SAP RF framework implementation

Executive Summary

This case study evaluates the suitability of SAP EWM RF screen interfaces for warehouse RF scanners, comparing the existing ITS RF screen interface with the modern SAP Personas MobGUI. The goal is to highlight the advantages of implementing SAP Personas MobGUI over the traditional ITS screen interface.

A Fortune 500 automobile manufacturing company in the United States, which manages large- scale warehouses, was using ITS screens for their RF scanners. However, warehouse workers faced several usability issues that impacted productivity. To address these challenges, the company explored the EWM MobGUI functionality, introduced by SAP in 2021, which oƯers a modernized user experience for RF warehouse floor users.

Background

The company receives approximately 25 trucks daily, requiring efficient processing by warehouse workers using RF scanners. The existing ITS screens, used globally, presented several challenges:

Issues Identified by Warehouse Workers:

Difficult to Identify Input Fields:

Users struggled to identify which field to scan, as there was no visual indicator.

Hard to Differentiate Entry and Display Fields:

Entry and display fields looked similar, leading to incorrect data input.

Difficulty Recognizing Errors:

Error messages lacked visual highlights, making them hard to notice.

Screen Scrolling:

Errors caused screens to scroll, requiring manual adjustment by users.

HTML Screen Regeneration:

Developers had to regenerate HTML templates for new or modified screens.

Outdated Look and Feel:

The ITS screens lacked a modern, visually appealing design

Non-Process-Related Training:

Workers needed training on navigating the ITS screens, which was unrelated to their core tasks.

To resolve these issues, the company decided to modernize its mobile interface by integrating MobGUI with SAP RF, aiming for a more intuitive and responsive design.

SAP EWM mobile device management

Evaluation

After research and evaluation, EWM MobGUI was identified as the ideal solution. Key reasons for choosing MobGUI included:

Modern Look and Feel:

Enhanced visual appeal and usability.

Zero Licensing Cost:

Included with S/4 HANA upgrades (2021 and later versions)

Scalability:

Easily scalable across multiple warehouses.

Responsive Design:

Optimized for simplicity, with audio responses and seamless device compatibility.

Integration with SAP Systems:

Seamless connectivity with SAP ERP, SAP S/4HANA, and other backend systems.

Issue Resolution:

Addressed all existing usability challenges faced by warehouse workers.

When to Move to MobGUI:

If already on S/4 HANA 2021 or later versions.

During upgrades to the latest SAP S/4 HANA version.

As part of greenfield implementations of S/4 embedded or decentralized EWM.

SAP RF framework implementation

Solution

The company implemented MobGUI and redesigned the RF screen interface with the following features:

Drag-and-Drop Interface:

Simplified mobile app design with minimal manual coding.

Screen Simplification:

Color-coded fields to indicate the cursor position and diƯerentiate entry and display fields.

Custom labels for fields to improve readability.

Eliminated manual screen scrolling.

Audio Beep Alerts:

Enabled beep sounds for error and success messages, with color highlights (red for errors, green for success).

No HTML Template Generation:

Changes to screens no longer required HTML template regeneration.

Improved Screen Aesthetics:

Modern, visually appealing design.

Scalability:

Successfully scaled to six warehouses within weeks, with plans to expand to 12 more.

SAP RF framework implementation

Results

Improved User Experience

85% of warehouse staƯ reported higher satisfaction with the new interface.

Simplified design reduced the learning curve for new employees.

Increased EƯiciency

Training time reduced by 50%.

Daily operations (e.g., picking and packing) became 25% faster.

Enhanced Accuracy

Inventory transaction errors decreased by 30%.

Real-time synchronization ensured up-to-date inventory records

Cost Savings

Reduced errors and delays led to operational cost savings.

Cross-platform compatibility eliminated the need for separate device-specific solutions.

Conclusion

By integrating SAP RF with MobGUI, the company successfully modernized its warehouse operations, creating a more intuitive and eƯicient mobile interface for its staƯ. The project improved operational eƯiciency, accuracy, and user satisfaction, demonstrating the value of combining SAP RF with modern mobile development frameworks like MobGUI.

This case study highlights the potential of integrating SAP RF with MobGUI to streamline warehouse operations and improve user experience. Organizations looking to modernize their SAP RF systems can draw valuable insights from this experience.