Introduction
On general basis discussion comes up about the use of SAP EHS GLM (Global Label Managent) (how to use it properly etc.). A lot of references regarding the discussions can be found here:
SAP EHS Management for Beginners
But the interest seems quite high; therefore I started this new document.
If possible always try to use current SAP release (SAP ERP EnhPack 7). GLM Extensions are explained as well here shortly:
Overview: SAP EHS Management in context of Enhancement Package / Support Package
But now let us start.
In Scope/Out of scope
This document should provide "only" an overview about the challenges in the use of GLM. It is not intended to explain how to prepare WWI setup or other tasks as part of customizing or to provide additional links in maintenance of data etc.
What is a "typical" kind of label (may be generated using SAP EHS GLM)
A nice example of a label is shown here:
Conclusion:
- There is a piece of paper attached on the bottle (the "Label")
- This lable contains a lot of information. This information can be splitted into two parts:
- Text information
- Graphic Information (Pictogramms)
Now it is "quite" clear that if the bottle would be bigger the label will fit the size of the bottle, but not the other way around. Therefore it is crucial to know: what is the size of the bottle to select the right label. These lables are sometimes called "inner package labels" as in many cases the bottles shwon above are transported to the customer in a "box". And normally on the box you will find additional labels. So we have a lot of types of labels and this gives trouble in set up and use of GLM as well.
The text information shown can be classified according to SAP terms like:
a.) we have information coming from the material (texts, size of bottle (roughly 500 ml) etc.
b.) information that is related to EHS DG module (UN number; Corrosive pictogram)
c.) information that is related to EHS PS (in this case the density)
d.) information regarding the producer of the material (e.g. company name, telefon numbers etc. are quite common information, as well as batch numbers, date of expiry etc.)
e.) Handling advices (sometimes with texts and pictograms) => this includes: advices for handling, how to stoe the product etc.
To give you some "rough" idea about different labels here some additional examples:
As you can see. Different size; different texts, other informations should show up etc.
Here a very "primitive" example of a label. And here an example of "two" labels which are used (but could be designed to be one label)
In the example above there are two labels. In the next one there are four:
Here additional examples of labels with some comments:
From high level: same content on any label but diferent size needed for the bottle.
The label itself can be designed in many ways. There is no industry standard. Examples are like:
In this example it is explained what common information should be on the label (and clearly can be used as layout example):
Same as here:
Further nice example
And here once again a good example why we need a label:
On the top we can have the need to print "handling advice labels (pictograms)" like:
Quite good exampls of labels for "outer package" are presented here: (here DG data and handling advice (pictogramm) is shown):
A further important part is then the "labeling instruction to get something like this done (within the "warehouse" by the worker)
Or like:
GLM is designed in such a way that you can use it to fulfill most of the label needs as shown above. The main reason for that is: the basis of GLM is Microsoft Word. Here you can defined any type of layout using the WWI options. Therefore GLM does have (and must) links to the logistic part of SAP ERP so that the corresponding data can be retreieved using WWI technique to be presneted in the label. So the integration of SAP EHS GLM into SAP ERP processes is critical. To understand the use of the standard label scenarios as delivered is therefore important (YOU CAN DEFINE, IF NEEDED YOUR OWN SCENARIO !). On top you should check enhancements as part of several Enhancement Packages because a lot of new useful add on functions have been delivered by SAP.
Refer to this quite good link about labeling scenarios supported by EHS GLM:
Use of Labels in Company - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
The different label types shown above are explained on high level here:
Label Types - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
What are the challenges for GLM architecture?
a.) you need to understand the "business" process; what should be printed, how many labels need to be printed, is there the need to use color on the label; is the labeling done manually or should it be done automatically etc.
b.) you need to understand which part of the information on the label is coming from EHS, MM, PP, SD, etc. (on a label a lot of information is retrieved outside from EHS; sometimes information is coming from batch class as well etc.))
c.) In many cases on the top bar codes are printed on the label as well
d.) you need to decide about the "number" and types of lables to be printed (refer to examples above)
e.) You should try to establish GLM in such a way that the "Label Determination" can select the needed labels easily (Label Printing scenario): This is as well very critical if you would like to use "Automatic printing of labels"
f.) etc. etc.
