Creating an app that connects with SAP data can transform how your team accesses and updates critical business information. By using tools like Adalo's External Collections, you can integrate SAP's REST APIs into a mobile or web app - without coding. This approach simplifies app development, reduces costs, and shortens timelines, with many organizations launching apps in under 3 months.
Key steps include:
- Understanding SAP Integration: SAP data is accessed via OData or REST APIs, using tools like SAP Gateway and SAP API Business Hub for secure connections.
- Setting Up Adalo: Configure External Collections to link SAP data to app components. Use JSON validation for smooth integration.
- Building Features: Create dashboards, forms, and workflows to display and update SAP data in real-time.
- Testing and Launching: Test API connections, validate data mapping, and deploy apps for web, iOS, and Android - all from a single build.
Adalo allows you to build and deploy apps across platforms without rebuilding, making it easier to extend SAP data to mobile and web users efficiently.
5-Step Process to Create an App Using SAP Data
SAP Data and Integration Basics
What is SAP Data?
SAP data refers to the critical information managed within SAP ERP systems like SAP S/4HANA. This includes everything from financial records and inventory details to human resources and customer data. With over 230 million cloud users globally and a suite of more than 100 solutions, SAP serves as the backbone for businesses handling complex operations.
"Centralized SAP data delivers a unified view across functions. This helps companies better manage complex business processes by giving employees of different departments easy access to real-time insights across the enterprise." – SAP
SAP data brings together essential business functions such as finance, HR, procurement, production, sales, marketing, and supply chain management. By integrating this data into a custom application, businesses can extend their core processes beyond traditional desktop systems. This allows teams to access real-time insights and even initiate workflows - like creating sales orders - directly from mobile devices.
Core Integration Concepts
Integrating with SAP data requires understanding a few key technical components. SAP leverages the Open Data Protocol (OData) and REST APIs to expose its business logic and data models to external platforms. These standardized protocols ensure secure access and updates to business data without needing to overhaul the existing SAP infrastructure.
The SAP Gateway is responsible for creating OData services, enabling external applications to access SAP systems. For more complex integrations involving multiple systems, the SAP Integration Suite is used to manage integration flows (iFlows), which define how data moves between your app and the SAP backend. Additionally, the SAP API Business Hub provides a centralized library of pre-built APIs, allowing developers to test them with mock data before connecting to live systems. This simplifies the process of understanding data structures before full-scale implementation.
| Tool | Function | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| SAP Gateway | Creates OData services from SAP systems | For exposing ABAP-based data to web or mobile apps |
| SAP Integration Suite | Manages integration flows between systems | When connecting multiple SAP and non-SAP systems |
| SAP API Business Hub | Central repository for testing APIs | For browsing and testing APIs before development |
| SAP API Management | Secures and governs API access | To manage API lifecycles and enforce security policies |
These tools form the foundation for securely integrating SAP data with external applications.
Benefits of Using SAP Data in Your App
Incorporating SAP data into your app eliminates delays and reduces manual data entry, offering real-time access to critical information. For instance, a warehouse manager can instantly check inventory levels, linking field operations directly to enterprise data. Similarly, a sales representative can generate orders on the spot during client meetings.
The efficiency improvements are game-changing. SAP S/4HANA’s in-memory computing processes vast amounts of data in real time, supporting advanced technologies like AI and machine learning. By connecting this robust system to a mobile app, businesses can respond quickly to market changes or supply chain disruptions. Teams can also automate workflows that previously required manual effort, all while ensuring compliance across departments.
Prerequisites and Tools You'll Need
To get started, make sure you have the necessary SAP accounts, tools, and configurations in place. First, you'll need an SAP ID to access developer portals and documentation. For enterprise-level integrations, an SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) account is essential for managing API destinations and ensuring connectivity. If you're just testing integration services, you can use the free tier of SAP BTP.
The setup of your SAP system will depend on the location of your data. The SAP Gateway is used to create OData services, which expose your business data to external platforms. Meanwhile, the SAP API Business Hub serves as a centralized repository where you can browse and test APIs before moving to implementation. On the Adalo side, you'll rely on External Collections to treat SAP APIs like a database and Custom Actions to handle specific API requests such as POST or PATCH operations.
