Discovering SAP Build Apps for Seamless Integration

SAP Build Apps provides a unique development experience with rapid innovation through a simple way to build adapted apps which you can add on top of your SAP solutions. With drag-and-drop functionality, it is possible to build UIs with a consistently updated component-library without any developer experience. Furthermore, it is possible to create any logic with visual flow functions and to have the opportunity to use individual style properties and advanced theming support, by which a clear development and user experience is provided with your created apps running on web, iOS, Android, and native runtime optimized for each platform.

It is easy to access and bind your data and other data to the user interface due to OData APIs and REST APIs. In addition, the efficient processing of data is enabled via formulas and over 500 predefined functions, supported with search function and example use cases. This allows you, for example, to perform calculations, format text, affect objects and lists, or to construct dynamic styles.

In the previous lesson, we demonstrated how processes from SAP Build Process Automation can be published to the SAP Build Library, making them easily discoverable and usable across other SAP Build products. To integrate these processes into SAP Build Apps, you first need to enable the integration.

If no process has been integrated previously, you will find the "ADD INTEGRATION" button in the middle of the screen. Alongside the tiles for Visual Cloud Functions for the backend of SAP Build Apps and the tile for SAP Systems for integrating with other systems using OData services and SAP BTP destinations, there is now an added tile for the SAP Build Library. This new tile facilitates seamless integration between SAP Build products, allowing the previously created and published processes from SAP Build Process Automation to be easily found and used without needing to utilize traditional data logics to consume APIs.

Trigger processes

In most digital business environments, efficient and automated processes are essential. SAP Build Process Automation offers a reliable solution for designing and managing end-to-end processes. One effective use of SAP Build is to trigger processes directly from SAP Build Apps using integrated logic components. Before getting started, it is important to complete the necessary steps such as configuring the destination for the process automation service to facilitate the communication and transmission of messages and ensuring the process is deployed and published in the SAP Build Library.

Example: S.MART recognizes inventory shortages and optimizes their re-order processes using SAP Build Apps. The store manager uses the SAP Build App to trigger a re-order when a product's stock level is low. They enter the order details (item number, desired quantity) into the app and trigger the re-order process with a button. This integrates the necessary process logic into the system and initiates the workflow, ensuring a smooth and efficient re-order.

Take the following steps to implement the trigger logic:

1. Enable the process for your app in the SAP Build Library.
2. Drag the trigger logic component into the logic canvas and bind it to the relevant event (for example a click event) of the button.
3. Bind the necessary input parameters to the respective variable fields.

For instance, in an order management scenario, the store manager could enter order details into the app and trigger the process by choosing a button. The app would then handle the input and automatically initiate the workflow, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. The monitoring tab in the SAP Build Lobby allows you to view the new process instances and their details. SAP Build thus helps S.MART in streamlining business operations through seamless process automation.

Retrieve instances

In addition to triggering processes, you can also retrieve all instances of a specific process directly from SAP Build Apps using the integrated logic component. To achieve this, use the retrieve instances function from the new process area of the flow functions. Make sure to select the process you previously enabled in the integration tab. A variety of filters are available to narrow down the instances based on parameters such as start time, status, and instance ID.

Example: Store managers at S.MART monitor all instances of the re-order process to check the status and progress of orders. They use the SAP Build App to retrieve a list of all ongoing order instances and apply filters to sort orders by status (for example "in process," "shipped"). This allows them to respond quickly to potential issues and keep the supply chain running consistently.

To implement this:

1. Add a retrieve instances flow function to your app's logic canvas and bind it to an event, such as a page mounted.
2. Set up the necessary filters, such as the status or the start time of the instances.
3. Bind the retrieved instances to a page variable (for example re-order instances).

Dynamic mapping of the output fields to corresponding UI elements can provide a clear, visual representation. For instance, use an icon list item component where the icon can change based on the status of each instance.

SAP Build thus aids S.MART in streamlining business operations by facilitating easy management and monitoring of process instances.

Get Process Attributes

It’s crucial not only to trigger and retrieve processes but also to access specific attributes of those processes. SAP Build allows you to dynamically display detailed information about a process instance by retrieving its attributes.

Example: Store managers at S.MART need detailed information on specific order instances to prepare for incoming stock. Through the SAP Build App, they can choose a specific order to display attributes such as order date, product description, and supplier information. This is achieved by using the function to retrieve process attributes and integrating them into the user interface. These detailed insights help in efficiently preparing and managing the receipt of goods.

In the user interface, you can also display attributes of the process instance. When a user chooses an instance, a hidden container can become visible, showing the instance’s attributes. This is achieved by retrieving the process attributes and binding them to a variable that displays the attributes.

To implement this:

1. Add a retrieve process attributes function to your app’s logic canvas.
2. Bind this function to an event, such as a click event on an order instance.
3. Configure the output to automatically update the relevant UI elements showing the process attributes.

SAP Build helps S.MART in this way by providing detailed and accessible information necessary for efficient stock management and preparation.

Update Instances

Last but not least, it is also important to be able to update the properties of individual process instances. SAP Build allows you to modify attributes such as the status of a given process instance—setting its status to CANCELED or RUNNING—or updating other details like user data or order numbers. For instance, a store manager might need to update customer contact information or correct an order number. SAP Build facilitates these updates through the modification of specific process attributes.

Example: A store manager at S.MART updates the status of a faulty order to "canceled." This can be done directly through the SAP Build App by changing the status of the affected order instance. By specifying input parameters such as the process instance ID and the new status, these changes are automatically communicated to all relevant departments to prevent unnecessary actions and increase efficiency.

Note

Due to asynchronous processing, these status changes might not take effect immediately. If any errors occur, the error outputs offer detailed information to help diagnose the issue.

Key input parameters include the new status of the process instance and the process instance ID that should be modified. Optionally, you can specify whether the status change should cascade, affecting the specified instance as well as all its subflow instances, or only the given instance.

Integrating these logic components into your SAP Build Apps allows S.MART to manage process instances flexibly and adjust their status according to business requirements.