SAP Fiori Elements revolutionizes SAP UI development by enabling rapid, metadata-driven app creation using standardized templates. This approach accelerates delivery, enforces SAP Fiori design consistency, and minimizes custom coding. However, complex business scenarios often require advanced extensibility and custom UI development beyond what standard templates offer.
This article explores strategies, tools, and best practices for extending Fiori Elements apps with advanced customizations and tailor-made UI components while preserving upgradeability and maintainability.
While Fiori Elements covers common floorplans like List Report, Object Page, and Analytical List Page, real-world enterprise applications frequently need:
Mastering extensibility enables developers to enhance apps to meet these needs without losing the benefits of the Fiori Elements framework.
The first and preferred level of extensibility involves enriching CDS and OData annotations:
@UI.facet, @Consumption.valueHelpDefinition, and @ObjectModel.text.element.This declarative approach keeps extensions clean and easy to maintain.
Fiori Elements provide predefined extension points where developers can inject custom UI5 fragments or controls:
manifest.json to register extensions and provide fragments.This method enables UI customization without altering the core framework.
When event handling or additional client-side logic is needed:
onInit, onBeforeRendering.Controller extensions must be implemented carefully to avoid conflicts during upgrades.
Fiori Elements supports integrating backend business logic via:
DataFieldForAction.Custom actions enrich user workflows and align apps with complex business processes.
For highly specialized UI requirements:
manifest.json.This approach offers maximum flexibility at the cost of additional development effort.
Always try annotation-driven customizations before resorting to code-based extensions for easier maintenance.
Only extend UI where absolutely necessary to minimize complexity and upgrade risks.
Keep custom UI5 components and controller extensions modular and well-documented for easier debugging and upgrades.
Maintain consistent look and feel by adhering to SAP’s UX principles even in custom components.
Validate customizations across devices, browsers, and use cases to ensure reliability and performance.
ApproveOrder on your backend.@UI.lineItem and @Consumption.valueHelpDefinition.This flow integrates complex business logic while leveraging Fiori Elements extensibility.
Advanced extensibility and custom UI development with SAP Fiori Elements empower developers to build tailored, enterprise-grade applications that satisfy unique business demands. By combining declarative annotations, extension points, custom controllers, and embedded SAPUI5 components, teams can enhance standard Fiori Elements apps while preserving maintainability and upgradeability.
Staying informed about the extensibility framework and SAP’s best practices is essential to maximize Fiori Elements’ potential in modern SAP landscapes.