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SAP FIORI RESOURCE HUB · 2026

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SAP FIORI RESOURCE HUB · 2026

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This SAP glossary covers every key term you’ll encounter in an SAP implementation, migration, or consulting role. Whether you’re a business analyst exploring SAP for the first time, a consultant preparing for an S/4HANA project, or a developer working with ABAP and Fiori — this reference has you covered. Each entry links to a full in-depth article with T-codes, examples, career tips, and interview questions.

Use the A–Z jump navigation above, the search box, or browse by module category below. All terms are updated for SAP S/4HANA 2023 and beyond.

Browse by Module

SAP General

12 Terms

FICO — Finance

10 Terms

SD Sales

8 Terms

MM Materials

6 Terms

PP — Production

5 Terms

HCM — HR

5 Terms

PM — Maintenance

3 Terms

QM — Quality

2 Terms

PS — Projects

2 Terms

GRC — Compliance

5 Terms

ABAP Development

8 Terms

BASIS / Admin

4 Terms

Fiori / UI5

4 Terms

BTP / Cloud

5 Terms

Integration

6 Terms

SAP Ariba

3 Terms

SuccessFactors

3 Terms

EWM — Warehouse

2 Terms

A

ABAP Advanced Business Application Programming

SAP's proprietary programming language, used to develop and customize all SAP applications. Runs on the SAP NetWeaver ABAP Application Server and supports classical, object-oriented, and modern (CDS/RAP) programming styles.

Access Control (SAP GRC)

The core GRC component that prevents, detects, and remediates access risks in SAP. Manages Segregation of Duties (SoD) conflicts, critical access, role design, and emergency access (Firefighter). Essential for SOX compliance.

SAP Activate Methodology

SAP's official agile implementation methodology for S/4HANA. Six phases: Discover, Prepare, Explore, Realize, Deploy, Run. Replaces the older waterfall ASAP methodology. Based on SAP Best Practices and fit-to-standard workshops.

ALE — Application Link Enabling

SAP's framework for synchronizing data between SAP systems using IDocs over RFC connections. Used for master data distribution (material master, vendor master) and cross-system business process integration without tight coupling.

ALV — ABAP List Viewer

SAP's standard reporting grid framework for ABAP programs. Provides sorting, filtering, totals, column reordering, export to Excel, and print functionality without custom development. Used in virtually every custom SAP report.

C

CDS Core Data Services

SAP's modern data modeling language using SQL-like DDL syntax. CDS views run natively on HANA for maximum performance and serve as the foundation for Fiori apps, S/4HANA embedded analytics, and the Virtual Data Model (VDM).

SAP Client

A self-contained unit within an SAP system with its own master data, transaction data, and configuration. Standard landscape: Client 100 (Development), 200 (Quality/Testing), 300 (Production). Client 000 and 066 are SAP standard clients.

Clean Core (S/4HANA Principle)

SAP's strategic principle to keep the S/4HANA ABAP stack unmodified. All extensions must use BAdIs, RAP, or BTP side-by-side extensions. Clean Core enables seamless upgrades and is mandatory for S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition.

CO — SAP Controlling

SAP's management accounting module. Tracks internal costs and profitability for management decision-making. Sub-modules: Cost Center Accounting (CCA), Profit Center Accounting (PCA), Product Costing (PC), Profitability Analysis (CO-PA).

Cost Center (SAP CO)

An organizational unit in SAP CO that represents a department, team, or function that incurs costs. Every expense posting (salary, utilities, rent) can be assigned to a cost center. Managers use cost center reports to track spending vs. budget.

Cutover (SAP Go-Live)

The final switchover from the old system to the new SAP system. Includes data migration execution, balance uploads, open item uploads, system freeze (no transactions in legacy), and go/no-go decision. Typically executed over a weekend. The highest-risk phase of any SAP project.

Customer Master (SAP SD)

The central master data record for a customer in SAP. Contains three views: General Data (address, communication), Company Code Data (payment terms, reconciliation account), and Sales Area Data (shipping conditions, pricing, incoterms). Created with XD01 or VD01.

D

Delivery (SAP SD)

An SAP document that controls the physical shipment of goods to a customer. Created from a sales order (VL01N), it triggers picking (warehouse) and posting goods issue (inventory reduction). The delivery is the link between SD order management and the warehouse/inventory.

E

SAP ECC — ERP Central Component

The classic SAP ERP system (ECC 6.0) used by most SAP customers for 15+ years. Mainstream maintenance ends December 31, 2027. All ECC customers must migrate to S/4HANA. The final version is ECC 6.0 Enhancement Package 8 (EhP8).

