Fiori to AO a quick view

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design Considerations
   • User Interface (UI) Design
   • Data Source Integration
   • User Authentication
   • Automation for AO Launch
   • Prompts and Validation
   • Error Handling
   • Performance Optimization
3. Step-by-Step Build
   • Backend Development
     • Expose Analytical Queries via CDS Views
     • Create OData Service
   • Frontend Development
     • Build the Fiori App
     • Bind Data to UI
   • AO Integration
     • Deep Linking to AO
     • Button Functionality
   • Testing and Deployment
     • Test Scenarios
     • Deploy
4. Enhancements and Extensions
   • Save Favorites
   • Dynamic Query Selection
   • Offline Compatibility
   • Analytics Dashboard
5. Conclusion

Streamlining SAP Analysis for Office with a Custom Fiori App

1. Introduction

Business users often rely on SAP Analysis for Office (AO) for in-depth data analysis. However, navigating through queries and prompts can sometimes be cumbersome. To simplify this process, a custom Fiori app can provide a user-friendly interface, streamlining access to AO reports. This article outlines the design and development steps for creating such an app.

2. Design Considerations

User Interface (UI) Design

• Develop a responsive Fiori app using SAPUI5, ensuring it adapts seamlessly to various devices.
• Incorporate intuitive UI elements:
  • Dropdowns or input fields for query prompts (e.g., cost centers, company codes, date ranges).
  • A prominent "Run in AO" button to trigger the query in Analysis for Office.

Data Source Integration

• Leverage OData services to retrieve metadata about available SAP analytical queries and their associated prompts.
• Map query metadata (prompt names, data types, etc.) to corresponding UI controls for dynamic population.

User Authentication

• Integrate Single Sign-On (SSO) or SAP Gateway authentication to provide a seamless experience, eliminating the need for separate AO logins.

Automation for AO Launch

• Employ a deep link approach to pass query parameters from the Fiori app to AO.
• Ensure the link adheres to the AO launch protocol, including:
  • Server details (e.g., system ID, client)
  • Query ID or technical name
  • Prompt values entered by the user

Prompts and Validation

• Implement client-side validation to check user input for mandatory and optional prompts before submitting the request to AO.
• Enhance user experience by:
  • Providing default values for frequently used queries.
  • Saving user preferences for future sessions.

Error Handling

• Display informative messages to users for missing inputs or invalid prompt values.
• Implement robust error logging to capture failed AO launches for troubleshooting and analysis.

Performance Optimization

• Pre-load query metadata and utilize caching mechanisms for frequently accessed queries to minimize delays and enhance app responsiveness.

3. Step-by-Step Build

Backend Development

• Expose Analytical Queries via CDS Views:
  • Create or utilize existing CDS views that encapsulate the required analytical queries.
  • Annotate these views with @Analytics.query: true and define parameters to represent query prompts.
• Create OData Service:
  • Use SAP Gateway or the ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model (RAP) to expose the CDS views as OData services.
  • Include query prompt metadata and, optionally, result sets in the service definition.

Frontend Development

• Build the Fiori App:
  • Utilize SAP Web IDE or Business Application Studio to develop the Fiori app.
  • Design the app layout using SAPUI5 controls (e.g., sap.m.ComboBox, sap.m.Input, sap.m.Button).
• Bind Data to UI:
  • Consume the OData service to dynamically populate prompt fields with relevant data (e.g., list of cost centers).
  • Implement data validation logic to ensure data integrity.

AO Integration

• Deep Linking to AO:
  • Construct the AO launch URL, adhering to the format:

    sap:analysisoffice://?name=<query_name>&variable1=value1&variable2=value2  

  • Pass the query parameters and prompt values captured from the app UI to this URL.
• Button Functionality:
  • Attach an event handler to the "Run in AO" button. This handler should generate the AO deep link with the provided parameters and trigger the launch of Analysis for Office.

