¶ Understanding the SAP Fiori Launchpad Architecture
The SAP Fiori Launchpad is the central entry point for SAP Fiori applications, providing users with a personalized, role-based, and unified experience across all SAP solutions. Understanding its architecture is essential for SAP professionals to design, deploy, and manage Fiori applications effectively. This article dives into the components, layers, and key concepts behind the SAP Fiori Launchpad architecture.
The SAP Fiori Launchpad (FLP) is a web-based shell or home page that hosts SAP Fiori apps and other business applications. It offers:
- Role-based access: Users see apps relevant to their job roles.
- Personalization: Users can customize tiles, themes, and notifications.
- Unified experience: Integration of multiple SAP systems in one place.
- Cross-device support: Responsive design for desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Runs the SAP Fiori Launchpad user interface.
- Typically hosted on SAP NetWeaver Gateway or SAP Cloud Platform.
- Delivers the HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS resources required to render the launchpad.
- Manages user interaction, tile display, and navigation.
- Provide business data and services consumed by Fiori apps.
- Can be SAP S/4HANA, SAP ERP, SAP Business Suite, or cloud services.
- Expose data via OData services through SAP Gateway.
- Acts as a middleware layer.
- Exposes backend business data and processes as OData services.
- Handles security, communication, and protocol translation.
- Manages catalogs, groups, and tiles.
- Assigns roles and authorization to users.
- Configures the launchpad layout and user experience.
¶ 5. User Authorization and Roles
- Implemented via SAP’s role-based access control.
- Roles determine which tiles and apps users can access.
- Role assignments are maintained in SAP backend systems (e.g., SAP GRC or SAP Identity Management).
- The user interface layer rendered in the browser.
- Composed of SAPUI5 controls and the Launchpad shell.
- Handles rendering of tiles, user navigation, notifications, and personalization.
- Hosts the individual SAP Fiori apps.
- Each app is typically a separate SAPUI5 application or a Web Dynpro app.
- Communicates with backend services via OData.
- Connects frontend and backend.
- Uses SAP Gateway to expose OData services.
- Manages authentication and data transformation.
- The underlying SAP backend systems with business logic and data.
- Responsible for transactional data processing and persistence.
- Dynamic Tile Management: Tiles can be static (fixed content) or dynamic (real-time data).
- Target Mapping: Routes user clicks on tiles to specific apps or URLs.
- Personalization and Settings: User-specific themes, tile arrangements, and notification settings.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Seamless authentication across SAP systems.
- Extensibility: Ability to add custom tiles, apps, and groups.
- On-Premise: SAP Fiori Launchpad deployed on SAP NetWeaver Gateway or SAP S/4HANA systems.
- Cloud: Available as part of SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) or SAP Fiori Cloud.
- Hybrid: Combination of on-premise backend with cloud-hosted launchpad.
¶ How SAP Fiori Launchpad Handles Security
- Uses SAP Single Sign-On for user authentication.
- Enforces authorization checks based on roles and permissions.
- Secures communication with HTTPS and OAuth where applicable.
- Supports logging and auditing for compliance.
The SAP Fiori Launchpad architecture is a multi-layered, flexible framework designed to deliver a seamless, personalized, and secure user experience for SAP applications. By understanding its components and how they interact, organizations can effectively deploy, extend, and manage SAP Fiori solutions that meet business needs. Whether on-premise or in the cloud, the Launchpad remains the cornerstone of SAP’s modern UX strategy.