Finally, you'll need to configure SAP data access and authentication to secure the integration process.
SAP Data Access Requirements
To properly configure SAP data access, follow these key steps. Start by creating an integration user in your SAP system using transaction code SU01. Set this user to "System" type to restrict GUI access while improving security. Next, activate the necessary services in your SAP system. Use transaction /NSICF to enable sap-bc-adt and sap-opu-iwfnd-catalogservice, which are required for accessing the OData catalog.
If you're connecting on-premise data to cloud applications, you'll need to configure the SAP Cloud Connector. This tool establishes a secure tunnel between your local infrastructure and SAP's cloud services. To avoid connectivity issues, set the access policy to "Path and all Sub-Paths" for resources like /sap/opu/ rather than "Path only".
Setting Up Adalo for SAP Integration
Once your SAP accounts and infrastructure are ready, you can configure Adalo for integration. Adalo works with data in JSON format, so before connecting an SAP API, validate the response structure using tools like JSONLint. This step ensures Adalo can correctly map the outputs. Each object in a JSON array must include a unique identifier, such as an id key; otherwise, Adalo may fail to display lists or show duplicate items.
When setting up External Collections in Adalo, point the Base API URL to your SAP Gateway OData service. For example: https://<host>:<port>/sap/opu/odata/sap/<service_name>. Use Adalo's "Run Test" feature during API setup to fetch a sample JSON response, and then use the "Autodetect Schema" option to ensure Adalo recognizes your SAP data fields. Since SAP Gateway and the Cloud Application Programming Model support OData, it's best to use OData V2 or V4 services for smooth integration.
Security and Authentication Best Practices
Securing your integration is critical, and OAuth 2.0 is the preferred method for safe, third-party access without exposing user credentials. In SAP systems, configure OAuth using transaction SOAUTH2, where you can set up a dedicated Client ID and assign specific scopes. For apps with user login functionality, use the Authorization Code Grant method. For server-to-server communication or background processes, opt for the Client Credentials Grant.
"Data protection is a shared responsibility by everyone involved in app development." – Sonia Rebecca Menezes, Adalo
When configuring OAuth, assign only the specific OData service scopes your app requires (e.g., ZAPI_SALES_ORDER_SRV_0001). Avoid granting broad access, and use the "Generate" option in SAP to create complex client secrets instead of relying on manually created passwords. If you're setting up multiple connections to the same SAP system, create separate Client IDs for each connection. This way, if one connection fails, it won't affect the others. Always remember that security is an ongoing process - regular testing is crucial to identify potential vulnerabilities and keep your data safe.
| Tool/Account | Purpose | Requirement Level |
|---|---|---|
| SAP ID | Access to SAP developer portals and documentation | Mandatory |
| SAP BTP Account | Managing API destinations and cloud-to-on-premise connectivity | Mandatory for Enterprise |
| SAP Gateway | Exposing ABAP data as OData services | Mandatory for On-Premise |
| Adalo Account | Building the mobile/web interface and managing API connections | Mandatory |
| JSON Validator | Ensuring SAP API responses are readable by Adalo | Recommended |
How to Connect SAP Data to Your App
To link your SAP data with your app, you'll need to establish a connection between the data source and your application. This involves configuring SAP API endpoints, mapping data fields to your app’s interface, and running tests to ensure everything works as expected. Testing at each step is crucial to catch potential issues early.
Setting Up SAP APIs for Data Access
The first step is identifying where your SAP data resides. Typically, SAP data is accessible through OData services or REST APIs. You can explore available public APIs on the SAP API Business Hub or create OData services for your ABAP platform using SAP Gateway.
For more complex scenarios, SAP API Management can help secure API calls. A sample Base API URL might look like this:
https://sapes5.sapdevcenter.com/sap/opu/odata/sap/SEPMRA_PROD_MAN/
When setting up authentication, include your API Key in the header section and make it static to ensure consistent access. Use GET requests to retrieve data, while POST requests allow you to create new records. For POST operations, define a custom JSON schema that outlines the payload structure.
