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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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3 views

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
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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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