SAP Storage Unit Management and Handling Unit Management

SAP Storage Unit Management and Handling Unit Management

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Table of Contents

1. Overview

In SAP, SU (Storage Unit) represents different type of packages like Carton, Pallets etc in Warehouse. Similarly a HU (Handling Unit) too represents different type of package like Carton, Pallets etc in Supply Chain.

Then what is difference between SU & HU. The difference is in existence

Storage Unit(SU) exists in WM only, while Handling Unit (HU) exists in Global Supply Chain.

2. Configuration Options in SAP for HU vs SU

Storage location is the top most organization structure to manage the stock further in the plants.

There are three Options to manage the stock under a SLOC (Storage Location)

--> Stock is managed on SLOC level. 

--> Stock is managed on SLOC level with handling unit management (HUM). 

--> Stock is managed further to SLOC on storage bin level with only Storage Unit or Handling Unit as Storage Unit

--> To manage the stock in SU, we require Warehouse Management . A warehouse is defined for the plant, SLOC combination. if only SU is used then warehouse and corresponding storage types are required to be defined for SUM

2.1 Option 1 -Standard IM Managed SLOC.

In this option we manage the stock no further than storage location (SLOC) level

Picture 1 : Stock is managed on SLOC level.

No HU is used. Once storage locations are defined then no further configuration is required to manage the inventory. Only we need to extend the materials to all the storage locations (on which stock is to be managed).

This is a simple & straight scenario.

--> Please note that we can receive HUs with SSCC number without doing any further configuration of HUs on standard storage location. Only Config required is SSCC generation & packaging material type configuration. 

2.1.1 Testing of Option1 in SAP

A Material is created in our plant PA10. Check the below post for the material creation

2 Minutes Guide to Create your First Material in S4 HANA

First we will receive the goods and then dispatch the goods.

2.1.1.1 Receiving the Goods

Purchase Order is created for Material to be procured and Good receipt is done once material is received in the warehouse. Once Good received is done material is available in Storage location of the plant.

Check the below posts for the full process till good receipt on SLOC

All About Purchase Orders in SAP MM

We have created PO & IBD in SAP_

Picture: IBD under option 1
a) Option 1 -Packing

We can pack and create SSCC number if it requires.

Just pack in inbound delivery and post the GR

Picture: Packing in IBD in option 1
2.1.1.2 Dispatching the Goods

We have created a sales order and OBD . We can use SSCC number in OBD or we just simply can pick and PGI. System is not going to check any type of SSCC number related checking

Picture: OBD under 1 with or without SSCC number

We can use Packing and generate SSCC number in option 1 , if we want but system does not execute any type of checking on the SSCC/HU.

2.2 Option 2 -IM Managed SLOC with HU Management

In this option stock is managed on storage location level with Handling Unit Management (HUM) activated.

Picture 2: IM with HUM

In addition to storage location configuration, HU related configuration also needs to be done. We have the option of generating either an internal HU number or SSCC according to EAN128. All the stock movement/posting changes happens through deliveries.

2.2.1 Configuration of Option 2

Let’s configure the option 2 in the system in details and see the characteristics of this option.

2.2.1.1 Handling Unit Configuration

Handling unit is a combination of packaging material & material to be packed

Picture 8 : SAP Handling Unit Composition
a) Number Range Maintenance for HU Identification

We can maintain an internal number range or an external number range for HU identification.

Note: We can maintain multiple internal and external number range intervals so that various packaging material types create different numbers.

SPRO –> Logistics – General –> Handling Unit Management –> External Identification–> Number Range Maintenance for HU Identification

We have maintained the below number ranges

Picture: Number Range Maintenance for HU Identification
b) Packaging Material Type Configuration

We will configure below packaging material type as below

  • Packaging Material Type SCAR -Will generate SSSC Carton Standard
  • Packaging Material Type SPAL -Will generate SSSC Pallet Standard
  • Packaging Material Type TRUK – Will generate Means of Transport
  • Packaging Material Type SEAC – Will generate Means of Transport
  • Packaging Material Type AIRC – Will generate Means of Transport
  • Packaging Material Type THMM – Will generate Auxiliary packaging Material
  • Packaging Material Type DICE – Will generate Auxiliary packaging Material
c) SCAR – SSCC Carton

SPRO –> Logistics – General –> Handling Unit Management –> Basics –> Define Packaging Material Types

Picture 9 : Packing Material Type SCAR to generate Standard Carton with SSCC number.
d) SPAL – SSCC Pallet
Picture 10 : Packing Material Type SPAL to generate Standard Pallet with SSCC number.HU
e)- TRUK – Means of Transport “Truck”

Means of Transport “TRUK” is configured as per below

Picture : TRUK MTr
f)- AIRC – Means of Transport “Air Container”

Means of Transport “AIRC” is configured as per below

Picture : Air Container MTr
g)- SEAC – Means of Transport “Sea Container”
Picture : Sea Container MTr
h)- THMM – Auxiliary Packaging Material “Thermometer”
Picture : Auxiliary Packaging Material “Thermometer”
i)- DICE – Auxiliary Packaging Material “ICE”
Picture : Auxiliary Packaging Material “ICE”
j) HU Type for EAN128 (Application Identifier 01)

Packaging material type configuration within the EAN128-/UCC128 norms, the shipping unit number/ Serialized Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is used to provide handling units with unique identification. The SSCC is 18 digits long and the first digit specifies the type of handling unit. Carton is represented by “0” & Pallet is represented by “1”

Please check the EAN128 configuration in details through the below link

All About Handling Units and Bar Codes in SAP S4 HANA

k) Material Group Packaging Material

Materials that are to be packed into similar packaging materials are grouped together. The material grouping for packaging materials is entered in the material master record of the shipping material. 

