Common SAP Fiori App Issues in SAP GRC (and What They Indicate)

SAP Fiori app issues in SAP GRC can stem from a wide range of causes—ranging from missing authorizations and broken OData services to caching problems and CDS configuration errors.

While many problems resemble traditional SAP authorization issues, SAP Fiori introduces additional frontend, launchpad, and SAP Gateway-specific layers that require different troubleshooting approaches. Understanding how to quickly identify the type of issue you’re facing—and which tools apply—can significantly reduce resolution time and prevent repeated disruptions for business users.

How to Troubleshoot SAP Fiori App Issues in SAP GRC

To address SAP Fiori launchpad-specific issues, such as rendering problems, incorrect app navigation or routing, or extended UI load times, the error console is the appropriate tool. Transaction /N/IWFND/ERROR_LOG can also be used for troubleshooting. Debugging or utilizing Transaction /N/IWFND/MAINT_SERVICE can help identify issues related to OData, core data services (CDS), or ABAP code. The figure below shows the various tools and transaction codes available for troubleshooting issues.

Troubleshooting SAP Fiori app issues can be a complex process that requires a good understanding of both the frontend and backend technologies involved in the app.

We’ll cover how you can troubleshoot SAP Fiori app issues in the following sections.

SAP Fiori Cache Issues and How to Resolve Them

The following tools can be used to troubleshoot various issues related to apps. The first step is to clear the cache before beginning any troubleshooting steps. Caching is used in the SAP Fiori application’s persistence layer. Clearing the cache before troubleshooting is always recommended.

To clear the browser cache, follow these steps:

1. In Internet Explorer, select the Tools button, navigate to Safety, and then select Delete browsing history. Choose the types of data or files you want to remove from the PC and then select Delete.
2. If you’re using Microsoft Edge, go to Menu (three dots icon on top-right corner of the browser), navigate to Settings, then Privacy & services. Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear.
3. Select the Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data checkboxes and then click Clear.
4. Additionally, the Metadata Cache can be cleared using Transaction /IWFND/CACHE_CLEANUP on the frontend server.
5. Select the Service model (model identifier) that has the issue and select Clean Cache for all Models checkbox, as shown below. Click Execute to clear the model cache. 

6. Additionally, Transaction /IWBEP/CACHE_CLEANUP can be used in the backend server. Execute /IWBEP/CACHE_CLEANUP, select the Cleanup Cache for all Models checkbox, and click Execute, as shown in this figure.

7. Once the cache is cleared, you should see the message Model Cache Cleanup finished successfully.
8. The chip cache can also be synchronized to the frontend system by executing report /UI2/CHIP_SYNCHRONIZE_CACHE. We recommend running report /UI2/DELETE_CACHE for the specific user before performing the synchronization. The following figure shows the options to delete the UI cache. 

Resolving the “Reference Lost” Error in SAP Fiori

When users experience the Reference lost error, we recommend logging on to the frontend server and running program /UI2/GET_APP_DESCR_REMOTE for the respective business catalog ID. Enter the business catalog ID in the Business Catalog ID field, select Build Target Mapping Index, and click Execute, as shown in this figure.

Once executed, a detailed log will be displayed with replication information.

Verifying SAP Fiori and SAP Gateway Error Logs

Transaction /IWBEP/ERROR_LOG (SAP backend error log) and Transaction /IWFND/ERROR_LOG (frontend/SAP Gateway error log) can be used to identify logs at the SAP Gateway both in the frontend and backend systems.

Transaction /IWFND/ERROR_LOG checks for OData service errors that occur when OData requests are made in the frontend system, and Transaction /IWBEP/ERROR_LOG records errors that occur in the backend while executing the affected request.

Troubleshooting CDS Authorization Issues in SAP Fiori Apps

If SAP Fiori apps have CDS, troubleshooting these apps can performed in Transaction SACM. This transaction code provides tools to identify and troubleshoot both design-time and runtime issues, as shown.

If the issue lies with the development of the CDS or a mapping to the SAP Fiori app, design-time tools can be used. However, if the issue occurs only with a specific user, runtime tools can be utilized.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting SAP Fiori app issues in SAP GRC requires a holistic understanding of both backend authorization concepts and frontend SAP Fiori technologies. While classic tools such as SU53 and authorization traces remain essential, many SAP Fiori-specific issues originate from cache inconsistencies, SAP Gateway errors, CDS authorization checks, or launchpad configuration problems. By systematically reviewing cache layers, error logs, and CDS behavior—and by knowing when to switch between frontend and backend diagnostics—administrators can more efficiently pinpoint root causes and restore SAP Fiori app functionality with confidence.

Editor’s note: This post has been adapted from a section of the book SAP Access Control: The Comprehensive Guide by Raghu Boddu. Raghu is the managing director of ToggleNow Software Solutions. He has more than 25 years of experience with SAP security, GRC, audits, and automation.