Issue

The number of system languages implemented in a SAP system significantly adds to the complexity of the initial system design, implementation, testing and continued maintenance with respect to master data, system configuration, development (reports, forms, system interfaces, etc.), process documentation, employee user interface, shared service functions and IT support.

There are currently 21 languages logon languages implemented in Syensqo. As a part of the ERP rebuild project there is an opportunity to simplify and standardize the language implementation.

Recommendation

Background & Context

Implementing multiple system languages in an SAP environment introduces substantial complexity across various stages of the system lifecycle. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• System Design and Implementation: Incorporating multiple languages into an SAP system involves complex initial design and setup, including installing and configuring language packs and adapting custom developments to support various languages.

• Testing and Quality Assurance: Extensive testing is required across all supported languages to ensure functionality, data accuracy, and user interface consistency, which adds to the overall complexity and effort.

• Master Data and Configuration: Managing master data and system configurations in multiple languages requires careful translation and consistency, impacting data integrity and the configuration process.

• Development and Documentation: Custom reports, forms, and system interfaces need to be multilingual, and process documentation and training materials must be translated and maintained in all supported languages.

• Ongoing Support and Maintenance: Multilingual support impacts IT and shared services functions, requiring additional resources for support and regular updates in all supported languages.

Syensqo currently has around 23 languages installed, 21 logon languages and 2 languages without logon capability. Following are all the languages implemented

Below is the list of employee 

Assumptions

Constraints

The employee counts are provided by Business based on the employee count in SF. The evaluation is done based on these employee counts and if there are any discrepancies, the evaluation needs to be repeated

Impacts

Business Rules

Options considered

Following are the options considered for language implementation

Option A: Implement 4 Core Languages (English, French, Italian and Mandarin)

As part of this option, 4 core languages English, French, Italian and Mandarin are implemented. Additional languages Brazilian Portuguese, German, Spanish and Thai are implemented only for Manufacturing and Maintenance operations.

This gives about a coverage of 92.5% of employees (97.15% with additional languages). This option also covers 66 / 67 manufacturing plants across the globe

Option B: Implement 8 Core Languages (English, French, Italian, Mandarin, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Spanish, Thai)

As a part of this option 8 core languages are implemented. This gives about a coverage of  97.15% of employees and covers 66/67 manufacturing plants

Evaluation

	Option A	Option B	Option C	Option D
Criterion 1	Pro Con	Pro Pro	Pro Con	Pro Con
Criterion 2	Pro Con	Con	Pro Pro	Con Con
Criterion 3	Pro	Con	Con	Pro

See also

Change log

Workflow history