Introduction

Simple, role-based, mobile-friendly, and secure applications are essential for businesses in today’s digitally driven corporate environment. More than 1,500 basic Fiori apps covering a wide range of business operations have already been supplied by SAP. However, the truth is that typical apps cannot address every business need — and this is where SAP Fiori custom app development becomes critical.

SAP Fiori custom app development can help with this. Organizations can: 

• Expand SAP’s capabilities beyond what is typically possible by developing custom SAP Fiori apps.

• Create applications for specialized workflows.

• Connect with both SAP and non-SAP systems.

• Provide employees with experiences that are up to date, user-friendly, and device-independent.

In this blog, we’ll break down the complete lifecycle of SAP Fiori custom app development—from design and development to deployment and testing in the SAP Launchpad.

Why Choose SAP Fiori Custom App Development?

Despite the enormous value that SAP standard Fiori apps offer, many businesses encounter gaps in their needs that go beyond pre-packaged solutions. You can create apps that are in line with particular procedures by using custom development.

• Add new functionality to the regular apps that are already available.

• Combine SAP data with information from non-SAP sources.

• Provide staff with streamlined, role-based applications.

The SAP Fiori front-end server hosts these bespoke apps, which use web services, RFCs, or OData services to connect to backend systems, whether they are SAP or not.

Key Advantages of Custom SAP Fiori Apps:

• Smooth interaction with other SAP systems, including SAP S/4HANA.
• Increased productivity with task-based, streamlined applications.
• Cross-platform design that prioritizes mobile.
• Improved user satisfaction thanks to user-friendly interfaces.

Promoting Business Innovation with SAP Fiori Custom Apps: Increased Efficiency for All Positions

Driving Business Innovation with SAP Fiori Custom Apps

Increased Efficiency in All Roles

Employees only view content that is pertinent to their duties thanks to custom Fiori apps that are made around certain user roles. This speeds up daily processes, lowers errors, and gets rid of clutter. The workflow is streamlined and effective, whether a manager is approving purchase orders or a sales representative is accessing customer data.

Smooth Integration with SAP and Other Systems

Fiori apps are not restricted to SAP data alone, in contrast to many stand-alone business apps. To create a unified business view, they can import data from external APIs, web services, and non-SAP systems. Organizations can more easily implement hybrid IT landscapes while preserving data quality and consistency thanks to this integration.

Scalability to Meet Future Requirements

Custom Fiori apps are unique in that they may expand with the company. Apps can be improved with additional functionality, analytics dashboards, or mobile-first designs when procedures change. This flexibility guarantees that businesses can develop continuously without having to replace entire systems and are not restricted to inflexible procedures.

Components of SAP Fiori Custom Apps

Custom Fiori apps are built by combining front-end and back-end components. Each layer plays a vital role.

Front-End Components

• SAPUI5 Application – The core UI of the app.
  
• OData Service definition & registration – Enables data communication.
  
• Semantic Object – Defines navigation intent.
  
• Launchpad Role – Assigns app to the right users.
  
• Business Catalog, Tile & Target Mapping – Provides app visibility in Fiori Launchpad.
  
• Business Group – Groups related apps.
  
• PFCG Role – Ensures role-based access.
  

Back-End Components

• RFC (Remote Function Call): Connects to SAP systems.
  
• Web Services: Fetches data from non-SAP systems.
  

Comparison Between Standard vs Custom Fiori Apps

Aspect	Standard SAP Fiori App	Custom SAP Fiori App
Development Effort	Minimal (ready to use)	Requires design, coding & testing
Flexibility	Limited to SAP’s design	Full flexibility to meet unique requirements
Integration	SAP systems only	SAP + Non-SAP systems
Deployment Speed	Faster	Depends on scope & complexity
Maintenance	SAP-provided updates	Customer-owned

Pre-Requisites for Developing Custom Fiori Apps

Before you start development, ensure you have:

• SAP or Non-SAP system integration technique (RFC, Web services, OData).
  
• Eclipse with SAPUI5 Development Toolkit.
  
• SAP Fiori Front-end Server.
  