SPRO –> Logistics – General –> Handling Unit Management –> Basics –> Define Material Group for Packaging Materials

Created Material Group for packaging materials as PKGR

Picture 11 : Material Group for packaging materials

l) Allowed Packaging Material

By assigning packaging material types to the material groups for packaging materials, you define which packaging materials are allowed for packing.

Assigned our both packaging material types SCAR & SPAL to our Material group PKGR

Picture 12 : Allowed Packaging Material type
2.2.1.2 HU Requirement for Storage Location

We have configured storage location PP21 for this option.

When we set the HU requirement indicator for a storage location, we can only make stock postings if you specify the handling unit

If you do not specify the handling unit, the system does not create a material document when you make the posting but creates a delivery document.

Let’s maintain the handling unit requirement for SLOC PP21

SPRO –> Logistics – General –> Handling Unit Management –> Basics –> Materials Management –> Inventory Management –> HU Requirement for Storage Locations and Default Values for Deliveries

Picture: HU Requirement indicator for SLOC PP21
2.2.1.3 Partner Storage Location

In the above configuration, since the stock in storage location PP21 is subjected to a handling unit requirement, so stock is packed in principle, we must maintain a partner storage location for transactions such as unpacking. We used Standard SLOC PP1B as a partner location.

2.2.1.4 Configure default values for creating a delivery

SPRO –> Logistics – General –> Handling Unit Management –> Basics –> Materials Management –> Inventory Management –> Set QM Check and Delivery Type for Each Movement Type

Here we maintain the delivery categories corresponding to every movement type

a) Delivery Categories

Below are the delivery categories defined in SAP

Delivery CategoryDelivery Category Description
IDDelivery Category for Inbound Deliveries
ODDelivery Category for Outbound Deliveries
TPDelivery Category for Stock Transfer Deliveries/Posting Changes
RLDelivery Category for Return Delivery to Supplier
LBDelivery Category for Subcontracting
RKDelivery Category for Customer Returns
Table : Delivery Categories in SAP to determine the delivery type in HU related deliveries for HU managed SLOCs

Let’s check/configure for 561 movement type as an example

Picture 36 : Delivery category determination corresponding to 561 movement type

2.2.1.5 Delivery Type Determination

Below is the path to configure delivery type determination

SPRO –> Logistics – General –> Handling Unit Management –> Basics –> Delivery –> Delivery Type Determination

a) Delivery type determination for inbound delivery
Picture 37 : Delivery type determination for inbound delivery (Delivery category “ID”)

b) Delivery type determination for Outbound delivery
Picture 38 : Delivery type determination for Outbound delivery (Delivery category “OD”, “RL” & “TP”)

c) Delivery type determination for Posting Change
Picture 39 : Delivery type determination for Posting Change (Delivery Category “TP”)
2.2.1.6 Configuration of SSCC Generation Acc. to EAN128

if we will try to pack in the absence of SSCC number generation while packaging material type configuration mandates it then system will throw the ERROR LE_SHP_BF_EAN128022

This error is due to unavailability of configuration of SSCC Generation Acc. to EAN128

To configure the SSCC generation please follow the below

SPRO –> Logistics – General –> Handling Unit Management –> External Identification –> SSCC Generation Acc. to EAN128 –> Maintain Number Range Object for SSCC

Picture: Maintain number range for object LE_SSCC

SPRO –> Logistics – General –> Handling Unit Management –> External Identification –> SSCC Generation Acc. to EAN128 –> Maintain SSCC Generation for Each Plant / Storage Location

Picture: EAN128/SSCC number generation

2.2.2 Testing of Option 2

We will test the option 2 through two scenarios

2.2.2.1 Scenario 1 (Inbound) : Receipt of the material through initial Upload (Movement Type 561)

Let’s receipt the material through 561 movement type on IM HU SLOC PP21

Start MIGO –> Goods Receipt –> Other

Picture: Posting 561 Movement type on HU SLOC

As expected system has created inbound delivery

Picture: Inbound Delivery for IM HU SLOC

Check delivery type, system has created inbound delivery with type as “HID” as expected

Picture: Inbound Delivery Type “HID”

Now if we try to do the goods receipt of this inbound delivery without creating HU , then system will throw error

Picture: IM HU Managed SLOC Error in the absence of HU

To resolve this error pack in the inbound delivery

Picture: Packing in Inbound Delivery

Note : HU number should be generated as per SSCC/EAN128 according to the packaging material type “SCAR” assigned to our packaging material “CARTONSTD”

a) ERROR M8147 -Account determination for entry PPIN GBB not possible
Picture 40 : OBYC Error M8147 in GR through 561

Configure GBB , BSA Key to resolve this error

Picture 41 : OBYC Configuration for Key GBB General Modifier BSA to resolve Error M8147 in PGR through 561 Mvt Type.

