SAP has a long history of working with customers to help them use the latest technology innovations. For example:
Mainframe with R2
Client/Server architecture with R/3
Worldwide Web with mySAP.com
In-memory computing with SAP HANA
SAP understands the importance of a good user experience to meet user needs effectively and enjoyably. Furthermore, it must be simple, intuitive, personalized, and tuned to how users work while embedding good access security practices.
With SAP S/4HANA, SAP is executing the vision to empower every customer employee to use SAP business software. The "S" in S/4HANA stands for Suite, and the "4" stands for the fourth generation. The complete name is SAP Business Suite 4 (for) SAP HANA (S/4HANA).
SAP systems deliver robust software solutions using a three (3) tier client/server architecture comprising a presentation, application, and data storage layers. Together, the three (3) layers represent an SAP system, such as S/4HANA or SAP CRM, and so on.
Users log on to the SAP system using a frontend device at the presentation layer. They have various interfaces from which to choose to access the specific business process function or functions required for their job function. Each process function is executed using the frontend interface.
The application layer represents where the business logic and configured business process functionality are designed and implemented. It contains the infrastructure and resources to support end-user requests to execute requested functions. The application layer is made up of an instance. An instance represents a collection of processes and resources that support presentation layer connections to facilitate process execution.
Finally, the data storage layer comprises precisely one database and is the repository for all the SAP system's data and objects.
SAP UI Tools and Technology
Historically, the SAP system was accessed via the presentation layer using the SAP GUI and, later using the SAP NetWeaver Business Client. However, the release of SAP S/4HANA and the acquisition of solutions, including Ariba Mobile, SAP Hybrid Cloud for Customer, and SAP SuccessFactors, has led to a shift from traditional role-based frontend screen design to an activity-based app strategy. This led to the development of the SAP Fiori UI.
SAP UI development has two goals:
- Improve user productivity by simplifying and automating day-to-day tasks across any device.
- Reduce training and support costs with simple, role-based screens that speed ramp-up and minimize user errors.
The SAP Fiori Concept
With the release of SAP S/4HANA, SAP Fiori is the dominant interface for access to new SAP applications and solutions, both on-premise and within the cloud. SAP focuses on SAPUI5 as the latest technology for new features and business cases to support the shift to activity-based app design.
SAP Fiori offers a unified user experience for various clients. To work better, more efficiently, and securely, users must have a consistent, coherent, simple, intuitive, and delightful user experience on all devices.
SAP Fiori Role-Based User Experience
SAP Fiori breaks down these significant transactions into several discrete apps, suiting the user roles. All apps are connected to make all transaction tasks possible, but they are only performed if the user chooses. The SAP Fiori Launchpad then serves as the central entry point for all user apps so that users do not have to log on to different clients and platforms.
SAP Fiori Launchpad Functions
The SAP Fiori Launchpad offers several features to make it easier for end users to do their work. These features are integral to managing application-level security within SAP S/4HANA.
- Homepage: The homepage is the heart of the SAP Fiori launchpad and the central access point for SAP Fiori apps. The page contains tiles used to launch apps and can also show more application information. Because the launchpad is role-based, only apps relevant to the user’s role profile are shown.
- Spaces: A space and its pages structure the most relevant apps for users with a specific business role. Launchpad spaces display tiles that allow users to launch apps. They can also show more application information. As the launchpad is role-based, only apps relevant to the user’s role profile are shown.
- Tiles: A tile is a container that represents and displays an app that can be launched on the Fiori launchpad page. The app tiles are only available for use securely via specific business roles assigned to the business user.
- User Actions Menu: The User Actions Menu allows users to access their settings, preferences, and secondary shell functions, such as the App finder and personalization features. It also provides access to recent activities and a shortcut to tasks that need continued work. Certain groups of apps are displayed depending on the user's role. The menu is accessed by clicking the icon or photo on the right-hand side of the shell bar.
- Notifications: Users can access notifications by clicking the Notifications button on the right of the shell bar. The notification list displays system-generated notifications from various sources, such as the workflow inbox or chat notifications for taking immediate action.
For further information about the Fiori Launchpad Functions, visit: https://experience.sap.com/fiori-design-web/launchpad/.
One User Experience for Multiple Technologies
SAP Fiori Launchpad can be run on an SAP NetWeaver ABAP Stack, SAP Enterprise Portal, SAP Business Client, SAP Fiori Client, and SAP Cloud Platform.
The SAP Fiori Launchpad is not technically the same on other platforms. Therefore, some features of SAP Fiori Launchpad on the SAP NetWeaver ABAP Stack may not be available on other platforms. Also, the configuration and authorization are different from platform to platform. However, the concept and the user experience are the same.
For information about SAP Fiori apps, see the SAP Fiori Apps Library at: http://www.sap.com/fiori-apps-library.