SAP MFS
SAP Material Flow System is an integrated functional component within SAP EWM. SAP MFS is typically used for material flow control in automated warehouse systems (AS/RS for small parts, HBS), and deployed in demanding, highly-automated logistics centers.
SAP MFS provides comprehensive, performance-optimized control for highly-dynamic, fully-automated shuttle AS/RS systems, sorters and sequencers. The deployment of SAP MFS results in a two-tier system architecture (SAP-PLC) with a maximum level of SAP integration and simple interfaces, making external middleware and subsystems, such as warehouse/material flow control system (WCS/MFC) surplus to requirements. This means lower operation costs, greater flexibility and transparency, and maximum protection for your investment.
SAP MFS defines conveyor travel for totes, pallets, etc. on the automated conveyor lines flexibly as entities called “routes”. Complex conveyor system layouts with multi-level layouts or layouts with buffers, sorting lines, etc. can be comprehensively mapped out within SAP MFS.
The real-time capability of SAP MFS safeguards the communication between SAP and the PLC. Even at time-critical decision points with the kinds of response times necessary to ensure an uninterrupted flow of material. The failure of conveyor system sections triggers the activation of dynamic redirection strategies to ensure the highest possible availability for conveyor functionality.
AS/RS for small parts (for totes and trays), plus vertical lifter systems are controlled by SAP MFS. AS/RS for small parts are often implemented as double deep storage with multiple load handling gear.
The sophisticated IT optimization strategies required here are comprehensively support by SAP MFS. The real time capabilities of the SAP MFS system architecture guarantee rapid response times and optimum system performance
With the real time capable SAP MFS, any type of automated high-bay warehouse system and integrated conveyor system can be controlled and optimized. Other IT subsystems (MFCs, etc.) are not required.
SAP MFS sends movement commands in real time directly to the PLC controlling the stacker cranes or integrated conveyor systems. Putaway and removal strategies, optimization (e.g. uniform product distribution, travel optimized storage bin search, double deep storage, multi deep storage, aisle changers, etc.) are fully mapped out within SAP MFS.
Single Deep shuttle
Double Deep shuttle
For multi-deep storage purpose built Putaway strategies are mapped out in SAP MFS, so as to minimize the likelihood of goods relocation. Example for stock picking, handling units near aisles are reserved, and the stock picking strategy also takes pair formation into account where possible. Many projects with double/multiple deep HBS and AS/RS for small parts have now been successfully implemented with SAP MFS.
Automated Guided Vehicle systems (AGVs), monorail overhead conveyors (MOCs) and in-floor conveyor systems (IFCs) are in house conveyors systems with automatically controlled vehicles whose primary task is material transport. Depending on the manufacturer, SAP MFS offers partial to full control and optimization for such systems.
SAP MFS send movement commands directly to the control station or alternatively to each individual vehicle/Conveyor, processing return messages from these control systems in real time.
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The principle of “Goods-to-person” (Goods-to-Man) is based on the dynamic provisioning of product pallets/totes to warehouse personnel. As a rule, automated high-bay warehouse/automated small parts storage is equipped with GtP picking stations, which can be managed with SAP MFS. GtP is sound option if large unit quantities of different products need to be consolidated into deliveries. Featuring many configuration options, SAP EWM/MFS picking functionality offers support for these work centers with efficient, user-friendly dialog screens.
In the field of small parts picking, where efficiency and quality are paramount (zero defect strategy), pick-by-light systems with carton flow racking are typically deployed. Pick-to-light in particular supports the assignment of picked goods to the target tote or carton.
SAP EWM and SAP MFS manages the completed flow of information for the processing and forwarding of picking orders, as well as the organization of material flows and picking (subdivision of pick zones, forwarding of picked goods, target tote assignment, etc.). Single stage, multi stage and parallel picking processes are given comprehensive support from SAP EWM and SAP MFS.
