In Warehouse Management (WM), storage types play a pivotal role in organizing and managing inventory efficiently. A storage type represents a physical or logical subdivision of a warehouse complex, such as a bulk storage area, high-rack storage, or a picking zone.
Each storage type is assigned to a warehouse number and is configured with specific control parameters to guide putaway, picking, and inventory processes. This SAP tutorial will help you to Learn all about Storage Type in WM (Warehouse Management). Understand their purpose, configuration, and how they optimize putaway, picking, and inventory processes for efficient warehouse operations.
What is a Storage Type?
A storage type in WM refers to a defined area or zone within a warehouse where goods are stored. These areas are characterized by specific functions, warehouse techniques, or organizational needs.
| Key Features of Storage Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical or Logical Division | Represents a warehouse zone (e.g., bulk storage, high-rack storage). |
| Part of Warehouse Number | Multiple storage types are managed under a single warehouse number. |
| Configuration Flexibility | Each storage type is configured with control parameters for putaway, picking, blocking, and inventory management. |
| Shared Between Systems | Some storage types are shared between Inventory Management (IM) and Warehouse Management (WM), such as interim storage areas. |
Storage Types in WM
In SAP Warehouse Management (WM), There are two categories of storage types: Physical Storage Types and Interim Storage Types.
- Physical storage types are designated areas within a warehouse, such as high-rack storage or bulk storage, defined by spatial or organizational characteristics.
- Interim storage types are temporary holding areas facilitating the interface between Inventory Management (IM) and WM during goods movements like receipts and issues. These interim types, typically numbered 900–999, can accommodate negative stock levels and bypass capacity checks, differing from physical storage types.
Pre configured Storage Types in WM
SAP provides several preconfigured storage types in the standard version of WM, which can be used immediately or customized to meet your specific requirements.
| Preconfigured Storage Types | Purpose |
|---|---|
| High-Rack Storage Area | For vertical storage of palletized goods. |
| Bulk Storage Area | For oversized goods stored directly on the floor. |
| Picking Storage Area | For items frequently accessed during order picking. |
| General Storage Area | For standard goods not requiring specialized storage zones. |
| Pallet Storage Area | For goods stored on pallets. |
These storage types come with predefined control parameters, such as putaway and picking strategies, which can be tailored to suit your business needs.
Defining Control Parameters for Storage Types
To configure a storage type, specific control indicators need to be defined. These indicators determine how materials are stored, retrieved, and managed.
| Control Parameter | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Putaway Strategies | Defines how goods are stored in a storage type (e.g., FIFO, LIFO, or fixed bin assignments). |
| Picking Strategies | Guides how items are picked for outbound delivery (e.g., FIFO, shelf-life based). |
| Blocking Indicators | Prevents activities in certain storage types during specific scenarios (e.g., maintenance). |
| Capacity Check | Ensures the storage type does not exceed its predefined storage capacity. |
| Inventory Procedures | Sets rules for physical inventory and stock audits within the storage type. |
Integration with IM via Interim Storage Types
The Inventory Management (IM) component interacts with WM through interim storage types. These temporary zones handle goods movements between IM and WM, ensuring data consistency and accuracy.
| Interim Storage Type Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Negative Stock Allowed | Tracks goods in transit or discrepancies. |
| No Capacity Check | Simplifies handling for temporary stock. |
| No Putaway/Picking Strategies | Does not require specific strategies since goods are not stored permanently. |
Defining Storage Types in SAP Warehouse Management
In SAP Warehouse Management (WM), a storage type is a subdivision of a warehouse number, defined based on spatial or functional characteristics, such as high-rack storage areas, bulk storage zones, or goods receipt areas. Each storage type includes specific features:
- It lacks a physical address but has a descriptive identifier.
- Supports material-specific data storage.
- Manages inventory at the storage bin level within the storage type.
Standard Settings
In SAP’s default setup, warehouse number 001 includes predefined storage types. Interim storage types (900–999) are crucial for postings like goods receipt (GR) and goods issue (GI). These should be copied when defining new warehouses.
Activities
- Create custom storage types with appropriate descriptions.
- Copy interim storage types from warehouse 001 for efficient configuration.
Follow these steps to create or modify storage types in SAP WM:
- Navigate to:
SPRO -> Sap IMG -> Logistic Execution -> Warehouse Management -> Master Data -> Define Storage Type.
- Enter the Warehouse Number and define the Storage Type Code.
- Configure the following parameters:
- Putaway and Picking Strategies
- Capacity Check Rules
- Blocking Indicators
- Inventory Control Settings
- Assign the storage type to the relevant warehouse zones and test the configuration.
Conclusion
Defining storage types in Warehouse Management is crucial for organizing and optimizing warehouse operations. Whether you are configuring a high-rack storage area or setting up an interim goods receipt zone, proper planning and configuration ensure smooth workflows and inventory accuracy.
By leveraging the flexibility of SAP WM’s storage type functionality, businesses can adapt their warehouse setups to meet evolving needs while maintaining efficiency and control.
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