Migrating from SAP WM – how Körber’s business case analysis sets you up for a smooth transition

SAP WM is one of those systems that have served reliably for decades. It was introduced, enhanced, customized – and eventually became so deeply woven into day-to-day operations that it feels like a long-standing digital colleague. One that can do everything, knows a lot, but occasionally behaves in ways that aren’t entirely explainable anymore. A recent incident at a distribution warehouse illustrated how that can turn into real-world challenges: An inventory count, a missing storage bin – and the break room.

It was a typical Monday morning: the warehouse was up and running, pallets were moving, scanners were beeping – and the inventory team was ready to check one of the last open items. The task sounded trivial: a small residual stock was supposed to be in storage bin A-17-03, which SAP WM still listed as a normal but blocked bin. The inventory clerk looked at her handheld – A-15, A-16… and then… at the break room. Where bin A-17-03 should have been, there was a fridge, a coffee machine on top, a sink, a small table, and two chairs.

It turned out the storage bin had been converted into a break room five years earlier. Unfortunately, the WM system never got the memo and had kept the bin active all along. The shift supervisor smirked: “Well, if I’d known, I would’ve reopened the bin and managed our coffee inventory in there.”

The anecdote got a good laugh—but also a reality check. It highlights what many companies experience: systems that have evolved over years often continue to carry data and processes that no longer exist in the real world.

And that’s precisely where the need for migration begins.

SAP WM over time – proven, but technologically outpaced

For more than 30 years, SAP LE-WM has been one of the world’s most widely used warehouse management systems. Processes for inventory management, bin management, and order processing have been implemented across virtually every industry – from purely manual setups to complex distribution centers.

Because standard functionality was limited in areas such as putaway/picking strategies and process visualization, customizations were almost always necessary right from the start. There was no built-in material flow component. Automated warehouses therefore required integration with external warehouse control systems. Some providers – including Körber – offered SAP-integrated material flow applications as SAP add-ons.

Over the years, SAP WM installations have been enhanced individually. The result is a landscape of highly customized WM systems whose complexity is often understood by only a handful of experts. That very complexity makes migration demanding – and structured preparation indispensable.

Clear facts: why the pressure is mounting

Even if many companies still have SAP WM firmly under control, the official timeline is unambiguous:

• Permission to use SAP WM in compatibility mode under SAP S/4HANA ends on May 31, 2026.
• Mainstream maintenance for SAP WM on ECC ends on December 31, 2027.
• December 31, 2030 is final: after that, SAP WM may no longer be used productively.

These milestones aren’t just technical – they define very real action windows for companies still running WM.

Choosing the right target architecture – there’s no one-size-fits-all

SAP offers several target architectures that make sense depending on complexity and strategy:

• Stock Room Management (transition option only)
• SAP LGM
• SAP EWM Embedded (Basic)
• SAP EWM Embedded (Advanced)
• SAP EWM Decentralized

There is no report that automatically analyzes your current solution and recommends the best target system. The choice depends on factors such as process complexity, degree of automation, scalability needs, and the strategic importance of the site. This is exactly where a structured analysis pays off.

Evaluation of migration options

Looking ahead – why time matters

Project timelines vary significantly depending on warehouse complexity:

While projects for simple warehouses started in mid-2026 can still be completed in time, that is no longer – or only barely – feasible for medium-complex and complex sites.

Waiting too long means, at best, additional costs for extended maintenance. In the worst case, the coming years could see increased demand and resulting resource bottlenecks.

How Körber’s Business Case Analysis leads you to a confident decision

The biggest challenge isn’t the technology. The real question is: How do we migrate without throwing the warehouse off rhythm? Enter Körber’s Business Case Analysis.

Semantic migration – transformation, not replication

Introducing SAP EWM isn’t about copying tables. It’s about rethinking processes, removing legacy baggage, and creating an optimized representation of your actual warehouse operations. Körber analyzes along a structured end-to-end model covering the core warehouse processes:

• Plan to Receive (planning & preparation of inbound: forecast, ASN handling, dock scheduling)
• Inbound to Store (goods receipt & putaway)
• Store to Fulfill (staging for picking & order fulfillment)
• Store to Ship (packing & shipping)
• Store to Produce (material staging for production—often part of intralogistics in plants)
• Store to Return (returns: receipt, inspection, restocking)

A methodology that brings clarity – and minimizes risk.

Processes with particular impact

Experience from numerous projects shows recurring functional gaps in these areas:

• Slotting & layout
• Resource control / task interleaving
• Automation integration (MFS, PLC, robotics)
• Production supply & MES
• VAS 2.0
• TM / YL / YM integration
• Mobile processes & Fiori

These areas are prioritized within the Business Case Analysis.

A solid foundation for your road ahead

Körber has developed the Business Case Analysis for SAP WM migration to provide a robust decision basis within 4 – 6 weeks and to chart a confident path toward the future. By analyzing your current processes and system landscape, available migration options and target architectures, as well as all relevant integration scenarios, dependencies, and budget, effort, and timeline parameters, we develop a clear roadmap for system design, project planning, execution, and risk mitigation. With Körber’s Business Case Analysis for SAP WM migration, you gain the foundation for a successful transformation of your warehouse logistics.

Join our webinar or request your tailored proposal today.