SAP Fiori Elements provides a powerful framework for rapidly developing SAP Fiori applications with minimal custom UI coding, using annotations and metadata-driven templates. However, in modern enterprise scenarios, Fiori apps often need to interact with external systems or services to enrich functionality, access additional data sources, or integrate with third-party APIs. This article explores how to effectively integrate SAP Fiori Elements applications with external APIs, enabling seamless extension of SAP business processes.
While SAP backend systems like S/4HANA or ECC provide rich business data via OData services, many business use cases require additional information or services outside the SAP landscape. Examples include:
Integrating external APIs into SAP Fiori Elements apps broadens the scope and usability of SAP solutions, offering users a unified experience.
The most robust and secure way is to consume external APIs on the SAP backend and expose the combined data via OData services to the Fiori Elements frontend.
Advantages:
Implementation:
CL_HTTP_CLIENT, IF_HTTP_CLIENT).Calling external APIs directly from the Fiori Elements frontend using JavaScript (e.g., in custom extensions):
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
For cloud scenarios, SAP CPI or SAP API Management can act as intermediaries:
Advantages:
Process:
Identify the External API: Understand the API endpoints, request/response formats, and authentication methods.
Create ABAP HTTP Client Program: Use SAP NetWeaver HTTP client classes to connect to the external API.
Handle Authentication: Implement OAuth, Basic Auth, or API key handling securely.
Parse and Map Data: Convert external API responses (usually JSON or XML) into SAP internal structures.
Expose via OData Service:
Consume in Fiori Elements App: Bind the new OData service entities to UI elements using annotations.
A Fiori Elements app showing shipment status integrates with a courier’s external REST API to get real-time tracking:
Integrating external APIs with SAP Fiori Elements apps unlocks significant business value by extending SAP processes with real-time and third-party data. The recommended approach is to consume and aggregate external services on the backend, exposing them via OData to preserve security, maintain SAPUI5 framework benefits, and ensure seamless user experience. With proper design, these integrations enable powerful, responsive, and feature-rich SAP Fiori Elements applications that drive modern enterprise digital transformation.