SAP Fiori Elements offers standardized floorplans and reusable UI components to rapidly build SAP applications with minimal coding, primarily using metadata-driven development. While these templates cover common use cases and standard UI patterns, many business scenarios require custom visualizations and charts to present data in more insightful and interactive ways.
This article explores how to build custom visualizations and charts in SAP Fiori Elements applications, blending the power of SAPUI5’s visualization libraries with the efficiency and consistency of Fiori Elements. We will cover key concepts, approaches, and best practices to help developers enhance their apps with engaging graphical representations.
Standard analytical apps in Fiori Elements support common chart types using annotation-driven frameworks like Smart Chart and Analytical List Page. However, some business processes demand:
Custom charts empower decision-makers by making data easier to interpret and act upon, thus driving better business outcomes.
SAPUI5 includes several built-in libraries for charting:
These libraries are flexible and can be embedded within Fiori Elements apps via extension points.
Sometimes SAPUI5 controls may not cover all requirements, so integration with popular chart libraries such as:
is possible by embedding these libraries inside custom SAPUI5 components within Fiori Elements.
Fiori Elements provides extension points in Object Pages, List Reports, and Analytical List Pages to insert custom UI5 controls, including charts.
sap.suite.ui.generic.template.ObjectPage.view.Details) or List Report.You can add custom tabs or sections in Object Pages or Analytical List Pages for your visualizations.
@UI.facet of type Custom or CustomTab to define the location.If your visualization requirements align closely with standard charts but need slight customization:
Create a Custom UI5 Component:
sap.viz.ui5.controls.VizFrame to display a bar chart.Define a Custom Facet:
@UI.facet of type Custom for the Object Page.Extend the Manifest:
Deploy and Test:
Building custom visualizations and charts in SAP Fiori Elements enhances the value of your applications by providing tailored insights and interactive data presentations. By leveraging SAPUI5’s powerful visualization libraries, extension points, and annotation-driven custom facets, developers can deliver engaging and context-rich user experiences without sacrificing the maintainability and consistency of Fiori Elements.
Mastering these techniques will enable you to address complex business visualization requirements while maintaining alignment with SAP’s best practices.