SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) vs Infor CloudSuite WMS

Choosing the right warehouse management solution for your business can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be challenging to compare and contrast the features and capabilities of different software solutions to find the right fit for your business. Two commonly used solutions in this field are SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) and Infor CloudSuite WMS. In this article, we dive into the details of both solutions, comparing and contrasting each platform’s capabilities, pros, cons, and user experiences to help you make an informed decision about which solution is best suited for your business needs.

What is SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)?

SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) is a warehouse management system (WMS) solution that provides businesses with real-time visibility and control over their warehouse activities. The solution helps companies optimize their inventory management and logistics processes and streamline their supply chain by providing end-to-end visibility across all processes.

One of the key features of SAP EWM is its ability to handle complex warehouse operations, such as cross-docking, wave picking, and slotting. The solution also offers advanced inventory management capabilities, including cycle counting, physical inventory, and stock transfers.

SAP EWM is highly configurable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries and businesses. It can be integrated with other SAP solutions, such as SAP Transportation Management and SAP Global Trade Services, to provide a complete end-to-end supply chain management solution.

What is Infor CloudSuite WMS?

Infor CloudSuite WMS is a cloud-based warehouse management solution designed for small to midsize businesses. The software solution streamlines warehouse operations and automates various tasks, including receiving, put-away, picking, and shipping. Infor CloudSuite WMS helps businesses improve warehouse efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction by improving order accuracy.

One of the key features of Infor CloudSuite WMS is its ability to provide real-time visibility into warehouse operations. This allows businesses to track inventory levels, monitor order status, and identify potential issues before they become problems. Additionally, the software solution offers advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, enabling businesses to gain insights into their warehouse operations and make data-driven decisions.

Another benefit of Infor CloudSuite WMS is its flexibility and scalability. The software solution can be customized to meet the unique needs of each business, and can easily adapt to changing business requirements as the company grows. This makes it an ideal solution for businesses that are looking to improve their warehouse operations and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment.

Comparison of SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) and Infor CloudSuite WMS

When comparing the two solutions, SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) and Infor CloudSuite WMS, several factors need to be considered. Both solutions offer excellent capabilities focusing on streamlining supply chain activities, reducing warehouse operational costs, and improving order accuracy. Here are some of the key differences between the two:

One of the main differences between SAP EWM and Infor CloudSuite WMS is their approach to customization. SAP EWM offers a highly customizable solution, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific needs. In contrast, Infor CloudSuite WMS offers a more standardized approach, with less flexibility for customization. This can be an advantage for companies that prefer a more straightforward implementation process.

Another factor to consider is the level of integration with other systems. SAP EWM is part of the larger SAP ecosystem, which includes other modules such as SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA. This means that SAP EWM can be seamlessly integrated with these systems, providing a more comprehensive solution. In contrast, Infor CloudSuite WMS is a standalone system, which may require additional integration efforts to connect with other systems.

Key features of SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)

SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) is designed for large organizations that require a comprehensive system to manage their warehouse operations. Some of the key features of the solution include:

• Real-time visibility of inventory and warehouse operations
• Advanced automation of warehouse processes
• Advanced shipping and transportation planning capabilities
• Flexible integration with other SAP systems

In addition to the above features, SAP EWM also offers:

• Enhanced labor management capabilities, allowing for better tracking and optimization of employee productivity
• Advanced slotting functionality, enabling efficient placement of products within the warehouse based on factors such as demand and product characteristics

Furthermore, SAP EWM provides a range of reporting and analytics tools, allowing for detailed analysis of warehouse operations and performance. This data can be used to identify areas for improvement and optimize warehouse processes, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.

Key features of Infor CloudSuite WMS

Infor CloudSuite WMS provides robust warehouse management capabilities in a cloud-based environment. The solution is easy to use and ideal for small to midsize businesses looking to streamline their warehouse operations. Some of the key features of the solution include:

• Real-time visibility of inventory and warehouse operations
• Automated warehouse processes to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Built-in analytics to provide actionable insights
• Flexible integration with other Infor systems

In addition to the key features mentioned above, Infor CloudSuite WMS also offers advanced reporting capabilities that allow users to generate custom reports based on their specific business needs. This feature enables businesses to gain deeper insights into their warehouse operations and make data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, Infor CloudSuite WMS provides a mobile application that allows warehouse workers to access the system from their mobile devices. This feature enables workers to perform tasks such as receiving, picking, and shipping products from anywhere in the warehouse, improving overall efficiency and reducing errors.

