How CLAAS has optimised production logistics globally. SAP EWM Rollout Tour 2018-2024
CLAAS optimises production logistics globally by switching from SAP WM to a decentralised EWM with a rollout template
CLAAS KGaA mbH , world market leader for agricultural machinery, was faced with the challenge of replacing SAP WM at 7 international production sites with different requirements. In order to carry out the rollouts efficiently, we at LogiPlus initially developed a global SAP EWM rollout template together with our customer CLAAS. This template formed the basis for carrying out the rollouts efficiently and successfully. Our success story gives you an insight into the structure and key elements of this template and the success factors.
Strategic goal
In addition to the technical migration from SAP WM to SAP EWM, the aim of the rollout projects was to optimise production supply at the sites in the USA, France, Hungary and Germany. Among other things, the focus was on integrating automation solutions into SAP EWM, integrating external service providers into the CLAAS system and introducing supermarkets at the production sites.
Objectives of the global SAP EWM rollout
Holistic optimisation of production supply at CLAAS
Creation of an SAP EWM template for the CLAAS Group, which maps the cross-location processes
Transfer of individual solutions into standard-compliant processes
Investment security thanks to a future-proof system
Comprehensive mapping of mobile processes
Optimisation of process quality, transparency and stability
"The aim was to make the flow of information just as transparent as the flow of materials. This is the only way we can ensure efficiency and traceability."
SAP EWM rollout tour at 7 international locations
SAP WM was replaced by SAP EWM at the following locations:
Implementation using the example of CLAAS CSE at the main plant in Harsewinkel, 2020/2021
The challenge
- EWM introduction at Europe's largest combine harvester plant in parallel with the physical restructuring of the plant
Automation landscape
- Automated large parts warehouse
- AKL
- Kardex
- Sensor-guided order call-offs
Benefits
- Significantly greater inventory transparency
- Optimised supply processes
Why CLAAS opted for decentralised SAP EWM
Decoupling of the two implementation projects
This led to a reduction in project complexity
Opening up the option of integrating the stand-alone solution into SAP S/4HANA as an embedded variant at a later date
The decentralised variant offers the full performance spectrum, especially for the complex & automated CLAAS warehouses
Success factor SAP EWM rollout template
Creation of the CLAAS-specific SAP EWM rollout template:
Pilot project at the Bad Saulgau site
A CLAAS-specific template was developed as part of our pilot project at the Bad Saulgau site.
The other planned rollouts were carried out on the basis of the template developed here.
01. phase
Template creation
October 2018 - December 2019
- Phase decisive for the success of the project
- Definition of the processes belonging to the template and their characteristics for all warehouses
- Group-wide topic, therefore a dedicated template team of the CLAAS Group was nominated
- Members of the core team: Logistics managers of the locations to be implemented and central IT of the CLAAS Group
02. phase
Implementation in Bad Saulgau
January - August 2020
- Implementation of the requirements defined in the specification sheet, including the processes and characteristics of the SAP EWM template developed in phase 1
- Programming, customising, tests
03. phase
Go-Live & Support
August - November 2020
- Planning and implementation of activities in preparation for the go-live
- Coordination and implementation of the go-live
- Start-up management after the go-live: support for key users and users to transfer the system to routine operation
Structure of the CLAAS-specific SAP EWM rollout template
The template is based on SAP EWM and
on our rapid deployment solution LP PoweredEWM
Implementation of the CLAAS-specific SAP EWM rollout template
The proportion of processes covered by the template grew from project to project.
Highlight: Order picking in the supermarket
Advantages of supermarket order picking
- Production space can be used for added value
- Error reduction through exact provision of variance parts
- Transparent inventory overview
Installation of the supermarket as a warehouse type
- Inventory management per material at bin level
- Picking synchronised from production planning
- Processing in ergonomic UI5 dialog
- Illustration of the order picking trolley as a handling unit
- Full transparency in the process
- Fault tolerance in the provision
Picking close to the conveyor belt
- Floor spaces
- Provision on assembly line
Central order picking
- Person-to-goods using narrow-aisle forklift trucks
- Transport to the place of consumption in sequence
Support from LogiPlus as part of the SAP EWM Rollout Tour 2018 to 2024
Template creation
Creation of the group-wide template that was used for the locations
Conception and implementation
Planning and implementation of the various rollout projects
Go-live and ramp-up
Comprehensive support during the go-live and ramp-up phase
Change management
Training and enablement of key users and development of SAP EWM know-how at CLAAS
Optimisation of the material flow
Support in the adaptation of material flow control processes
Integration of automation solutions
Connection of the automation trades to SAP EWM
Redesign of the bearings
Re-design of the organisation and warehouse structure
Digitisation of mobile order picking
Optimisation of mobile processes with LogiPlus add-ons and ProGlove glove scanners
About CLAAS KGaA mbH
Founded in 1913 and headquartered in Harsewinkel, East Westphalia, the family-owned company CLAAS is the fifth largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery in the world.
CLAAS is the European market leader for combine harvesters and the world market leader for self-propelled forage harvesters. In addition to tractors, the company also manufactures agricultural balers and grassland harvesting machines. In addition to its core business of agricultural machinery, the company also offers state-of-the-art agricultural information technology.
The CLAAS Group has numerous locations worldwide, employing more than 11,900 people (as of 2024). In the 2024 financial year, the Group generated sales of just under 5 billion euros. Its leading global position is reflected in a very high export share, which amounted to 78.5% in 2018.
