Evaluation of the SAPUI5 framework for ERP software

Abstract

This research work is intended to analyze the new UI framework from SAP called SAPUI5 for the usage in enterprise applications. It is hypothesized that SAPUI5 will offer more benefits than the traditional UIs in terms of user satisfaction, productivity and costs. The intention is to explore and evaluate the SAPUI5 against the classical user interfaces used in ERP using a set of defined evaluation criteria. The evaluation criteria is defined keeping in view the application UI life cycle management, usability and HCI principles. For quantitative analysis, test scenarios are setup in the classical UI application and the SAPUI5 based application. Test users are asked to use the application and answer a questionnaire. Based on the results of questionnaire, the quantitative evaluation criteria are measured. For the qualitative study, interviews are conducted with industry experts and assessment is made on the qualitative evaluation criteria. The combined results from the interviews and questionnaire prove that my hypothesis holds true. The paper concludes by pointing out few caveats in this work and possible future directions of research. The technology is relatively new and there is not much literature available on the topic. This research work can support the enterprise architects and project managers in making decision for the UI technology.