Before connecting to production data, it’s a good idea to test using mock data or the SAP Gateway demo system. This ensures your app’s logic and UI components are functioning as intended. Tools like Postman can help verify that your SAP endpoints return a "200 OK" status.
Connecting SAP Data to Adalo Components
In Adalo, use the External Collections feature to connect your app to SAP data. Enter your Base API URL, which points to your SAP Gateway OData service. Enable the "Autodetect Schema from Response" option to automatically map data fields like ProductID, CustomerName, or SalesAmount to Adalo’s internal variables.
Ensure your Relative Path is clean and free of unnecessary characters that could disrupt the API call. If you need to retrieve specific records based on user input - like a barcode or product ID - use formulas to create dynamic relative paths. Once the schema is mapped, you can bind SAP data to UI components such as lists, forms, or dashboards by creating "Single data record" or "Collection" variables.
| Configuration Field | Purpose | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Base Resource URL | Root address of your SAP API service | A valid REST or OData endpoint |
| Authentication | Verifies app identity | API Key or OAuth credentials in headers |
| Relative Path | Specific resource location (e.g., /employees) |
Can include dynamic parameters or filters |
| Data Schema | Structure of data sent/received | Autodetected from a successful test response |
Testing Your Integration
Testing should begin early in the development process. Use the "Test" tab in your data resource settings to run a request with a sample ID. A response like "Status: OK" or "200" confirms that your authentication and data mapping are correctly configured. Check that essential fields - such as product IDs, amounts, and dates - are present and formatted correctly.
"Integration testing ensures that the data accepted by the API as well as the response generated is correct." – Sohaib Zaidi, Technical Content Writer, Opkey
During testing, focus on complete business workflows, such as order-to-cash or payroll processing, rather than just individual screens. Don’t limit yourself to ideal scenarios; test edge cases like invalid data, expired sessions, null inputs, and unauthorized access attempts to evaluate how your integration handles errors. Use real user IDs with live permissions to uncover potential authorization issues. Additionally, monitor status codes and ensure date formats function correctly across time zones, as these are common sources of bugs that often go unnoticed until production.
At this stage, your SAP APIs should be ready to enable smooth data integration into your app.
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Building App Features with SAP Data
Once your SAP connection is set up, you can begin developing the features that users will interact with. This includes creating screens to display data, forms for updating records, and tools like search and filters to improve navigation. Adalo's visual builder simplifies this process through External Collections, which link your app's interface directly to SAP data.
Displaying SAP Data in Your App
With External Collections, you can establish a direct connection to SAP. Start by setting up the "Get All Records" endpoint in your External Collection settings. If your SAP API delivers data in a nested structure, specify a Results Key - this tells Adalo where to find the list of records. Once configured, Adalo automatically identifies the properties (like Product Name or Price) and makes them available in the builder.
To display SAP data, use Magic Text to bind fields to UI elements. For example, drag a List component onto the canvas and set its "What is this a list of?" property to your SAP External Collection. This method is especially effective for creating inventory dashboards, employee directories, or sales reports. Keep in mind that SAP data must use numeric IDs, as Adalo doesn’t currently support IDs containing text, special characters, or UUIDs.
During setup, verify that the data mapping is correct so Adalo can recognize the structure and generate the necessary properties for your interface. To secure the connection, add Authorization Parameters as a Header Parameter, such as Authorization: Bearer [Your_Token]. Once this is done, you can move on to creating interactive forms for updating records.
Creating Forms to Update SAP Data
After setting up data display, you can configure forms to allow users to update SAP records. These forms enable actions like editing employee details or approving purchases. To make this work, set the "Update a Record" endpoint in your External Collection settings. Use the PUT method for updates unless your SAP API specifically requires PATCH.
Before publishing, remove auto-generated fields such as IDs, timestamps, and relationship properties. These can cause errors when writing back to SAP.
| Endpoint Action | Common HTTP Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Create a Record | POST | Submitting new data to SAP |
| Update a Record | PUT / PATCH | Modifying existing SAP records via a form |
| Get One Record | GET | Fetching specific record details to pre-fill a form |
Always test your endpoints to ensure they return a "200 OK" status. Note that while Adalo doesn’t currently support sending attachments or images to external databases via forms, you can still update records that already include them.