Testing and Deployment

• Test Scenarios:
  • Thoroughly test prompt population, user input validation, and AO launch with various queries and input combinations.
  • Include edge cases and error scenarios in your testing.
• Deploy:
  • Deploy the Fiori app to the SAP Fiori launchpad.
  • Configure appropriate roles and permissions to control user access.

4. Enhancements and Extensions

• Save Favorites: Allow users to save frequently used queries and prompt values as presets for quick access.
• Dynamic Query Selection: Implement a feature for users to browse and select from a list of available analytical queries.
• Offline Compatibility: Explore integration with AO's offline capabilities, enabling users to work with data even without network connectivity.
• Analytics Dashboard: Extend the app to include basic visualizations or summaries from the analytical queries, providing users with high-level insights before launching AO for detailed analysis.

5. Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a Fiori app that bridges the gap between the Fiori launchpad and SAP Analysis for Office, providing a seamless and efficient experience for your business users. This app will empower users to access and analyze data with ease, ultimately driving better decision-making.

Fiori to AO functionality

It's great that your business users are interested in streamlining their reporting process with a Fiori app! Here's a breakdown of design considerations and steps to build this functionality:

I. Design Considerations

• User Roles and Authorizations:
  • Identify the different user roles who will access this app. Will everyone have the same access, or will some users have restricted views based on their roles?
  • Ensure your Fiori app integrates with SAP's authorization concept to enforce data security.
• Prompt Simplification:
  • Analyze the existing prompts in your AO queries. Can any be pre-filled or made optional? Can you use dropdown menus or search helps to make selection easier?
  • Consider grouping related prompts together for better user experience.
• App Navigation:
  • Design a clear and intuitive navigation flow within the app.
  • Will users land on a selection screen with all prompts first, or will you have a step-by-step approach?
• Output Options:
  • How will reports be displayed within the app? Will you embed an AO viewer, or will you use other visualization tools?
  • Provide options to export reports in different formats (Excel, PDF, etc.).
• Performance Optimization:
  • Ensure your app loads quickly and responds efficiently to user input.
  • Optimize the data retrieval process from the SAP Analytical Query.
• Error Handling:
  • Implement robust error handling to guide users if they enter incorrect information or if issues occur with the query.
• Accessibility:
  • Design the app with accessibility in mind, following SAP Fiori design guidelines.

II. Building the Functionality

Here's a general approach to building this Fiori app:

1. Development Environment:
   • Use SAP Web IDE or Business Application Studio to develop your Fiori app.
2. Backend Development (if needed):
   • If you need custom logic or data processing beyond what the analytical query provides, you might need to create an OData service. This service will act as an intermediary between your Fiori app and the analytical query.
3. Frontend Development:
   • Create a Fiori app using SAPUI5.
   • Design the user interface (UI) with input fields for prompts, buttons to trigger the report execution, and a display area for the report output.
   • Use the SAPUI5 libraries to handle user input, data binding, and visualization.
4. Integration with Analytical Query:
   • In your Fiori app, use the sap.ui.comp.smartfilterbar control to create the prompt selection screen. This control can be bound to the metadata of your analytical query to automatically generate input fields for the prompts.
   • When the user triggers the report execution, use the sap.m.URLHelper class to construct a URL that will open Analysis for Office with the selected query and prompt values.
5. Launching Analysis for Office:
   • You have two main options to open AO:
     • URL Approach: Construct a URL that includes the necessary parameters (query name, prompt values, etc.) to open AO with the desired report configuration. Use window.open() in your JavaScript code to open this URL.
     • AO API (Advanced): For more complex scenarios, explore the Analysis for Office API. This allows for deeper integration and control but requires more technical expertise.
6. Testing and Deployment:
   • Thoroughly test your Fiori app on different devices and browsers.
   • Deploy the app to your SAP Fiori launchpad.

