SAP Transportmanagement (TM) is a comprehensive solution for planning, implementing and monitoring transport processes in logistics. It helps companies to make their transport networks efficient, optimize costs and improve customer service. SAP TM enables the integration of different transport modes, the automation of processes, freight billing as well as analysis and reporting of transport data.

Since SAP TM is intended to replace the previous LE-TRA module in the long term, it is becoming increasingly important. Various points must be considered when introducing TM. The conception of the master data is particularly important as it forms the basis for all transport processes. Master data enables precise planning, implementation and monitoring of transports and influences directly the efficiency and effectiveness of the logistics processes. The master data in TM includes, among other things, the transport network. The transport network forms the structural basis for all logistics processes that are associated with the transport of goods between different locations. It defines the connections (transport relationships) between these locations, the means of transport used and the conditions under which transports take place. A well-designed transport network enables companies to optimize their supply chain, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. The following sections explain the transport network in more detail. The theory is followed by a practical example.

The following master data belongs to a transport network:

  1. Location
  2. Transport zone
  3. Transport relationship
  4. Resources/timetables
  5. Standard routes

What are locations?

A location in SAP TM is a specific geographical point that is relevant for logistics processes, such as warehouses, production sites or customer locations. When creating locations, it is important to record complete and precise address data as well as GPS coordinates to enable efficient route planning. In addition, capacities, loading and unloading times and special requirements (e.g. dangerous goods, cold chain, security) should be taken into account. Integration into the transport network, compliance with regulatory requirements and regular updating of data are also crucial to ensure a smooth flow of goods and the efficiency of transport processes.

What are Transport zones?

A transport zone in SAP TM is a geographical area used to plan and carry out transports. It represents an organizational unit that brings together a group of locations to increase efficiency and clarity in transport management. Transport zones make planning easier because they make it possible to coordinate and optimize transports within a specific geographical framework. There are several aspects to consider when creating transport zones. First, it is important to precisely define the geographical boundaries of the zone in order to sensibly control potential overlaps with other zones. Care should be taken to ensure that the zones are designed to take different transport needs and strategies into account. The specific requirements of the locations in the transport zone should be analysed in detail. Factors such as the preferred means of transport, loading and unloading times, and special regulations for the transport of dangerous goods are important here. It is also important to record the capacities and availabilities of the locations within the zone to ensure efficient planning and resource utilization. The integration of transport zones into the existing transport network should be done carefully to ensure that all relevant connections and transport relationships are correctly recorded. Finally, regular review and adjustment of the transport zones is necessary to consider changes in the logistics landscape or customer requirements.

What is a transportation lane?

Eine Transportbeziehung im SAP TM beschreibt die logistische Verbindung zwischen zwei Lokationen, zwei Transportzonen oder einer Kombination aus Transportzonen und Lokationen. Sie definiert, wie Waren von einer Lokation zur anderen transportiert werden können, und bildet somit eine wesentliche Grundlage für die Planung und Durchführung von Transporten. Transportbeziehungen können spezifische Parameter wie Transportmittel, Routen und Frachtkosten umfassen. Sie ermöglichen eine effizientere Planung, indem sie die logistischen Abläufe innerhalb eines festgelegten geografischen Rahmens koordinieren. Bei der Einrichtung von Transportbeziehungen ist es wichtig, die spezifischen Anforderungen der beteiligten Lokationen zu berücksichtigen. Dazu gehören Faktoren wie die Verfügbarkeit von Transportmitteln, Lade- und Entladezeiten sowie besondere Vorschriften für Gefahrguttransporte. Es sollte auch darauf geachtet werden, dass die Transportbeziehungen die Kapazitäten der Lokationen optimal nutzen, um Überlastungen zu vermeiden. Ein häufiges Problem ist die ungenaue Definition von Transportbeziehungen, was zu ineffizienten Abläufen führen kann. Daher ist es entscheidend, alle relevanten Informationen präzise zu dokumentieren und regelmäßig zu überprüfen. Auch das Ignorieren von Regelungen und Vorschriften kann zu rechtlichen Problemen führen. Ein weiterer Fehler besteht darin, Transportbeziehungen zu erstellen, die nicht flexibel genug sind, um auf Änderungen in der Logistiklandschaft oder Kundenanforderungen zu reagieren.

What are resources/schedules?

Resources refer to the available means of transport, such as trucks, trains or containers, as well as the personnel required to carry out the transports. These resources must be managed optimally to ensure that logistics processes run smoothly, and delivery times are met. Schedules, on the other hand, define the timing of the use of these resources. They specify when and where the means of transport are used and help to avoid bottlenecks by providing an overview of the availability of resources. A well-structured schedule makes it possible to coordinate transports efficiently and to make optimal use of capacities. There are several aspects to consider when creating resources and schedules in SAP TM. Firstly, the specific properties of the resources must be recorded, including capacity, type and special requirements, such as handling of dangerous goods. This information is crucial to ensure that the right means of transport are selected for the respective transports. In addition, it is important to realistically estimate the availability of resources. This includes regular maintenance intervals and possible downtimes that can affect the use of resources. The timetable should take these factors into account to ensure precise planning. Another important point is the integration of resources and timetables into the existing transport relationships. This involves ensuring that the timetables match the transport orders and that the resources meet the specific requirements of the transport relationships.

