Difference between Configuration and Customization

Updated May 18, 2018

Configuration vs. Customization

Configuration: Attaching to process flow to the existing one AND

Customization: Adding new fields/Tables as per client requirements.

Comments

15 Apr 2009 7:50 am Guest Best Answer
CONFIGURATION: The process of tailoring SAP software by selecting specific functionality from a list of those supported by the software, very much like setting defaults (e.g., Word, Access)(changing switches or setting default).
It is what you do to have the system be able to execute your business processes the way you want to be (configures the system to meet the needs of your business by using the existing data). It includes the physical layout, interconnections and functional characteristics of the system. It determines what the system will do and how its parts will interact. It uses the inherent flexibility of the enterprise software to add fields, change field names, modify drop down lists or add buttons.
Configurations are made using powerful built-in tool sets.
- Be careful with configuration. Once it is done, it is very difficult to undo.
- DOES NOT involve changes to the underlying software code.
CUSTOMIZATION: To customise or adapt the system to your business requirements, which is the process of mapping SAP to your business process. It involves code changes to create functionality that is not available through configuration.
Customization can be costly and can complicate future upgrades to the software because the code changes/modifications may not easily migrate to the new version.
- If you change the code, SAP will no longer support you.
- You should FULLY research before you make the decision to modify.
- Gateway Computer: not able to up-grade with JDE because they made so many changes. They were stuck with a version of software over a decade old without the functionality they needed with the newest releases. (JD Edwards Enterprise One is an integrated applications suite of comprehensive ERP software that combines business value, standards-based technology, and deep industry experience into a business solution with a low total cost of ownership (TCO))
Hope it may help u..
Warm Regards,

Joyous

07 Apr 2014 10:07 am Tushar Patil Helpful Answer

Configuration: It is done through existing parameter and Functionalities available in SAP. All we do in configuration is sync the system with the company process so that system could perform as per the business requirement, and configuration is done utilizing the existing SAP structure and functionalities.

Customization: Basically customization involves developers, if we need to make a configuration that is not supported by SAP default functionalities then with the help of ABAPer new features are added to meet the business requirement. These changes are normally outlined on what’s called a functional spec, which is usually written by the responsible functional consultant.

Customization can be costly and can complicate future upgrades to the software because the code changes/modifications may not easily migrate to the new version.