Example Code Snippet (URL Approach):

// Construct the URL to open Analysis for Office  var aoUrl = "/sap/bc/analysis-for-office/?QUERY=<Your Query Technical Name>" +              "&VARIABLE_SCREEN=X" +              "&PROMPT_1=<Value for Prompt 1>" +              "&PROMPT_2=<Value for Prompt 2>";    // Open Analysis for Office in a new window  window.open(aoUrl, "_blank");  

Important Notes:

• SAP Analysis for Office Version: Ensure your AO version supports the features you're using (especially if you're exploring the AO API).
• Security: Pay close attention to security best practices, especially when handling user authentication and data transfer.
• SAP Fiori Design Guidelines: Adhere to the SAP Fiori design guidelines for a consistent and user-friendly experience.

This comprehensive guide should give you a solid starting point for designing and building your Fiori app. Remember to involve your business users throughout the process to ensure the app meets their specific needs. Good luck!

Fiori and Excel Interaction!

Bridging the Gap: Exporting Data from SAP Fiori Apps to Excel

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Leveraging Built-in Export Functionality
   • Identifying the Export Option
   • Exporting and Opening in Excel
3. Implementing a Custom "Open in Excel" Button
   • Modifying the Fiori App
   • Preparing the Data for Export
   • Triggering Excel Generation
4. Integrating with Analysis for Office
   • Adding an Analysis for Office Trigger
   • Passing the Data Source
5. Exploring Third-Party Add-ins and Integrations
6. Illustrative Example: Programmatic Export with SAP UI5
7. Key Considerations for Optimal Export
   • Permissions
   • Performance
   • User Experience
8. Conclusion

Bridging the Gap: Exporting Data from SAP Fiori Apps to Excel

1. Introduction

SAP Fiori apps provide a streamlined and user-friendly interface for accessing business information. However, the need often arises to export this data into Excel for more in-depth analysis, reporting, or sharing with colleagues. This article presents a comprehensive guide to the different methods for exporting data from your Fiori apps to Excel.

2. Leveraging Built-in Export Functionality

Many Fiori apps are designed with built-in export capabilities. This feature simplifies the process significantly.

• Identifying the Export Option: Look for an icon that resembles a download arrow or an Excel logo. This is typically found in the app's toolbar or within an overflow menu.
• Exporting and Opening in Excel: Click the export button. The app will generate an Excel file containing the data displayed in the current view, respecting any active filters or column selections. You can then open this downloaded file directly in Excel.

3. Implementing a Custom "Open in Excel" Button

If your Fiori app doesn't have a native export feature, you can enhance it by adding a custom "Open in Excel" button.

• Modifying the Fiori App: Use SAP Web IDE or Business Application Studio to extend the app's functionality. Add a new button to the app's interface (e.g., in the toolbar) to trigger the export process.
• Preparing the Data for Export: Employ JavaScript to gather the data displayed in the app's table or list. Format this data into a CSV or an Excel-compatible structure.
• Triggering Excel Generation: Utilize SAP UI5 libraries, specifically the sap.ui.export module, to export the formatted data directly to Excel. Alternatively, you can download the data as a file and allow the user's operating system to open it with their default Excel application.

4. Integrating with Analysis for Office

For Fiori apps that are compatible with Analysis for Office, you can create a direct link for advanced analysis within Excel.

• Adding an Analysis for Office Trigger: Incorporate a button or menu item within your Fiori app to launch Analysis for Office.
• Passing the Data Source: Configure the app to send the underlying CDS view or OData query as the data source to Analysis for Office. This enables users to seamlessly open the data in Excel and utilize the powerful analytical tools provided by Analysis for Office.

5. Exploring Third-Party Add-ins and Integrations

If your Fiori app supports plugins or extensions, consider exploring third-party Excel add-ins or integrations. These tools can often connect directly to your Fiori app's data sources (such as OData services) and offer specialized features for data manipulation and analysis.

