Although many users still use SAP GUI to access SAP systems, the company has been actively promoting the use of SAP Fiori Launchpad as the main entry point. This ZTalent blog will explore what SAP Fiori Launchpad is, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it compares to SAP GUI.
What is SAP Fiori Launchpad?
SAP Fiori Launchpad is the central access point to SAP Fiori applications. It acts as a portal from which users can access all Fiori apps, providing a modern and intuitive user experience.
SAP Fiori: A Brief Introduction
SAP Fiori is a design system that allows the creation of business applications with a consumer-grade user experience. These applications turn occasional users into SAP experts by providing simple screens accessible from any device.
Launchpad Functionalities
The SAP Fiori Launchpad can run on any type of device, giving users the flexibility to access applications from their computers, tablets, or smartphones. There are three main types of applications available:
- Transactional: Allow execution of classic SAP transactions from mobile devices.
- Fact Sheet: Show contextual information about business objects, such as purchase contracts.
- Analytical: Provide key data and allow real-time information analysis, requiring the database to be SAP HANA.
Differences between SAP GUI and SAP Fiori Launchpad
The main difference between SAP GUI and SAP Fiori Launchpad lies in the user experience and how applications are accessed:
SAP GUI (Graphical User Interface)
- Traditional Interface: SAP GUI is the standard graphical interface for classic SAP solutions.
- Local Installation: Requires the installation of SAP Logon on local computers.
- Functionality: Although functional, SAP GUI can seem overwhelming and non-intuitive due to its complexity.
SAP Fiori Launchpad
- Modern Experience: Offers a more intuitive and attractive interface.
- Web Access: Accessed through a web browser, compatible with desktop devices, smartphones, and tablets.
- Types of Applications: Transactional, Fact Sheet, and Analytical.
- Additional Services: Navigation, personalization, and integrated support.
Advantages of SAP Fiori Launchpad
SAP Fiori Launchpad offers several significant advantages:
- Summaries and KPIs: Key performance indicators (KPIs) and summaries are displayed within the Launchpad tiles, enabling quick decisions.
- Routing and Navigation: Facilitates navigation between applications with entity-based URLs and simple navigation functions.
- Centralized Design: Allows for a unified design across the organization using the UI Theme Editor.
- Version and Change Management: Tools to clear the client-side cache during updates.
- Authorizations: Centralized permission management based on standard PFCG roles.
Disadvantages of SAP Fiori Launchpad
Despite its numerous advantages, it also has some disadvantages:
- Initial Complexity: Setting up and customizing the Launchpad can be complex and requires a deep understanding of roles and application groups.
- Dependency on SAP Gateway: Needs SAP Gateway to fully leverage its capabilities.
- Internet Connection Requirement: Requires a stable Internet connection to function properly, which can be an issue in environments with unstable connections.
Conclusion
SAP Fiori Launchpad is a significant advancement in the user experience for SAP systems, offering a modern interface accessible from multiple devices. Although the initial setup can be complex and it requires a stable Internet connection, its advantages in terms of efficiency and usability outweigh these challenges. For organizations looking to modernize their interfaces, SAP Fiori Launchpad is a valuable and recommendable option.
