Introduction
For businesses looking to customize warehouse and transport processes, advanced shipping and obtained (ASR) in SAP S/4hana provides an integrated solution. It basically integrates transport management (TM) and extended warehouse management (EWM), helps organizations to eliminate fruitless steps, reduce manual errors and improve communication in supply chain functions.
In SCM Champs, we have worked with the enterprises adopting ASR, which helps them unlock the capacity by combining logistics execution with warehouse operations. However, successful ASR needs only require more than technical setups – this carefully demands alignment and strategy.
This guide underlines major factors and best practices to consider when applying ASR with SAP S/4hana embedded TM and EWM.
Understanding ASR in SAP S/4HANA
Before ASR, SAP relied on Freight Orders (FO) and Transportation Units (TU) separately to bridge warehouse and transportation processes. ASR streamlines this by allowing direct communication between TM and EWM, eliminating the need for TUs when not required.
ASR is Available in:
- SAP S/4HANA 2020 FPS01 onwards, with the following scope:
- Basic TM: Included in S/4HANA.
- Basic EWM, Lean WM, and Stock Room Management: Available in S/4HANA Suite.
- Embedded EWM and Embedded TM: ASR works directly within embedded deployments.
Note: ASR does not require a decentralized EWM setup. It operates effectively with embedded configurations.
Benefits of ASR Integration
By enabling ASR, organizations can:
- Achieve seamless transportation planning where Freight Orders replace Transportation Units.
- Mix several outbound delivery in the order of a freight transportation, improve consolidation.
- Automate the synchronization between warehouse order (WOS) and Freight Order (FOS), including bills, carrier details and status updates.
- Reduce operation complexity and manual data handling.
Process Models in ASR
At SCM Champs, we guide clients in choosing the most suitable ASR process model based on their operational setup:
1. Warehouse-Driven Transportation Planning
- Best for fulfillment centers or scenarios with same-day order processing.
- Freight units are created based on warehouse processes.
- Suitable when transportation decisions are made after goods are staged.
- Carrier assignment happens post-warehouse processing.
2. Transportation-Driven Warehouse Execution
- Ideal when freight is pre-planned, such as route-based deliveries or scheduled consolidations.
- Warehouse operations align with pre-created Freight Orders.
- Delivery execution is driven by transportation schedules.
- Information like carrier, bill of lading, and route flows directly from TM to the warehouse in real time.
Key Functional Differences
| Feature | Transportation-Driven Process | Warehouse-Driven Process |
| Execution Trigger | Starts when Freight Order is created | Starts when warehouse tasks are initiated |
| Integration | TM drives EWM and ERP processes | EWM drives TM updates post-staging |
| Delivery Visibility | Freight Order visible to warehouse immediately | Outbound deliveries drive the freight process |
| Release for Processing | Based on transportation events | Based on warehouse readiness |
| Freight Unit Assignment | Pre-assigned to Freight Orders | Dynamically assigned post-warehouse staging |
Important Design Considerations
- No Auto-Wave Compatibility: ASR does not support auto-wave-based task generation. This requires a shift in wave planning strategies.
- Carrier Selection: Basic TM requires manual carrier selection unless advanced TM capabilities are licensed.
- Cross Delivery HU Handling: Managing handling units across multiple deliveries isn’t natively supported; custom enhancements may be necessary.
- Service Items: Items like packaging materials must be managed carefully as ASR does not handle them as line items naturally.
Common Pitfalls SCM Champs Helps You Avoid
- Misalignment between TM-driven and warehouse-driven processes.
- Incorrect master data setup, leading to failed FO creation.
- Inadequate training on the ASR process flows.
- Underestimating the change management needed for cross-functional teams.
Conclusion
ASR in SAP S/4hana is a powerful tool that bridges the difference between transport management and warehouse execution. When applied correctly, it streamlines operations, improves transparency, and reduces errors.
In SCM Champs, we specialize in helping businesses unlock ASR’s full potential. The approach to us ensures that your transport and warehouse processes are originally integrated, which establishes the foundation for scalable growth and operational excellence.
Need Help?
Reach out to SCM Champs, your trusted partner for SAP EWM, TM, and ASR implementations, and let’s drive your logistics transformation together.
