GS511 – Localizing for Unsupported Countries in Globalization Studio

In earlier articles, we’ve explored how to reuse Microsoft-delivered ER features for countries like Spain, Italy, and France.
But what if your business operates in a country that Microsoft doesn’t officially support?

That’s where localization using Globalization Studio comes in.

In this article, we’ll cover:

What to do when Microsoft doesn’t provide a feature for your country
What you can still build yourself , even without a Microsoft base
How to plan your localization structure using ER, pipelines, and applicability rules
Tips for working with partners and ISVs when needed

📘 Builds on concepts from:
GS505 – Creating a Feature from Scratch and GS509 – ER Basics

Table of Contents

🌍 When Microsoft Doesn’t Support a Country

Microsoft doesn’t deliver localization features for every country , especially smaller or emerging markets like Greece, Cyprus, or Kenya.

Reasons may include:

The country is not part of a major compliance zone (like the EU eInvoicing framework)
Local requirements are niche, manual, or API-based
Your business operates in limited-scope regions not covered by Microsoft’s release wave

But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck.

With Globalization Studio, you can create your own localized features , 100% configuration-based.

🛠️ What You Can Still Build Without a Microsoft Feature

Even if there’s no out-of-box content, Globalization Studio gives you building blocks:

Area	What You Can Build
Electronic Reporting (ER)	Custom tax reports, audit files, e-invoices, Excel exports
Processing Pipelines	Define actions like generate → validate → store/send
Applicability Rules	Run logic only for specific countries or legal entities
BDM (Word, Excel, XML layouts)	Modify invoice/credit note layouts to local formats
Tax Calculation Service	Define local tax rules, VAT schemes, or unique jurisdictions

You have full control , no code required.

🔍 Example: Planning a Greece Localization (Even Without Data)

While I don’t currently have data or legal entity setup for Greece to demo a live configuration, here’s how you would plan a localization if Microsoft does not support your country:

✅ Step 1: Design the ER Logic

Use ER Designer to create:
- A data model (e.g., GR_VAT_Model)
- A model mapping to tables like CustInvoiceJour, TaxTrans
- An Excel format showing monthly VAT, totals by tax code, etc.
Test it using UAT legal entities or test customers

✅ Step 2: Build a Globalization Feature

In Globalization Studio, click New feature
Add a processing pipeline with:
- Action 1: Generate file using your ER config
- Action 2: Save to SharePoint or send via email

✅ Step 3: Set Applicability Rules

Example conditions:
- CountryISOCode = GR
- LegalEntityID = GR01
This ensures your custom logic runs only in your Greece environment

✅ Step 4: Extend Document Layouts (Optional)

Use BDM (Business Document Management) to:
- Add local language fields or address formats
- Embed Greek tax registration numbers
- Apply legal footers and compliance wording

✅ Step 5: Test in Sandbox

Mark the feature as Complete
Deploy to UAT
Use test data to generate your output
Review logs and adjust as needed

🤝 Partner & ISV Options (When You Need More)

For more advanced localization needs, consider:

Working with a Microsoft Partner who specializes in your country
Purchasing ISV solutions that plug directly into Globalization Studio
Using connectors to government APIs (e.g., MyData for Greece, ZATCA for KSA)

🧠 Many ISVs also offer ER-based features you can import, extend, and deploy , just like Microsoft’s.

💡 Tips for Localizing Without a Microsoft Base

Tip	Why It Helps
Start with Excel/PDF formats	Easier to test and iterate before integrating APIs
Use another country’s logic as reference	Learn from how Spain or Italy handle formats
Keep naming consistent	e.g., GR_VAT_Export or GR_Invoice_Layout
Create separate providers for custom features	Keeps your repository clean and upgrade-safe
Test in UAT first	Avoid surprises in production