Adding Filters, Search, and Validation
To make your app more dynamic, connect search inputs to the filter parameters of your flow functions. This setup ensures that only matching records are retrieved from the SAP backend. Use Data Variables to store this data and bind it to UI components so the interface updates dynamically when filters or search terms are applied.
For better performance, configure the app to fetch data only when specific actions occur, such as pressing a button or scanning a barcode. Replace any default "on-load" logic with custom triggers. For validation, use formulas in the "Content" property to create rules based on variables. Filters and search functions can also refresh data displays dynamically.
For example, a global automotive company leveraged SAP Build Process Automation to streamline inspections using IoT sensor data, reducing unplanned downtime by 20%. Similarly, a financial services firm cut invoice processing time by 40% through digitized capture and automated approvals.
"Imagine a world where you do not have to write code, just say things and the computer does it for you." – Koushik Sen, Computer Science Lecturer, UC Berkeley
Adalo is designed to help you build, launch, and scale your app efficiently. From a single build, you can deploy your app as a Progressive Web App and as native apps for both iOS and Android.
Testing, Launching, and Maintaining Your App
Testing Your App's Functionality
Before launching your app, ensure that its integration with SAP works flawlessly across all platforms. Start by using the "Test" tab in your Data Resource configuration. This allows you to run API calls and verify details like the base URL, authentication headers, and relative paths. Once you’ve tested, use the "Autodetect Schema from Response" feature to confirm that your data mapping is accurate.
For web testing, open your browser's developer tools and head to the Network tab. Reload the page to check if everything is functioning consistently across platforms. For mobile-specific testing, use the Adalo previewer apps for iOS and Android, as some features can't be fully validated through a desktop browser.
It's also crucial to confirm that data updates are reflected in your SAP backend. After testing POST or PUT requests, log into your SAP system (like SAP Sales and Service Core) to ensure records are being created or updated as expected. If your SAP backend is slow or temporarily unavailable, you can use mock data to test your app's interface independently of the live connection.
| Testing Method | Tool/Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Testing (Data) | Data Resource "Test" Tab | Validates API connectivity and authentication headers |
| Integration Testing | Mobile Previewer (iOS/Android) | Confirms hardware integration and data fetching |
| Protocol Testing | Browser Network Inspector | Verifies OData metadata and response payloads |
| End-to-End Testing | SAP Backend System | Confirms data persistence and business logic execution |
Once testing confirms everything is working as intended, you're ready to move on to publishing.
Publishing Your App to Web and Mobile Platforms
After thorough testing, it's time to launch your app on web and mobile platforms. For iOS, you’ll need to enroll in the Apple Developer Program, which costs $99 per year. Configure your app metadata in Xcode, making sure to include a unique Bundle ID and version number (e.g., 1.0.0). Create an app listing in App Store Connect, providing details like your privacy policy URL and pricing information. Finally, upload your app using Xcode's "Distribute App" function for Apple’s review process.
For Android, generate an APK or App Bundle using Android Studio. Ensure that all OData service destinations are registered in the SAP Mobile Service cockpit, and configure your authentication method (such as Basic, OAuth2, or SAML) to align with your SAP backend setup.
Prepare device-specific screenshots for Apple submissions and finalize your Bundle ID before uploading to App Store Connect, as it cannot be changed later. If your app is targeting EU markets, ensure it complies with GDPR regulations. Similarly, apps handling payments must meet PCI compliance standards.
Monitoring and Updating Your App
Once your app is live, use the SAP BTP Cockpit as your main management tool to oversee accounts, applications, and related activities. SAP BTP's managed environment automatically updates its services and infrastructure, allowing you to focus on improving your app without worrying about hardware maintenance. If your SAP backend data structures change, revisit the "Autodetect Schema from Response" feature to ensure your app correctly maps any new data fields.
Regularly inspect your app’s network traffic using browser tools to confirm that $metadata loads properly. To speed up testing and debugging for updates, use local run configurations in SAP Business Application Studio. This lets you bypass a full build step, saving time. For deployment, use MTA projects on SAP BTP Cloud Foundry, which help organize dependencies as your app evolves.
