In a typical supply chain operation, effective management of yard operations is as important as the management of all activities in the warehouse. However, most businesses still see the yard — the space between the dock doors and the road — as an operational afterthought. This is where SAP EWM yard management comes in.
When integrated with SAP Extended Warehouse Management, Yard Management provides users with the ability to see and control the transportation units, trailers, and vehicles within the yard. This guide is designed for Logistics Managers, SAP Consultants, Warehouse Operations professionals, and all those involved in SAP EWM yard management. It will cover the key components and the process flow, configuration, and the resulting business value.
Yard Management in SAP EWM
Yard management in SAP EWM is a sub-module within the EWM system, and it manages all the logistics activities in the yard, which is the area surrounding a warehouse or distribution center. It also manages and controls the activities related to transportation units, which can be in the form of trucks, trailers, or railcars, and extends from the entry of a yard gate to the exit of a yard gate.
The SAP EWM yard management module is designed to work in tandem with yard management, inbound and outbound delivery systems, dock appointment scheduling, and transportation management. It helps yard managers guide drivers to specific parking spots or dock doors, manage and optimize dwell and idle truck times, and more — all in real time.
Essentially, yard management SAP EWM connects the transportation network with the warehouse floor to provide an integrated perspective on yard management activities, facilitating better and more informed operational choices.
Main Elements of SAP EWM Yard Management
Before outlining the process, it is necessary to identify the key elements of the framework for SAP EWM yard management.
1. Yard
The yard refers to a physical space operationally associated with a warehouse. In SAP EWM, the yard is conceptualized as a specific storage type with associated parking spots, or yard spots. Yards can be subdivided into various zones based on type of transportation unit or specific business requirements, for example inbound, outbound, and staging zones.
2. Transportation Unit (TU)
A Transportation Unit (TU) physically manifests as a truck, trailer, or container that transports goods in and out of the yard. They are instrumental in yard management SAP EWM as they document all relevant delivery and shipment data throughout their duration in the yard.
3. Yard Spot (Parking Space)
A yard spot refers to an individual parking position within the yard where TUs are parked. SAP EWM allows you to position and manage these spots as bin locations within the yard storage type, promoting systematic assignment and monitoring.
4. Check In and Check Out
In yard management, check-in and check-out are the two primary gate events. When a truck enters the facility, it is subjected to a check-in where the truck's information is captured in the system. When the truck leaves the facility, check out is completed and the TU is recorded to have exited the facility.
5. Yard Movement Orders
Yard movement orders are commands issued to yard spotters (shunting drivers or equipment operators) to relocate a transportation unit from one position to another, e.g. from a staging area to a dock door. These orders systematically coordinate all actual TU movements within the yard.
SAP EWM Yard Management Process Flow
The SAP EWM process flow for yard management is done through different sequential processes, which detail each step from the entry until the exit of a transportation unit from the yard. Here, we describe each step in the SAP EWM yard management process flow in detail.
Step 1: Creation of a Transportation Unit (TU)
This process begins with the creation of a Transportation Unit (TU) in SAP EWM. The creation of a TU can be done either by the yard manager (i.e., manually) or can happen automatically because of a system integration with SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM) or SAP S/4HANA. The TU is associated with inbound or outbound delivery orders so that there is end-to-end visibility in the supply chain.
Step 2: Gate Check-In Process
When a truck arrives at the yard, gate personnel perform a check-in. Here, the system checks the TU against what is supposed to be delivered / what appointments are on the schedule, and provides a check-in status. The system can also record and capture driver, license plate, seal, and carrier information.
If the TU was expected (i.e., pre-registered), the process is automated and check-in is expedited. The system also provides a way to perform a manual check-in for walk-in or unscheduled trucks. In this case, the manual check-in would be integrated with delivery documents.
Step 3: Yard Spot Assignment
The system will assign each incoming TU a yard spot after check-in. The yard spot assignment can either be rule-based (automatic) or manually done by a yard manager. The system considers the kind of goods being delivered, the delivery priority, which dock door is available, and the yard zone logic set in SAP EWM.
