SAP Fiori Elements is a powerful framework that accelerates SAP Fiori application development by generating UIs based on metadata annotations. It allows developers to build consistent, standardized, and efficient enterprise applications with minimal manual coding. To maximize the benefits of Fiori Elements and deliver high-quality applications, following best practices is essential. This article outlines key best practices for Fiori Elements development to ensure maintainability, performance, and user satisfaction.
Fiori Elements heavily relies on OData annotations to define UI behavior and layout. Ensure your backend OData services:
- Provide comprehensive and accurate annotations such as
UI.LineItem, UI.FieldGroup, UI.SelectionField, and UI.Chart.
- Use semantic annotations like
UI.KPI, UI.HeaderInfo, and Communication for enriched user experience.
- Follow SAP guidelines for annotation vocabulary to keep apps consistent and predictable.
¶ 2. Use Standard Templates Wherever Possible
SAP Fiori Elements offers several app templates like List Report, Object Page, Overview Page, and Analytical List Page. Whenever possible:
- Choose the most suitable standard template instead of building custom UI from scratch.
- Customize templates only when necessary, using extension points and fragments.
- Benefit from SAP’s continuous improvements and support for standard templates.
¶ 3. Keep the Backend OData Service Clean and Optimized
- Avoid loading unnecessary data by implementing filtering, paging, and sorting at the backend.
- Use
$select and $expand wisely to reduce payload size and improve performance.
- Leverage service metadata to expose only relevant entities and properties to the frontend.
While Fiori Elements generates most UI components automatically, extension points allow you to:
- Insert custom UI elements or logic without modifying the generated code.
- Enhance the app with custom actions, buttons, or views where business requirements demand.
- Keep core templates intact, easing upgrades and maintenance.
- Use annotation-driven personalization options like variant management, layout personalization, and filtering.
- Design user roles carefully to expose relevant data and functionality.
- Leverage Fiori Launchpad capabilities for tile personalization and app navigation.
¶ 6. Follow Accessibility and Internationalization Standards
- Ensure your annotations and UI support accessibility features such as keyboard navigation and screen readers.
- Utilize i18n resource bundles for all UI texts to support multiple languages.
- Test your apps with accessibility tools and different language settings.
¶ 7. Test and Debug Thoroughly
- Use SAP Fiori tools in SAP Business Application Studio or Web IDE for testing and debugging.
- Employ the Annotation Modeler to visualize and validate annotations.
- Perform performance testing on different devices and network conditions.
¶ 8. Keep Up with SAP Updates and Community Best Practices
- Regularly update your SAPUI5 libraries and development tools to benefit from new features and fixes.
- Engage with SAP community forums, blogs, and SAP Help documentation for emerging best practices.
- Monitor SAP Roadmaps for upcoming changes and enhancements in Fiori Elements.
Fiori Elements development offers a streamlined approach to building SAP Fiori apps that are consistent, maintainable, and scalable. By adhering to these best practices — from crafting optimized OData services to leveraging extension points judiciously — developers can deliver superior user experiences while minimizing development effort. Continuous learning and adherence to SAP standards will help keep your applications future-proof and aligned with enterprise needs.