Inventory sampling in SAP EWM

If the logistics modules have not already been converted to the Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) module via SAP Supply Chain Execution (SCE) or NetWeaver, the migration must take place at the latest when switching to S/4. Companies that would like to carry out their annual inventory in EWM in the future using a sampling procedure can implement this automatically with the sample inventory manager developed for this purpose by the optimization specialist Inform.

For warehouses that are managed purely on the basis of SAP handling units (HU), the solution enables the handling unit (HU) counting element in addition to storage bin and product number-based inventories.

In general, all companies in Germany are required by law to carry out an annual inventory (full inventory) and to compare the actual stock of each item in the warehouse with the target stock of the stock accounting system by means of a complete check. In order to minimize the immense time and effort required for this procedure, companies in warehouse-intensive industries are increasingly using inventory sampling.

An inventory sampling pursuant to Section 241 (1) HGB is a simplified procedure. In this process, the inventory of assets is determined by type, quantity and value using recognized mathematical-statistical methods such as an average value estimate by sampling.

Inform offers inventory sampling with the cross-industry solution Invent Xpert. The mathematical and statistical methods used deliver a result that is just as reliable as the conventional full inventory, and often even more accurate, as the full inventory with many people involved is prone to errors.

The advantages of inventory sampling can be proven with concrete figures from practice: When using inventory sampling, companies are able to reduce inventory costs by up to 95 percent and reduce counting effort by up to 99.9 percent. Many companies can even carry out the inventory parallel to their daily business. Warehouse closing times and production downtime are shortened, and overtime and the associated additional labor costs are avoided.

Flexible connection

The system can be connected securely and quickly to any ERP, merchandise management and warehouse management system using simple interfaces. With its sampling procedures, it allows both permanent and snapshot inventories to be carried out. If the inventory management is particularly good, it is also possible to check the stock accounting by means of a sequential test, in which the counting effort can be reduced to up to 31 items. The procedure and the software are certified by auditing companies and are recognized by the tax authorities.

With the newly introduced inventory sampling manager, an add-in specially developed for SAP EWM, the individual transactions are bundled in EWM and combined in an inventory plan. Based on a warehouse structure analysis, inventory planning then takes place there, containing the samples to be counted, which are determined using statistical methods. They are transmitted to EWM in an inventory plan and trigger the standard inventory process. This can be adapted to the company's specific needs, i.e. variable parameters can be set to guarantee the correct inventory process in the respective company.

After the inventory has been taken, the count results are transferred to the inventory sampling system in a standardized format. The inventory sampling system then generates an inventory result by extrapolation or evaluation. Which procedure is used depends on which statistical inventory sampling procedure (estimation procedure or sequential test) was selected.

SAP EWM users now have a solution for the first time that combines the entire process from customizing and the settings to be made in advance to the execution of the actual inventory in SAP EWM in one transaction.

For warehouses managed purely on the basis of SAP handling units (HU), the inventory sampling manager now also offers the handling unit (HU) counting element as an extension of the standard inventory document in EWM, in addition to storage bin and product number-based inventories. By using HU-based inventory sampling, companies can further reduce the counting effort and save costs. Especially when used in automated warehouse areas, companies benefit significantly from HU-based inventory sampling.