first aid
Although SAP Fiori claims to provide modern and user-friendly interfaces, project teams and users repeatedly encounter challenges in practice: Apps do not appear in the launchpad, data is missing or inexplicable errors occur, causing the app to stop responding. In such cases, targeted troubleshooting is required. This article provides you with a structured guide to error analysis in Fiori apps - compact, practical and tried and tested.
1. the app is not visible in the Fiori Launchpad
A classic error pattern: An app is supposed to be available but cannot be found in the Launchpad. The reasons for this are usually of a technical or authorization-related nature.
Test steps:
- Check the availability of the app in the system: Is the app even active and available in your system? Use the central Fiori App Library for details about the app. The "Implementation Information" tab in particular contains helpful data on the configuration of the app.
- Activate OData services: The transaction /n/iwfnd/maint_service can be used to determine whether the relevant OData services are active. If not, activate them.
- Check authorizations: Check authorizations with SU53, PFCG or SU01. The app must have been assigned to the user via the appropriate role (with catalog and group).
- Check catalog settings: Use the transactions /n/ui2/flpcm_cust (client-specific) and /n/ui2/flpcm_conf (cross-client) to check whether the app is included in a catalog.
- Check launchpad areas and pages: If the app can be found in the App Finder in the Fiori Launchpad, but is not displayed in the Launchpad by default, the user can add this app themselves. Alternatively, the "Manage launchpad areas" app can be used to set the display for all users in a role.
2. the app looks different than expected
In some cases, apps are visible but do not show the expected fields or names. This is often due to so-called key user extensions.
Test steps:
Check,
- whether enhancements or UI customizations have been made. Attention: To be able to see the UI enhancements, the authorization role SAP_UI_FLEX_KEY_USER is required.
3. data is missing or appears inconsistent: debugging at field level
If specific data is missing or does not appear as expected, it is worth taking a look at the data source. Fiori uses different app technologies, which has an influence on the origin of the data. Typically, a CDS view is the data source. The easiest way to find out whether this is the case is to check the Fiori Library: The OData Services of the respective app are listed under OData Service(s). The "_CDS" extension indicates that the data source is based on a CDS view. The extension "_SRV", on the other hand, stands for ABAP sources.
Test steps:
- Determine CDS view:Right-click on the field → "Examine" → Analyze HTML element.
- Typically, you will find a view name there that begins with "C_" - such as C_PurchaseReqnHeader.
- Check CDS data:Open the view in transaction SE16N (with and without _CDS).
- Views used can also be traced via ST05 (SQL trace) - pay attention to object names with C_ or I_.
- Analytical queries:For analytical apps, use "Technical help" → bsa_query shows the view name.
- Detailed analysis of the data origin:In SE80 or in Eclipse, you can then analyze the data source and logic iteratively.
4. Targeted testing of OData services
Not every app is based on a CDS view. In these cases or when testing annotations, a targeted OData test is helpful.
- Use the function for testing in the SAP Gateway Client (SEGW) in /iwfnd/maint_service.
- Alternatively, you can open the generated link in the browser via "Call browser" and test the OData service directly.
5. Use error logs in a targeted manner
Detect error sources efficiently:
- Backend errors: As many errors in the Fiori environment do not end up in the ST22, use /n/iwfnd/error_log and /n/iwbep/error_log to identify problems with the service call.
- Frontend errors: Open the developer console in the browser with F12 and observe errors in the console. Rule of thumb: Errors with only 1-2 lines are usually not relevant.
- Script exceptions: Not every error is critical - many come from the general shell area (ui2/ushell/resources) and code can be ignored.
Conclusion: A systematic approach to the cause of faults
Troubleshooting in Fiori requires technical know-how, a systematic approach and a good understanding of the underlying architecture. Whether it's missing apps, incomplete data or cryptic errors - the tools and tips described here will help you track down the causes. And if nothing helps: an experienced front-end developer from your team can often provide crucial help.
SAP Fiori brings modern interfaces to life - but when apps disappear, data is missing or errors block, systematic troubleshooting is key. Our practical guide shows you how to get to the root cause step by step.
