Abstract: The customization system receives an application model that contains one or more elements stored in a database. The customization system receives a modification to an element of the application model. The customization system stores the modification to the element separately from the application model such that the application model is accessible in either a modified or unmodified state. Thus, multiple third parties can make changes to the same application model elements and business logic without causing conflicts with each other. In addition, updates and patches to the enterprise resource planning system can be applied with less likelihood that the customizations will be negatively affected.