Therefore to understand these prerequisites is not easy. And the next crucial step is: how to prepare such a document with EHS functionality? E.g. decision is needed
a.) what data need to be retrieved; There to maintain the data; what about phrase translations (which languages to consider)
b.) which data can be stored by standard in EHS? Is there the need to enhance EHS to store other information?
c.) specify the "source" of the other data (e.g. from MM or other SAP modules)
d.) definition of generation variant
e.) definition of WWI template (as well as label stock, label size etc.)
f.) generation of the raw report (other options exsits as well !)
g.) maintenance of label view on material level
h.) execute the general WWI customizing set up depending on your analysis
i.) is there the need to use preprinted paper?
j.) what type of printer can be used?
k.) is there a printer driver available to use in WWI context?
i.) what about sizing of WWI server farm?
j.) how many languages need to be printed on the label?
k.) do I would like to have "one" big label or smaller one (e.g. one handling label, on DG label etc.)?
l.) Do I have the need to buy a "bar code" library (or use other solutions to print Bar code)
etc. etc.
Therefore: any GLM related project is a challenge depending on complexity of company and demands coming up. Therefore there is nearly no clear chance to define what one might call "Best practise" as any company is selecting/using different options.
Suggestions to start GLM project
a.) start with one country; try to collect any type of demand (what type of label is needed),
b.) don't be perfect ! start with the 80% solution (e.g. which product is sold often, discuss e.g. location of prodcution, who are the customers (in which countries) etc.)
c.) check any location (80% or the locations at least) so that you know which type of printer can be used (talk to the people about their label needs!)
d.) decide early if you would like to use "preprinted" labels or not
e.) make sure that you train the people in using the GLM process ! They need to understand the data to be maintained in EHS, MM etc. You can deliver a "perfect" technical solutions but if the people who should use the solution don't understand how to use it you have a problem
f.) be aware of the fact that changes in a GLM project are "normal"
g.) try to simplify the demand (80% solution) ! so that you need less generation variant, WWI layouts etc.
h.) stay into contact with the users working with GLM to get feedback (what need to be improved etc.)
i.) if your project should be realized within one year: plan to do it in longer time !!; GLM projects have the trend not to be delivered in "time" nor budget because o fthe fact that it is not easy to write down the needs of the business and to define suitable solutions
j.) think about sizing of WWI server farm
k.) Check how options in EnhPack 7 (and other EnhPacks) in regards to GLM can help you to solve the demands
If you succeed in a GLM project with "less" trouble you have done it right. Good luck !
References to SAP online help for GLM
GLM is shown here: Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
and on this side you can detect the SAP statement:
"Companies are faced with many national and international rules and regulations alongside customer-specific guidelines, which means that identification and labeling processes are becoming more and more complex. As a result, labels within a company are used in different locations and in different forms and formats, such as to identify products, in shipping, or for marketing purposes. Labels can also contain warnings and safety information."
So this fits the explanation above: GLM is dedicated to solve a lot of demands. Here as well reference is procided to the main other SAP modules used in context of GLM:
- Product Safety (EHS-SAF):
- Basic Data and Tools (EHS-BD):
- Dangerous Goods Management (EHS-DGP):
- Material Master (LO-MD_MM)
- Production Planning for Process Industries (PP-PI) and Production Orders (PP-SFC)
- Sales and Distribution (SD)
- Material Requirements Planning (inventory management)
provides the "general" overview of GLM. It is recommended to read the content of this link carefully. The same for this link:
Process Steps in Global Label Management - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
It highlights the most important processes as part of GLM. Therefore you should as well read it carefully.
So if you succeed to analyse the labels to created you should check as well these links:
- Label Data in Material Master - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Label Types - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Creating Label Stocks - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Creation of Label Templates - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Report Generation Variants for Labels - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Label Generation - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Label Determination - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library (with these importatn sub sections (the "Label Scenarios)
- Checking Labels - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Label Printing - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Automatic Print Request Generation - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
Label Data in Material Master
a.) it is crucial to understand how you prepare the "Label View"! in Material master; check e.g. Best Practise, SAP Online help or customizing help
b.) it is crucial to understand how you maintain the Label View and the options in doing so (and the pitfalls in doing it wrong)
As explained in the SAP help we can differentiate three types of label determination processes:
- Static Label Determination - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Dynamic Label Determination - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- Customer-Specific Label Determination - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
Therefore keep in mind: there are "internal labels" to consider and very of Customer speific ones. Start always to delvier the internal labels first then the customer ones. These are in most case more complex to design etc. than the internal ones.
Links to other threads
As in other document prepared so far I try to collect most important GLM topics: Clearly this list can not be complete. Therefore:
Labeling is a topic which is 2014 under the top 10 discussed topics. Therefore please use "search" function in SCN to identify useful other threads. In any case: Section will get updates if possible,.