Exploring SAP Front-End Technologies

In previous units, you learned about the ABAP Platform's three-tiered client server architecture. In this unit, you will explore the supported front-end technologies that provide user access to your SAP S/4HANA system from the presentation layer.

The presentation layer is the first tier of a three-tiered system and is responsible for:​

• Implementing a graphical user interface for the application​
• Enabling data entry, data retrieval, data analytics, and other interactions with application components​
• Running on hardware that is particular to the end user, such as a desktop computer or a tablet​
• Focusing on the user experience: it typically does not contain significant application processing or data storage​

Over the years, the SAP presentation layer has evolved to support a number of user interfaces. SAP S/4HANA supports several front-end clients, including the following:

• SAP GUI
• SAP Business Client
• SAP Fiori

The aim of the lessons that follow is to provide you with a comprehensive view of each user interface and to see examples of how to use each option.

First, you will examine the SAP GUI, SAP's traditional front-end client.

This interface has been a primary interface for accessing SAP ABAP solutions. The SAP GUI, or Graphical User Interface, is a software program developed by SAP that allows users to interact with SAP applications and systems. It serves as a primary user interface to access SAP ABAP Platform systems and capabilities.

The SAP GUI provides a visual and interactive setup that lets users perform tasks within an SAP system - from data entry tasks, to running complex system scenarios and applications. The SAP GUI is designed with a layout and functions that can be customized to fit user preferences and requirements.

The SAP GUI supports several platforms including Microsoft Windows and different types of UNIX. It also supports various access methods, such as direct access to the SAP system via the IP network and browser-based access through web browsers, referred to as SAP GUI for HTML.

The SAP Business Client is a desktop application that provides a unified, modern, and seamless user experience for various SAP applications. This client lets users access SAP backend systems that offer either classic Dynpros, Web Dynpro applications, or Fiori design-based applications.

It enables access to SAP GUI transactions and Web Dynpro applications, integration of SAP Fiori launchpad, representation of Web pages, and more by providing a harmonized and easy-to-use browser-like interface.

This allows for effective and efficient workflow management, role-based access, and personalized user experience. SAP Business Client is designed to boost productivity, efficiency, and streamline business operations.

The SAP Fiori interface is a user-friendly, intuitive interface designed to provide a consistent and unified user experience across various devices and deployment options. It features a simple and clean design, with icon-based navigation and a responsive layout that adjusts to different screen sizes.

The interface contains various business functions and applications that users can customize according to their needs. It follows the principle of 'role-based,' which means that, depending on a user's role within the company, they will be provided access to certain applications or information pertinent to their job.

Some prominent features include interactive charts, dashboards for a quick overview of key business data, real-time notifications, and searchable quick access to all the applications. It has a tile-based design where each tile represents a business application that can be launched directly from the home page.

You should now be able to briefly describe the SAP GUI, the SAP Business Client and SAP Fiori. In the following lessons, you will explore each of these front-end interfaces in detail and learn how SAP recommends using them.