SAP Fiori Launchpad URL:

http://<host>:<port>/sap/bc/ui5_ui5/ui2/ushell/shells/abap/FioriLaunchpad.html  

SAP Fiori Designer URL:

http://<host>:<port>/sap/bc/ui5_ui5/sap/arsrvc_upb_admn/main.html  

Important SAP Fiori Server T-Codes

T-Code / Report	Purpose
SICF (/sap/bc/ui5_ui5/sap/)	UI5 Application Path
SICF (/sap/opu/odata/sap/)	OData Service Path
SEGW	Create OData Service
/n/iwfnd/maint_service	Register OData Service
/n/iwfnd/gw_client	Test OData Service
/n/iwfnd/error_log	Error Log
SE38 (/UI5/UI5_REPOSITORY_LOAD)	Upload/Download/Delete UI5 Application
/n/UI2/SEMOBJ	Manage Semantic Objects
LPD_CUST	Configure Launchpad Role
PFCG	Create Front-End Business Role

Steps to Create & Configure a Custom SAP Fiori App

1. Create Ua I5 Application in Eclipse

• Use the SAP UI5 Development Toolkit to design the application.
  
• Define project structure, views, controllers, and resources.
  

2. Deploy UI5 Application on SAP Fiori Front-End Server

• Once built, the application must be hosted on the SAP Fiori server.
  

3. Create a Custom OData Service

• Build a custom service in SEGW for data exchange.
  
• This service links the UI5 app with SAP/Non-SAP data sources.
  

4. Register OData Service in Front-End Server

• Use /n/iwfnd/maint_service to activate the service.
  
• Test with /n/iwfnd/gw_client.
  

5. Configure App Access in Fiori Launchpad

• Define Semantic Object.
  
• Create Business Catalog, Group, and Tile.
  
• Assign a PFCG Role to ensure secure access.
  

Testing SAP Fiori Custom Apps in Launchpad

Once deployment and configuration are complete:

1. Access the SAP Fiori Launchpad URL.
   
2. Log in with credentials tied to the custom app role.
   
3. Locate the tile created for the app.
   
4. Click to open and validate functionality.
   

Apps can also be accessed:

• From browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
  
• On mobile devices using the SAP Fiori Client App.
  

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Even with the right steps, developers may face issues such as:

• App not loading in Launchpad (check semantic object & role assignment).
  
• 404 Errors for UI5 components (verify deployment paths).
  
• Manifest.json issues (ensure proper project structure).
  
• OData registration errors (check service activation).
  

Advantages of Developing Custom SAP Fiori Apps

• Increased adaptability in business.

• Use side-by-side extensions to clean up the SAP core.

• Enhanced user uptake of contemporary user interfaces.

• Smooth transition between hybrid environments.

• Scalable extensions result in lower long-term costs.

Conclusion

Creating bespoke SAP Fiori apps is a good way to bridge the gap between specific business requirements and SAP standard functionality. Using SAPUI5, OData, RFCs, and web services, businesses can develop apps that seamlessly integrate with both SAP and non-SAP systems while offering personalized user experiences that boost efficiency and usability.

In addition to meeting functional needs, custom Fiori applications have strategic advantages. They allow companies to improve workflows, make data more accessible, and give employees tools that are specific to their everyday tasks. This reduces training efforts and boosts productivity because Fiori apps are so easy to use and intuitive.

Custom Fiori development offers the ideal ratio of adaptability, scalability, and innovation for businesses trying to maintain their lead in a digital-first market. Businesses may make sure staff members have access to the appropriate information at the appropriate moment—anytime, anywhere—by implementing role-based, mobile-friendly, and secure apps. Businesses are not only extending SAP by investing in custom Fiori solutions; they are also future-proofing their operations and facilitating enterprise-wide continuous improvement.

Call to Action

At Cremencing.com, we specialize in SAP Custom Development.

Whether you need:

• A new SAP Fiori custom app
  
• Extensions to standard SAP apps
  
• Or full SAP BTP development services
  

 We’re here to help accelerate your SAP journey. Contact us today!

FAQs

Q1: Can custom Fiori apps integrate with non-SAP systems?
Yes, using RFCs and web services, Fiori apps can fetch and process non-SAP data.

Q2: Do I need coding skills for SAP Fiori app development?
Yes, for custom apps, you need SAPUI5, OData, and ABAP skills, unlike low-code SAP Build tools.

Q3: Where are custom Fiori apps hosted?
They are hosted on the SAP Fiori front-end server and accessed through Launchpad.

Q4: How secure are custom Fiori apps?
Security is ensured through PFCG roles, authentication, and SAP’s enterprise-grade standards.

Q5: Can Fiori apps be accessed on mobile devices?
Yes, via mobile browsers or the SAP Fiori Client App from app stores.

Resources

• SAP Official Fiori Overview
  
• Cremencing Custom Development Services