SAP B1 blog

1. access via the SAP BTP Cockpit

Firstly, access to SAP Build Apps via the SAP BTP Cockpit. Under "Services" > "Subscriptions", select the corresponding tile and open the Build Apps Dashboard. There you can create projects or manage existing ones.

In the example shown, the user creates a new project with the type "Web and mobile application"and one assigns a suitable project name.

2. data integration with the SAP Business One Service Layer

The next step is to connect the app to the backend of SAP Business One. This is done via the OData-interface of the Service Layers. You can set up the connection under the "data" tab. To do this, enter the API URL, user name and password. The platform then retrieves all available data sources.

For the example project, the user selects the data source "Items" The article list with article code and article description.

3. design user interface

The design of the user interface is done in the "view" tab of the start page ("homepage"). After renaming the page, add a List element which will later display the article data. This visual configuration does not require any programming knowledge, but follows clear rules for structure and data binding.

4. define data binding and variables

To ensure that the list works with real data, the "variables" creates a data variable that refers to the previously integrated data source. This variable serves as a link between the backend and the UI component.

In the properties area of the list component, you then define that the list with the variable "items" should be repeated: So you get every article in the advert.

5. configure display of article data

The list component is now configured so that relevant data fields are displayed. As "Primary Label" the Article code selected as "Secondary Label" the Article name. This ensures that each list line displays the required information in a structured manner.

6. preview and testing of the app

In the tab "launch" to open the app as a preview. This allows you to check whether the data is loaded correctly and the user interface works as desired. This serves as a quality check before the app is used productively.

7. deployment: From the Build App to the Web Client Tile

The finished app is then compiled in the "build and deploy" tab. After selecting a deployment option (e.g. SAP Build Work Zone), the build process begins. The result is a .mar filewhich contains all the required application data.

This file is later bound in the SAP Business One Web Client as an extension. This is done via a tile that enables direct access to the app.

8. integration in Visual Studio Code

Further configuration is carried out via Visual Studio Code. With the help of the wizard for Web Client Tile Extensions you create a new project. The name, ID, version and the .mar file are integrated here. The extension is also classified as SAP Build App.

The title and subtitle of the tile, as they should appear later in the Web Client, are also defined.

9. create MTA file and upload in the Extension Manager

The project archive then contains a MTA file which contains the complete enhancement package. SAP Business One imports this file in the Extension Manager and is assigned to a specific database. Only then does the app become visible to users in the web client.

10. access via the web client

After a successful import, the new Tile in the SAP Business One Web Client. Clicking on the tile starts the created app, which in this example displays a list of articles with a code and description.

No-code with a clear structure and great potential

The process shown in the video therefore shows how to Business-critical applications even without developer resources can create. The integration of SAP Build Apps into the SAP Business One ecosystem extends the range of functions: structured, comprehensible and with a clear path from idea to delivery.

For medium-sized companies in particular, this approach offers new opportunities to respond flexibly and efficiently to requirements - with a full SAP backend, but without traditional programming.