SAP Fiori is a user experience (UX) design system developed by SAP to provide a streamlined, responsive, and intuitive interface across various business applications. With SAP S/4HANA Cloud—SAP’s intelligent ERP in the cloud—Fiori serves as the primary user interface, enabling users to interact with core business processes through role-based applications.
As organizations increasingly move towards hybrid landscapes, where cloud and on-premise solutions coexist, integrating SAP Fiori with other systems becomes crucial for achieving end-to-end process efficiency and a unified digital experience.
SAP Fiori, by default, is tightly integrated with SAP S/4HANA Cloud. However, real-world enterprise scenarios often demand communication and data exchange with non-SAP systems, legacy applications, third-party services, and other SAP solutions (e.g., SuccessFactors, Ariba, Concur). Key benefits of Fiori integration include:
- Unified User Experience: Provides users with a consistent look and feel across disparate systems.
- Enhanced Productivity: Enables seamless workflows across systems without the need to switch interfaces.
- Data Consistency: Ensures real-time data flow and synchronization between systems.
- Improved Decision Making: Combines data from multiple sources for better analytics and reporting.
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Fiori with Non-SAP Systems (e.g., CRM, eCommerce)
- Use SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) services like SAP API Management or SAP Integration Suite to expose APIs from non-SAP systems.
- Develop custom Fiori apps that consume these APIs to present data in the Fiori launchpad.
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Fiori with Legacy On-Premise Systems
- Leverage SAP Cloud Connector to securely connect cloud-based Fiori apps with on-premise systems.
- Use OData or RESTful APIs exposed by the legacy system and consume them in custom Fiori applications.
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Fiori with SAP Cloud Solutions (e.g., SuccessFactors, Ariba)
- Use prebuilt integration content in SAP Integration Suite.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) and identity federation can be set up using SAP Identity Authentication Service for a seamless login experience.
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Fiori with Embedded Analytics Tools
- Integrate SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) with Fiori for advanced reporting and dashboards.
- Embed SAC stories directly into Fiori tiles using Smart Business KPIs.
- SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP): Provides foundational services for integration, extension, and development of Fiori apps.
- SAP Integration Suite: Supports cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-on-premise integrations with prebuilt connectors and APIs.
- SAP Cloud Connector: Acts as a bridge between on-premise systems and SAP BTP.
- OData Services: Standard protocol used by Fiori apps to communicate with back-end systems.
- SAP Fiori Elements & SAP UI5: Used to build apps that consume APIs from integrated systems.
- Follow Role-Based Design: Tailor Fiori apps according to user roles to avoid information overload.
- Standardize APIs: Use standardized OData or RESTful APIs for integration to ensure scalability and maintainability.
- Secure Data Flow: Ensure secure communication using HTTPS, OAuth2.0, and SAP Identity Authentication.
- Monitor Integration Health: Use SAP Application Interface Framework (AIF) or BTP monitoring tools to track integration errors and performance.
- Use Prebuilt Content When Available: Leverage SAP-provided integration packages to save time and reduce complexity.
¶ Challenges and Considerations
- Complex Authentication Models: Integrating across systems often involves handling diverse authentication mechanisms. SSO and federation are key solutions.
- Latency and Performance: Ensure that integrated data calls do not introduce significant delays in the user experience.
- Change Management: Updates in source systems can impact dependent Fiori applications; robust testing and change tracking are essential.
- Compliance and Data Privacy: Ensure data is transferred securely and complies with GDPR and other regulations.
Integrating SAP Fiori with other systems within an SAP S/4HANA Cloud environment unlocks the full potential of a unified digital enterprise. With the right tools, architecture, and best practices, organizations can deliver a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly experience across their entire technology landscape. As integration continues to be a pillar of digital transformation, mastering Fiori integrations will be key to driving business agility and user adoption.