Number Ranges in Warehouse Management

Number ranges in Warehouse Management plays a critical role in differentiating and tracking documents and objects within your warehouse. We can define number ranges for different objects in the Implementation Guide (IMG) for Warehouse Management such as

1. Transfer requirements
2.   Transfer orders
3.   Quants
4.   Posting change notices
5.   Groups
6.   Communication records
7.   Storage unit numbers
8.   Inventory numbers
9.   Inventory numbers for transfers orders

Objects Requiring Number Ranges

Within Warehouse Management, the following objects typically require defined number ranges:

Object	Description
Transfer Requirements	Identifies the need to move material within WM.
Transfer Orders	Instructions for physically moving goods.
Quants	Represent a specific quantity of material in a bin
Posting Change Notices	Track changes to stock attributes or ownership.
Groups	Cluster similar tasks or requirements.
Communication Records	Log exchanges between systems or WM components.
Storage Unit Numbers	Identify storage units in the warehouse.
Inventory Numbers	Document physical inventory counts.
Inventory Numbers for Transfer Orders	Special inventory tracking tied to TOs.

Configuring Number Range in Warehouse Management

To configuration Number Range in Warehouse Management, it involve using the SAP Implementation Guide (IMG). To access the IMG, start from the SAP Easy Access screen and follow this path:

1. Enter transaction code SPRO and press Enter.
2. Click SAP Reference IMG.
3. Navigate to:
   Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Select the Relevant Activity > Number Ranges.

Because each object type has its own configuration path, refer to the table below as a guide:

Object	IMG Path
Transfer Requirements	Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Activities > Transfers > Define Number Ranges for Transfer Requirements
Transfer Orders	Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Activities > Transfers > Define Number Ranges for Transfer Orders
Quants	Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Master Data > Define Number Ranges for Quants
Posting Change Notices	Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Activities > Posting Changes > Define Number Ranges for Posting Changes
Groups	Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Strategies > Define Number Ranges for Groups
Communication Records	Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Interfaces > Define Number Ranges for Communication Records
Storage Unit Numbers	Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Master Data > Define Number Ranges for Storage Units
Inventory Numbers	Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Physical Inventory > Define Number Ranges for Inventory
Inventory Numbers for TOs	Logistics Execution > Warehouse Management > Physical Inventory > Define Number Ranges for Inventory Numbers for TOs

Steps to Define Number Ranges

Let’s walk through the example of setting up number ranges for Transfer Orders. The steps are similar for other objects:

1. Select the Relevant Object:
   In the IMG, choose Define Number Ranges for Transfer Orders.
2. Maintain Number Ranges:
   Click on Maintain Number Ranges.
   This opens the interval maintenance screen showing existing intervals.
3. Create or Edit Intervals:

4. Choose Intervals and then select Edit > Insert Interval (or the “+” button).
5. Enter the From (lower limit) and To (upper limit) numbers.
6. Make sure these intervals do not overlap with existing ones.
7. Determine if the assignment is Internal (system assigns numbers automatically) or External (you or an external system specifies the number within the allowed range).

8. Set the Current Number Status: The “Current Number” field indicates the last assigned number. When creating a new interval, set this thoughtfully. Often, it starts at the lower limit.
9. Save Your Entries: Click Save. You may be prompted for a transport request—assign it accordingly.

Assigning Number Ranges to Warehouses and Processes

To assign number ranges to warehouses and processes, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Assignment in the IMG:
   Go back to the SAP IMG and navigate to the step for Assign Number Ranges for the relevant object (e.g., Transfer Orders).
2. Select the Warehouse Number:
   Identify and select the Warehouse Number for which you are configuring the number range assignment.
3. Link the Number Range Interval:
   Assign the newly created number range interval to the appropriate warehouse process, movement type, or object type.

4. Save the Assignment:
   Confirm and Save your work. This ensures that any new transaction (e.g., Transfer Order) created in the warehouse uses the correct number range.

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