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!