Project overview
A DIY retailer needed more stable replenishment from the distribution center to stores. Stock-outs were not always caused by lack of inventory; they were often caused by weak coordination between demand signals, warehouse release, and route staging.
Challenges
- Fast movers were not replenished consistently
- Planners were overloaded with manual exceptions
- Store delivery waves were not aligned with route windows
SAP EWM solution design
The SAP EWM design connected replenishment demand with outbound waves, route-based staging, and monitor-driven exception handling. The operational objective was to make daily flow more reliable rather than simply release more tasks.
Key outcomes
In similar environments, a 5 to 10 point service-level increase is realistic, alongside 15% to 25% better DC productivity and fewer stock-out escalations. Those benefits align with the visibility and planning control SAP positions as core WMS value.
Next steps
The next phase would add slotting for seasonal items and labor forecasting.