Features and Master Data Required
You can use handling unit management (HUM) to reflect packing-based logistics structures in the system. Using this method, you track the movements of entire handling units (HUs) and the materials they contain rather than tracking each material individually. When you base logistics processes on handling units, goods movement processing is made easier, which in turn optimizes all logistics operations. Business benefits of using handling unit management include the following:
- Reflect packing-based logistic structures
- Use of a unique identifier across all locations
- Track movements of packed goods in logistics more easily
A HU is a physical unit consisting of packaging materials (load carriers/packing material) and the goods contained on/in it. A HU is always a combination of products and packaging materials. All information about the product items, for example, batch information, is retained in the handling units and is always available.
Handling units can be nested, meaning that you can also create new handling units from several handling units as often as you like. Furthermore, handling units have unique identification numbers that can be formed according to standards such as EAN 128 or the serialized shipping container code (SSCC).
Handling Unit Structure
The handling unit object contains attributes such as identification number, weight, materials, quantities, and packaging materials.
Important information, such as weight, volume, and dimensions, is maintained in the header of the handling unit.
Handling Units are linked to general status management. In this way, the various physical states (planned or implemented) and other attributes (weighed, loaded, blocked, or posted goods issue) of handling units can be documented.
The items of a handling unit can consist of material items, packaging materials, or other handling units that appear in an overview.
Handling Unit Identification
A handling unit is identified uniquely across all locations. The uniqueness of handling unit numbers is ensured by using the following number range objects:
- Internal or external numbering using the number range object HU_VEKP
- Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCC) via an own number range object and assignment to plants and storage locations, along with an ILN basis number
- Global Transport Label (GTL) to ensure gap-less HU numbering
Process Overview
Handling Unit Management (HUM) and Packaging relate to the following activities in the warehouse:
- Manual packing in outbound delivery processing
- Automatic packing in outbound delivery processing
- Manage Handling Units (HUs) in warehouse inventory
- Manual packing in inbound delivery
- Automatic packing in inbound delivery
- Planning and creation of HUs in the warehouse
- Execution of stock transfer processes in the warehouse
For a graphical overview on the business process of the scope item Handling Unit Management (4MM), refer to the SAP Signavio Process Navigator as described in the lesson The Impact of Warehouse Management.