In SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management), HU stands for Handling Unit.
A Handling Unit is a physical unit that combines packaging materials (like pallets, cartons, crates, boxes) with the products inside them.
Example: If you put 50 bottles of water on a pallet and wrap it, that entire pallet (pallet + bottles) is treated as one HU in SAP.
Why is HU important in SAP EWM?
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Traceability: Each HU gets a unique identification number (like an SSCC or HU number), which allows tracking throughout the warehouse and supply chain.
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Efficiency: Instead of moving each product individually, the system handles everything at the HU level.
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Integration: HUs are used in inbound, outbound, putaway, picking, packing, and shipping.
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Compliance: They support GS1 barcoding (SSCC labels), which many customers and logistics partners require.
Where is HU used in EWM?
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Inbound:
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When goods arrive, they can be packed into HUs (e.g., pallets).
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The HU can be scanned and stored directly.
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Outbound:
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Goods are picked and packed into HUs before shipping.
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Shipping labels (HU labels) are printed.
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Internal processes:
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During stock transfers, consolidation, and replenishment, HUs move through the warehouse.
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How is HU maintained in SAP EWM?
You can create and maintain HUs in several ways:
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Packing in Inbound Delivery
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Transaction:
/SCWM/PRDI
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You pack items into HUs during goods receipt.
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Packing in Outbound Delivery
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Transaction:
/SCWM/PRDO
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Products are picked and packed into HUs before shipment.
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Manual HU Creation
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Transaction:
/SCWM/HUMO
(Handling Unit Monitor) -
You can manually create, change, or delete HUs.
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Automatic HU Creation
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Based on packing instructions or pack spec (Packaging Specification) in customizing.
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System can propose how to pack products into HUs.
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