With SAPUI5 to modern Fiori applications
A quick overview of the technology
SAP Fiori is a design guideline released by SAP in 2013 to improve the user experience of SAP software products. Fiori is designed to provide users with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is optimized for different devices such as desktops, tablets, and smartphones. SAP Fiori focuses on providing a modern, engaging, and simple user interface that increases user efficiency and productivity. The applications are role-based and cover various business areas, such as finance, human resources, procurement, sales, and more.
SAPUI5 is a framework developed by SAP that is used for developing Fiori applications. SAPUI5 is HTML5 with additional SAP features. With SAPUI5, developers can create engaging and interactive Fiori applications, as the framework provides a variety of features and tools to make development more efficient and effective, while enabling seamless integration with SAP systems.
What are the benefits of fiori applications
Fiori applications provide a user-friendly and clear presentation of information that is specifically tailored to user requirements. By providing an intuitive user interface and streamlining workflows, Fiori applications can increase employee productivity. This enables faster and more accurate work, which leads to an increase in work speed and quality.
As mentioned earlier, Fiori applications are designed to be intuitive, which reduces the learning curve for new users and the amount of training required by the organization. The positive user experience provided by Fiori applications also contributes to higher employee satisfaction and can be used as an argument in the competition for new professionals.
Applications can be accessed via the Fiori Launchpad, which opens in a web browser. This enables device-independent access and also offers the option of use on mobile devices. Location-independent, flexible and cross-departmental work with SAP is thus made possible. For example, all the necessary information and functions can be accessed directly via a tablet during a meeting.
Fiori applications are designed to personalize the user interface and give users access to the information and functions that are relevant to them. This role-based functionality allows users to focus on their specific tasks and do their jobs more efficiently. When a user logs in, they are presented with only those applications, features and data that are relevant to their role in the organization.
By integrating real-time data, Fiori applications can display up-to-date information about customers, orders, financials, inventory, and other business-critical areas. These real-time analytics capabilities enable users to quickly respond to changes and optimize business processes. For example, they can monitor resource utilization, manage inventory levels, and analyze sales data. This enables them to be proactive, respond to opportunities, and identify challenges early.
What challenges are companies facing?
The implementation of Fiori applications requires a suitable technical infrastructure. Companies must ensure that their systems and platforms are compatible and offer sufficient resources. This may require additional investments in hardware and software.
Fiori applications must be closely integrated with the company's existing business processes. This requires a thorough analysis of processes and potential customizations to ensure the application fits seamlessly into the workflow. It may also require retraining employees or introducing new ways of working.
Another challenge is the issue of security. Companies need to ensure that the data accessed by SAP Fiori applications is protected from unauthorized access. This requires implementing various security measures such as single sign-on (SSO), role-based access control (RBAC) and encryption. These security measures ensure that only authorized users can access data and that communication between users and the SAP system is protected.
Once the points regarding infrastructure, processes and security have been met and finalized, a suitable process model can be selected. An agile approach is of clear advantage in development, as prototypes can be created and tested at an early stage. It is important to perform comprehensive testing to ensure that Fiori applications function without errors and meet requirements. Testing can be complex, as different devices, operating systems and browsers need to be supported. Various testing procedures such as functional testing, compatibility testing, and performance testing should be performed.
Application example UI5 picking dialog
The UI5 picking dialog is an exemplary application developed with SAPUI5. This picking dialog with connection to an automated warehouse with ABAP Push Channel is a special solution tailored to the individual picking processes of a customer. This means that the application is precisely adapted to the way users work. The dialog displays only the data that is relevant for the current processing step. This keeps the user interface clear and users see only the information they need for their tasks. The ABAP push channel is used to establish real-time communication between the lower-level controller and the EWM system. This allows the two systems to communicate and exchange information in real time.
What can HPC do here?
HPC not only has an exceptionally high number of experts in the field of EWM and MFS, but can look back on a large number of satisfied customers regarding the implementation of Fiori applications. Our team includes specialized SAPUI5 experts who are able to implement customer-specific processes from the design phase to development and production deployment. Challenges and problems that may arise during the development of Fiori applications are already known and a suitable solution approach is available. This means that interface prototypes can be made available to the customer at an early stage of the project in order to obtain feedback and derive optimizations. This benefits the customer and saves time and money.
