Extensibility of SAP FPM (Floorplan Manager) Application

SAP Floorplan Manager (FPM) is a powerful framework that simplifies the configuration and enhancement of user interfaces in SAP. FPM enables the creation of rich and flexible applications using various UI components. In this post, we will explore how SAP FPM applications can be extended and how existing functionality can be customized.

What is FPM?

FPM is a UI (user interface) design tool built on SAP's Web Dynpro ABAP framework, providing the ability to dynamically enhance user interfaces. Its main goal is to improve and standardize the user experience. FPM offers a modular structure through various floorplans and components, making it easier to create solutions tailored to different needs.

Why is Flexibility Important in SAP FPM Applications?

Customizing SAP FPM applications allows businesses to create solutions that better meet their specific requirements. Standard SAP applications may not always be sufficient for all users, so there may be a need to add new features or modify existing ones. This is where FPM's extensibility features come into play.

1. Application Configuration

FPM applications typically consist of standard SAP components. However, depending on the needs of a particular business process, these components may require configuration. This can be achieved using the FPM Configuration tool, which allows you to add new fields, hide existing ones, or integrate new functionalities into the existing application.

2. Custom Component Development

When standard components do not fully meet business needs, developing custom components becomes essential. SAP FPM supports the creation of custom components that can be seamlessly integrated with standard applications. For example, using FPM UIBBs (User Interface Building Blocks), you can add custom views or processes that align with specific business needs.

3. Flexibility with FPM BADIs

SAP offers various BADIs (Business Add-Ins) as a way to extend the functionality of FPM applications. BADIs allow you to enhance the existing functionality without modifying the standard SAP code. In FPM, BADIs can be used to make changes to the view. For example, you can use a BADI to make a button visible or hidden based on certain conditions.

4. Event Handling and Communication

FPM provides a broad event management system to respond to user interactions. When users click a button or make a selection, FPM applications can respond to these interactions with specific actions. These events can be used to customize the business logic of the application and offer a more dynamic experience for the user.

5. Reuse of UIBBs

Another area of flexibility in FPM applications is the reusability of UIBBs (User Interface Building Blocks). Once created, a UIBB can be reused in different applications, speeding up the development process and reducing maintenance costs.

6. Data Management with Feeder Class

One of the most important components that enable flexibility in FPM applications is the Feeder Class. A Feeder Class provides the data required by UIBBs (User Interface Building Blocks) and manages user interactions. It defines how data from the backend will interact with the UI and how it will be displayed on the screen. For example, it handles supplying data to the fields in a UIBB and managing whether fields become active or passive based on user inputs.

The Feeder Class also captures events that occur during user interactions and triggers appropriate functions. This increases the application's flexibility, allowing it to be customized according to specific business processes. By customizing the Feeder Class, you can adapt the application to meet your business logic requirements.

Conclusion

FPM offers a powerful platform for configuring and extending SAP user interfaces. Through application configuration, custom component development, BADI usage, and event management, businesses can develop flexible and scalable solutions tailored to their specific needs. This flexibility enhances the user experience and adds value to business processes.

By leveraging FPM’s extensibility features, you can make your SAP applications more efficient and adaptable to your business processes.

SAP ABAP Consulting