Is it necessary to change existing systems to implement XBRL GL?
An XBRL GL based implementation does not require changes to existing software applications, since mapping capabilities to and from XBRL GL can be added externally plugging into the existing data repositories. Of course, modifying existing applications to build in native XBRL GL capabilities can provide superior outcomes in terms of integration and performances. Also, looking at the information system as a whole there is a change in terms of interjecting XBRL GL between two points where it was not interjected before. In general though it is safe to say that an XBRL GL based implementation preserves and optimizes the existing IT investments.
