Introduction
In the first generation of Fiori apps, SAP developed separate apps for processing workflow-based approval tasks. Separate apps were delivered to handle approval tasks around purchase orders, ATBs, leave requests, declarations etc. SAP's new vision recommends that one app be used in the future to handle workflow tasks: the Fiori My Inbox app. The most recent version makes this new approach partly possible.
Until recently
Until recently, it was not possible to show task-specific information in an orderly manner in the standard Fiori My Inbox app. Because of this, the My Inbox app was actually only suitable for performing so-called 'workflow user decision' based tasks. In order to show extra information anyway, it was necessary to expand large parts of the My Inbox app. In this extension, the screen from the Fiori specific approval app had to be reconstructed, including the corresponding OData implementation. This meant additional efforts for functionality that already existed in the separate apps. This could eventually make the management of the My Inbox app unnecessarily complex.
In addition, the individual apps for specific approval tasks do provide the complete information for the correct assessment of the approval task. In addition, the information is presented in an orderly manner specific to the approval task in question. Think for example of header and line information of the SAP object in question.
New possibilities
The most recent version of My Inbox offers further possibilities in showing task specific information. There is no need to add extensions to the My Inbox app.
Task specific information in task list
In the new version of the My Inbox app, task-specific information can be added to the task list (the master list on the left side of the app). This is similar to dynamic columns in the SAP Business Workplace in the SAP GUI. Think for example of amount or date fields. A major advantage is that this information can then be searched for in the task list using the existing search functionality.
Detailed screen
In the latest version of the My Inbox app, the details screen can show a details screen of another Fiori app. This makes it possible to show the details of the purchase order approval app, for example. This way, not only the header data of purchase order are visible, but also all rules. It is also possible to jump to a detailed screen. This offers the end-user an overview of all relevant information to make the right decision.
Because of the new features the My Inbox can show exactly the same as the approval task specific app and also brings extra benefits.
Advantages My Inbox
Besides the fact that SAP indicates that within Fiori the My Inbox app will eventually become the central place for handling workflow tasks, there are a number of other advantages why the My Inbox app can already be used now:
- Ability to handle tasks en masse;
- Manage workflow replacements;
- Setting up replacements;
- Taking over replacement;
- Better search options (full text search);
- Extensive sorting and filter possibilities;
- Possibility to add comments and attachments.
Considerations
The separate Fiori apps for the various approval tasks allow the user to decide on the Fiori Launchpad what kind of tasks they want to handle first. This makes it possible to prioritize the handling of tasks based on the type of task.
Despite the advantage of prioritizing tasks, the My Inbox app offers enough advantages to make the switch. In the My Inbox you can also prioritize tasks that need to be completed first, regardless of the type of task. However, this requires filtering within the app per approval task. In addition, it gives the user more space on the Launchpad. On average, the My Inbox replaces four or more tiles on the Fiori Launchpad.
To maintain the advantage of the number of tasks per approval task on the Fiori Launchpad, the My Inbox app can be duplicated and filtered per approval task. This preserves all the advantages of the standard My Inbox app features, as well as the advantages of having instant insight into the number of tasks per type of approval task.
For questions or additional information on this subject, please contact Sander van der Wijngaart.