How Kardex Drive connects to SAP ECC
Plug-in for SAP WM, IM and EWM
The plug-in connects SAP warehouse transactions to the Kardex machines, so picks and put-aways trigger the right shelf presentation. Operators work in SAP, and the machine responds.
Kardex Power Pick with SAP WM
For SAP WM, the vendor names Power Pick integrated with SAP WM as an alternative. Power Pick is Kardex's own warehouse management software for its machines, with an SAP interface.
What data moves
| From | To | Data | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAP WM or EWM | Kardex machine | Pick and put-away requests with bin and quantity | Warehouse task or transfer order |
| Kardex machine | SAP WM or EWM | Confirmation of pick or put-away | Operator completes the access |
| SAP IM | Kardex machine | Goods movements for stock in the machine | Posting that affects stock held in the machine |
| Kardex machine | SAP | Count differences and stock status | Count or discrepancy event |
Setting it up
- 1Decide the SAP warehouse modelConfirm whether the machines sit in WM, EWM or IM-only storage locations.
- 2Choose Drive or Power PickFor WM, compare the plug-in against Power Pick with Kardex before committing.
- 3Model the machines in SAPCreate storage types, bins and structures that match the machine layout.
- 4Install the plug-inApply the Kardex components to SAP and connect to the machine controls.
- 5Map tray, shelf and bin identifiersAlign SAP bin numbers with machine locations.
- 6Test failure and restartTest power loss, partial picks and machine faults.
- 7Train operatorsTrain them on the SAP flow and on what to do when the machine is offline.
What usually breaks
- !Bin structures in SAP that do not match the physical tray or shelf layout.
- !Stock changes made in SAP outside the machine flow, leaving the machine and ERP out of sync.
- !Partial picks and shortages with no defined confirmation path.
- !Choosing Drive for WM without evaluating Power Pick, which may fit better.
- !Machine downtime with no manual fallback process.
- !Upgrades of SAP or the plug-in not tested together.
A private AI layer across both systems
Stock difference triage
A private assistant compares machine stock with SAP bin stock and groups discrepancies by likely cause for a warehouse lead to review.
Failed task explanations
Explain in plain language why a task did not confirm, using SAP messages and machine event data.
Slotting suggestions
Suggest which items to move between machines by pick frequency, as input for a planner.
Daily warehouse questions
Answer questions on open tasks and stock in the machines from SAP data without a custom report.
Try it here, free
SAP WM and EWM Warehouse Tables Reference
A searchable list of the classic WM and EWM tables you query most, with a plain description and typical key fields.
When something else fits better
- Use Kardex Power Pick with SAP WM if you want Kardex's own machine management layer.
- Run the machines on standalone Kardex software with a simple stock interface if SAP does not need bin-level detail.
- Choose a different automated storage supplier only if the SAP interface matters more than the machine type.
Frequently asked questions
What does Kardex Drive do?
It lets SAP warehouse transactions control Kardex vertical lift modules and carousels directly, so SAP tasks drive the machine and confirmations return to SAP.
Does it work with both WM and EWM?
The vendor describes a plug-in for SAP WM, IM and EWM. Because WM is on a long-term sunset path in S/4HANA, confirm which model applies to your roadmap.
What is Power Pick?
Power Pick is Kardex's own warehouse management software for its machines. The vendor names it integrated with SAP WM as an alternative to the Drive plug-in.
How would AI help?
Mostly by reconciling stock, explaining failed tasks and answering questions from SAP data. Changes to stock or tasks should be approved by a person.
Pairing documented at www.kardex.com/en-us/products/interface/kardex-drive . Kardex Drive is a product of Kardex; Netray is independent and not affiliated with either vendor.