Enterprises today operate in a complex IT landscape, where SAP systems coexist alongside numerous non-SAP applications, each serving specific business functions. Users navigating this mixed environment often face inconsistent interfaces, fragmented workflows, and duplicated efforts—leading to frustration, inefficiencies, and reduced productivity. To address these challenges, organizations need a unified UX strategy that harmonizes user experiences across both SAP and non-SAP systems. Such an integrated approach not only simplifies the user journey but also accelerates adoption, improves operational agility, and drives greater business value.
A consistent and intuitive user interface across all business applications minimizes cognitive load, allowing users to focus on their tasks rather than adapting to different system quirks.
Unified UX reduces task switching and errors by streamlining workflows that span multiple systems, enabling faster and more accurate completion of work.
Users are more likely to embrace digital tools that feel familiar and easy to use, regardless of whether the underlying system is SAP or third-party.
A unified strategy facilitates quicker implementation of process changes and system integrations, supporting business agility.
Adopt or develop design principles, UI patterns, and interaction models that can be applied across SAP and non-SAP systems. SAP Fiori Design Guidelines offer a robust starting point, but may require extensions or customizations for non-SAP contexts.
Use middleware solutions such as SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), SAP Integration Suite, or other API management tools to create unified data flows and service layers that support consistent UX behavior.
Deploy a unified launchpad or portal—such as SAP Launchpad service—that aggregates applications, notifications, and tasks from SAP and non-SAP sources into a single, personalized entry point.
Integrate identity providers (e.g., SAP Identity Authentication Service) to enable single sign-on (SSO) and unified user profiles across systems.
Conduct holistic user research to understand cross-application workflows and pain points, ensuring the unified UX strategy addresses real user needs.
Foster collaboration between SAP teams, non-SAP vendors, UX designers, business stakeholders, and IT to align on goals and implementation plans.
Assess the Current State
Map existing SAP and non-SAP applications, user roles, workflows, and pain points.
Define UX Principles and Standards
Create a shared design language, including typography, color schemes, navigation patterns, and accessibility requirements.
Design the Unified User Journey
Model end-to-end workflows that span multiple systems and identify integration points for seamless transitions.
Build or Enhance the Unified Launchpad
Customize or implement a portal that aggregates applications and provides role-based navigation and notifications.
Develop APIs and Middleware Integration
Ensure real-time data exchange and state synchronization to keep interfaces consistent and up to date.
Pilot and Iterate
Deploy the unified UX components with a select user group, gather feedback, and refine the strategy.
Scale and Govern
Roll out organization-wide with clear governance for design standards, UX quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
Creating a unified UX strategy for SAP and non-SAP systems is essential to overcoming the fragmentation inherent in modern enterprise IT landscapes. By standardizing design principles, integrating data and services, and focusing on user-centered workflows, organizations can deliver a seamless experience that empowers users, drives adoption, and ultimately supports strategic business objectives.
A unified UX is not just a technical initiative—it’s a strategic enabler of business transformation in the SAP ecosystem and beyond.