Pros and cons of SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)

Like any software solution, SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) has both pros and cons:

Pros

• Comprehensive capabilities for managing large warehouses
• Advanced integration capabilities with other SAP products
• Real-time visibility and control over warehouse operations

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Expensive to implement and maintain
• Requires specialized IT knowledge for configuration and customization

Despite the cons, SAP EWM has become a popular choice for businesses looking to optimize their warehouse operations. With its advanced features and capabilities, it can help businesses improve their inventory management, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. Additionally, SAP EWM offers a high level of flexibility, allowing businesses to customize the solution to meet their specific needs. However, it is important to carefully consider the costs and resources required for implementation and maintenance before making a decision to adopt SAP EWM.

Pros and cons of Infor CloudSuite WMS

Infor CloudSuite WMS has its unique strengths and weaknesses as well, some of which include:

Pros

• Cloud-based, accessible from any device with an internet connection
• Easy to set up and use, requiring minimal IT support
• Flexible integration capabilities with other Infor products

Cons

• Not suitable for managing large warehouse operations
• Limited customization capabilities outside of the Infor platform
• Reporting capabilities are not as advanced as SAP EWM

Integration capabilities of SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)

SAP EWM provides excellent integration capabilities within the SAP ecosystem, allowing businesses to integrate with other SAP products and third-party systems via APIs. This capability offers an enhanced user experience across multiple SAP products, improving visibility, control, and collaboration within the supply chain. While the solution can integrate with a range of external systems, integration may require advanced programming skills and significant IT support, raising implementation costs.

Integration capabilities of Infor CloudSuite WMS

Infor CloudSuite WMS offers seamless integration with other Infor products. This integration provides users with a clear view of the entire supply chain, from sales orders to warehouse fulfillment and delivery. As part of the Infor ecosystem, businesses can leverage Infor’s other products, such as CRM, ERP, and HCM, to provide a seamless end-to-end solution. Unlike SAP EWM, Infor CloudSuite WMS does not offer the same level of flexibility in terms of integration with external systems, limiting users to Infor’s pre-built integrations.

Implementation process and costs for SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)

Implementing SAP EWM is lengthy and costly, mainly due to its extensive customization capabilities and complex integration requirements. Implementing an SAP solution can take several months and requires significant resources, IT knowledge, and support. Cost estimates for implementing EWM vary significantly based on the size of the organization, the scope of the project, and the number of integrations required. Implementation costs can range from several hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars.

Implementation process and costs for Infor CloudSuite WMS

In contrast, implementing Infor CloudSuite WMS is significantly less complex and generally quicker than SAP EWM. The solution is cloud-based, making it easy to set up and deploy. The cost of implementing Infor CloudSuite WMS varies based on the size of the organization and the scope and complexity of the implementation. Due to its ease of implementation, implementation costs for Infor CloudSuite WMS generally are lower than SAP EWM, ranging between several thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars.

User experience with SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)

SAP EWM provides a robust and comprehensive solution for managing complex warehouse operations, providing real-time visibility across all inventory, pick, and put-away processes. However, due to the steep learning curve and complexities of the solution, users with limited IT knowledge may find the platform complex and difficult to navigate.

User experience with Infor CloudSuite WMS

Infor CloudSuite WMS is designed with the end-user in mind, delivering an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The solution requires minimal IT support, making it easy for employees to learn and use. The platform provides real-time visibility across all inventory, pick, and shipment processes, enhancing user experience and improving overall productivity within the logistics team.

Future developments for SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM)

SAP EWM is continually improving, with new features and capabilities added with each new release. Recent updates have focused on enhancing the solution’s ease of use and reducing its implementation costs, making the software more accessible to a wider range of businesses.

Future developments for Infor CloudSuite WMS

Like SAP EWM, Infor CloudSuite WMS is continually updated to meet the changing demands of the logistics industry. Recent updates have focused on enhancing the solution’s reporting and analytics capabilities, providing users with improved insights and actionable information to optimize warehouse operations and reduce costs.

Which solution is best suited for your business needs?

Ultimately, the decision between SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) and Infor CloudSuite WMS depends on the size and complexity of your warehouse operations, your budget, and your future growth plans. For large enterprises with complex warehouse operations, SAP EWM is the best choice, offering comprehensive capabilities, advanced automation, and flexible integration with other SAP products. For small to midsize businesses that need to streamline warehouse operations without complex integration requirements, Infor CloudSuite WMS is the ideal solution.

Conclusion: Choosing between SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) and Infor CloudSuite WMS

Choosing between SAP EWM and Infor CloudSuite WMS requires careful consideration of several factors, including the size and complexity of your warehouse operations, your budget, and your future growth plans. Both solutions offer excellent capabilities for streamlining warehouse operations, enhancing supply chain performance, and reducing costs. Ultimately, the decision rests on which platform is best suited to meet your specific business needs.