This post is from the first part of a Key Stream session. The discussion is in regard to the current SAP user interfaces and where things are going.
These are most of the current user interfaces available that work with some part of an SAP system with a relevant notes:
- SAP BusinessObjects. This can (or cannot) work with SAP BI and it's interface is a little different to the current SAP style.
- SAP Gui. We all know this one - the main SAP client interface to ABAP systems. Look out for the new version 7.1 with it's Signature Design. This allows the user to select new themes to apply to the interface. One thing i did notice is that the selection screens and result listings are neater and easier on the eye than older 6.40 an 7.00 versions
- SAP Netweaver Business Client. This is new and much touted to "bring together all UI's into a single client". It looks more like a portal but does have some nice features - it has a Google like search which is fast and predictive - you no longer need to search through menus to find a transaction. However i did note it does seem you need the underlying UI client for it to work.
- Duet. A new version promises easier configuration and from personal experience i hope so. Duet runs via SAP Netweaver to ERP, SRM, CRM, BI etc and works as an action pane and relevant links in Office application. The principle area is Outlook but Excel, Word and Infopath all share useful additional features. In a nutshell you do not have to leave Outlook to carry out functions in ESS such as Leave Requests, Travel Management, CATS record time as well as BI for Budget Reporting and Monitoring, CRM for account activity and promotion management, eRecruitment and Procurement. This is very useful for management and end users. Do not overlook the technical implementation - there is a lot going on in the background, but isn't there always for heterogeneous vendor inetrgation? Can work offline for BI reports, analytics, CRM data etc. It is stored in SQL locally (Express) so SOE considerations exist.
- Alloy. See Duet but for Lotus Notes
- Voice. No notes on this one
- Mobile Client. No changes ot the client here.
- Widgets/RSS. These are available on SDN and the list is building.
- Portal. Better UI in 7.00 release and lighter in bandwidth needs. However, the portal should be a standalone entry point to your backend systems, hence the name. This is my own opinion i must add but none the less valid for it.
- Adobe Forms. In terms of vendor agreements, Adobe forms will always remain separate to anything to do with Microsoft so Interactive Forms will be around for a while at least. However, with the advent of Duet and it's offline and synchronising ability i would say they may want to rethink that approach.
SAP are pursuing a new approach to their UIs - the "5 levels of UI harmonisation". Now i am not sure what they aim to achieve with this but it must be to address the slight variations in clients, especially during client integration or embedding scenarios. These levels include brand unification, common user interface look and common navigation. This would be nice to see and would reduce training requirements.
So where is all this going?
There does appear to be a drive to reduce the stress on the end user but offering consolidated interfaces (NW Business Client) or at least addressing each current client in the core SAP space (i.e. not concerning another vendor) so that they look and act exactly the same. This would be a great start as it has been a thorn in SAPs side for a while.
As a last comment (sorry for the short post - it was only a 20 min session), keep on eye out for the new Social Network Analyser (SNA). This works on top of the HR Org Structure but has a wonderful tree based drill down graphic that then shows you all the employee pertinent data. It is a glorified corporate address book but for those in HR it is likely to be a blessing.
SAP getting its UI act together? Well when a company develops products at the rate they do, it is understandable. Still better late than never, but don't expect a single UI to do everything - there is not a screen available that it would fit onto, or would be too complex to navigate. The search functions really help and i do see this as a good thing.
Watch this space
Chris Enstock
August 5th 2009
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