A yard movement order is created, directing the yard spotter to the designated TU. The order is created to ensure the truck is positioned accurately in the yard before being called to the dock.
Step 4: Dock Appointment and Dock Door Assignment
Dock doors are assigned after a TU is parked in the yard and the warehouse is ready for loading or unloading. This assignment is done in conjunction with the dock appointment scheduling feature in SAP EWM to help evenly space TUs and reduce congestion at the dock.
To ensure flow and avoid excess blockage to the dock, a new yard movement order is created to move the TU from where it is parked in the yard to the assigned dock door.
Step 5: Loading or Unloading Operations
When the Trailer Unit (TU) arrives at the dock, the warehouse team starts the loading or unloading process. These activities are handled in the SAP EWM's warehouse management layer, where the receipts and issues of goods, quality inspection, and putaway or picking tasks are processed. The yard management module is updated and synchronized with real-time TU updates.
Step 6: Post-Loading Yard Spot Assignment (Optional)
Once loading or unloading is done, the TU is relocated to the staging or holding area in the yard prior to departure (post if there are delays with the documentation or waiting for the vehicle to take more cargo). Another yard movement order is used to commence this relocation.
Step 7: Gate Check-Out
Gate personnel carry out a check-out when the TU is set to depart the facility. At this point, the system confirms that all delivery documents are complete, there are seals, and all exit conditions are satisfied. The TU status changes to departed, and the yard spot is made available for the next vehicle.
When a customer checks out, certain actions are initiated across other integrated modules within SAP, such as the posting of a goods movement in SAP S/4HANA, so that data is consistent throughout the supply chain.
SAP EWM Yard Management Configuration: Principal Components
Excellent SAP EWM yard management configuration is crucial for the proper functioning of the module, and the following are the principal components of SAP EWM yard management configuration that must be done:
- Warehouse Number and Yard Definition: In SAP EWM, the yard is defined and the yard is delineated as a part of a warehouse number with a defined storage type, storage sections, and a hierarchical bin structure.
- Yard Spot (Bin) Configuration: Within the yard storage type, create and set bins for parking spots, and assign a bin type, dimensions, and any other relevant restrictions reflective of the TU type intended.
- Transportation Unit Types: Specify and characterize all the different unit types (e.g., trailer of 40 ft, tanker, flatbed) that will be working in the yard and any pertinent operational restrictions.
- Gate Configuration: Define profiles for gates as check-in/check-out procedures, and set rules for mandatory fields, validation, and printing of gate pass layouts.
- Dock Door and Door Profile Assignment: Assign dock doors to the building, and set up door profiles indicating which TU types and delivery types are permitted for each door.
- Yard Movement Strategy: Create yard movement strategies for assigning yard spots automatically, including the rules and methods for prioritizing TUs to achieve the best positioning.
- Integration with TM and S/4HANA: Set up the required configurations and middleware to facilitate communication of yard management in SAP EWM data from SAP EWM to SAP TM or SAP S/4HANA.
It is essential to obtain the right configurations from the beginning to avoid problems later in the implementation of yard management. Many of the problems encountered in the implementation of SAP EWM yard management configuration are the result of yard structure configurations or incorrect definitions of TU types, which lead to problems in process flow and reporting.
Business Benefits of SAP EWM Yard Management
The implementation of SAP EWM yard management offers significant value in several aspects of warehouse and logistics operations, which include:
- Yard Visibility: There is no more guesswork, and operational changes can be responded to quicker.
- Less Truck Dwell Time: Truck dwell time can be reduced, carrier costs can be minimized and detention charges can be eliminated by automated spot assignments and structured movement orders.
Key Benefits
- Improved Dock Utilization: Dock appointments can be managed with yard movements to keep dock doors active and avoid trucks waiting in the yard.
- Enhanced Safety and Security: Gate check-in and check-out becomes a comprehensive list of vehicles entering and leaving the facility, improving safety and security.
