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 in 2014 (may be because of GHS implementation worldwide); therefore I started this new document.
Recommendation: 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 label contains a lot of information. This information can be splitted into two parts:
- Text information
- Graphic Information (Pictogramms (refer to later examples: Bar codes as well)
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 shown above are transported to the customer in a "box" (or similar stuff). And normally on the box you will find additional labels. And then if many boxed etcc are stroed on a palett during movement to customner additional labels can be found on the "outer package" as well. 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 store the product etc.
In many cases the same information is printed on the label in more than one language. And especially for region europe this is a challenge (as you need to support the language of the receiver country of the material (e.g. Belgium does have three languages; switzerland does have challenges as well).
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 (above) 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 five (any of them collect on a piece of paper different information):
Here additional examples of labels with some comments:
From high level: same content on any label but different size of label needed for the different bottles.
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):
1.) material name (together wih Dangerous Goods UN number and CAS number)
2.) pictogramms
3.) signal word
4.) Hazard Statements
5.) Precaution statements
5a.) first aid information
6.) company informaiotn (company name, emergency call, contact address etc.)
Same as here:
Regarding the above label: sometimes additional information, which is not "mandatory" is printed. Further nice example (here in french)
The above mentioned example shows may be the challenges in Label Layout definition (text sizing !) and is a good example on the top for data coming from logistic part of SAP (e.g. Lot number) .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 define any type of layout using the WWI options. GLM does have (and must) on the top links to the logistic part of SAP ERP so that the corresponding data can be retrieved using WWI technique to be presented 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 (do we nned a new value assignment type/property top sotre the data? or an new identifier?)
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? (Refer to some OSS notes for printer driver topic)
i.) what about sizing of WWI server farm? (keep in mind: this farm is DIFFERENT form SDS process !)
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 chance to define what one might call "Best practise" as any company is selecting/using different options.
Suggestions to start GLM project
The following suggestions are based on the idea to have only one SAP ERP installation in place. If you have adifferent scenario the challenges are really bigger (and can be frustrating). As well we are talking about only on "client" SAP ERP installation. If you have more than one client per SAP ERP to do the job: the same is true as well as explained before
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
m.) train the people !! using EHS, MM, GLM; train them not only looking on "technique" but process
If you succeed in a GLM project with "less" trouble you have done it right. Good luck ! (and as we are talking above about a "pilot" roll out: good luck for our overall project as such !)
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 find 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 important sub sections (the "Label Scenarios)
- Status Check for Label Determination - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
- 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
- Logging in Global Label Management - 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.
Label types
Link Label Types - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library lists the default label types delivered by SAP:. If you need other label types you can enhance the EHS set up easily. This link shows how flexible EHS GLM can be.
Label Stock
Link Creating Label Stocks - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library explains the term Label Stock. Most important message here from SAP online help: "You use the label stock to specify how many labels are to be printed on the carrying paper and where the labels are positioned on the label stock."
Label templates
As mentioned in: WWI for Beginners and WWI for Expert the definition of a label template is a challenge. Reasons are e.g.
- The Layout is more complex in development in comparosin to e.g. SDS etc.
- You need a lot of parameter symbols
- You need to understand the topic of "languages" in context ofWWI report (e.g. G repeating group)
- You need in many cases an idea about Bar Code printing
- Dynamic text sizing is in most cases a "must"
So therefore you need to be an experienced WWI developper (not only from WWI layout point of view but of writing function modules to be use in parameter symbols; generation of symbols etc. etc.). As well you need persons in your company habving good knowlegde abouth the basis ERP processes in SAP SD, MM, PP so that the data can be retrieved using parameter symbols.
Generation variants
As mentioned: in most cases Label Generation variants are more complex (e.g.because of LABELSTOCK part)in comparison to a SDS generation variant and because of language part. E.g. the Labelstock part is sometimes not clear for Label developper (and is a challenged)
Label generation
ToDo
Label determination
ToDo
Status check for Label Determination
This link Status Check for Label Determination - Global Label Management (EHS-SAF-GLM) - SAP Library
is providing some overview of some "subscenarios" available with SAP EHS GLM. Main challenge is: how to "generate" the label? What is the basis? As explained in the link you can defin "Printing scenarios". And in the printing scenario you specify if for printing the label you need should be a released report body, or if you would like to generate the label on the fly (like with "Create report from template") without a released report body. So you have three basic scenario you can use. The "correct" decision (which scenario should be used based on label) depends in most cases on the "content" of the label. E.g. if product safety information or dangerous goods information should be displayed in most cases the "Released report body" option is used. For "handling advice lables" etc. (as shown above) or lables which contains mainly MM, SD etc. information in most cases the generation of the label "on the fly" is a good option. In any case: check your GLM log scenario. If you would like to be able to determine later the content of labels you have printed the logging of label data retrieved is an important success factor to do so. Especially if user action is required for some data to be printed
Checking Labels
ToDo
Label printing
ToDo
Automatic label printing
ToDo
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,.