An SAP EWM and SAP WM alternative built around how you run.
SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) and the older SAP Warehouse Management (WM) are SAP's warehouse applications. For warehouses moving to S/4HANA, SAP's options are Stock Room Management or EWM. thinkbridge builds one system around how your warehouse runs, connects it to the SAP ERP you keep or the one you move to, and at the end of the term you own it.
Signs you've outgrown SAP EWM
- A move to S/4HANA forces a decision about the warehouse module.
- Customizations built for the older SAP WM are hard to carry over.
- EWM looks heavy for the number of sites and users you have.
- Warehouse exceptions run in spreadsheets beside SAP.
SAP EWM compared with a system you own
| SAP EWM | thinkbridge | |
|---|---|---|
| How it fits | Configured around the vendor's standard warehouse process; rules that don't fit are handled with custom code, add-ons or spreadsheets | Modeled on how your warehouse actually runs, including its exceptions |
| Who owns it | You license it; the vendor owns the code and the roadmap | You own the code, the data model and the business logic |
| How you pay | Subscription or license, plus implementation and support fees | Priced on outcomes, paid over an agreed term |
| Equipment and systems | Interfaces to scanners, equipment and the ERP are built and maintained as separate projects | Connected to the scanners, equipment and ERP you keep, as part of the system you own |
| After go-live | Changes go through the vendor, a partner or an upgrade cycle | Managed care keeps improving it; low-risk changes ship to a beta you approve |
| AI | Added through the vendor's roadmap and add-ons | Built into the workflows from the start |
How the move works
- ObserveWe watch how the work runs today, including the workarounds.
- Model and buildThe system is modeled on your process and generated with
think One - Migrate and validateYour data moves over and your team tests it on real cases.
- Go liveIn about four months.
The four stages are a short version of the six-step method (see how it works). For what gets built, see Core business system.
Questions about moving off SAP EWM
What is the difference between SAP WM and SAP EWM?
SAP WM is the older warehouse module in SAP ERP. SAP EWM is a separate, newer warehouse application, available embedded in S/4HANA or as a decentralized system. In S/4HANA, SAP also offers Stock Room Management, a narrower option that keeps WM's data model.
When does SAP support for SAP WM end?
SAP ties support for WM to the maintenance dates of the ERP release it runs on and to its compatibility scope in S/4HANA. Check SAP's Product Availability Matrix and SAP Note 2269324 for the current dates.
Can thinkbridge replace SAP EWM or WM?
Yes. thinkbridge models how the business runs, builds a system that fits and migrates the data from SAP EWM or WM before cutover. It can replace SAP EWM or WM outright or take over only the areas that don't fit. It connects to the scanners, equipment and ERP you keep.
How long does a SAP EWM or WM replacement take?
About four months to go live.
Related alternatives
See every alternative, grouped by vendor.
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