Subject: SAP Business Client
SAP Business Client (SAP BC) is a versatile desktop front-end that integrates SAP GUI transactions, Web Dynpro ABAP applications, SAP Fiori apps, and URLs into a unified interface. One of its key strengths is the ability to build and deploy custom applications tailored to specific business needs while leveraging existing SAP backend services.
This article guides you through the process of building custom applications within SAP Business Client, covering architecture, development options, and best practices to enhance enterprise workflows.
- Unified User Experience: Provide users with a consistent, role-based launchpad combining SAP GUI, Web Dynpro, and Fiori apps.
- Tailored Functionality: Address unique business requirements beyond standard SAP offerings.
- Leverage Existing Infrastructure: Connect seamlessly with SAP backend systems and leverage SAP authorization and security models.
- Hybrid Approach: Combine web-based UI technologies with classic SAP GUI functionality in one place.
Custom applications for SAP Business Client generally consist of:
- Frontend UI Layer: Built using SAPUI5, Web Dynpro ABAP, or classic Dynpro screens.
- Backend Services: OData services, BAPIs, RFCs, or ABAP function modules exposed by SAP backend systems.
- Navigation & Role Integration: Delivered through PFCG roles that define menus and access rights within SAP BC.
- Develop responsive web apps using the SAPUI5 framework.
- Use SAP Business Application Studio or Eclipse with SAP plugins for development.
- Consume backend OData services for dynamic data operations.
- Deploy as standalone apps or integrate within SAP Fiori Launchpad for SAP BC.
- Traditional ABAP-based web UI technology.
- Ideal for complex business logic and deep SAP backend integration.
- Developed in SAP NetWeaver ABAP environment.
- Accessible directly via SAP BC as part of navigation menus.
¶ 3. Classic Dynpro and SAP GUI Transactions
- Extend or create SAP GUI transactions in ABAP.
- Package them within SAP BC for seamless access alongside web apps.
- Useful for processes that require classic SAP GUI screens.
- Combine SAPUI5 with Cordova for mobile extensions accessible through SAP BC.
- Integrate URLs or external web services into SAP BC menus.
- Use Transaction PFCG to create roles including your custom application links.
- Define the navigation tree and menu entries visible to end-users.
- Assign roles to user IDs to control access.
- Use Transaction NWBC_CONFIG or the SAP BC Administration tools to add and configure navigation targets.
- Navigation targets can be URLs, SAP GUI transactions, or web applications.
¶ Personalization and Branding
- Customize SAP BC launchpad themes via SAP Theme Designer.
- Add company branding to the SAP BC shell.
- Enable personalization options like favorites and recent apps for users.
¶ 🔐 Security and Authorization
- Ensure backend authorization checks are implemented for all custom apps.
- Use SAP standard authorization objects or create custom ones.
- Enforce Single Sign-On (SSO) for seamless user experience.
- Regularly audit role assignments to prevent unauthorized access.
| Best Practice |
Benefit |
| Modular Design |
Easier maintenance and scalability |
| Reuse Existing Backend Services |
Faster development and consistency |
| Responsive UI with SAPUI5 |
Better user experience across devices |
| Rigorous Authorization Testing |
Prevents security risks |
| Centralized Role Management (PFCG) |
Simplifies user access administration |
Building custom applications within SAP Business Client empowers organizations to create tailored, integrated user experiences that improve productivity and align with business processes. Whether leveraging modern SAPUI5 frameworks or classic ABAP Dynpro screens, SAP BC provides a flexible platform to unify SAP and web technologies.
By following best practices in development, navigation integration, and security, enterprises can deliver powerful custom apps that enhance the SAP landscape and drive digital transformation.