In a world where digital borders disappear faster than geographical ones, the internationalisation of technological systems has become essential for companies looking to thrive in an increasingly global market.

Imagine launching a flagship product in a new country, only to find your e-commerce platform doesn’t accept the local currency, your mobile app is incompatible with regional 5G networks, or your storage systems fail to meet local data protection regulations.

These scenarios present real barriers that complicate any organisation’s expansion efforts. Thus, internationalisation is the path to surviving and thriving in the 21st-century business ecosystem.

Whether your company is taking its first steps beyond national borders or is already established in multiple markets, adapting technological systems to local realities can be the difference between resounding success and failure.

Why is it so crucial? Because in the digital age, technology is no longer just a business support; it is the business itself. It’s how companies connect with customers, optimise operations, and differentiate from the competition.

A well-internationalised system allows companies to adapt products, services, and strategies to foreign markets. This includes not only translating interfaces and content but also adapting to each country’s cultural, legal, and technical standards.

Pathway to Expansion

The starting point on the journey towards technological internationalisation is a firm strategic decision by the company’s senior management. This executive commitment is essential to secure the necessary resources and align all departments towards a common goal.

Equally crucial is support from an experienced technological ally. A partner with a proven track record and deep market knowledge can provide invaluable insights, help navigate regulatory and cultural challenges, and accelerate technological adaptation.

Once these pillars are established, the next step is to conduct a thorough analysis of the target market. This analysis involves a deep understanding of each region’s specific technological and cultural needs.

Next, organisations must adapt their core systems. This entails modifying software architectures to support multiple languages, currencies, and local regulations. Implementing flexible systems is crucial as it allows rapid adaptation to new market specifics.

Localising interfaces and content is another critical step. This involves adapting designs, user flows, and even iconography to resonate with each specific culture.

Simultaneously, organisations must address legal and compliance aspects. Each country has its own data protection laws and technological regulations, and compliance is essential to avoid legal and operational issues.

Finally, forming multicultural teams emerges as a key element. Local talent plays a crucial role in understanding and operating effectively in new markets, providing invaluable insights into local user preferences and behaviours.

The Fruits of Internationalisation

One of the main benefits of technological internationalisation is access to new markets. By implementing technologies uniformly across different regions, companies can reach previously inaccessible customers, thereby diversifying their revenue sources and mitigating local economic risks.

This diversification translates into greater resilience against economic crises since presence in multiple markets allows compensating losses in one region with performance in another.

Moreover, competing in international environments forces companies to improve their operations, become more efficient, and innovate continuously, enhancing their competitiveness both globally and locally.

Exposure to different cultural and economic challenges drives the development of creative technological solutions that benefit all markets in which they operate.

Optimising customer experience is another crucial factor. By adapting technologies and services to local needs, companies achieve higher satisfaction and loyalty from consumers across different regions, strengthening their positioning in highly competitive markets.

Another key benefit is attracting global talent. Companies with an international presence not only capture top professionals from various regions but also enrich their workforce with diverse ideas and approaches that contribute to greater innovation.

Financially speaking, companies that successfully internationalise often report substantial increases in their global revenues. This economic growth, combined with adaptability and innovation capabilities, positions internationalised organisations at the forefront of their respective sectors.

The Cases of Iberchem and Repligen

One organisation that embraced internationalisation was Spanish company Iberchem, dedicated since 1985 to producing and exporting fragrances and flavours.

The company, which has 20 subsidiaries worldwide, aimed to double its size within five years. To achieve this goal, it first needed a flexible system that would allow it to integrate both financial information and administrative management into a single solution with a stable common database for all its subsidiaries.

After analysing several options, Iberchem’s executives chose SAP’s proposal, which offered robust multi-currency and multi-language solutions tailored to the company’s growth needs through SAP Business by Design and SAP Business One.

The project was carried out in 2020 over 12 months with technological support from Seidor and Team Idea, members of United VARs, SAP’s global partner alliance.

The implementation benefits were numerous: increased operational security, language variety on the platform, solution stability, and the ability to generate quick and secure reports.

“It is important that all our centres use the same platform as headquarters because it facilitates better coordination of all projects we work on”, highlighted Guillaume Audy, Corporate Communications Manager at Iberchem Group.

Another company that successfully underwent an internationalisation process was American firm Repligen, dedicated to producing biological medicines.

The corporation’s challenge was having an integrated technological platform that was robust and efficient enough to adequately support its global expansion policies.

After evaluating various proposals, Repligen opted for SAP ECC & S/4HANA solutions that guaranteed an integrated system with global capacity, contemporary user interface, and built-in analytics.

The project commenced in 2018 with support from Answerthink and CTAC—two technology firms that are part of United VARS—who contributed their expertise and technical teams for successful outcomes.

Phase 1 of implementation focused on the company’s headquarters in Waltham (Massachusetts), while Phase 2 included other parts of the United States as well as Japan and the Netherlands.

SAP’s solution enabled Repligen to incorporate a fully integrated system with improved business process flows—a platform upon which it could rely for driving its growth and international development.

A New Business Era

Technological internationalisation emerges as the new battleground for companies with global ambitions. The cases of Iberchem and Repligen are not just isolated success stories but beacons illuminating the path towards a borderless business future.

However, this journey is far from a walk in the park. Companies venturing into this expedition face a maze of challenges—from complex international data protection regulations to intricate cultural differences.

The journey towards technological globalisation presents obstacles; however, we are witnessing unprecedented opportunities.

Companies that overcome these challenges and master the art of technological internationalisation will not only survive but will also define the rules of engagement in tomorrow’s global economy.

Internationalisation is the ticket into a future where borders are mere geographical concepts rather than barriers to trade and innovation.

Are we witnessing the dawn of a new business era? Undoubtedly. The lingering question remains: who will dare to take the leap and lead this revolution?

Time is ticking, and the world awaits. Technological internationalisation isn’t just the future—it’s the present. The time to act is now.