How To Localize

Introduction

How to Localize Openbravo ERP

Openbravo ERP can be easily localized to adapt to any region. There are already many completed localization projects and many more in progress. Your participation and feedback on either new or existing localization initiatives is welcome.

We distinguish between two levels of localization: basic and advanced localizations.

A basic localization addresses the minimum requirements to adapt Openbravo ERP to a region, which are:

• Translation: the user interface needs to be translated to the language of the user in the region.
• Chart of accounts: the structure and rules that govern accounting according to the local practices and regulations.

In most countries, a basic localization is all you need for a successful implementation of Openbravo ERP.

A complete localization provide a tighter fit to the local requirements and includes additional geography specific capabilities such as support for local fiscal reporting, local electronic data interchange, etc.

Please read carefully the localization process at Openbravo document that explains all the steps that you should follow if you are doing a localization effort.

Fully adapting Openbravo ERP (current and future versions) to a specific region for a client requires the following tasks:

For a basic localization:

• Register your localization effort.
• Localize the files containing the translations.
• Test the translation.
• Create a chart of accounts.
• Test the chart of accounts and the accounting.
• Identify any special requirement for your country.
• Upload your work and publish it at Openbravo.
• Update and review your localization in future versions.

For a complete localization. Any particular development that is required by your country such as:

• Setting-up the local taxes for a specific entity.
• Creating dedicated reports to facilitate the filing of official reports (optional).
• Creating export files to facilitate the electronic data interchange with official bodies (banks, the taxman, …) (optional).
• Accounting entry modifications to fix your country particular needs.
• User interface:
  • RTL languages support.
  • Calendars.
  • ...
• Functional needs:
  • Withholding.
  • International bank accounts.
  • ...

Translation of the User Interface

The process for translating Openbravo's ERP user interface to different languages is explained in the translation tutorial. Because Openbravo's ERP Application MDD Dictionary is an evolution of Compiere's, an important part of the translation effort is similar in both projects. Even though Openbravo ERP has a number of additional features and developments, importing a Compiere translation can help save some time.

Localization of the Chart of Accounts

Every country has its own accounting rules. This step involves the creation of a CSV text file containing details of the local accounting scheme. The creating accounts file tutorial explains how to define new accounts files (accounting schemes for different regions).

Creating dedicated reports (optional)

Sometimes, clients require the creation of dedicated reports containing the relevant data that must be reported for local regulatory or tax purposes (e.g. for VAT reporting). Currently, this can be achieved by developing a new report from scratch or by using the new accounting report generator tool included in current versions of Openbravo ERP (See Financial Management || Accounting Report and Financial Management || Create Accounting Report)

Creating export files (optional)

Finally, sometimes clients require that certain standard export files are created to facilitate the exchange of electronic data with banks or the taxman. Currently, this step requires dedicated coding.

All of these tutorials, application files and additional documentation can be found at SourceForge. If you have additional questions, it would be to everyone's benefit to post them on the Openbravo forum on SourceForge (though we are also available at collaborate AT openbravo.com).

On behalf of the Openbravo community, thank you very much for your collaborative efforts!

Special requirements for certain countries

The following list collects a list of special requirements and features specific to certain countries.

Localization policies

1. All localizations distributed through Openbravo ERP must be offered with an open source license.
2. Openbravo does not take any responsibility for the quality of the localization and its compliance with legal requirements. Compliance is ensured through Community feedback and local users are encourage to rate localizations.
3. The localization leader is responsible for providing timely updates to changes in local legislation.
4. Optionally, some localizers can offer a professional localization which offers certified local compliance, and updates based on contractual service level agreements. Professional localizations can be offered with a proprietary license as long as open source localization exists for that market.

Frequently asked questions about Openbravo ERP localization

There is a FAQ about Openbravo ERP localization issues that collects the most common questions about Openbravo localization.