Localization of non-strategic languages in ARIS
We are often asked about the possibility of configuring non-strategic (minor) languages in the ARIS system. For our clients at Dainova RO, this question is particularly relevant when it comes to the Romanian language. In response to a recent client request, we have prepared a brief overview of the available configuration options in ARIS, using Romanian as an example.
First, it’s important to clarify that Romanian is not considered a strategic language by the software vendor, Software AG GmbH. Therefore, the information provided in this article applies to the configuration of all non-strategic (minor) languages in the ARIS system.
In the table below, you will find a list of strategic languages for which the functionality works without limitation (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Supported strategic languages in ARIS
What is needed to configure a language in ARIS?
To fully adapt the ARIS system for use in Romanian, the following components need to be configured:
- Interface localization for the ARIS server and clients
- Language setup for working with text in the ARIS database
- Metamodel configuration in ARIS (i.e., the modeling methodology)
1. Interface Localization
The option to switch the ARIS interface to Romanian exists for both ARIS Connect and ARIS Cloud. However, since Romanian is not considered as a strategic language by the software vendor Software AG GmbH, no official Romanian translation of the interface is currently available. This means the interface remains available only in the strategic languages even if Romanian will be selected (Fig. 2). In our case, the interface remains English.
Still, to ensure the proper functioning of the next two configuration steps, it is first necessary to switch the interface to the Romanian language.
Figure 2. Selecting Romanian as an interface language
2. Text usage in the ARIS Database
Romanian is supported as a language for entering and managing content in the ARIS database. A minor system configuration is required to enable its use (Fig. 3).
Figure 3. Setting up Romanian as a default language for the database
Once set up, users can input and manage data in Romanian without issue (Fig. 4).
Figure 4. Entering information in Romanian
3. Metamodel configuration
By default, ARIS does not provide a Romanian translation of its metamodel. This includes names of model types, object and symbol types, connections and attributes. To support Romanian, manual translation and custom configuration are required, usually with the help of ARIS consultants.
In our example, we manually changed the model type name "Organizational chart" to its Romanian equivalent "Organigramă", and configured the system to display this name when users begin their work (Fig. 5).
Figure 5. Selecting Organizational chart model type name in Romanian
Summary
While non-strategic languages like Romanian are not fully supported out of the box, it is possible to partially adapt ARIS for use with them. Based on our example, here is what can be achieved:
- System interface – unfortunately, the interface cannot currently be localized into Romanian, as it is not a strategic language supported by the vendor. But this configuration is necessary to support the next two ones.
- Language for working with text – successfully configured. Romanian can be used for data entry and management within the database as a default language.
- Metamodel configuration – we manually translated such metamodel elements as model and object type names, connection names. So, custom translation is possible but requires manual effort or automation using scripts to upload translations. Consulting support is often needed to streamline this process and reduce manual work. However, for the end client, this involves additional costs for consulting services.
If you have any questions about localizing ARIS into Romanian or any other non-strategic language, or if you would like a consultation, please feel free to contact Dainova RO SRL by the contact form. We will be happy to advise and support you with your localization needs.