Replenishment is the process of moving stock from bulk storage (reserve/storage bins) to picking areas (forward picking bins) so that enough stock is always available for picking.
Think of it like restocking supermarket shelves:
Bulk storage = Warehouse backroom.
Forward picking bins = Shelves for customers.
Replenishment = Staff bringing items from the backroom to refill shelves.
Why is Replenishment Needed?
Picking bins usually have limited space.
If stock runs out, picking tasks cannot be executed.
Replenishment ensures continuous availability of stock in picking areas.
Types of Replenishment in SAP EWM
Planned Replenishment
Triggered before picking bins are empty.
System checks minimum stock / reorder point.
Example: If forward bin requires 100 pcs min, and stock falls to 80 → replenishment triggered.
Automatic (or Demand-Driven) Replenishment
Triggered during picking if bin is empty or doesn’t have enough stock.
Example: Picker needs 20 pcs, bin has 5 pcs → system creates replenishment task automatically.
Manual Replenishment
User manually triggers replenishment based on operational needs.
Example: Supervisor sees low stock in a bin and creates replenishment task.
How Replenishment Works in EWM
System checks stock levels in forward picking bins.
If stock is below threshold, system creates a Warehouse Task (WT):
Source bin = Reserve/bulk storage.
Destination bin = Forward picking bin.
Operator confirms task via RF device or desktop.
Stock is moved and replenished.
Transactions / Tools for Replenishment
/SCWM/REPL → Replenishment control.
/SCWM/MON → Warehouse Monitor → Replenishment node.
/SCWM/WT → Warehouse Task monitor (to check replenishment tasks).
RF Transactions → Mobile execution of replenishment tasks.
Configuration (High-Level)
Define replenishment control parameters (per storage type/bin).
Set:
Minimum quantity.
Maximum quantity.
Replenishment quantity (how much to move).
Assign control to storage type → so EWM knows when to trigger replenishment.
Example
Forward bin capacity = 100 pcs.
Minimum stock = 20 pcs.
Current stock = 15 pcs.
System automatically creates WT: Move 85 pcs from bulk storage to forward bin.