How Custom Mobile Screens Save Time in SAP EWM Workflows

Warehouses run on speed.

Every second saved during picking, packing, staging, or putaway directly impacts:

• Shipment time
• Labor cost
• Customer satisfaction
• Operational efficiency

But the truth is — many SAP EWM warehouses still use old, standard RF screens that are:

• Slow
• Confusing
• Hard to navigate
• Missing important validations
• Not user-friendly for new workers

This is exactly why custom mobile screens for SAP EWM workflows are becoming extremely popular — especially in fast-moving industries like retail, e-commerce, pharma, food, and manufacturing.

In this blog, we explain in simple language how custom screens save time and reduce errors in daily warehouse operations.

What Are Custom Mobile Screens in SAP EWM?

Custom mobile screens are redesigned workflow screens that run on:

• Android devices
• Rugged handheld terminals
• Tablets
• Wearable scanners
• Smart mobile apps

These screens are designed to replace the traditional SAP RF screens with a modern, clean, fast, and intuitive interface.

Why Warehouses Need Custom Mobile Screens

Standard SAP RF screens were created a long time ago.

They are not optimized for today’s high-speed warehouse operations.

Workers face issues like:

• Small text
• Too many fields
• Extra steps
• Slow navigation
• No real-time guidance
• Confusing layouts
• High training effort

Custom screens fix all of this.

They allow warehouses to shape the workflow exactly the way they need.

How Custom Mobile Screens Save Time in SAP EWM

Fewer Clicks, Faster Work

In many RF screens, one simple task requires 4–6 clicks.

Custom screens reduce this to 1–2 clicks by:

• Removing unnecessary fields
• Auto-filling system data
• Scanning instead of typing
• Auto-navigation after scan

 Barcode-First Design

Typing material numbers, HUs, or batches is slow and prone to mistakes.

Custom screens allow:

• Scan → auto-fill
• Scan → auto-validate
• Scan → auto-next step

Operators complete tasks faster and with fewer errors.

Smart Validations Reduce Errors

Custom screens can include instant validations like:

• Wrong bin alert
• Wrong SKU alert
• Wrong batch alert
• Missing quantity alert
• Expiry date warning
• Over-pick protection
• Under-pick protection

This prevents costly mistakes before they happen.

Visual Guidance Instead of Guesswork

Custom screens can show:

• Product images
• Bin location pictures
• Color-coded tasks
• Progress bars
• Route suggestions

A worker instantly knows:

• What to pick
• Where to go
• What quantity to scan
• Whether task is complete

This cuts down training time drastically.

AI Recommendations for Faster Picking

When combined with AI, custom screens can:

• Suggest fastest picking path
• Suggest alternative bin if stock is missing
• Predict worker fatigue and optimize tasks
• Warn about frequently mistaken SKUs

AI-powered mobile screens save huge time during peak periods.

Device Flexibility: Use Any Mobile

Custom SAP EWM screens run seamlessly on:

• Low-cost Android phones
• Rugged warehouse devices
• Tablets
• Wearables
• Scanner-mounted devices

This reduces hardware cost significantly.

Single Screen for Entire Workflow

Instead of switching screens for:

• Pick
• Confirm
• Pack
• Load

Custom mobile apps combine everything into one continuous flow.

This helps new workers complete tasks without confusion.

Offline Mode for Poor Wi-Fi Areas

Custom screens can work even in areas where network is weak.

Users can:

• Pick
• Confirm
• Scan
• Validate

And sync automatically once the device reconnects.

This is a game changer for large warehouses.

Real-World Examples of Time Saved

Example 1: Picking

Old RF workflow: 7 steps → 1.5 minutes per item

Custom screen: 3 steps → 35–40 seconds

Example 2: Loading

Old RF: Manual entry of HU numbers

Custom: Single scan to validate all HUs

Example 3: Quality Check

Old: Batch + expiry entered manually

Custom: Auto-read via smart camera or barcode

Average time saved per operator per day: 45–60 minutes

Benefits of Custom Mobile Screens

• 30–40% faster task completion
• 70–90% reduction in typing
• 60–80% fewer picking errors
• Train new workers 4× faster
• Zero confusion for new operators
• Better productivity
• Improved worker satisfaction
• Lower operational cost
• Real-time accuracy in SAP EWM

Who Should Use Custom Mobile Screens?

Custom SAP mobile screens are ideal for:

• E-commerce
• Retail distribution centers
• Pharma & healthcare
• Automotive warehouses
• Food & FMCG
• 3PL companies
• Manufacturing plants

If your workers are slow because screens are old → custom screens solve it immediately.

Conclusion

Custom mobile screens are not just UI upgrades — they are complete workflow accelerators.

They make SAP EWM:

• Faster
• Simpler
• More accurate
• More user-friendly

Warehouses that adopt custom mobile screens save huge time, reduce errors, and boost productivity without changing backend logic.

This is why modern SAP EWM mobility is becoming the backbone of next-generation warehouse operations.