Employee Central (SuccessFactors)

The core HR module of SAP SuccessFactors — the cloud system of record for all employee data. Manages organizational structures, job classifications, position management, global benefits, and time off using the Metadata Framework (MDF) rather than SAP infotypes.

ERP — Enterprise Resource Planning

Integrated software that manages all core business processes — finance, HR, procurement, manufacturing, sales, supply chain — in one unified system with a shared database. SAP is the global ERP market leader with ~24% market share and 440,000+ customers.

F

SAP FI — Financial Accounting

SAP's core financial accounting module for external reporting. Sub-modules: FI-GL (General Ledger), FI-AP (Accounts Payable), FI-AR (Accounts Receivable), FI-AA (Asset Accounting), FI-BL (Bank Accounting). Posts all legally required financial statements.

FI-AP — Accounts Payable

SAP sub-module managing all outgoing payments to vendors. Covers vendor invoice entry (MIRO, FB60), automatic payment runs (F110), payment methods (SEPA, wire, check), and vendor master data. The 3-way match (PO + GR + Invoice) is the core AP control.

FI-AR — Accounts Receivable

SAP sub-module managing incoming payments from customers. Handles open item management, incoming payment posting (F-28), dunning (F150 — automated overdue reminders at escalating levels), and credit management (FD33).

FI-AA — Asset Accounting

SAP module for managing fixed assets throughout their lifecycle: acquisition (F-90), depreciation runs (AFAB), revaluation, transfers (ABUMN), and retirement (ABAVN). Supports parallel depreciation areas for IFRS, tax, and local GAAP simultaneously.

SAP Fiori

SAP's modern UX design system and the standard interface for S/4HANA. Role-based, responsive web apps that work on any device. Built on SAPUI5 (JavaScript) with OData backends. Replaces the legacy SAP GUI for most business users. Launched 2013.

Fiori Elements

A framework that generates standard Fiori UIs automatically from OData metadata and CDS annotations — no JavaScript or HTML required. Floor plans: List Report Object Page (LROP), Worklist, Overview Page, Analytical List Page. Used with RAP as the backend.

Fiori Launchpad (FLP)

The central browser-based entry point for SAP S/4HANA. Displays app tiles organized in groups by role. Users click a tile to launch any Fiori app. Configured through Catalogs and Roles. Accessed via transaction /UI2/FLP or a web URL.

G

G/L Account (General Ledger)

The fundamental accounting record in SAP FI. Each G/L account belongs to a Chart of Accounts and represents a specific financial position (asset, liability, revenue, expense). In S/4HANA, all postings land in the Universal Journal (ACDOCA). Maintained with FS00.

Goods Receipt (SAP MM)

The SAP document recording physical receipt of materials from a vendor or production. Created with MIGO (movement type 101). Increases stock, creates a material document, and posts an FI accounting entry (debit stock account, credit GR/IR clearing). Part of the 3-way match.

GRC — Governance, Risk & Compliance

SAP's enterprise suite for managing risk, regulatory compliance, and access security. Components: Access Control (SoD), Process Control (SOX), Risk Management, Audit Management, and Global Trade Services. Critical for SOX, GDPR, and Big 4 audit readiness.

H

SAP HANA

High-Performance Analytic Appliance. SAP's in-memory, column-based database that stores all data in RAM for real-time processing. Simultaneously handles OLTP (transactions) and OLAP (analytics) — called HTAP. The mandatory database for SAP S/4HANA. Launched 2010.

SAP HCM — Human Capital Management

SAP's on-premise HR suite covering the complete employee lifecycle: Personnel Administration (PA), Organizational Management (OM), Payroll (PY), Time Management (PT), and Talent Management. On-premise maintenance until 2030. Cloud successor is SAP SuccessFactors.

I

IDoc — Intermediate Document

SAP's proprietary EDI message format for exchanging business documents between SAP systems (ALE) or with external trading partners. Stored in the SAP database with status tracking. Key transactions: WE02 (IDoc list), WE20 (partner profiles), BD87 (mass reprocessing).

Infotype (SAP HCM)

The fundamental data structure in SAP HCM — time-delimited records storing all employee information with validity dates for complete history tracking. Key infotypes: 0001 (Org Assignment), 0008 (Basic Pay), 0007 (Working Time), 2001 (Absences). Maintained in PA30.

Inspection Lot (SAP QM)

The central QM document that triggers quality inspection in SAP. Automatically created on goods receipt (from purchase order or production), for in-process inspection during production, or manually. Contains inspection characteristics, sample size, and results recording.

SAP Integration Suite (BTP)

SAP's cloud middleware on BTP, replacing on-premise SAP PI/PO. Components: Cloud Integration (CPI — graphical iFlow designer), API Management (gateway/portal), Event Mesh (async messaging), and Open Connectors (160+ pre-built connectors to Salesforce, Workday, etc.).

