SAP Mobile Start is a native mobile app that gives SAP users access to business applications, tasks and notifications from iPhone, iPad and Android devices. It brings SAP Fiori apps, widgets and native device search together in one entry point.
Companies now want to run their work from mobile devices as well as computers. Employees want to see pending approvals, alerts and fresh data wherever they are. SAP Mobile Start meets this need. This article explains what SAP Mobile Start is, how it works, its three main screens, the devices it supports and the limits you should know before you start.
What Is SAP Mobile Start?
SAP Mobile Start provides access to SAP content and business applications from mobile devices. It offers a consumer-level experience. Users reach business content anywhere and at any time.
The app integrates deeply with the mobile device. Users receive notifications and follow updates. Users also customize the app to their working style, so they do not have to open it constantly.
SAP Mobile Start is the mobile counterpart of the
SAP Fiori Launchpad. It follows similar role concepts. Each user sees only the apps that match their department and job role.
How Does SAP Mobile Start Work?
SAP Mobile Start runs on
SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP). On the server side, it integrates with three services:
- SAP Mobile Services: acts as the single https endpoint and handles authentication and routing.
- SAP Launchpad service: provides the strategic entry point to web applications from SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Concur and other solutions.
- SAP BTP notification service: exposes enterprise notifications from products such as SAP S/4HANA on Launchpad sites.
The app takes business information from SAP Start, SAP Build Work Zone standard edition and SAP Build Work Zone advanced edition. It needs an internet connection to exchange data.
Features of SAP Mobile Start
Sectors have taken steps toward digitalization to keep up with the changing world. First, companies started using SAP software so each department could access and share common data. Later, they moved to SAP Mobile Start to follow these processes from mobile devices. The app removes the need to sit at a computer to reach data or applications.
Local Notifications and Business Widgets
Staying aware of the agenda matters in business. You cannot sit at a computer all day. SAP Mobile Start delivers native notifications and business widgets on the home screen and lock screen of your phone. Users decide how many widgets they see and which ones.
Widgets show SAP S/4HANA updates, such as a growing number of open sales orders. Notifications follow the same logic as the
SAP Fiori push notification and Notification Center infrastructure and collect alerts from several solutions in one list.
Local Device Search
Users can spend a long time looking for the right application. SAP Mobile Start solves this. Users search and open their SAP applications through native device search, such as Apple Spotlight Search. Apps and links optimized for web use also work on mobile.
Application and Content Recommendation
SAP Mobile Start identifies the applications you used before. It then recommends similar applications. The purpose is to give you the apps and content you need most, so you meet your business needs easily.
Application Screen
The application screen lists your applications. It presents native apps as well as web-optimized applications. A search function helps you find the right app quickly, so you do not spend time looking for content.
News Feeds
Companies can share news feeds about the company, the industry or a business domain. Employees follow these updates inside the same app.
What Are the Three Main Screens of SAP Mobile Start?
SAP Mobile Start has three main screens. The table below summarizes what each one shows.
| | |
| Latest to-dos, notifications, monitoring tile updates and news feeds | Shows the day's priorities at a glance |
| Native and web-optimized apps, SAP S/4HANA Fiori apps and web links | Removes time spent searching for the right app |
| Workflow tasks federated through SAP Task Center | Speeds up approvals and task processing on the go |
The To-Do screen makes a real difference in approval processes. SAP Task Center federates tasks from different solutions. Managers process pending items from their phones and shorten approval times.
Which Devices Does SAP Mobile Start Support?
SAP Mobile Start runs on iPhone, iPad and Android devices. It also runs on Apple Watch, smartwatches with Wear OS and Apple Vision Pro. SAP lists the supported languages in its documentation and may extend the device and language list over time. Check the current SAP documentation before you plan a rollout.
What Should You Know Before You Use SAP Mobile Start?
SAP Mobile Start does not fit every scenario on its own. Review these limits before you start:
- The app requires an internet connection to exchange data.
- The app runs on SAP BTP. Confirm your subscription and license position with your SAP account manager.
- After installation, you register your device from your Launchpad site. Your Fiori apps then appear inside the app.
- The apps users see on mobile depend on your Launchpad content and role setup.
At MDP Group, we treat SAP Fiori user experience as part of the business process. Before you plan mobile access, decide which tasks users really need on a phone. Short interactions such as approvals, notifications and KPI tracking make the best starting point. To adapt your apps to specific needs, read our guide on
the role of SAP Fiori in SAP MM processes.
SAP also offers a built-in demo mode in the app from the Apple App Store. You can explore the features there before you start an enterprise setup.
Is SAP Mobile Start Free?
Users can download SAP Mobile Start for free from the App Store and Google Play. SAP describes the app as included in your subscription, and use of SAP Mobile Start is included in the SAP Launchpad license. Confirm any additional cost for your own contract with your SAP account manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SAP Mobile Start and SAP Fiori Launchpad?
SAP Fiori Launchpad gives access to apps through a web browser. SAP Mobile Start is a native app that uses the notification, widget and device search features of your phone. Both show the same Fiori apps and use similar role concepts.
Which SAP solutions work with SAP Mobile Start?
SAP Mobile Start connects to apps from SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Concur and SAP Analytics Cloud through the SAP Launchpad service. Content can also come from applications that customers or partners develop.
How do I try SAP Mobile Start?
Download the app from the Apple App Store and open the built-in demo mode. For a company setup, install the app, register your device from your Launchpad site and open your Fiori apps inside the app.
Does SAP Mobile Start need an internet connection?
Yes. SAP Mobile Start needs internet access to exchange data with your SAP systems and SAP BTP services. Plan for mobile network coverage when you roll the app out to field teams.
Conclusion
SAP Mobile Start gives SAP users one mobile entry point for business apps, tasks and notifications. Native notifications, widgets, device search and app recommendations speed up daily work. Review the requirements and limits first, then start with approvals and notifications. If you need support with SAP Fiori and SAP BTP projects, explore our
SAP Fiori consultancy services.
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