Subject: SAP-UX-Strategy
Topic: SAP Fiori Launchpad
In the evolving landscape of enterprise software, user experience (UX) has become a strategic differentiator rather than a mere interface concern. SAP has recognized this shift, introducing the SAP Fiori design paradigm as a cornerstone of its user experience strategy. At the heart of this paradigm lies the SAP Fiori Launchpad (FLP)—a role-based, personalized, and responsive entry point to SAP applications. This article explores how the SAP Fiori Launchpad significantly enhances UX and aligns with modern SAP UX strategies.
The SAP Fiori Launchpad is a web-based shell that provides users with a centralized access point to all SAP Fiori apps and classic applications (SAP GUI transactions, Web Dynpro, etc.). It is designed based on the Fiori design principles—role-based, adaptive, coherent, simple, and delightful—to ensure consistency and efficiency across business tasks.
Launchpad acts as the gateway for users, offering personalized tiles and groups that reflect their roles and responsibilities, thereby reducing complexity and boosting productivity.
Fiori Launchpad dynamically displays apps relevant to a user’s job role. This tailored experience minimizes clutter and confusion, streamlining navigation and improving task focus.
Example: A procurement manager will only see apps related to purchase orders, supplier management, and sourcing analytics.
Built using SAPUI5, Fiori apps and the Launchpad are fully responsive, ensuring a seamless experience across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. This multi-device accessibility improves user engagement and allows for on-the-go decision-making.
The universal search function provides powerful filtering and cross-application searching capabilities. Notifications allow real-time alerts on important tasks or workflow approvals, supporting faster action and fewer missed updates.
Users can personalize their Launchpad view by rearranging tiles, creating custom groups, and selecting themes. SAP Theme Designer allows organizations to brand the Launchpad with corporate colors and logos, reinforcing a consistent visual identity.
In hybrid SAP landscapes (cloud and on-premise), Launchpad serves as a unifying access point, integrating apps from SAP S/4HANA, SAP Business Suite, and third-party systems. This supports a more cohesive user experience even across disparate systems.
SAP’s UX strategy revolves around intelligent, contextual, and unified experiences. Fiori Launchpad directly supports this by enabling:
Organizations should consider the following while adopting Fiori Launchpad:
The SAP Fiori Launchpad is not just a portal—it is a strategic component of SAP’s UX transformation. By delivering role-based, intuitive, and intelligent access to enterprise functions, the Launchpad plays a pivotal role in enhancing user satisfaction, productivity, and overall digital experience.
As businesses move towards SAP S/4HANA and cloud-centric models, the Fiori Launchpad will continue to evolve as a critical element in delivering value-driven, user-centric enterprise solutions.
Author’s Note:
This article is intended for SAP professionals and strategists looking to align their digital UX transformation with SAP’s vision. Whether you are planning a new Fiori implementation or optimizing an existing one, focusing on Launchpad capabilities is a key step toward delivering exceptional enterprise user experiences.