Table of Contents
Introduction
SAP Fiori elements streamline app development by offering common floor plan templates. It usually aims to —
- Accelerate development by minimising the frontend code needed for SAP Fiori apps.
- Provide pre-built, stable, and optimised UI code by default.
- Deliver top-notch SAPUI5 applications to end users.
- Ensure adherence to the latest SAP Fiori guidelines for consistent user experience.
Developers using SAP Fiori elements can create apps based on OData services or annotations without requiring extensive JavaScript UI coding.
The framework utilises predefined views and controllers centrally, eliminating the need for application-specific view instances.
SAPUI5 interprets Metadata and annotations from the underlying OData service to initialise the corresponding views for the Fiori app. Additionally, SAP Fiori elements can be employed across various modern programming models as a UI technology.
So, let’s get to reading.
The Core Elements of SAP Fiori Elements
There are generally four elements that come under SAP Fiori. Each of them is different from the other and offers a different sort of input on the project you might be undertaking.
So, let’s begin.
1: List Report
The List Report element of SAP Fiori is a cornerstone in user interfaces, especially within business applications. It serves as a powerful tool for developers to present structured data in a list or tabular format.
Its strength lies in its versatility, offering functionalities like filtering, sorting, and grouping to enhance user interaction. By efficiently organising and presenting data, it enables users to navigate through extensive datasets swiftly and find specific information without hassle.
This element is particularly valuable when dealing with large volumes of data, enabling users to focus on relevant information effortlessly.
2: Object Page
When users need comprehensive details about a single entity or object within a system, the Object Page element comes into play.
It’s designed to offer a holistic view of specific data by displaying detailed information within tabs, sections, or collapsible panels.
Its purpose is to provide a deep dive into the selected object, presenting related information in a structured and easily navigable manner.
This element allows users to explore and understand intricate details of a particular item or entity, facilitating informed decision-making or analysis.
3: Overview Page
The Overview Page element serves as a centralised dashboard-style interface, presenting a summarised view of essential information and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Its layout is carefully crafted to offer a snapshot of critical data points in a visually appealing manner. This element consolidates pertinent information onto a single screen, providing users with quick insights into the system’s overall status or performance.
It’s particularly useful for executives or decision-makers who require a high-level overview to make informed decisions rapidly.
4: Analytical List Page
Tailored for analytical applications, the Analytical List Page element bridges the gap between analytical and transactional data.
It allows users to perform in-depth analysis by combining interactive charts, graphs, and tables with transactional data.
This element empowers users to explore data trends, perform comparative analysis, and gain deeper insights into the information presented.
By offering interactive and visually rich components, it facilitates a much more intuitive understanding of complex data sets, enabling users to make data-driven decisions effectively.
The Benefits of SAP Fiori Elements
As with any other SAP-based product, SAP Fiori Elements can be beneficial if you know how to use it. So, without any further ado, let us learn more about it.
1: Consistency and Standardisation
Within the SAP environment, using pre-built elements ensures a harmonious visual language across various applications. This consistency streamlines the user experience by presenting familiar interface elements, navigation patterns, and design aesthetics.
Employees can effortlessly transition between different apps without encountering jarring differences, reducing confusion and enhancing their overall efficiency.
2: Rapid Development
Fiori Elements serve as a catalyst for accelerated application development. By offering a rich library of pre-configured UI components, developers can swiftly assemble applications without the need for extensive UI design and layout work.
It allows them to channel their efforts into refining the core business logic and functionality of the application, expediting the overall development process.
3: Enhanced User Experience
The primary focus of Fiori Elements lies in delivering an optimal user experience. They are meticulously crafted with a user-centric approach, prioritising ease of use and responsiveness.
This attention to user requirements translates into intuitive interfaces that facilitate seamless interaction, ultimately boosting user adoption rates and productivity levels.
4: Adaptability and Responsiveness
Fiori Elements are engineered to be highly adaptable and responsive. They dynamically adjust their layout and behaviour to suit various screen sizes and devices, ensuring a consistent and optimised user experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
It enables users to access applications from different devices without sacrificing usability or functionality, thereby accommodating diverse user preferences and work styles.
SAP FIori Elements: Implementation and Customisation
SAP Fiori Elements is designed to ensure consistency in application development by offering pre-built templates and interfaces.
These elements encapsulate common application patterns and designs, allowing developers to create applications swiftly without the need to start from scratch.
1: Implementation Process
A: Data Modelling
The foundation of any Fiori Elements application lies in understanding and modelling the underlying data. Developers begin by defining data models using CDS (Core Data Services) or OData (Open Data Protocol) services.
B: Selection of Fiori Elements
Based on the data model and application requirements, developers select the appropriate Fiori Elements such as Overview Page, List Report, Object Page, Analytical List Page, and more.
C: Configuration and Annotations
Annotations play a crucial role in Fiori Elements as they define how data is displayed and interacted with. Annotations within the data model provide instructions to Fiori Elements about UI behaviour, layout, and controls.
D: Adaptation and Extension
While Fiori Elements offers predefined templates, customisation is often required to meet specific business needs. Developers can extend the standard behaviour by adding custom field logic, or modifying the UI to tailor the application precisely.
2: Customisation Techniques
A: Annotations
Annotations within the data model define how Fiori Elements interpret and display data. Techniques like adding annotations for visibility, controlling field properties, or defining navigation behaviour enable developers to customise the application’s appearance and functionality.
B: Extensibility
SAP Fiori Elements support extensibility to accommodate additional functionalities without modifying the standard applications. Developers can create custom fields, actions, or annotations using tools like SAP Web IDE or ABAP Development Tools.
C: Adaptive Layouts
Fiori Elements adapt to various screen sizes and devices, ensuring a seamless user experience. Customising responsive layouts and designing adaptive UIs allows applications to be accessible and intuitive across different devices.
D: UI Adaptation
Tailoring the user interface involves modifying Fiori Elements’ appearance, such as adjusting colours, fonts, and styles to align with the organisation’s branding guidelines. This customisation enhances the application’s look and feel.
3: Best Practices for Implementation and Customisation
Thorough Understanding of Business Requirements
Prioritise understanding the business needs to ensure the application aligns perfectly with user expectations.
A: Leverage Standard Fiori Elements
Use standard Fiori Elements wherever possible to benefit from consistency and decreased development effort.
B: Optimise Performance
Efficiently design the data model and minimise unnecessary data fetching to ensure optimal application performance.
C: Regular Testing and User Feedback
Continuous testing and gathering user feedback during the development phase ensure the application meets user expectations and resolves any issues promptly.
D: Documentation and Knowledge Sharing
Maintain comprehensive documentation of customisation and implementation details for future reference and knowledge sharing within the development team.
