Supply chain execution (SCE) encompasses the physical movement, storage, and management of goods throughout your logistics network. Unlike supply chain planning which focuses on forecasting and strategy, execution handles real-time operations including warehouse management (receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping), transportation management (route planning, carrier selection, freight optimization), yard logistics (gate management, dock scheduling, trailer tracking), and network collaboration providing real-time visibility across partners and suppliers. When properly implemented, supply chain execution solutions reduce operational costs by 15-30%, improve order accuracy to 99%+, and accelerate fulfillment cycles while providing complete transparency from order to delivery.

Supply chain planning focuses on forecasting, demand management, and creating strategies for what should happen in your supply chain. It includes demand planning, supply planning, inventory optimization, and sales & operations planning (S&OP). Supply chain execution, in contrast, handles the physical operations and real-time management of moving goods through your network. Planning tells you what to do, execution makes it happen. The two work hand-in-hand: demand forecasts from planning drive warehouse replenishment in execution, while actual performance data from execution refines future planning accuracy. Westernacher provides integrated solutions covering both planning (SAP IBP) and execution (SAP EWM, TM, YL) to create seamless operations from forecast to final delivery.

SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) is the next-generation warehouse management solution that replaces SAP WM (Warehouse Management). EWM offers significantly more advanced capabilities including wave management for optimized picking sequences, integrated labor management, AI-powered slotting optimization, advanced automation support for robotics and AS/RS systems, mobile-first operations with SAP Fiori apps, and sophisticated yard logistics integration. EWM can be deployed as embedded within S/4HANA for single-site operations or as a decentralized system for high-volume distribution centers and multi-ERP environments. While SAP WM remains functional in existing systems, EWM represents the future of warehouse management with continuous innovation and support from SAP.

SAP Yard Logistics (YL) manages all yard activities from gate check-in through dock operations to departure. It provides driver self-check-in capabilities using kiosks or mobile devices, automated yard orchestration with 3D visualization of asset locations, intelligent dock door assignment based on shipment type and priority, real-time equipment tracking including trailers and containers, and dwell time monitoring with automated alerts. YL eliminates yard bottlenecks, reduces truck wait times, improves dock productivity, and provides complete visibility of yard inventory. It integrates seamlessly with SAP EWM for warehouse operations and SAP TM for transportation management, creating end-to-end visibility from carrier arrival through departure. Industries with high yard complexity like distribution, manufacturing, container terminals, and automotive particularly benefit from yard logistics solutions.

The choice between embedded EWM (within S/4HANA) and decentralized EWM depends on your operational requirements and IT strategy. Choose embedded EWM if you have single-site operations or multiple smaller warehouses, tight ERP integration requirements with shared master data, preference for simplified IT landscape with one system, and primarily standard warehouse processes without extensive automation. Choose decentralized EWM for high-volume distribution centers with complex operations, multi-ERP environments where warehouse serves multiple business units, need for advanced warehouse functionality and automation integration, desire for independent system performance without impacting ERP, and scenarios where warehouse needs to operate even if ERP is down. Many large enterprises use a hybrid approach: embedded EWM for smaller facilities with simpler operations and decentralized EWM for major distribution hubs with high complexity and automation. Westernacher can conduct an assessment to recommend the optimal deployment model for your specific situation.

Organizations implementing SAP supply chain execution solutions typically achieve substantial returns across multiple dimensions. Operational cost reductions of 15-30% come from improved labor productivity, reduced overtime, optimized space utilization, and decreased expedited freight. Order accuracy improvements to 99%+ eliminate costly errors, returns, and customer service issues. Labor productivity gains of 20-40% result from optimized workflows, mobile technology, and automation integration. Freight cost reductions of 10-20% are achieved through better load consolidation, carrier optimization, and route planning. Inventory carrying cost reductions of 15-25% come from better visibility, turnover, and positioning. Additional benefits include faster order-to-delivery cycles, improved on-time delivery performance, reduced safety stock requirements, and better customer satisfaction. Most organizations see payback periods of 12-24 months depending on starting point and implementation scope. Westernacher provides comprehensive business case development services to quantify expected benefits specific to your operations.

Westernacher distinguishes itself through several key differentiators. As an SAP Pinnacle Partner with the highest certification level, we maintain deep strategic collaboration including participation in co-innovation programs and early access to new releases. Our 25+ years of supply chain expertise with 1,300+ professionals worldwide provides unmatched depth and global reach. We pioneered SAP IBP implementation starting in 2014, making us among the very first partners with this expertise. Our 50+ proprietary “Instant Innovation” tools extend SAP’s standard capabilities to solve real-world challenges including We drive for mobile driver management, Westernacher Collaboration Platform for carrier integration, EWM Insights for real-time analytics, and We Yard for advanced yard logistics. Our Fast Solution packages deliver proven functionality in 9-24 weeks with pre-configured templates and best practices. We provide industry-specific expertise with specialized teams and configurations for retail, manufacturing, chemicals, food & beverage, and other key sectors. Finally, our end-to-end service model covers strategy, implementation, training, ongoing support, and continuous optimization—we’re partners, not just vendors.

Yes, Westernacher provides comprehensive ongoing support through our Application Management Services (AMS). Immediate post-go-live, we offer extended hypercare support with dedicated resources on-site or remotely to address issues quickly during the critical stabilization period. Our AMS services include incident management with defined service level agreements for issue resolution, problem management to identify and fix root causes rather than just symptoms, system monitoring and regular health checks to proactively identify potential issues, optimization recommendations based on system usage patterns and performance data, and continuous improvement initiatives to help you leverage new capabilities and enhance processes. We also provide support for system upgrades and new SAP release adoption, ensuring you stay current with the latest functionality. Our global support model with 24/7 coverage and local language capabilities means help is always available when you need it. Many clients maintain long-term relationships with Westernacher, viewing us as an extension of their internal IT and operations teams.

Absolutely. Westernacher specializes in international rollout services for supply chain solutions across multiple countries and regions. Our global presence with 1,300+ professionals across Europe, Americas, and Asia-Pacific enables local support with global coordination. We employ template-based deployment methodologies where we develop a master template at a pilot location, then systematically deploy to additional sites with appropriate localization. This approach provides harmonized core processes across countries while accommodating regional requirements for language, regulations, tax rules, currency, and local business practices. Our centralized support structures with local language capabilities ensure consistent service quality globally. We’ve successfully led rollouts covering 50+ countries for multinational corporations across all major industries. Key success factors include strong global program management, clear governance structures, cultural sensitivity and local engagement, comprehensive knowledge transfer, and phased deployment approaches that allow learning from each location. Whether you’re expanding from one country to many or standardizing disparate systems across an existing global footprint, Westernacher provides the expertise and resources for successful international implementations.