Understanding and Using SAP Fiori – A Practical Guide
What is SAP Fiori, how is it used in SAP Finance, and what personalisation options are available? A structured overview for learners and users.
Introduction: Why SAP Fiori Is Indispensable Today
In my SAP Finance training courses I repeatedly encounter the same situation: participants with "SAP experience" know the classic SAP GUI transactions very well – but become uncertain when they find themselves in the SAP Fiori Launchpad.
SAP Fiori is not a "new SAP FI" – it is a modern way of working with SAP. This article helps you understand Fiori conceptually, apply it practically, and personalise it sensibly – especially in the context of SAP S/4HANA Finance.
1. What Is SAP Fiori?
1.1 The Core Idea
SAP Fiori is SAP's design and interaction concept for modern user interfaces. The focus is on:
- Role-based working
- Simple, clean interfaces
- Tasks (processes) rather than transactions
- Usability on desktop, tablet, and smartphone
Fiori doesn't show you everything – only exactly what you need for your role.
1.2 The SAP Fiori Launchpad
The Fiori Launchpad is the central entry point:
- Tiles instead of transaction codes
- Groups & Spaces for structure
- Real-time KPIs and counters
- Personalisable per user
2. SAP Fiori Apps – The Three App Types
2.1 Transactional Apps
Entering and changing data – e.g. document entry, general ledger postings, payment approvals. Functionally equivalent to classic SAP GUI transactions.
2.2 Analytical Apps
Real-time evaluations (CDS Views, HANA) with filters, drill-down, and charts – e.g. Cash Flow Analysis, Monitor Open Items. No BW required.
2.3 Fact Sheets
Central object information – e.g. Vendor, G/L Account, Cost Centre. Ideal for understanding relationships.
3. SAP Fiori in Financial Accounting (FI)
Typical FI Use Cases
- Document entry in the general ledger
- Accounts payable and receivable accounting
- Payment processing
- Dunning
- Period-end closing
- Reporting & analysis
SAP GUI vs. SAP Fiori
| SAP GUI | SAP Fiori |
|---|---|
| Transaction codes | Apps |
| Menu tree | Role-based tiles |
| Little visual | Graphical & interactive |
| Technically oriented | Business process oriented |
👉 Important for learners: Fiori does not replace everything immediately – it complements and modernises.
4. What to Watch Out For When Working with SAP Fiori
Roles & Authorisations
Many problems stem not from Fiori itself but from missing roles, unassigned catalogues, or misconfigured Spaces. If you can't see an app, it's almost never your fault – it's the authorisations.
Performance & Data Volume
Set filters as early as possible. Don't load "everything at once". Use drill-down selectively. This saves time and nerves.
5. Personalisation in SAP Fiori
In the Launchpad
You can move tiles, customise groups/Spaces, create favourites, and highlight frequently used apps – so Fiori adapts to your daily work.
Within Apps
In many FI apps: show/hide columns, save sort orders, save filters as variants, personalise layouts. Save variants for monthly closing, daily operations, and special evaluations.
6. Common Questions from Learners
"Do I still need to learn SAP GUI?" → Yes. In practice many companies work hybrid.
"Is Fiori easier?" → Operation: yes. Understanding the processes: just as important as before.
"Can I break something?" → No. Fiori Launchpad personalisation affects only you, not the system.
Conclusion
SAP Fiori is not an end in itself – it is a tool for working more efficiently, understanding processes better, and making decisions faster. Those who use and personalise Fiori correctly in SAP Finance save time, reduce errors, and gain clarity.
My advice to learners: Understand the process first – then you'll use Fiori correctly automatically.