- Integration of Supply Chain from Start to Finish: There is a seamless update in the delivery and inventory records from the yard, which means that all parties involved remain in sync without having to do it manually.
- Scalability and Flexibility: The SAP EWM yard management system can adapt to the complex and varied needs of multiple locations, single distribution sites, or a worldwide network.
Best Practices for Implementing SAP EWM Yard Management
To ensure that yard management in SAP EWM gives the highest return, the following is advised:
- Create an Accurate Map of the Yard: Before configuration, do a complete physical audit of the yard. Traffic lanes, zones, dock doors, and parking spots must all be documented correctly as they all inform system design.
- Integrate with Dock Appointment Scheduling: The SAP EWM dock appointment module can be combined with yard management to schedule truck arrivals and dock usage to minimize congestion during peak hours.
- Train Gate and Yard Staff: The success of yard management relies on how the gate employees and yard spotters utilize the system. Train users and develop detailed SOPs.
- Yard Movements Through Mobile Devices: Give yard spotters mobile devices or RF scanners so they can get and acknowledge real-time orders for yard movements without going back to their computer.
- Focus on KPIs and Improve: Measure the average dwell time, dock turnaround time, and gate processing time. Use the analytics in SAP EWM to find weak spots and keep improving yard operations.
SAP EWM Yard Management vs. Traditional Yard Management
Traditional yard management, such as crossed fingers, white boards, and spreadsheets, as well as stand-alone yard management systems, lack the automation and integration needed in today's modern supply chain for yard management. In comparison, yard management SAP EWM seamlessly integrates with the warehouse, transportation, and finance processes in the SAP system.
Standalone systems require manual synchronization with the warehouse management system, which can lead to both delays and mistakes. SAP EWM resolves this issue by capturing the yard as an extension of the warehouse, ensuring that all information concerning gate events, yard movements, delivery documents and inventory postings are synchronized automatically.
When Is SAP EWM Yard Management Most Relevant?
Not all companies are candidates for SAP EWM yard management, but there are certain operational attributes that make the case more compelling.
- Dock Traffic and Yard Congestion: High truck volumes that lead to chronic dock congestion
- Yard Complexity: Big yards with multiple zones and dozens of dock doors require more sophisticated management
- Carrier Detention Issues: Frequent detention charge disputes with carriers can also indicate that the yard management function is needed
- Regulatory Compliance: Traffic compliance, vehicle tracking and gate security require the yard management function
- Coordination Complexity: Complexity of inbound and outbound coordination also warrants the function
- Underutilized SAP EWM: Previously invested in SAP EWM Yard Management and haven't used the yard management module
If your organization can identify multiple statements, it is most probably true that SAP EWM yard management will have an immediate and considerable impact on your operations.
What Can ERPVITS Do For My Business?
Here at ERPVITS, we focus on optimizations, upgrades, and implementations for SAP EWM across diverse fields. Our certified consultants are SAP experts in yard management in SAP EWM and assist in configuring, deploying, and improving yard operations.
If you are beginning from scratch with an SAP EWM implementation, or would like to activate yard management with your current deployment, we are here to assist in any phase from gathering requirements and SAP EWM yard management configuration to user training and support when you go live.
We know that not all yards are built alike, and we develop tailored solutions to match your specific operation, not a standard template.
Conclusion
For organizations wanting to enhance supply chain efficiencies, lower costs, and achieve comprehensive visibility across a logistics network, SAP EWM yard management is a critical tool. It allows for the automation and integration of yard processes - from gate check-in through dock assignment to check-out - eliminating manual bottlenecks and seamlessly integrating the roadway to the warehouse.
Investing in the right SAP EWM yard management configuration and understanding the SAP EWM process flow for yard management creates a solid foundation for operational success. With the right implementation partner, the operational success built on yard management SAP EWM is achievable in a short period of time.
For SAP EWM Training, visit the ERPVITS website or contact our team for further assistance.