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Quality Management in SAP EWM

Quality Management Integration in SAP EWM

In this blog, we are going to discuss the Quality Management Integration in SAP Extended Warehouse Management

Overview

Integrating SAP QM (Quality Management) with SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) is essential for managing quality inspections within warehouse processes. This integration enables companies to maintain high product quality by ensuring that goods are inspected and meet standards during inbound, outbound, and internal warehouse processes.

Key Concepts in SAP QM and EWM Integration:

1. Inspection Lots: These are the core of QM functionality in SAP. An inspection lot is generated to record quality checks on a particular batch or material. When integrated with EWM, inspection lots are created automatically during relevant warehouse processes.

2. Inspection Process Trigger Points: QM inspections can be triggered at different stages:

Goods Receipt (Inbound): Inspection can be initiated when materials are received from vendors or after production.
Internal Movements: During internal warehouse transfers, such as moving goods between storage bins or areas, inspection may be required.
Goods Issue (Outbound): When goods are being prepared for shipment, an inspection can be triggered to ensure quality before delivery to customers.

3. Master dat Synchronization:

Inspection Plan: Defines what needs to be inspected and how. The inspection plan is linked to materials and batches. This data is shared between QM and EWM to ensure consistency.
Material Master: The quality inspection parameters defined in the material master (e.g., inspection type) control how and when inspections should be carried out during warehouse activities.

4. Process Flow for QM and EWM Integration:

Inbound Process (Goods Receipt)

Goods Receipt Posting: When goods are received in EWM, a goods receipt is posted.
Inspection Lot Creation: Based on the inspection setup in SAP QM, an inspection lot is generated for the received goods.
Stock in Quality Inspection: The received goods are placed into a storage type designated for quality inspection until the inspection is completed.
Inspection Execution: The quality team performs inspections based on the inspection lot generated. Results are recorded in SAP QM.
Stock Decision: Once the inspection results are available, SAP QM updates the stock status in SAP EWM. Based on the quality decision, the stock is either moved to unrestricted use, blocked stock, or rejected for further actions.

Internal Process

Internal Transfer with Inspection: For internal warehouse movements, goods can be moved between bins or areas. If configured, SAP EWM can trigger an inspection lot to check the quality of goods during these movements.
Quality Results Recording: SAP QM manages the inspection results, and EWM reflects any stock status changes based on the results (e.g., move to unrestricted or blocked stock).

Outbound Process (Goods Issue)
Goods Issue Posting: Before goods are shipped to customers, a goods issue is posted.
Inspection Lot Generation: An inspection lot may be triggered based on outbound inspection settings. This ensures that goods meet quality standards before delivery.
Inspection and Stock Decision: After the inspection, the system updates the stock status (e.g., move to unrestricted use or block stock for further analysis).

5. Communication and Data Exchange:

IDocs or RFCs: These are used to exchange data between SAP QM and SAP EWM. SAP S/4HANA environments allow more seamless integration through shared databases.
Q-Inspection Document in EWM: SAP EWM uses a specific Q-Inspection document that relates to the inspection lot generated by QM. This document helps to track inspection results and monitor stock movements.

6. Benefits of QM and EWM Integration:

Improved Quality Control: Integrated inspections help maintain consistent product quality across all warehouse processes, ensuring defective goods are identified and handled before they reach customers.
Streamlined Processes: Automated inspection lot creation based on warehouse activities reduces manual effort and streamlines warehouse operations.

Better Stock Management: The ability to track goods in quality inspection, unrestricted, or blocked stock ensures precise inventory control.
Compliance: Helps companies adhere to regulatory and internal quality standards by enforcing quality checks at critical points in the supply chain.

7. Key Configuration Steps for Integration:

Inspection Type in Material Master: Define inspection types for different processes (e.g., 01 for goods receipt from purchase orders, 04 for production, etc.).
Quality Inspection Rule in EWM: EWM uses Quality Inspection Rules to define when an inspection should be triggered based on specific criteria (e.g., material type, vendor).
Warehouse Process Type Assignment: Configure warehouse process types to incorporate quality inspections at various stages of material handling.

Conclusion

By integrating SAP QM and SAP EWM, companies can ensure quality checks are seamlessly embedded within their warehouse processes, leading to better quality control, compliance with regulations, and improved operational efficiency.