L

LSMW — Legacy System Migration Workbench

SAP's built-in tool for migrating data from legacy systems during go-live. Supports multiple methods: Direct Input, BAPI calls, IDoc processing, and Recording (replaying a batch input transaction). Used for master data loads (materials, customers, vendors) and open item uploads at cutover.

M

Maintenance Order (SAP PM)

The central document in SAP Plant Maintenance for planning, executing, and settling maintenance work. Contains the work to be done, required materials and spare parts, labor (work centers), costs, and settlement to a cost center or functional location. Created with IW31.

Material Master (SAP MM)

The central master data record for any product or material in SAP. Organized into views maintained by different teams: Basic Data, Sales, Purchasing, MRP, Accounting, Costing. Must be extended to each plant where used. Created with MM01. The single source of truth for all material data.

SAP MM — Materials Management

SAP module for procurement and inventory management covering the complete Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process: purchase requisitions, purchase orders (ME21N), goods receipt (MIGO), invoice verification (MIRO), and inventory management. Integrates with FI, PP, WM, and SD.

O

OData (Open Data Protocol)

The REST-based API standard SAP uses for all Fiori app backends and modern integrations. OData V2 is the current standard; OData V4 is the S/4HANA standard with additional features (batch, delta queries). SAP's RAP framework generates OData services automatically from CDS views.

P

Payroll Schema (SAP HCM)

The ABAP-like programming logic that drives SAP Payroll calculation. Country-specific schemas (US=U000, Germany=D000) contain functions and rules that calculate gross pay, tax withholding, deductions, and net pay from employee infotypes. Maintained in transaction PE01.

SAP PI/PO — Process Integration

SAP's on-premise Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) middleware for integrating SAP and non-SAP systems. Handles message routing, format transformation, and protocol conversion. Being replaced by SAP Integration Suite (BTP Cloud Integration) in new cloud-first architectures.

SAP PP — Production Planning

SAP module for manufacturing operations. Covers Bills of Material (BOM), Routings, Work Centers, MRP (Material Requirements Planning), Production Orders, and Capacity Planning. The planning engine that connects customer demand (SD) to shop floor execution.

Profit Center (SAP CO)

An organizational unit in CO-PCA used to track revenues, costs, and P&L by business segment, product line, or geographic region. Unlike cost centers (cost only), profit centers capture both sides of the P&L. Used for internal management reporting and divisional performance.

Purchase Order (SAP MM)

The formal document sent to a vendor committing to buy goods or services at agreed price and terms. Created with ME21N from a Purchase Requisition. The PO is the reference for goods receipt (MIGO) and invoice verification (MIRO) in the Procure-to-Pay process.

SAP BTP — Business Technology Platform

SAP's cloud platform for development, integration, analytics, and AI. The hub connecting all SAP cloud products. Includes Integration Suite (middleware), ABAP Environment (Steampunk), SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Build (low-code), AI Core, and HANA Cloud. Critical for Clean Core extensions.

Q

SAP QM — Quality Management

SAP module for quality planning, inspection, and control. Manages inspection lots (triggered at goods receipt, production, or delivery), results recording, usage decisions (accept/reject), defect management, and statistical process control (SPC). Integrates with MM, PP, and SD.

R

RAP — RESTful Application Programming

SAP's modern ABAP programming model for building Fiori apps on S/4HANA and BTP. Combines CDS (data model), Behavior Definitions (business logic rules), Behavior Implementations (ABAP code), and OData services in one coherent framework. Replaces BOPF and Gateway Service Builder.

RFC — Remote Function Call

SAP's protocol for calling ABAP function modules across system boundaries or from external programs. Types: sRFC (synchronous), aRFC (asynchronous), tRFC (transactional — exactly once), qRFC (queued — ordered). The foundation for BAPI calls and ALE/IDoc distribution. Configured in SM59.

RISE with SAP

SAP's bundled cloud offering for S/4HANA migration. Bundles S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, SAP BTP credits, Business Network Starter Pack, Signavio Process Intelligence, and migration support in a single subscription. Launched January 2021. Converts CapEx licenses to OpEx subscription.

Routing (SAP PP)

The sequence of manufacturing operations required to produce a product in SAP PP. Each operation is performed at a specific Work Center and has standard times (setup + machine + labor). Combined with a Bill of Materials (BOM) in a Production Version. Created with CA01.

S

SAP — Systems, Applications & Products

The world's largest enterprise software company, founded 1972 in Walldorf, Germany. Builds ERP software running core business processes for 440,000+ customers in 180+ countries. SAP software processes roughly 77% of all global business transactions. Annual revenue exceeds €30 billion.

