Enhancing User Experience and Security in Mobile SAP Access
With the rise of mobile computing, enterprises are increasingly deploying custom mobile applications to provide users with on-the-go access to critical SAP business processes. However, securing these mobile apps while ensuring a seamless user experience poses significant challenges. Implementing SAP Single Sign-On (SSO) for custom mobile applications is the key to delivering secure, frictionless access that aligns with enterprise security policies and user expectations.
Mobile users expect instant, hassle-free access to applications without repeatedly entering passwords. At the same time, enterprises must enforce strong security controls to protect sensitive SAP data accessed via mobile devices.
SAP SSO eliminates password fatigue and reduces security risks by enabling users to authenticate once and gain access across multiple SAP systems and apps. For custom mobile apps, SAP SSO:
- Enhances security by leveraging strong authentication protocols
- Improves user adoption and productivity through seamless access
- Simplifies IT management by centralizing authentication and access control
¶ 1. SAML 2.0 and OAuth 2.0 / OpenID Connect
- Most custom mobile apps integrate with enterprise Identity Providers (IdPs) supporting OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (OIDC) for token-based authentication.
- SAML 2.0 can be used for web-based mobile applications via the embedded browser or webview.
- These standards support modern authentication flows including authorization code flow with PKCE, ensuring secure token exchange.
- For high-security scenarios, mobile apps can use client certificates stored securely on devices (e.g., in a hardware-backed key store or smart card).
- Certificates enable mutual TLS (mTLS) to authenticate devices and users.
- SAP IAS acts as a cloud-based Identity Provider supporting SAML, OAuth, and OIDC.
- It offers built-in multi-factor authentication (MFA) and social login integrations.
- IAS can federate identities from corporate directories like Azure AD or LDAP.
- While traditionally used for desktop clients, SNC can complement mobile security by encrypting communication between mobile apps and SAP backend systems.
- Determine which IdP will authenticate mobile users (SAP IAS, Azure AD, Okta, etc.).
- Choose the appropriate protocol(s) based on app architecture (native vs. web-based).
- Register the mobile application in the IdP.
- Set up client credentials, redirect URIs, and scopes.
- Enable MFA and adaptive authentication if required.
- For OAuth/OIDC, implement the authorization code flow with PKCE to securely obtain access and refresh tokens.
- For SAML, integrate SAML assertions if the app relies on embedded webviews.
- Configure trust relationships between SAP backend systems and the IdP.
- Enable token validation and mapping of token claims to SAP user roles.
- Implement SAP Gateway or SAP Cloud Platform API Management to handle OAuth tokens.
- Validate seamless login without password prompts.
- Confirm secure token handling and session management.
- Test multi-factor authentication and failover scenarios.
¶ Best Practices and Considerations
- Token Lifetime and Refresh: Ensure access tokens have appropriate expiration and refresh mechanisms to balance security and user convenience.
- Device Security: Enforce mobile device management (MDM) and secure storage of credentials and tokens.
- Role Mapping: Align token claims with SAP roles and authorizations to enforce least privilege access.
- Logging and Monitoring: Use SAP Cloud Platform Identity Authentication logs and backend audit tools for compliance.
- User Experience: Minimize redirects and prompt interruptions, especially on mobile networks.
A global company developed a custom sales mobile app accessing SAP S/4HANA data via OData services. By integrating SAP IAS with OAuth 2.0, the app provided:
- Secure, passwordless login with Azure AD federation
- MFA challenge for sensitive transactions
- Seamless access to SAP backend without re-authentication
- Encrypted communication and token validation on the SAP Gateway
The result was increased user adoption and improved data security across mobile channels.
Implementing SAP Single Sign-On for custom mobile applications is a strategic step toward modernizing enterprise mobility while maintaining robust security. By leveraging standards like OAuth 2.0, SAML, and integrating with SAP IAS or corporate IdPs, enterprises can deliver seamless, secure mobile access that boosts productivity and protects critical business data.
For organizations embarking on mobile SAP projects, mastering SAP SSO is essential to meet both user expectations and stringent security requirements in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.