Introduction to SAP Screen Personas Deployment
Subject: SAP-Screen-Personas
SAP Screen Personas is a powerful personalization and simplification tool designed to enhance the usability of SAP GUI and Web GUI transactions. By allowing users to tailor their screens without changing the underlying business logic, SAP Screen Personas helps improve user productivity, reduce training efforts, and boost overall user satisfaction. This article provides an introduction to deploying SAP Screen Personas, its key components, and the essential steps required to successfully implement it in an SAP landscape.
SAP Screen Personas is an add-on solution that enables organizations to customize the SAP GUI screens to better meet the needs of end users. It works by creating "flavors"—customized versions of standard SAP screens—where users can hide unused fields, merge tabs, automate processes, and create a more intuitive interface without coding or extensive development.
- Drag-and-drop customization: Users can rearrange elements on the screen using an intuitive editor.
- Scripting capabilities: Automate repetitive tasks and interactions.
- Role-based access: Tailor screen flavors based on user roles.
- Responsive design: Design screens for desktops, tablets, or mobile devices.
- Web-based deployment: Use SAP GUI for HTML (Web GUI) for browser-based access.
SAP Screen Personas can be deployed in three primary environments:
- SAP GUI for HTML (Recommended) – Web-based interface using the Slipstream Engine.
- SAP GUI for Windows – Desktop-based interface (limited capabilities).
- SAP Business Client – Integration of Web GUI with business roles.
The Slipstream Engine is a key component that renders Screen Personas flavors in a responsive format suitable for modern browsers.
Before deploying SAP Screen Personas, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
- SAP NetWeaver version: At least SAP NetWeaver 7.40 SP08 or higher.
- SAP Kernel: Appropriate kernel version matching the Personas add-on.
- Installed Add-on: SAP Screen Personas add-on installed on the target system.
- Web Dispatcher / Fiori Launchpad: Optional but recommended for mobile/responsive access.
- User Roles and Authorizations: Define roles and authorizations for flavor creators and end users.
- Verify system compatibility and install the required Personas add-on.
- Apply relevant SAP Notes and patches for stability and new features.
- Activate the necessary ICF services (
/sap/bc/personas, /sap/bc/gui/sap/its/webgui, etc.).
- Set up the Slipstream Engine if web-based access is planned.
- Configure system parameters and personalize default options.
¶ 3. Security and Authorizations
- Assign required roles such as
SAP_PERSONAS_ADMIN, SAP_PERSONAS_USER, etc.
- Define authorization groups for managing access to flavors and scripting.
- Use the Personas editor to create and customize flavors.
- Test screen functionality and responsiveness on different devices.
- Embed scripting to automate common actions.
¶ 5. Testing and Validation
- Perform functional and performance testing across different user roles.
- Ensure that flavors work correctly across multiple browsers and devices.
¶ 6. Transport and Go-Live
- Export and import flavors using the transport system.
- Deploy flavors to production and monitor user feedback for improvements.
- Start Small: Begin with high-impact transactions like VA01 (Create Sales Order).
- User-Centered Design: Involve end users early in the design phase to gather feedback.
- Documentation: Maintain clear documentation of all customizations and scripts.
- Regular Updates: Monitor SAP Notes for updates and improvements to Personas.
Deploying SAP Screen Personas is a strategic move towards a more efficient and user-friendly SAP environment. With minimal technical overhead, it empowers both IT teams and business users to create tailored interfaces that align with real-world workflows. By following structured deployment practices and involving key stakeholders, organizations can unlock significant productivity gains and deliver a modern SAP user experience.