Characteristics of Typical SAP Internet Application Components

The Characteristics | Differences to R/3 Applications

SAP Internet Application Components (IACs) have characteristics that set them apart from "plain" R/3 applications.

 

The Characteristics

Simple

These features make Internet Application Components simple:

  • Few fields, where users have to enter data
  • Little navigation, so that users do not get lost
  • No or at least few dependencies between data, views, screens, etc. - these make applications hard to understand

 Understandable

Users can easily understand Internet Application Components, because the design goal is to make them:

  • Intuitively usable
  • Self-explaining
  • Easy to learn and relearn

The focus is on beginners and casual users - these users must be able to perform their tasks without documentation and training.

Supportive

Help users to attain their ends without unnecessary time and learning efforts.

 

Differences to R/3 Applications

Internet Application Components differ from R/3 transactions in the following ways:

  • No menus, no SAP toolbars, no OK-code field - because IACs have a simplified header bar (set by a classification flag)
  • No dialogue windows (only fullscreen dialogs possible in SAPGUI for HTML)
  • Parallel processing possible through
    • Additional windows (though rarely used, especially for beginners)
    • Multiple areas on the screen
  • Use of graphics and text possible - and users expect this!
  • Hyperlinks in text, tables and trees - no double click!

 

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Source:  SAP Interaction Design Guide for Internet Application Components