Fiori Access Strategies for Your SAP S/4 HANA Migration: Getting the Right Balance Between Security, Efficiency, and User Experience

Introduction

As companies plan their upgrade to SAP S/4 HANA, the question of Fiori access strategies is an important one. Fiori, known for its user friendly interface, can play a big part in enhancing productivity and user experience. In this article, we explore four core approaches to providing Fiori access, looking not only at their security implications but also key considerations for successful implementation.

Understanding Fiori Access Strategies in SAP S/4 HANA Migration

Transitioning to SAP S/4 HANA involves not just technical upgrades but also strategic decisions regarding user interface and experience. Fiori, with its modern design and intuitive workflows, offers significant advantages but requires careful planning for successful integration while maintaining robust security measures.

Our Four Core Approaches to Fiori Access

Approach 1: "Fiori - What Fiori?"

This conservative approach focuses solely on continuing to use GUI transactions post migration, disregarding Fiori apps altogether.

 Even with the opportunities that arise with utilising Fiori, there are genuine reasons why a company would opt for this approach, such as:

 Legacy system integration and security: companies heavily reliant on legacy systems may find it challenging to transition fully to Fiori immediately after migration without compromising processes and maybe security protocols.

Risk aversion: in environments where disruption to existing processes or security protocols is a critical concern, maintaining GUI transactions can ensure continuity with minimal risk.

Approach 2: "Fiori If We Have To"

This is where a client is selective in its adoption of Fiori apps based on necessity while retaining GUI access for other transactions.

 Why opt for this approach?

 Risk mitigation and controlled exposure: identifying and implementing Fiori apps for specific processes allows for controlled exposure, minimising potential process and security risks.

Gradual security transition: companies preferring a phased approach to security transition can gradually introduce Fiori apps with robust security protocols in place so minimising risk of disruption.

Approach 3: "Fiori/ GUI Blended"

Here, you’d utilise both GUI transactions and Fiori apps simultaneously to cater to diverse process requirements.

 This is the option we’ve seen most commonly to date and the reason for that is that the approach will provide the best of both worlds and optimised security and business flexibility. Hybrid access provision will enable companies to leverage both interfaces securely, ensuring data integrity and access control whilst optimising new functionalities and ways of working that are now available via Fiori.

Approach 4: "Show Me the Fiori"!

This approach would see full scale adoption of Fiori apps with the phased out use of GUI transactions post migration.

Companies prioritising digital transformation and modernisation are those that would be most likely to go down this path, leveraging Fiori's benefits while implementing robust security measures tailored to Fiori environments.

Advantages, Disadvantages, and Key Security Considerations

Each Fiori access strategy offers unique advantages and disadvantages from a security perspective. Successful implementation requires a holistic approach that considers security alongside efficiency and user experience, aligning with your organisation's security policies and industry regulations.

Conclusion

Decision making on Fiori access strategies in your SAP S/4 HANA migration requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic planning, and robust security measures. As experienced SAP security consultants specialising in S/4 HANA projects, we offer tailored guidance to help you choose the right Fiori access strategy aligned with your business goals while ensuring data security and optimised user productivity.

Contact us now for an expert consultation and personalised guidance.