Mobile SAP in Logistics: Why is Fiori not the Optimal Solution?

Fiori is considered SAP's modern answer to intuitive user guidance even on mobile devices. But in the harsh reality of warehousing and logistics, weaknesses are becoming apparent. Here you can find out where Fiori reaches its limits, why browser-based apps are often not enough and which solutions really perform in the warehouse.

Fiori was launched by SAP in 2013/2014 to create a consistent, user-friendly interface across all applications. And to offer an alternative to the aging classic SAP GUI.

As an interface framework, Fiori focuses on:

• responsive design
• role-based access
• simplified workflows

Fiori covers three main types of applications:

• 1. Transactional apps (e.g., time or travel expense tracking)
• 2. Info sheets (e.g., material master data)
• 3. Analytical apps (e.g., KPI dashboards)

Fiori is particularly well established in the HCM and finance areas, supported by the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), which provides interfaces, security mechanisms, and extension options.

However, what is often underestimated is that the requirements in the logistics environment are fundamentally different.

“In the modules Materials Management, Warehouse Management, and Quality Management, the use of SAP Fiori apps on industrial devices is not recommended. As a solution, we see the transactions for MM/IM, WM (Stock Room Management), and EWM being designed with ITS mobile,” says Nagesh Caparthy, Global Director, SAP Business AI & BTP Expert SAP.

Intralogistics is all about speed, precision, and high process reliability. Typical requirements in the warehouse or on the shop floor are:

• Use of a mobile SAP solution on industrial handhelds or rugged tablets Design
• Small displays with a focus on scanning
• Offline capability and interruption tolerance
• Clear, intuitive UI for non-technical users (warehouse employees are not usually SAP experts). High robustness with fluctuating network coverage

Classic Fiori apps only meet these conditions to a limited extent – and there are several reasons for this.

Fiori applications usually run in an (industrial) browser – typically in the launchpad. This brings with it dependencies

• Performance problems with large amounts of data
• No full offline mode
• Limited device access (e.g., barcode scanners)

Fiori was developed for office workstations – with corresponding layout specifications and operating logic typical for desktop workstations. On an industrial handheld with a small screen, these interfaces are often impractical – and often encounter acceptance problems among users.

Fiori apps for mobile processes in intralogistics (in company-specific customizing) are not available out-of-the-box. Existing Fioris can be customized in principle – but:

• Customizations are complex and resource-intensive
• (Rare) developers need knowledge of SAPUI5, oData, JavaScript, and BTP
• Maintenance costs increase with every system or device update

Anyone who wants to establish mobile SAP processes in the warehouse needs to have a different mindset. What matters here is not how stylish the interface looks, but whether it really supports employees in their work.

Exemplary requirements:

Ontego is a mobile SAP solution developed specifically for warehouse and production processes. The focus is on usability, stability, and speed.

What sets Ontego apart:

• Modern app architecture based on Flutter & proprietary SDK
• Offline and hybrid operation, ideal for unstable Wi-Fi environments
• Ready-to-use templates for typical warehouse processes
• Optimized UI for industrial hardware
• Intuitive design with no training required
• Flexible integration into SAP ECC, S/4HANA, EWM, or BTP environments

A standardized approach (checklists, customizing workshops) allows processes to be implemented quickly – without lengthy in-house development.

Many consulting firms and SAP users agree: Fiori is good – but not for intralogistics. The following are particularly frequently mentioned:

• Long loading times for Fiori in the warehouse
• Crashes due to Wi-Fi fluctuations
• Low user acceptance of complex masks
• Lack of flexibility for devices and peripherals

Even SAP-affiliated companies such as FIS recommend using specialized solutions for mobile warehouse processes.

Of course, individual apps can also be built with Fiori or ITSMobile. The question is always whether the effort involved in in-house development is worthwhile for a company. Mobile expertise often depends on a single developer, as mobile SAP solutions are only a marginal issue from a global perspective.

That's why we recommend that you consider the following questions before making a make-or-buy decision:

• ITS Mobile is based on technology from the 1990s – is this the right technology for your mobile solution?
• Fiori is not being significantly further developed – does this fit with your mobility strategy in intralogistics?
• Developers for mobile SAP applications with ITSMobile or Fiori are hard to find – do you have access to the necessary resources?
• Maintenance and updates are costly – can you estimate the TCO?
• The UX is outdated – do you want to provide your employees with modern tools?

Side note: Ontego templates and dialog templates are based on best practice processes in mobile projects. This allows mobile processes to be mapped efficiently and sustainably – while also being flexible and easy to adapt.

SAP Fiori is a powerful concept, especially for office applications. But intralogistics presents particular challenges: robust devices, ease of use, offline operation, and maximum efficiency.

Anyone who wants to successfully implement mobile SAP in warehousing and production should think outside the box. Specialized solutions such as Ontego combine SAP-oriented integration with genuine practicality for greater productivity, higher user acceptance, and future-proof processes on the Business Technology Platform (BTP).