SAP Fiori · Lesson

Architecture

Quick answer

A user opens an app in the launchpad; the UI5 app calls its OData service (through the gateway) which runs the backend logic/CDS and returns JSON; the app renders it.

Key takeaways

In an embedded deployment the front-end server runs on the S/4HANA system itself (common, simpler).
UI (SAPUI5/Fiori): the app running in the browser.
Fiori launchpad & front-end server: hosts the launchpad, apps and the Gateway/OData layer.
Watch out: Confusing embedded and hub setups.

The layers

UI (SAPUI5/Fiori): the app running in the browser.
Fiori launchpad & front-end server: hosts the launchpad, apps and the Gateway/OData layer.
OData services: the RESTful interface exposing backend data.
Backend (S/4HANA/ABAP + CDS): the business logic and data.

Embedded vs hub

In an embedded deployment the front-end server runs on the S/4HANA system itself (common, simpler). In a hub deployment a separate front-end server serves Fiori for one or more backends (better isolation and for multi-system landscapes). The choice affects setup, upgrades and security.

How a request flows

A user opens an app in the launchpad; the UI5 app calls its OData service (through the gateway) which runs the backend logic/CDS and returns JSON; the app renders it. Most Fiori issues, missing tiles, "service not available", no data, map to a specific layer in this chain.

Common pitfalls

Confusing embedded and hub setups.
Inactive OData service breaking an app.
Not tracing the request layer when debugging.

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Check your understanding

Which statement is true of Architecture?
- A. In an embedded deployment the front-end server runs on the S/4HANA system itself (common, simpler).
- B. Invoice Verification (Logistics Invoice Verification) checks and posts vendor invoices, matching them against…
- C. SAP stores all its data in database tables, and knowing the key ones, their fields and relationships, is…
Show answer
A. In an embedded deployment the front-end server runs on the S/4HANA system itself (common, simpler).
Covered in the “Embedded vs hub” section of this lesson.
Which of these also applies to Architecture?
- A. In a hub deployment a separate front-end server serves Fiori for one or more backends (better isolation and…
- B. Trying to learn every module at once, depth in one beats shallow breadth.
- C. Assuming one is universally better, fit depends on your needs.
Show answer
A. In a hub deployment a separate front-end server serves Fiori for one or more backends (better isolation and…
Covered in the “Embedded vs hub” section of this lesson.
Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Architecture?
- A. SAP interview questions
- B. SAP TCodes
- C. SAP Fiori
Show answer
C. SAP Fiori
This lesson sits in the SAP Fiori section of the Learn SAP course.

Frequently asked questions

What does the term Architecture refer to in SAP?

Fiori’s architecture connects a browser-based UI5 front-end to the SAP backend through OData services, usually via a Fiori front-end server (embedded or hub). Understanding this stack explains how apps work and where issues arise.

Where does Architecture sit in the Fiori stack?

A user opens an app in the launchpad; the UI5 app calls its OData service (through the gateway) which runs the backend logic/CDS and returns JSON; the app renders it.

What is connected to Architecture in an SAP landscape?

UI (SAPUI5/Fiori): the app running in the browser. Fiori launchpad & front-end server: hosts the launchpad, apps and the Gateway/OData layer. OData services: the RESTful interface exposing backend data.

What tends to go wrong with Architecture?

Confusing embedded and hub setups. Inactive OData service breaking an app. Not tracing the request layer when debugging.