Navigating SAP Fiori: A User's Guide

SAP Fiori is a new user experience (UX) platform that redefines the user experience with SAP applications. It replaces the old SAP GUI with a new, user-centric UI that simplifies enterprise apps to be more user-centric, user-friendly, and mobile-optimized.
This blog will make you familiar with SAP Fiori, its most critical features, and how it simplifies SAP apps to be more efficient.

What is SAP Fiori?

SAP Fiori is the SAP design language and UX approach to reimagine its enterprise software interface.

History of SAP UI

SAP's journey started with SAP GUI, a function-based interface that needs technical knowledge. But since businesses needed web and mobile technology, SAP introduced Fiori to make it easy.

Why SAP Fiori Replaces SAP GUI

• User-Centric Design – Easy-to-use interface vs. SAP GUI.
• Cross-Device Compatibility – Supports desktop, tablet, and smartphone.
• Personalized Workflows – Only relevant items are shown to users based on job roles.

Key Features of SAP Fiori

SAP Fiori has some great features that differentiate it from old SAP interfaces

• 1. Role-Based Access

  Applications show users only relevant to job roles, making it simple.

• 2. Responsive & Adaptive Design

  ✔ Device-friendly
  ✔ Touchscreen navigation support

• 3. Integration with SAP S/4 HANA

  ✔ Fiori is the default interface of SAP S/4 HANA with real-time insights.

• 4. Simplified Navigation

  ✔ Easy-to-use tile-based dashboard with instant access to apps
  ✔ Global search facility for instant access to information

Learning SAP Fiori Architecture

SAP Fiori is developed with a three-tier architecture, which includes:

• Front-End UI – Developed with SAPUI5 technology for a responsive experience.
• OData Services & SAP Gateway – Middle layer between UI and database.
• Back-End SAP ERP System – Handles business logic and data.

This module-based architecture provides high performance, scalability, and security.

Types of SAP Fiori Apps

SAP Fiori is available in three forms of applications:

• 1. Transactional Apps

  ✔ Execute routine business activities (e.g., issuing a purchase order).

• 2. Analytical Apps

  ✔ Provide real-time analysis via SAP Smart Business dashboards.

• 3. Fact Sheet Apps

  ✔ Provide context-dependent extended information on business objects (e.g., details on a supplier).

How to Access & Use SAP Fiori

• 1. Logging in & Dashboard Overview

  The users log in to SAP Fiori using their credentials, after which a customized launchpad with the respective apps is provided to them.

• 2. Navigating the SAP Fiori Launchpad

  Tile-based architecture provides easy access to frequently used apps.
  Global search provides easy access to transactions, reports, and business objects.
  The users can re-arrange the tiles by dragging & dropping as per their workflow.

• 3. Searching & Using Fiori Apps

  Fiori search bar provides easy keyword search to search transactions & reports in seconds.
  Users can filter the search results based on date, department, or relevance.

Customization & Personalization in SAP Fiori

SAP Fiori provides the users with the facility to personalize their interface so that they can gain maximum efficiency.

• 1. Transactional Apps

  ✔ Execute routine business activities (e.g., issuing a purchase order).

• 2. Analytical Apps

  ✔ Provide real-time analysis via SAP Smart Business dashboards.

• 3. Fact Sheet Apps

  ✔ Provide context-dependent extended information on business objects (e.g., details on a supplier).

Customization & Personalization in SAP Fiori

SAP Fiori provides the users with the facility to personalize their interface so that they can gain maximum efficiency.

• 1. Adding & Organizing Tiles

  ✔ Users can add favorite apps to Launchpad.
  ✔ Tiles can be organized by grouping them (e.g., Finance, Procurement).

• 2. Creating Favorites & Shortcuts

  ✔ Users can favorite a specific transaction or report for easy access.
  ✔ Shortcuts for business reports can be created & added to dashboards.

• 3. Personalizing UI Themes & Layouts

  ✔ Users can switch between multiple themes (e.g., dark themes, accessibility-themed themes).
  ✔ Layouts can be reorganized based on user requirements.

SAP Fiori for Diverse Roles & Industries

SAP Fiori supports multiple business functions:

• 1. SAP Fiori for Finance Professionals

  ✔ Users can view financial reports, manage invoices, and approve transactions
  ✔ SAP FI and SAP CO integration provides real-time financial data.

• 2. SAP Fiori for Supply Chain & Logistics

  ✔ Manages shipments, orders, and inventory levels.
  ✔ Provides real-time supply chain performance data.

• 3. SAP Fiori for HR & Employee Self-Service

  ✔ Employees can modify their profile, view payroll, and request leaves.
  ✔ Recruitment and HR onboarding can be automated by HR managers.

Benefits of Using SAP Fiori

SAP Fiori provides the users with the facility to personalize their interface so that they can gain maximum efficiency.

• 1. Enhanced User Experience

  ✔ SAP Fiori makes complex transactions easy.

• 2. Enhanced Productivity

  ✔ SAP applications are quicker for employees.

• 3. Enhanced Mobility & Cloud Integration

  ✔ Suitable for mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.
  ✔ Cloud deployment offers remote access anywhere.

Common SAP Fiori Issues & Solutions

• 1. Performance Issues & Solution

  ✔ Verify backend settings properly for slow page load prevention.
  ✔ Optimize OData services for quick response time.

• 2. Compatibility & Browser Support

  ✔ SAP Fiori supports Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
  ✔ Users are advised to use newer browsers for better performance.

• 3. Security & Access Controls

  ✔ Use role-based access controls to prevent unauthorized use
  ✔ Offer data encryption and cybersecurity best practices.

SAP Fiori Future & Future Releases

• 1. AI-Driven UI Enhancements

  1. AI-Driven UI Enhancements.
  ✔ Intelligent assistants for SAP workflow automation.

• 2. Intelligent Automation & Chatbots

  ✔ Chatbots for real-time problem-solving and transaction processing.
  ✔ Predictive analytics integrated into SAP Fiori dashboards.

Conclusion

SAP Fiori redefines the user experience of SAP applications to an intuitive, role-based, and mobile experience. Finance, HR, or supply chain management, SAP Fiori increases productivity and efficiency. Organizations making the move to SAP Fiori will get a new, user-friendly interface, and business operations and decision-making become very easy.