How to Use OData Filters and Query Parameters in SAP Fiori Applications

In SAP Fiori applications, data is often pulled from backend systems via OData services, which allow seamless communication and real-time data access. However, retrieving large amounts of data in a single request can slow down application performance and affect user experience. By using OData filters and query parameters, you can limit data volumes, enhance response times, and display precisely the information users need.

Business Scenario

Imagine a global retail company using an SAP Fiori application for inventory management. The company’s managers need to filter products based on various criteria like category, stock status, and location. Each manager wants only relevant data in their region, making it essential for the application to retrieve data based on selected filters, enhancing efficiency and user satisfaction.

In this scenario, setting up OData filters and query parameters is crucial for customizing data requests and achieving the desired user experience.

More Such Questions

Step-by-Step Guide to Implement OData Filters and Query Parameters

Here’s a detailed guide to using OData filters and query parameters within your SAP Fiori application.

Step 1: Setting Up the CDS View and OData Service

The first step is to create a CDS (Core Data Services) view in the SAP backend, defining the data structure and exposing it as an OData service.

Example CDS View with Filters Enabled

@AbapCatalog.sqlViewName: 'ZPRODUCT_CDS'
@AbapCatalog.compiler.compareFilter: true
@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #NOT_REQUIRED
@OData.publish: true
@EndUserText.label: 'CDS View for Product Data with Filtering'

define view Z_PRODUCT_DATA as select from mara
{
    key mara.matnr       as ProductID,      // Product ID
    mara.maktx           as ProductName,    // Product Name
    mara.matkl           as MaterialGroup,  // Material Group
    mara.meins           as UnitOfMeasure,  // Unit of Measure
    mara.wrkst           as Plant           // Plant
}

After defining the CDS view, activate it to automatically publish the OData service. In the SAP Gateway, register the service using /IWFND/MAINT_SERVICE to make it accessible for the SAP Fiori app.

Step 2: Add Filters and Query Parameters in the Fiori App

In the SAP Fiori app, you’ll use the SAPUI5 framework to apply filters and query parameters. This is typically done within the controller of the app.

Example Controller Code with Filters

In the controller’s onInit function, define the parameters for the OData request.

onInit: function() {
    var oFilter = new sap.ui.model.Filter({
        path: "MaterialGroup",        // Field to filter
        operator: sap.ui.model.FilterOperator.EQ,
        value1: "FERT"                // Example value
    });

    var oList = this.getView().byId("productList");
    var oBinding = oList.getBinding("items");
    oBinding.filter([oFilter]);       // Apply filter to the binding
}

Here’s how this code works:

  • path: Specifies the field to filter on (e.g., MaterialGroup).
  • operator: Defines the filter type (e.g., equals to “FERT”).
  • value1: Provides the filter value.
  • The filter is then applied to the binding for the UI list element, dynamically updating the list based on the filter criteria.

Step 3: Implementing Multiple Filters

In cases where users need multiple filters, you can create multiple filter objects and combine them with FilterOperator.AND or FilterOperator.OR.

Example of Multiple Filters

var aFilters = [];
aFilters.push(new sap.ui.model.Filter("MaterialGroup", sap.ui.model.FilterOperator.EQ, "FERT"));
aFilters.push(new sap.ui.model.Filter("Plant", sap.ui.model.FilterOperator.EQ, "1010"));

var oList = this.getView().byId("productList");
var oBinding = oList.getBinding("items");
oBinding.filter(aFilters);  // Apply multiple filters

Here, filters for both MaterialGroup and Plant fields are applied simultaneously.

Step 4: Using Query Parameters for Enhanced Filtering

SAP Fiori allows additional query parameters like $top, $skip, $orderby, and $select for further customization of OData requests. These query parameters enable more granular control over the data retrieved.

Example Using $top and $orderby

var oModel = this.getOwnerComponent().getModel();
var mParameters = {
    "$top": 10,                        // Limit results to 10 entries
    "$orderby": "ProductID asc"        // Order by ProductID in ascending order
};

oModel.read("/Z_PRODUCT_DATA", {
    filters: [new sap.ui.model.Filter("MaterialGroup", sap.ui.model.FilterOperator.EQ, "FERT")],
    urlParameters: mParameters,
    success: function(oData) {
        console.log("Data retrieved:", oData);
    },
    error: function(oError) {
        console.error("Error retrieving data:", oError);
    }
});

This example demonstrates how $top limits the number of records returned to 10 and $orderby arranges them by ProductID in ascending order.

Step 5: Testing and Validating OData Filters

Testing is essential to ensure filters work as expected. Use SAP Gateway Client (/IWFND/GW_CLIENT) to test OData requests with query parameters.

Sample OData URL with Query Parameters

To verify your setup, test this URL format in the Gateway Client:

/sap/opu/odata/sap/Z_PRODUCT_DATA_CDS?$filter=MaterialGroup eq 'FERT'&$top=10&$orderby=ProductID asc

Step 6: Best Practices and Tips

Here are some tips to optimize OData filters and query parameters:

  • Use Key Fields: Always use key fields for filtering to improve performance.
  • Minimize Data Retrieval: Only retrieve necessary data by using $select to specify required fields.
  • Combine Filters Judiciously: Avoid complex filters that can overload the backend.
  • Test Regularly: Use SAP Gateway Client and Fiori tools to test filter accuracy.
  • Monitor Performance: Regularly check performance logs, especially for large datasets.

Conclusion

By leveraging OData filters and query parameters, SAP Fiori applications can effectively handle data retrieval, providing users with streamlined and relevant information. This approach enhances application performance, optimizes server load, and provides a better experience by displaying exactly what’s needed. Whether managing inventory or processing large datasets, OData filtering is a powerful tool for any SAP Fiori developer.

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