Now try again to complete the goods receipt

b) Error M7279 – Data for delivery creation is incomplete
Picture 42 : Vendor Error in GR through 561 Mvt. Type for HU SLOC

To resolve this error We need to assign plant to a vendor.

TIP

input your plant in table T001W and look for plant vendor. if It is available then the above error will not come.

We assign our plant PA10 to the already created vendor PA01VEN01

Picture 43 : Setting Plant Vendor

GR is done successfully now and HU is received in stock

Picture: HU is received in Stock for HU required Storage Location
2.2.2.2 Scenario 2 (Inbound) : Receipt of the material through External vendor

in this scenario we will create a PO and then IBD based on the PO.

We want to manage stock on IM storage location but in HU. To create the HU we need to pack in Inbound delivery while receiving the stock.

Crete a PO and Inbound delivery to receive the stock on PA21 SLOC

a) Inbound Delivery Created to receive the stock on IM HU PP21 SLOC
Picture : IBD created to receive the stock on IM HU SLOC PA21

Check the below posts for the full process till good receipt on SLOC

All About Purchase Orders in SAP MM

GR is done and HU is now present in the plant on PP21 SLOC

2.2.2.3 Scenario 3: Move the HU between HU Managed & Non-HU Managed SLOCs

To move the HU among the HU managed and non-HU managed SLOCs we use VLMOVE & HUMO

a) VLMOVE

To move the full HU between HU-managed storage locations and non-HU storage locations we can use VLMOVE

b) HUMO

To move the full HU between HU-managed storage locations and non-HU storage locations we can use HUMO

Picture: Movement of HU between PP21 & PP1A through HUMO
c) Control of Movements used in VLMOVE & HUMO

In the below configuration, we define the movement types that are used for HU-specific material postings. The Packing process defines the movement type with which the packed (or unpacked) material is transferred between HU-managed storage locations and non-HU storage locations through the posting process in the Handling Unit Monitor (HUMO) and in the Goods Movements for Handling Units and Materials (VLMOVE) transaction.

SPRO –> Logistics – General –> Handling Unit Management –> Basics –> Technical Basics –> Maintain Goods Movements for Handling Unit Stock-Posting

Picture 26 : Control of Movement/Process used in VLMOVE & HUMO
2.2.2.4 Scenario 3 (Outbound) : Picking the HU for the OBD with Goods issue

In this scenario we will test a end to end outbound cycle.

a) Picking of HU for Outbound Delivery

Created a sales order and OBD. In the OBD input picking qty & batch and click on Pack

Please note that sales order & OBD is for 1 EA and HU we will try to pick is of 7 EA.

Input the HU to be picked and click on Pack as shown below

Picture: HU Picking error due to mismatch in qty

Unpack the material through HU02 to PP1B SLOC . Then again packed the material in 1 qty to PP21 SLOC

Picture: Creation of 1 EA HU at PP21 SLOC

Now go to packing dialogues of VL02N and try to pick this newly packed 1 EA HU 86543210300000448

HU is picked now

Picture: HU is Picked

HU is picked now. Execute the Post goods issue of outbound delivery.

Please see the below post for PGI related errors (SD-FI integration) & resolution

SAP SD FI Integration and Account Determination

Execute the Post goods issue of outbound delivery

PGI is done. Material & Accounting Document is generated

Picture: Document Flow of Outbound Delivery after PGI

Check Accounting Document

Picture: Accounting Document after Outbound Delivery Post Goods Issue

2.3 Option 3 -WM Managed SLOC

In this option stock is managed further to SLOC level up-to the warehouse bin level. Storage location is assigned to plant & warehouse.

in option 3, there are further two options to manage the stock

  • Stock is managed in Storage Units (SU). SUs are valid only inside the warehouse
  • Stock is managed in Handling Units . HUs are valid inside as well as outside the warehouse.
Difference between SAP Storage Unit Management and Handling Unit Management
Picture 3 : Difference Between SAP Storage Unit Management and Handling Unit Management

2.3.1 Option 3.1 – Stock is managed in Storage Units (SU)

in this option, stock is managed in SUs inside the warehouse. You need to declare warehouse and required storage types as SU managed in configuration. A SU is created through an internal SU number range. SU exists only inside the warehouse and lost as soon as material is out from the warehouse.

2.3.2 Option 3.2 – Stock is managed in Handling Units (HU)

A Handling Unit (HU) becomes Storage Unit (SU) in warehouse with same or different number.

In this option, We manage the stock in HUs. A handling unit is nothing but a packing material and material to be packed combined. We can configure internal HU numbers or a SSCC (Serialized Shipping Container Code) according to EAN128.

You can learn everything about SAP HU and Barcode here

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