What Is Key User Extensibility?
It is the suite of browser‑based tools built into SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud that lets designated “key users” personalize and extend standard applications, data structures, and business rules—completely code‑free. All extensions are upgrade‑safe, maintainable, and governed by role‑based authorizations.
Simplifying the Business User Experience
UI Adaptation at Runtime
Key users enter Adaptation mode directly within the Fiori launchpad to hide, rename, reposition, or add fields and UI elements on standard apps—no ABAP or UI5 coding required. Once saved, changes persist through quarterly upgrades, keeping the interface aligned with user needs.
Custom Fields & Logic
The Custom Fields app allows users to introduce new fields (for example, adding “StockOwner” to the Warehouse Stock report), then publish these across UIs, reports, analytics, and APIs instantly. In parallel, the Custom Logic app (powered by BRFplus) lets users define simple rules—defaults, validations, derivations—without writing code.
Custom Business Objects
When unique data entities are needed—such as “CycleCountSchedule” for non‑standard count plans—key users define Custom Business Objects. The tool automatically generates database tables, OData services, Fiori list/object pages, and API endpoints, making custom masters behave like standard ones.
In‑App Business Rules Framework
For conditional logic or simple automations (e.g., “If |PostedQty – PickedQty| > 5, set TransferOrderStatus to ‘Review’”), the in‑app BRFplus interface enables rule creation, testing, and assignment within the Custom Logic app—keeping business logic close to the process.
Use Cases (Warehouse‑Focused Scenarios)
I am providing below warehouse specific use cases but similar use cases can be extended to other LoBs as well.
- Temperature‑Sensitive Handling Units
A cold‑chain operator adds a “Temperature Range” field to the Handling Unit context, making it visible in packing UIs and IoT integrations for real‑time monitoring. - Tailored Warehouse Monitor Views
The control‑tower team hides unnecessary columns and reorders critical fields (SKU, Available Qty, Storage Type, Quality Status) via UI Adaptation, then saves a “Quality Check” variant—streamlining exception handling. - Custom Cycle Count Schedule Object
Inventory leads create a CBO named “CycleCountSchedule,” automatically generating a Fiori app and APIs that mobile workers use to pull active count plans and report results via handheld scanners. - Auto‑Block Transfers on Quantity Mismatch
A rule in BRFplus blocks any transfer order when the posted vs. picked quantity delta exceeds five units, flagging it for review and preventing inventory inconsistencies. - Enhanced Warehouse‑Stock Report
The team adds “StockOwner” via Custom Fields and includes it in the embedded analytics query—enabling stock‑by‑owner analysis (in‑house vs. 3PL) directly in Fiori dashboards.
Governance & Security
All extensibility tools are controlled by role‑based authorizations, ensuring only users assigned the Key User Extensibility role can access Adapt UI, Custom Fields, Custom Business Objects, or Custom Logic apps—maintaining strict change management and audit trails.
Upgrade Safety & Integration
SAP’s cloud‑native extensibility framework preserves all in‑app modifications across quarterly releases, eliminating upgrade rework. Standard SAP code remains untouched through a clear separation of core and extensions via published APIs and extension points.
Business Impact
- Faster Time‑to‑Market: Key users implement changes in days, not weeks.
- Reduced IT Backlog: Frees developers for strategic initiatives.
- Higher User Adoption & Satisfaction: Personalized UIs and processes.
- Continuous Innovation: Rapid experimentation without technical debt.
Who Benefits?
- Business Users craving tailored experiences
- Consultants empowering clients for self‑sufficiency
- Decision‑Makers driving agility and cost efficiency
Next Steps
- Open the Custom Fields app to add a sample field.
- Launch Adapt UI in your Fiori Launchpad and save a variant.
- Explore Custom Business Objects in the Extensibility Library.
SAP Help Portal Links
