SBN took part in the recent SAP User Groups Localization Panel for EMEA.
Globally, the localisation focus is on the EU Pay Transparency Directive starting from 2026/2027 and E-invoicing and e-reporting requirements which are rapidly expanding globally. One key takeaway and next step was closer collaboration between SAP and User Groups to enable more structured feedback, and a localization panel was planned for Q4/2026.
Norwegian SAP is far ahead compared to the rest of the world as Marit Andersen has already created a shared collaboration space for HR topics. Find the link in SBN's HR group, see the list of interest areas. The link is in the HR team's description text. Norwegian governments have shifted from one major update to more or less continuous change. The specifications for these changes are also given very close to the implementation date.
Information given in the meeting in short:
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Localization is a key priority for SAP with 1,100+ local versions and ~1,200 legal changes delivered in 2025 (strong focus on EMEA)
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EU Pay Transparency Directive is a major upcoming topic (reporting obligations starting from 2026/2027), with SAP solutions already ~80% ready, pending national finalization
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E-invoicing and e-reporting requirements are rapidly expanding globally, with many new country mandates in progress
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Legal changes are becoming continuous rather than annual, requiring more agile delivery and customer readiness.
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SAP has a strong interest in closer collaboration between SAP and User Groups, especially to enable more structured feedback
As a result
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SAP will create a shared collaboration space for continuous exchange in each country
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SAP will host localization panel on a bi-annual basis. In these meetings User Groups will continuously provide input to SAP on their key localization topics and requirements
Our comments
Comments which we will or have forwarded to the localization team, are as follows:
Altinn3.
We are unsure, if this panel can help Marit Andersen in SAP Norway get the three reports in place for Altinn 3. We know this work is in progress. Marit Andersen has already created the Workplace collaboration solution to support customers implementation once Altinn provides specifications and the solution is developed.
Electronic submission and signing of the tax return (MVA)
Currently, there are no legal requirements, but all other Norwegian ERP systems deliver electronic solutions today. For example, the electronic submission and signing of the tax return (MVA), which companies do 6 times a year, is a major task, especially for large companies with, for example, 200 company codes.
The influencer portal.
How the influencer portal is structured is an issue. SBN has members who represent hundreds of companies but actually only have one vote. Most likely, many Global Business Services or Finance Shared Services operate similarly to our Norwegian service companies. This means they represent many customers beyond their own needs. Votes made via the influencer portal should reflect that these Service companies represent many companies and users.
Text by Didrik Arstad and EM Fahrer - June 8, 2026