JBON_DATA

SAP-EWM

EWM and MFS Integration Guide

Material Flow System (MFS) is EWM's interface to automated warehouse equipment. It enables communication with conveyors, sorters, AS/RS systems, and other material handling automation.

MFS Architecture

The MFS layer sits between EWM and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers):

EWM Warehouse Tasks
       ↓
   MFS Layer
       ↓
  PLC/WCS Communication
       ↓
Automated Equipment

Key MFS Components

  • Routing: Determines path through conveyor network
  • Sorting: Controls sorter logic and destinations
  • Sequencing: Orders handling units for retrieval
  • Checkpoints: Tracking points through the system

Communication Protocols

MFS typically uses telegram-based communication:

  • RFC: Synchronous SAP-to-SAP communication
  • IDoc: Asynchronous message exchange
  • PI/PO: Integration platform connectivity
  • Direct PLC: OPC-UA or proprietary protocols

Telegram Types

# Sample telegram structure
TELE_TYPE = 'TRAN'     # Transport telegram
HU_ID = '000012345678' # Handling unit identifier
SOURCE = 'CONV-001'    # Source checkpoint
DEST = 'STOR-A01'      # Destination
PRIORITY = '1'         # Routing priority
TIMESTAMP = '20241111093045'

Routing Determination

MFS routing considers multiple factors:

  1. Destination storage type
  2. Equipment availability
  3. Conveyor capacity
  4. Priority rules
  5. Exception handling

AS/RS Integration

For Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems:

  • Storage requests: EWM initiates putaway
  • Retrieval requests: EWM requests from crane
  • Confirmation: PLC confirms completion
  • Inventory sync: Handling unit location updates

Checkpoint Processing

Checkpoints track HU movement through automation:

Checkpoint Events:
1. SCAN    - HU arrives at checkpoint
2. DECIDE  - MFS determines routing
3. ROUTE   - Send to next destination
4. CONFIRM - Arrival at destination
5. ERROR   - Exception handling trigger

Error Handling

Automation requires robust exception handling:

  • No-read situations (barcode failures)
  • Dimension/weight mismatches
  • Equipment jams and faults
  • Routing failures

Monitoring and Diagnostics

Essential monitoring includes:

  • Real-time conveyor visualization
  • Telegram queue monitoring
  • Error rate dashboards
  • Throughput tracking

MFS integration requires close collaboration between SAP consultants and automation engineers.

← Back to Blog