We want your upgrade path to take the smoothest route. But before jumping head first into a project, here are a few things that must be considered before starting your upgrade.

Involve Your IT Team 

One issue that frequently occurs when installing a new version of the ERP software is a realization by IT teams that there are new hardware requirements for the application server.  We always recommend involving your infrastructure team as early as possible to review the hardware, operating system and database requirements before committing to an upgrade.  Like building a house, you need to make sure you have a strong foundation. 

Consider Hardware Delivery Time 

Its always important to review the software solution architecture before making any infrastructure changes.  Companies fail to realize that the purchasing of the hardware, installation and configuration of hardware will take a substantial amount of time. In general, here is a high-level checklist for application server, database server, workstation, mobile device or another device: 

• Hardware 
• Operating system 
• Microsoft SQL version 
• Memory 
• Disk Space 
• Disks configuration (if required) 
• Any additional components require (e.g. dotNet, IE, etc.) 

Database Size 

Depending on how long you have been using your current ERP software and how many daily transactions you post, your ERP software database can be hundreds of Gigabytes in size which may affect your day-to-day system performance.  How much hot data do you need to keep in the live database?  Would you consider archiving some of the history? If we can address this database sizing and detect any issues before the upgrade, it will make the upgrade process alot easier. 

Integration 

Any existing integration points need to be evaluated with the new version of the ERP software. Is the existing method of integration compatible with the new version? If not, would it require re-design of the integration? You also want to keep in mind that it may require a separate sub-project to address the integration points, and  may also involve custom development or new third-party tools.  

Existing Custom Development 

Your existing ERP software may have some custom development functions or reports that have been used for years.  We recommend completing a needs analysis of these custom functions or reports. especially for custom reports that are rarely used to see if they are still needed.  

Evaluate Your Business Processes

We recommend completing a business process assessment and compare that with what the new version of the ERP software can offer. This includes: 

• Review of existing business processes may increase efficiencies 
• Elimination of any existing custom development functions that may be covered by the new version 
• Refresh the employee on the company business process 

Training 

After adopting a new software, it is always a good practice to have your team trained in the new version of your ERP software. This provides an opportunity for new and existing users to get familiar with the new user interface and refresh how they use the software.  Don’t be surprised if questions are raised by end users, feedback should be welcomed as it is an opportunity to improve your business process. Learn more about our training classes here.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is the perfect set of tools that can help manage the growth of the modern business. Our team can help you chose and implement the right Microsoft Dynamics 365 solution that works with your business requirements.

Chun Sen Tsang, Director of Consulting Services
For the past 13 years, Chun Sen has been working on some of the toughest NAV problems in the channel.  He is a veteran of Enterprise software development, and an accomplished developer on Dynamics NAV and .NET.