SAP Ariba

SAP's cloud procurement and supply chain platform. Manages strategic sourcing (RFx, auctions), contract management, purchase orders, and supplier collaboration through the Ariba Network — the world's largest B2B commerce network with 5.5M+ suppliers and $3T+ annual transactions.

SAP Cloud ALM

SAP's cloud-based Application Lifecycle Management tool, replacing SAP Solution Manager for cloud customers. Covers implementation (project management, test management), operations (system monitoring, job monitoring), and intelligent quality checks for SAP cloud products including S/4HANA Cloud.

SAP Note (Support Note)

Official SAP knowledge articles and patches published on the SAP Support Portal (launchpad.support.sap.com). Types: Bug fix notes (corrections to SAP standard code), Legal Change Notes (tax/regulatory updates), Security Notes (vulnerability patches), and How-To Notes. Applied via SNOTE transaction.

SAP S/4HANA

SAP's next-generation ERP suite built entirely on the HANA in-memory database. Launched 2015, it replaces SAP ECC. Features: Universal Journal (ACDOCA), real-time embedded analytics, Fiori UX, and simplified data model. Deployment options: On-premise, RISE (Cloud Private), or GROW (Cloud Public).

SAP SD — Sales & Distribution

SAP module managing the complete Order-to-Cash (O2C) process: customer inquiry → quotation → sales order (VA01) → delivery (VL01N) → billing (VF01) → payment. Handles pricing procedures, availability checks, output determination, and revenue posting to FI. Integrates with MM and PP.

SAP SuccessFactors

SAP's cloud HCM suite (acquired 2012 for $3.4B). Covers the complete talent lifecycle: Employee Central (core HR), Recruiting, Onboarding, Learning, Performance & Goals, Compensation, Succession Planning, and Workforce Analytics. Cloud replacement for on-premise SAP HR/HCM.

SAP BASIS

SAP system administration and technical infrastructure layer. BASIS administrators manage: installation and upgrades, client management, user/role administration (SU01/PFCG), transport management (STMS), performance monitoring (SM50/ST05), background jobs (SM36/SM37), and HANA database administration.

SoD — Segregation of Duties

The access control principle that no single user should be able to complete an entire high-risk business process alone. Classic SoD conflict: a user who can both create vendors AND process payments could enable fraud. SAP GRC Access Control automates SoD detection and remediation across all users.

SPRO — SAP Customizing (IMG)

Transaction to access the SAP Implementation Guide (IMG) — the central tree of all configuration activities for every SAP module. Consultants use SPRO to configure company codes, plant settings, pricing procedures, and thousands of other settings. Every configuration change creates a transport request in DEV.

Support Package (SAP)

Bundles of SAP corrections, legal changes, and security fixes released periodically by SAP. Applied using the SPAM (Support Package Manager) transaction. Support Package Stacks (SPS) bundle multiple support packages across the ABAP stack. Applying SPs is a routine BASIS maintenance activity.

Sales Order (SAP SD)

The central document in SAP SD recording a customer's commitment to buy. Created with VA01, it triggers: availability check (against plant stock), credit check, pricing determination, and delivery scheduling. The sales order is the starting point of the Order-to-Cash process. Header stores customer, date, payment terms; items store materials and quantities.

T

Transport Request (SAP)

The container that moves SAP configuration and ABAP development objects between systems (DEV → QAS → PRD). Every change in a development system is recorded in a transport request. Released with SE10 and imported via STMS. The backbone of SAP change management and quality assurance.

Function Module (SAP ABAP)

Standalone, reusable ABAP program units organized in Function Groups. The classic SAP API mechanism and the basis for all BAPIs and RFC-enabled interfaces. Created and maintained in SE37 (Function Builder). Still widely used for RFC calls; Methods (OO ABAP) are the modern equivalent for non-RFC scenarios.

W

Warehouse Task (SAP EWM)

The smallest executable unit of work in SAP Extended Warehouse Management. A warehouse task instructs a warehouse worker to move a specific quantity from a source bin to a destination bin. Created from warehouse orders and confirmed via RF scanner, voice, or paper. Tracked in real time.

WBS Element (SAP PS)

Work Breakdown Structure elements are the hierarchical building blocks of a project in SAP Project System. WBS elements organize project scope into manageable deliverables, collect costs (actual vs. planned), and enable milestone billing in SD. A project can have hundreds of WBS elements across multiple levels.

Functional Location (SAP PM)

A structural element in SAP Plant Maintenance representing a physical location in a facility where maintenance is performed (e.g., Building-Floor-Machine). Functional locations organize the maintenance hierarchy, hold installed equipment, and accumulate maintenance costs and history over time.