A faster, smarter warehouse start-up with S/4 HANA Extended Warehouse Management
When you’re preparing a warehouse to run on S/4 HANA Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), the biggest challenge is ensuring that every logistical flow works smoothly from day one. That’s exactly what Quinaptis achieved together with the customer’s core team—a fully operational pilot warehouse supporting SAP EWM logistics for agriculture distribution.
This pilot became the foundation for a nationwide rollout across multiple Belgian warehouses.
Building a scalable EWM template for all warehouses
The project started with one clear goal: create a core EWM template warehouse that could support future rollouts with minimal rework.
What this template needed to deliver
- A single configuration blueprint applicable to multiple warehouses
- The flexibility to add or remove functionalities based on site-specific needs
- Maximum use of SAP best practices and standard EWM features
To get there, Quinaptis led the Prepare and Explore phases. Together with key stakeholders, they conducted deep-dive workshops into each business process across different entities. This structured approach resulted in a complete overview of requirements and clear design decisions for the template.
Once the foundation was approved, Quinaptis built the EWM template—setting the stage for the first real implementation.
From template to reality: the pilot phase
The pilot expanded the template using a bucket approach, where each bucket represented a group of functionalities to design, build, and test.
Every bucket included:
- Unit testing
- Integration testing
- User acceptance testing (UAT)
Multiple system landscapes—development, quality, and pre-production—ensured stable validation at every step. After all buckets were completed, key users were trained and prepared for final UAT while cutover activities began.
Master data migration: preparing for go‑live
In parallel, Quinaptis handled the migration from the legacy system to SAP EWM master data. This included:
- Product warehouse data
- Packaging specifications
- Storage bins and fixed bin assignments
- Stock uploads
All migration scenarios were thoroughly tested in quality and pre-production environments to ensure consistency during go-live.
Training the workforce for smooth adoption
To prepare end users, Quinaptis ran a comprehensive training program with both theory and practice.
Training highlights
- SAP Enable Now simulations for repeated hands-on practice
- A full mini‑warehouse, allowing clerks to run flows on RF devices in real‑life scenarios
- Realistic training on handheld and reach‑truck scanners
This approach significantly increased user confidence and system adoption.
Go live day: the warehouse goes live on S/4 HANA EWM
On January 11, the warehouse in Sint‑Truiden became the first to operate fully on S/4 HANA EWM. Specializing in the distribution of crop protection products, the site immediately executed all inbound, outbound, and internal flows within the new system.
Everything worked as expected—no major incidents were logged.
Support during go‑live
- First-line support on-site to assist clerks directly
- Second-line support monitoring issues remotely
What the new S/4 HANA EWM setup enables
The EWM environment now allows the warehouse to perform and monitor all activities efficiently and safely.
Key benefits realized
- Optimized HU packing based on packaging specifications
- Smart put-away strategies combining HU type, bin type, and hazardous rating
- Cycle counting based on ABC indicators for more accurate inventory
- Enhanced outbound logistics using:
- Wave templates
- Process-oriented storage control
- Dynamic printer determination
- Cartonization
- Transportation unit management, including 3rd‑party TMS integration
- Reliable replenishment (order-related and planned)
- Advanced returns handling, including returnables tracking
Improved user experience with Fiori
- Role-based apps for each operational step
- Clear process grouping for fast navigation
- Optimized RF devices running on Android with the latest SAP RF design
Teamwork made the go live possible
This successful go‑live is the result of strong collaboration between:
- Quinaptis
- The customer’s business architects
- Key users across the organization
Despite strong constraints, the team delivered a stable, innovative, and future-proof S/4 HANA Extended Warehouse Management solution ready to support the customer’s standardization and growth strategy.
Are you preparing your own EWM rollout or planning to modernize your warehouse operations?
Let’s discuss how Quinaptis can support your S/4 HANA Extended Warehouse Management journey.