How to Split a Storage Unit (SU) in SAP WM Using Function Modules

In warehouse management, efficiently organizing and splitting storage units (SUs) is crucial for optimizing space and streamlining operations. SAP's Warehouse Management System (WMS) provides powerful tools to handle these tasks, including function modules that allow you to split storage units programmatically.

Whether you're dealing with stock transfers, replenishment, or simply reorganizing storage bins, knowing how to split an SU using function modules can save time and reduce manual errors. In this blog post, we’ll explore:

What a Storage Unit (SU) is and when splitting is necessary
Key function modules used for splitting SUs in SAP WM
A step-by-step guide to executing the split process

By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of how to automate and execute SU splits efficiently in your SAP system. Let’s dive in!

Storage Unit:

In SAP Warehouse Management (WM), a Storage Unit (SU) is a physical or logical grouping of materials stored together in a warehouse. It can be a:

Pallet
Container
Carton
Bundle

An SU is identified by a unique Storage Unit Number (LENUM) and is used to simplify stock handling, movement, and tracking. Instead of managing individual items, warehouse operators can move, pick, or put away entire storage units, improving efficiency.

When is Splitting a Storage Unit Necessary.?

1. Partial warehouse stock

When only a portion of the stock from an SU is needed (e.g., picking 10 boxes from a pallet of 50).
The remaining stock stays in the original SU, while the removed quantity is assigned to a new SU.

2. Stock Reorganization

If an SU contains mixed materials that need to be separated for better inventory management.
Example: A pallet with different product variants must be split into individual SUs for accurate tracking.

3. Quality Inspection or Blocked Stock

If some items in an SU fail inspection and must be quarantined, the SU is split to isolate defective stock.
The good stock remains in the original SU, while the blocked stock moves to a new SU.

4. Optimizing Storage Space

When an SU is too large for a new storage bin, it can be split into smaller SUs to fit available space.

5. Cross Docking or Replenishment

If an SU is received but needs to be distributed to multiple destinations, splitting allows for efficient allocation.

Splitting SU using Function Module (FM: L_TO_CREATE_SINGLE)

Case 1: Businesses prefer manual confirmation of Transfer Orders (TO) only after the stock has been physically placed in the destination bin. To achieve this, the I_SQUIT field should be left blank (not set to auto-confirm).

Source Bin Details:

Warehouse: 101
Storage Type: 122
Storage Bin: AC01011
SU Number: 1000000006
Split Qty: 2 EA

Destination Bin Details:

Warehouse: 101
Storage Type: 118
Storage Bin: AB01012

Step 1: Check Stock Details (Transaction: LX02/LS26/LS25)

Step 2: Executing function module (Transaction: SE37)

Fill details warehouse, Mvt. type, Material, Plant, Location, Split Qty, Source bin details, Destination bin details etc.

Once filled, execute the FM to generate Transfer Order

TO 1010000070 created

Step 3: TO Confirmation (Transaction: LT12)

Save the TO to confirm.

Step 4: Check stock (Transaction: LX02/LS25/LS26)

New SU 1000000015 with 2 EA created in destination bin.

Case 2: If the business requirement is to confirm the Transfer Order (TO) immediately after generation, then the I_SQUIT field must be set to "X".