6. Illustrative Example: Programmatic Export with SAP UI5

The following code snippet demonstrates how to programmatically export data from a Fiori app to Excel using the sap.ui.export module in SAP UI5:

sap.ui.define([      "sap/ui/core/mvc/Controller",      "sap/ui/export/Spreadsheet"  ], function (Controller, Spreadsheet) {      "use strict";        return Controller.extend("MyApp.controller.Main", {          onExportToExcel: function () {              // Define data source              var oModel = this.getView().getModel("dataModel");              var aData = oModel.getData();                // Define Excel columns              var aColumns = [                  { label: "Name", property: "name" },                  { label: "Age", property: "age" },                  { label: "Country", property: "country" }              ];                // Spreadsheet configuration              var oSettings = {                  workbook: {                      columns: aColumns                  },                  dataSource: aData,                  fileName: "ExportedData.xlsx"              };                // Create and download spreadsheet              var oSpreadsheet = new Spreadsheet(oSettings);              oSpreadsheet.build().then(function () {                  sap.m.MessageToast.show("Excel file downloaded successfully!");              }).finally(function () {                  oSpreadsheet.destroy();              });          }      });  });  

7. Key Considerations for Optimal Export

• Permissions: Ensure that the Fiori app has the necessary permissions to access and export the data.
• Performance: When dealing with large datasets, optimize the export process to prevent performance issues and long loading times.
• User Experience: Provide clear feedback to the user during the export process. Allow for customization options, such as filtering and formatting, to enhance the usability of the exported data.

8. Conclusion

By implementing these methods, you can bridge the gap between your SAP Fiori apps and Excel, empowering users to extract, analyze, and share data with greater efficiency and flexibility. This integration unlocks valuable insights and facilitates better decision-making.

• https://embed.plnkr.co/plunk/THW41Upr5Uhk0Y2g

CDS view power Analysis for Office - as well as Fiori App

CDS views are indeed a powerful way to fuel your analytical applications, including Analysis for Office and Fiori apps. Here's a breakdown of how they work:

What are CDS Views?

CDS views (Core Data Services views) are a way to define and consume data models in SAP HANA. They offer a simpler, more efficient alternative to traditional SQL views. Essentially, they act as a bridge between your database and your applications.

How CDS Views Empower Analysis for Office

Analysis for Office is a Microsoft Office add-in that allows you to analyze data from SAP systems like BW and HANA. Here's how CDS views enhance it:

• Simplified Data Access: CDS views provide a clear, structured way to access data, making it easier to build reports and perform analysis in Analysis for Office.
• Performance Boost: CDS views are optimized for HANA, leading to faster data retrieval and improved performance in Analysis for Office.
• Data Security: You can control access to data by defining authorization checks within the CDS view itself, ensuring data security in your reports.

How CDS Views Empower Fiori Apps

Fiori apps are SAP's modern user interface for business applications. CDS views play a crucial role in these apps:

• Data Foundation: CDS views serve as the underlying data source for many Fiori apps.
• Odata Integration: CDS views can be easily exposed as OData services, which are the standard way to connect Fiori apps to backend data.
• Real-time Analytics: CDS views on top of HANA enable real-time analytical capabilities in Fiori apps.

Key Advantages of CDS Views:

• Efficiency: Optimized for HANA, resulting in faster data processing.
• Maintainability: Easier to understand and maintain than complex SQL views.
• Reusability: Can be reused across different applications.
• Extensibility: Can be extended to include custom logic and calculations.

Important Considerations:

• Annotation @AnalyticsDetails.query:true: To make a CDS view consumable in Analysis for Office, ensure it has this annotation and is C1-released.
• OData Publishing: For Fiori apps, you'll likely need to publish your CDS view as an OData service using the @OData.publish: true annotation.

By leveraging CDS views, you can create efficient, insightful, and user-friendly analytical applications with both Analysis for Office and Fiori.