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Unicode Vs Non

Unicode is a universal character encoding standard that supports multiple languages and is required for modern SAP applications like SAP S/4HANA, while Non-Unicode systems are limited to specific languages and legacy encodings. Unicode systems allow for multi-language data handling and compatibility with modern systems, whereas Non-Unicode systems require conversion for SAP upgrades. The document outlines the key features, limitations, and migration processes for both encoding types in SAP environments.

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134 views3 pages

Unicode Vs Non

Unicode is a universal character encoding standard that supports multiple languages and is required for modern SAP applications like SAP S/4HANA, while Non-Unicode systems are limited to specific languages and legacy encodings. Unicode systems allow for multi-language data handling and compatibility with modern systems, whereas Non-Unicode systems require conversion for SAP upgrades. The document outlines the key features, limitations, and migration processes for both encoding types in SAP environments.

Uploaded by

Tariq Tunio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Unicode vs Non-Unicode in SAP & Computing

Unicode and Non-Unicode refer to different character encoding systems used in


computing, including SAP systems.

🔹 What is Unicode?

Unicode is a universal character encoding standard that supports multiple languages and
scripts worldwide.

✅ Key Features:

• Supports all global languages (e.g., English, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi).

• Uses UTF-8, UTF-16, or UTF-32 encoding.

• Ensures consistent data representation across different platforms.

• Required for SAP S/4HANA and modern SAP applications.

✅ Example of Unicode Encoding:

A = U+0041
अ = U+0905
汉 = U+6C49

Each character has a unique universal code.

✅ SAP Unicode Systems:

• Can handle multi-language data in the same system.

• Recommended for global businesses.

• Used in SAP S/4HANA, SAP ECC (newer versions).

🔹 What is Non-Unicode?
Non-Unicode systems use legacy character encodings that support only specific languages.

❌ Key Limitations:

• Supports only one language family per system (e.g., English, German, or Chinese
separately).

• Uses single-byte or multi-byte character encoding (e.g., ASCII, ISO-8859-1).

• Not compatible with modern SAP S/4HANA.

✅ Example of Non-Unicode Encoding:

A = 65 (ASCII)
Ö = 214 (ISO-8859-1)
汉 = Not supported in ASCII

Characters are limited by the system’s encoding standard.

✅ SAP Non-Unicode Systems:

• Mostly found in older SAP ECC environments.

• Can only handle one language per system.

• Needs Unicode conversion before migrating to SAP S/4HANA.

🔹 Unicode vs Non-Unicode in SAP

Feature Unicode SAP System Non-Unicode SAP System


Language Support Supports all languages Supports only one language group
Uses legacy encodings (ASCII, ISO-
Encoding Uses UTF-8, UTF-16
8859-1, etc.)
SAP S/4HANA ✅ Required for SAP
❌ Not supported in SAP S/4HANA
Compatibility S/4HANA
Compatible with all May cause character corruption in
Data Exchange
modern systems global environments
Requires Unicode conversion before
Migration Effort No need for conversion
SAP upgrade

🔹 How to Check If Your SAP System is Unicode or Non-Unicode?


✅ Run the following SAP transaction code:

SM51 → Release Notes → Check "Unicode System: Yes/No"

OR

Use the command:

SELECT * FROM M_DATABASE WHERE DATABASE_PROPERTY = 'unicode';

✅ If the result is YES, it is a Unicode system.

🔹 How to Convert SAP from Non-Unicode to Unicode?

SAP provides a Unicode Conversion Process before upgrading to SAP S/4HANA:

1. Run Unicode Pre-Checks (UCCHECK in SE38).

2. Analyze Non-Unicode Tables (SPUMG – Unicode Conversion Tool).

3. Perform SAP Database Export & Import using SWPM.

4. Adjust Code & Interfaces for Unicode Compatibility.

🔹 Summary

Aspect Unicode Non-Unicode


Language Support Multi-language Single language
Encoding Type UTF-8, UTF-16 ASCII, ISO-8859-1
SAP S/4HANA Support ✅ Required ❌ Not supported
Data Compatibility Universal Region-specific
Migration Needed? No Yes (for SAP upgrades)

Would you like a detailed guide on converting SAP ECC Non-Unicode to Unicode for an
SAP S/4HANA upgrade? 🚀

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