfield or hybrid approach – with the right strategy and a clear roadmap, the transition can be made efficiently, securely and with an eye to the future.

August 20, 2025

Cloud-based load carrier management at Daimler Truck

And the Innovation Award goes to: Daimler Truck AG, alogis and status C. When over 3,500 internal and external users move to a new system in a single weekend, cloud apps and SAP RPM come together on a central platform and access is role-controlled via the SAP Workzone, maximum precision is required. But the effort was worth it - because Daimler Truck now has an excellent, future-proof container management system.

Process design and prototyping: Now it's getting real.

The switch to S/4HANA is the ideal opportunity to rethink processes - not just technically, but also in terms of usability and efficiency. Modern tools such as Fiori apps, improved RF solutions and embedded EWM functionalities open up new possibilities.

Instead of just sketching processes on paper, we recommend Prototyping in a sandbox system. This allows new processes to be tested, trialled and evaluated with key users at an early stage.

These five things pay off:

Early development of a realistic test system with real master data
Close involvement of the operational teams (warehouse, dispatch, production)
Clear definition of which processes should "return to the standard"
Check where it makes sense to automate logistics - e.g. for replenishment strategies
Documentation of functional gaps for later development phases

The earlier real processes are played through, the lower the risk of surprises later in the go-live.

Data migration in SAP: detailed work with a big impact.

Logistical data migration is one of the most challenging tasks in a project - and yet it is often underestimated. Yet it is critical to success: a warehouse can only be operated stably with complete, consistent data.

In practice, this applies, amongst other things:

Material masters, storage bins, storage types
Handling units, stocks and open documents
Transaction data and custom fields

Many companies rely on the SAP Migration Cockpit here - this makes sense, but often reaches its limits in the WM/EWM area. LSMW scripts or specific ABAP programmes are often necessary.

Tip: Data migration is not a one-off event. Plan several test runs with real scenarios - this significantly increases security in live operation.

Lots of plans but not sure where to start? We can help!

Test, integration and go-live with SAP S/4HANA.

A clean test phase is crucial to the success of the changeover. And this does not mean the classic unit test - but real end-to-end scenarios as they occur in everyday warehouse operations:

Goods receipt with HU handling
Transfer via conveyor technology
Shipping including labelling and customs

The connection of subsystems - e.g. AutoStore, pick-by-light, mobile devices - should also be tested. Important: No pure "happy path" scenarios, but real variants including exceptions. A clean test strategy is essential, especially when integrating SAP EWM implementation into existing system landscapes.

The centrepiece of planning is the preparation:

Training the operational teams on new interfaces, devices and processes
Cutover planning at detailed level: When, how and where is data transferred?
Support from key users and project team in the hypercare phase

Experience has shown that a "soft go-live" with a limited scope - e.g. in just one warehouse area - helps to identify errors at an early stage. Remember: Without functioning logistics, the operation stops. Plan at least as much time for training, testing and support as for development and customising.

Each go-live must be considered individually. We will advise you without obligation!

Conclusion: Your logistics deserve more attention.

The switch to SAP S/4HANA is a must for many companies. But it can also be an optional extra - if you take the opportunity to rethink warehouse and production processes. With clear goals, a structured approach and a focus on the essentials, solutions are created that not only work - but inspire. Whether SAP Warehouse Management, automated logistics or digital intralogistics with AutoStore: those who plan early and prioritise correctly lay the foundations for a sustainable, future-proof supply chain.

Frequently asked questions about SAP S/4HANA in warehouse logistics - on-premise, cloud and EWM simply explained:

What advantages does SAP S/4HANA On-Premise offer for warehouse logistics?

SAP S/4HANA On-Premise gives companies full control over their IT infrastructure and impresses with maximum performance in the warehouse. This variant is particularly suitable for complex warehouse environments in which individual processes, e.g. with conveyor technology or automated guided vehicles (AGVs), need to be seamlessly integrated. The high level of data security, real-time capability and precise control of the material flow make On-Premise the preferred solution in regulated or highly automated areas.

How does SAP S/4HANA Cloud support modern warehouse processes?

SAP S/4HANA Cloud impresses with its flexibility, scalability and rapid implementation. Companies benefit from a modern IT architecture, automated updates and a transparent pay-per-use model. New warehouse locations can be connected quickly - ideal for dynamically growing organisations with standardised processes or seasonal requirements.

What makes hybrid SAP architectures particularly attractive in warehouse logistics?

Hybrid models combine the strengths of both worlds: SAP S/4HANA On-Premise is used for real-time processes such as automated picking, while SAP S/4HANA Cloud takes over analysis, reporting and planning processes. The result is a future-proof IT landscape that can be individually expanded while maximising efficiency.

What role does SAP EWM play in conjunction with SAP S/4HANA?

SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) is the modern warehouse management software from SAP and can be flexibly integrated into SAP S/4HANA - both in the cloud and on-premise. This provides companies with a powerful solution for controlling all warehouse processes, from incoming goods inspection to picking and dispatch processing - all in real time and completely in the SAP standard.

How do SAP WM, SAP EWM and SAP S/4HANA differ?

SAP WM was the standard solution for warehouse management for a long time, but is being replaced.
SAP EWM is the modern successor solution with extended functions and perfect integration in SAP S/4HANA.
SAP S/4HANA forms the technological foundation of the new SAP generation and, as a platform, enables both on-premise and cloud operation - with SAP EWM as a flexibly deployable building block.