Introduction

‍Many companies implemented their first SAP applications a long time ago to streamline their business operations. During this time, a wide range of other systems and technologies were also established around the ERP system. This resulted in fragmented, hybrid IT landscapes with high complexity and decentralized data storage. Today, this makes it difficult to deliver information in real-time, to take advantage of innovative technologies and to deliver new apps in a timely manner. However, an SAP low-code platform for custom app development is a great solution to face these challenges head on.

Developer Resources Are Scarce

‍Managers and executives in the IT environment are currently encountering great challenges. In addition to the historically fragmented, complex IT technology and architecture, they are also confronted with a steadily increasing demand for new software applications. For example, departments are demanding mobile, offline-capable apps to make information and processes available regardless of location. However, software development resources are generally very limited. And on top of that, new specialists are difficult to recruit.   

The goal for great SAP low-code development must therefore be to relieve the existing personnel resources in the IT area. Development teams should be able to build new SAP apps with ease and automate the development cycle, even within a heterogeneous IT landscape. This is precisely where SAP low-code development platforms come into play. But what does this mean and what are the advantages? 

Advantages of SAP Low-Code Development

Low-Code is an app development approach that requires little or no coding to create applications and processes. As a result, employees without specific programming skills can create custom SAP applications of varying complexity. Instead of using extensive programming languages, SAP low-code development uses visual interfaces with simple logic and Drag-and-Drop functions. Therefore, applications can be created in a modular way. And due to these characteristics, low-code also has enormous potential within SAP.

One such powerful SAP low-code development platform has been created by Neptune Software. The solution enables companies to efficiently develop and optimize individual SAP applications. More than 660 companies already use Neptune Software to reduce development and maintenance costs by up to 80 percent and the total cost of operations by up to 65 percent.

This added value is achieved through several SAP low-code development features. First are the intuitive graphical modeling tools. They allow applications to be developed within SAP's strategic technology stack in the core digital system without the need for additional tools. HTML5 and JavaScript skills are also not required. Furthermore, enterprise functions can be provided as APIs - without any special IT know-how. 

In the case of Neptune DXP, developers are not restricted to specific systems and data sources. Any backend, any architecture and any cloud resource can be connected. This allows companies to overcome system boundaries, break down data silos and provide all the information needed in real-time within their apps. There are also no limitations in terms of end devices so they can be integrated into both online and offline processes.

From Simple to Complex SAP Applications

‍With Neptune's SAP low-code development solution, a wide range of applications can be realized from simple to business-critical, complex applications. Regardless of type, applications are easily scalable on any architecture. Furthermore, the overall app lifecycle can be automated. And easy-to-use App Building Blocks save time and simplify the app creation process.

Neptune customers often use the platform to develop UI5-based SAP Fiori applications in the existing SAP infrastructure. This is even possible during an S/4HANA conversion. For example, a leading chemical company used the SAP low-code development platform to create several mobile (offline-enabled) and desktop apps for maintenance and operations. 

Well-known pharmaceutical company, Johnson & Johnson, on the other hand, uses Neptune’s solution to drive the digital transformation of its supply chain. The company developed numerous hybrid SAP Fiori apps for SAP IM/WM, PM, AutoID, GRC and many other applications. 

Mercury, a leading European provider in the engineering sector with headquarters in Ireland, also uses Neptune’s SAP low-code development platform. Mercury’s goal was to optimize time management processes on its construction sites with mobile solutions that have the capability to monitor teams and progress of construction projects in real-time. This application undertaking was extremely successful, so the company is already planning to move more processes and functions to the Neptune platform.