SAP Fiori and SAP UI5:
definition, differences and benefit
In the context of SAP, the keyword Fiori or SAP UI5 has been used frequently for some years now. But what exactly do these terms mean and what are the differences? SAP's strategy for the coming years is clear:
→ The path is moving to the cloud, and this will also increase the demand for significantly more Fiori apps.
What is SAP Fiori?
With Fiori, SAP has published a new option for simpler and more intuitive applications, because SAP Fiori is a design system with which the SAP applications of the future should offer a better user experience. The plan for the future is to develop the apps according to the Fiori design system with a focus on the user. The goal is to ensure instinctive operation. In addition to the guidelines such as the Fiori apps, which are to be designed in a standardised and clear manner, the SAP Fiori design system also offers tools and templates for creating attractive company applications quickly and easily. Furthermore, the higher level of user satisfaction also increases productivity and data quality. As the applications can either be accessed directly via any browser or are already available as an optimised native web application, work can be carried out flexibly and from anywhere. The various Fiori tools also allow rapid customisation and scaling, as well as much faster development.
In summary, this means that Fiori apps are user-centred applications with a focus on:
→ What does the user want to do?
instead of
→ Which functions are available for the object?
What is SAP UI5?
SAP UI5, which is based on HTML5, forms the technical construction kit for the Fiori design system that SAP provides for the development of the apps. This enables the apps to be called up on mobile or desktop devices without the need for additional installation on the end device. The Fiori apps do not work offline, but directly in any browser, regardless of the operating system. Fiori and SAP UI5 apps often mean the same thing. However, there are also apps that comply with the Fiori Design Guidelines but are based on a technology other than SAP UI5.
What is the benefit?
The clear goal of SAP Fiori and UI5 is to improve the user experience. Both Fiori and UI5 are designed to make working with SAP easier, faster and more pleasant overall. An improved user experience is clearly noticeable in productive use in a number of areas:
- Faster familiarisation
- Better employee retention and employee satisfaction
- More efficient processes due to lower error rates
The SAP Fiori Launchpad should also provide a better overview of the various apps and replace the old SAP GUI in the long term. The similar structure and recurring design of the apps makes it easier to switch between apps and familiarise yourself with new areas of the company.
How do I get a Fiori or UI5 app?
Depending on the module/business area, SAP already offers Fiori apps as standard for many use cases, which can be used directly without any additional effort. If there are special requirements that the SAP standard does not currently cover, there is the option of developing your own Fiori apps with the help of Fiori Elements or SAP Build and Co.. This is done either with the help of a no- or low-code solution or in the classic way by hand.
But what do you do if there is no suitable Fiori app, but a classic SAP GUI application is available?
→ Convert to SAP Fiori with the UI5 Converter!
When is an automatic conversion with the UI5 Converter useful?
There are only a few suitable Fiori applications, particularly in the area of mobile working in warehouses and production environments. The standard offers a different solution for these processes - the RF framework with ITSmobile. The interfaces for these applications are no longer up to date and have limited functionalities. A conversion always makes sense if there is already a classic SAP application that either comes from the SAP standard or was developed in-house.
This results in the following advantages:
→ Time and cost savings compared to the development of a new Fiori app!
→ At the same time, existing developments and customising can be retained!
We are convinced that the UI5 Converter is also the right choice for you.
Let us analyse your current situation together and benefit from its possibilities.
We look forward to hearing from you!
