Legacy UX Transformation
(SAP PLM Applications)
FMCG | Retail | India
UX Transformation + Design System
+25 SAP PLM Legacy application modernization for enhanced operations experience
UIConnect collaborated with a leading SAP partner to deliver UX-UI refresh solution to a large global FMCG company. This case study focuses on the UX-UI revamp of SAP PLM applications based on SAP UI5/Fiori. The delivery was done in a fully remote model for 2 years in coordination with multiple stakeholders at distinct roles.
- Live +25 large complex legacy SAP PLM applications
- +300 application screens varying in complexity, structure, use cases and user jorurneys
- Core functionality to be preserved without compromise
- Continuous integration and testing meant ongoing support was essential, even as other applications underwent modernization
- Impact on global operations
Background
A significant gap often exists between what end users expect from enterprise applications and what they actually experience. This was evident at the R&D center of one of India’s largest consumer goods MNCs. Although the company had implemented an out-of-the-box SAP PLM suite to meet business requirements, the user experience (UX) had become increasingly outdated and inefficient over time.
The suite comprised over 25 complex and interdependent applications, each with its own UX approach. Some were developed before the SAP Fiori/UI5 era, while others came after. However, most retained a legacy look and feel—characterized by cluttered screens, complex navigation, and a lack of intuitiveness—leading to a cumbersome experience for end users.
Key Challenges
Despite SAP Fiori/UI5 offering modern theming and design flexibility, many applications continued to use default SAP styling. The leadership recognized the need for a large-scale UX overhaul but wanted to start small.
UIConnect was brought in to revamp a few applications as a proof of concept (POC), with the goal of setting a benchmark for the rest. The challenge was steep, with strict usability metrics in place like:
- Reduce or maintain the number of steps per task (maximum of 3)
- Strict adherence to approved user journeys and functionalities, unless a significant improvement can be achieved through new UX approach
- Irrespective of data complexity and density, majority of content must fit within the main screen viewport (and avoid scrolls, in particular, horizontal scrolls)
- Application users can take informed actions.
- Increased user satisfaction.
Our Approach
UIConnect adopted a user-centered design approach, aligning closely with SAP Fiori/UI5 framework guidelines. The team began by analyzing existing workflows, identifying pain points, and mapping user journeys across the suite.
The engagement kicked off with a proof-of-concept (POC) for a single application that encapsulated the most common user scenarios and functional building blocks. This strategic starting point allowed the team to validate design hypotheses early and fine-tune components based on real-world feedback. As patterns began to emerge, these refined elements were gradually abstracted into reusable components, forming the foundation for a scalable design system.
The design strategy focused on simplifying navigation, decluttering interfaces, and ensuring consistency across all applications. Each redesign was validated against the defined usability metrics to ensure measurable improvements.
Solution
A comprehensive UX design system and transformation roadmap was delivered for over 25 SAP PLM applications. The solution leveraged Fiori/UI5 capabilities to modernize the interface while preserving core functionalities.
The transformation included:
- Unified design language and branded experience across all applications
- Streamlined task flows with reduced steps
- Responsive layouts optimized for primary screen viewports
- Enhanced visual hierarchy and intuitive navigation patterns
Success
This was one of the first large-scale UX transformation initiatives of its kind within the organization. The successful POC led to broader adoption across the PLM suite, setting a precedent for future UX upgrades. The project not only improved usability but also demonstrated the tangible value of design-led transformation in enterprise environments.
- Huge productivity gains and satisfaction as +25 complex applications turned into easy to use, predictable and branded experience for the internal global operations team
- The scalable design system paved new product design roadmap for new or existing SAP Fiori transformation roadmap
- Successful implementation meant lesser dependency on the out-of-the-box features
