SAP Fiori has transformed the way users interact with SAP software by delivering simple, intuitive, and responsive applications designed around user roles and tasks. For developers entering the SAP Fiori ecosystem, understanding the basics of Fiori app development is essential to creating applications that not only function well but also comply with SAP Fiori Design Guidelines, ensuring consistency and excellent user experience across all SAP solutions.
SAP Fiori app development refers to the process of designing, building, and deploying applications that follow the SAP Fiori design principles using SAP technologies such as SAPUI5 (SAP’s HTML5-based UI framework), OData services, and SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). These apps provide role-based access to business processes with a responsive and user-friendly interface.
Before coding, SAP Fiori app development starts with design. This involves understanding the user roles, tasks, and workflows to create user journeys that are efficient and enjoyable. The SAP Fiori Design Guidelines provide detailed principles on layout, navigation, controls, and visual design to ensure apps are consistent and meet user expectations.
Fiori apps are designed around specific roles—such as a procurement manager, sales representative, or finance accountant—ensuring users only see relevant information and functions. This simplifies the interface and improves productivity.
SAP Fiori apps must work seamlessly across devices—desktop, tablet, and smartphone. Developers use SAPUI5’s responsive controls and layout managers to create flexible user interfaces that adjust automatically to screen size and orientation.
Fiori apps typically follow the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern:
This separation improves maintainability and testability.
SAPUI5 is the UI development toolkit for building SAP Fiori apps. It offers a rich library of UI controls that follow Fiori design principles, including tables, forms, charts, and more.
OData (Open Data Protocol) is used to connect the frontend Fiori app with backend SAP systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA). OData services provide a standardized RESTful interface for CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations on business data.
SAP BAS is the cloud-based development environment where developers build, test, and deploy Fiori apps. It provides templates, wizards, and integration tools to accelerate development.
The launchpad is the entry point for Fiori apps. Developers configure app tiles, groups, and catalogs to present apps in a role-based manner.
Identify the target user role and the business task the app will address. Refer to SAP Fiori design guidelines to outline the necessary screens and interactions.
If needed, create or expose OData services from the SAP backend that provide the required business data. This can be done using SAP Gateway or SAP Cloud services.
Using SAP Business Application Studio or SAP Web IDE, scaffold the app with predefined templates (e.g., List Report, Object Page). Develop views and controllers according to MVC principles, applying Fiori design patterns.
Connect UI controls to OData services through data models. Implement event handlers and logic in the controller to handle user actions.
Test the app across devices and browsers. Optimize performance, accessibility, and responsiveness in line with SAP Fiori Design Guidelines.
Deploy the app to the SAP system or SAP Cloud Platform and configure it in the Fiori Launchpad, assigning it to appropriate user roles.
Developing SAP Fiori apps requires a blend of technical skills and design understanding, guided by SAP Fiori Design Guidelines. By embracing role-based design, responsive UI principles, and modular development practices, developers can build applications that enhance user productivity and satisfaction. As SAP’s cloud strategy evolves, mastering Fiori app development will continue to be a valuable competency in the SAP ecosystem.