Periodically review your app’s logic flows to remove outdated test functions, like temporary alerts, that could disrupt the user experience. Keep your security configurations current by assigning specific roles within the SAP Build environment to manage data access effectively.
Maintaining a consistent connection with your SAP backend ensures that all previously built features remain functional. Adalo, a platform designed for building, launching, and scaling apps, allows you to deploy your app as a Progressive Web App (PWA) and natively to iOS and Android stores from a single build. This single-codebase approach ensures that any updates you make are instantly applied across all platforms, keeping your app responsive and reliable without requiring a complete rebuild. By following these steps, you can ensure your app remains efficient and seamlessly integrated with SAP data.
Conclusion
Creating an app with SAP data no longer requires traditional coding or drawn-out development cycles. By linking SAP APIs to Adalo through External Collections, you can seamlessly integrate enterprise data into visual components, design functional interfaces using drag-and-drop tools, and deploy apps across web and mobile platforms - all from one build. This approach simplifies what used to be complex integrations into straightforward steps that even non-technical users can handle.
This method doesn’t just speed up development - it also drives productivity. Low-code platforms have been shown to accelerate development up to 20 times faster than traditional coding methods. Plus, research indicates that one professional IT developer can support over 10 citizen developers, amplifying organizational efficiency significantly. As Koushik Sen, a Computer Science Lecturer at UC Berkeley, aptly puts it:
"Imagine a world where you do not have to write code, just say things and the computer does it for you".
However, achieving success also depends on thorough testing, secure authentication, and continuous monitoring. Take advantage of testing features to validate API calls and ensure each data object has a unique identifier.
With a single-codebase approach, updates are instantly applied across web, iOS, and Android platforms. This removes bottlenecks, enabling quick responses to user feedback or business needs. Adalo makes it easy to maintain and scale SAP-integrated apps, empowering you to keep pace with evolving demands effortlessly.
FAQs
How do I securely connect my app to SAP data?
To keep your app's connection to SAP data secure, rely on the SAP Integration Suite to manage data routing and apply API Management security policies like API keys or OAuth 2.0 authentication. Set up the OData adapter with encrypted HTTPS endpoints and valid credentials to protect data as it travels between systems.
Once configured, test the connection in SAP Build Apps to confirm everything is integrated correctly and security measures are in place. This ensures sensitive data stays protected while maintaining a smooth data flow for your app.
What are the advantages of using SAP data in a mobile app?
Integrating SAP data into a mobile app brings real-time, enterprise-level insights directly to users, improving their experience and enabling better decision-making. By using standardized APIs like OData and REST, you can seamlessly connect SAP data - whether it’s customer profiles, product stock levels, or financial data - straight into your app’s components. This eliminates the need for custom coding and ensures your app always displays accurate, up-to-date information, cutting down on errors and simplifying workflows.
SAP also offers built-in formulas and predefined functions that let you handle calculations, format data, and apply dynamic styling on the fly. These features turn raw data into actionable insights without extra effort. Plus, SAP’s automatic metadata import ensures consistent data structures throughout your app, speeding up development, reducing maintenance work, and adhering to key security and compliance requirements.
With SAP data integrated, your mobile app can handle essential business tasks like managing inventory, entering sales orders, or updating field service operations - all from the convenience of a smartphone or tablet. This integration not only boosts efficiency but also equips users with reliable data and supports the growth of digital initiatives without overburdening IT resources.
How can I test my app's SAP integration before launching it?
To make sure your app works smoothly with SAP before it goes live, start by connecting your SAP data source in Adalo. Add the SAP endpoint - this could be something like an OData service or an API - and set up authentication using the necessary credentials, such as an API key or OAuth 2.0 details. Once the connection is in place, test it by sending a live request to SAP. Check that the returned data (like CustomerID or OrderStatus) is accurate and properly formatted.
After that, preview the app by linking a component, such as a list or table, to your SAP data source. Confirm that the data is displaying correctly within the app. For a more comprehensive test, try out different scenarios - apply various filters or work with large data sets - to see how the app handles them. Additionally, reviewing network logs can help you spot and fix any errors before the app goes live. By following these steps, you can ensure your app’s SAP integration is solid and ready to provide a seamless experience for users.
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