What are standard routes?

Standard routes in SAP TM are predefined transport routes that are used in transport planning and execution to control the flow of goods between different locations. These routes include specified means of transport, loading and unloading points, and estimated transport times and costs. By predefining routes, companies can respond quickly to recurring transport requirements without having to plan the route again each time. This increases efficiency throughout the process. In addition, standard routes promote consistency as they ensure a uniform approach to transport planning. This helps to minimize errors that could arise when entering data manually. Another advantage is the cost transparency that comes from pre-determined costs for standard routes. Companies can budget better and monitor the overall costs of their transport operations more easily. In addition, the use of standard routes enables optimal planning of resources. Transport companies can better decide how and when to use which means of transport, which leads to more efficient use of resources.

Here is an example of a transport network graphically shown:

Transportnetz Grafik1 BP WB 2024

Practical example of building a transportation network

To illustrate the concepts of locations, transportation zones, transportation relationships, resources and schedules, let us consider a practical example of building a transportation network for a fictitious company that sells consumer goods.

Step 1: Create Locations

The company has several locations, including:

  1. Warehouse in Hamburg: Address: Musterstraße 1, 20095 Hamburg, Germany. Capacity: 10,000 pallets.
  2. Production facility in Bremen: Address: Beispielweg 5, 28195 Bremen, Germany. Capacity: 5,000 pallets.
  3. Distribution center in Frankfurt: Address: Handelsstraße 3, 60311 Frankfurt, Germany. Capacity: 15,000 pallets.
  4. Customer locations: Various customer locations throughout Germany.

When creating the locations, all relevant information is recorded, including GPS coordinates, capacities and specific requirements such as handling temperature-sensitive products in the warehouse in Hamburg.

Step 2: Define transport zones

The company defines two transport zones:

  1. Northern Germany: This zone includes the locations in Hamburg and Bremen as well as all customer locations in Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony.
  2. Southern Germany: This zone includes the locations in Frankfurt as well as all customer locations in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, NRW, Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia and Bavaria.

The geographical boundaries of these transport zones are clearly defined and care is taken to ensure that there are no unclear overlaps. In addition, specific transport requirements for dangerous goods or temperature-controlled transport are taken into account.

Step 3: Establish transport relationships

The company creates transport relationships between locations, taking into account that transports can be designed flexibly to maximize efficiency.

  1. Bremen to Hamburg: The warehouse in Hamburg is the main distribution unit. A truck is planned with an estimated transport time of 4 hours and freight costs of 80 euros.
  2. Hamburg to Frankfurt: Since Frankfurt acts as a central distribution center, transports from Hamburg to Frankfurt are also set up. The estimated transport time is 6 hours and the freight costs are 150 euros. This makes it possible to quickly bring products stored in Hamburg to Frankfurt, where they are prepared for shipment to customers.
  3. Frankfurt to customer locations: The transport relationships from Frankfurt to the customer locations in the West Germany region are crucial. Different means of transport such as trucks or courier services can be used, depending on the urgency of the delivery. The estimated transport time varies depending on the location, and the freight costs are set according to the distance and the type of transport.
  4. Direct deliveries from Hamburg to customer locations: To increase flexibility, a transport relationship can also be set up from Bremen to certain customer locations, especially for customers who are located near the production facility. These relationships enable faster delivery times and help to optimize transport costs.
  5. Direct deliveries between customer locations. This makes it possible to drive a tour from Hamburg or Frankfurt that directly takes the various customer locations into account.

When designing the transport relationship, it must be taken into account that it can only be set up in one direction. If transports are possible in both directions, two transport relationships must be set up (one transport relationship per direction).

Step 4: Create resources and schedules

The company creates the following resources:

  1. Trucks: 5 trucks with a capacity of 20 pallets each.
  2. Drivers: 5 drivers responsible for truck transport.

Schedules are created that optimize the use of trucks and the availability of drivers. For example, trucks are available Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and trips are coordinated to avoid overloads.

Step 5: Create standard routes

The company creates the standard route Bremen – Hamburg and Hamburg – Frankfurt, as these are delivered weekly. This means that no route finding is necessary for these routes, which makes the transport process more efficient

In our example, the transport network looks graphically as follows:

Transportnetz Grafik2 BP WB 2024

Conclusion

SAP Transport Management offers companies a comprehensive and flexible solution for optimizing their transport processes. By replacing the older LE-TRA module, companies have the opportunity to significantly improve their logistics strategies.

The correct management of master data, especially locations, transport zones, transport relationships as well as resources and schedules, is crucial for success in transport management. Careful planning, regular checking and adjustment of this master data help to increase the efficiency of logistics processes, minimize costs and increase customer satisfaction. By using SAP TM, companies can ensure that they are up to the challenges of the modern logistics landscape and can successfully manage their transports.