For companies that are investing such ERP software as Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP a big decision must be made and it cannot be taken lightly. Upgrading your ERP solution usually requires a lot of research, and expending funds and resources because they are aware of the fact that the ERP solution they choose will likely serve the business for an average of seven to 10 years, and sometimes even longer.
However companies will undoubtedly experience a number of changes throughout the organization and their ERP solution will need to be able to adapt to those changes. Keeping up with software upgrades is one of the keys to ensuring that an organizations ERP continues to work as the business grows. Investing in upgrades throughout the lifecycle of the software will allow companies to garner a greater return on their ERP investment. For companies that decide not to take advantage of the millions of dollars in research and development funds that software companies like Microsoft invest in the improvement of ERP products, the result will be missing out on significant business benefits.
Upgrading ERP software will usually be much easier than a full implementation, but here are some of the critical factories that organizations should consider before upgrading their ERP software.
- Software Upgrade Site Assessment – Any upgrades should be considered both from a value and execution perspective. Work with an experienced partner, like Borek Business Solutions, to provide an analysis to determine the need for upgrading. The motivation for upgrading varies from company to company but for the most part, upgrading enables you to enjoy new functionalities and features in the ERP. As an experienced partner, we can advise you on what’s new and how best you can take advantage of the new functionality in an upgraded ERP version.
- Follow Methodology and Roll-out Plan – Changes brought about by an ERP upgrade may seem small compared to a full change in the system. However, new functionality and feature may be significantly different from previous software versions which can impact an organization. You will want to work with a partner that has a solid implementation methodology including best practices, proven project management principles and user-friendly tools, which will help minimize and hopefully alleviate any surprises.
- Project Management – Upgrades may not be as complex as a full implementation but a lot of things can go wrong so every upgrade requires an effective project manager who will ensure the deployment in a timely fashion and cost effective manner.
- ISV/Third Party Solutions and Customizations – Often times the external integrating applications, add-on modules and customizations are overlooked when performing an upgrade assessment. This can lead to some major headaches and cost overruns as sites scramble to pull in resources to address these needs and keep an upgrade project on schedule. Borek Business Solutions will identify all ISV/Third-party solutions and customizations in our Site Assessment and work with vendors as needed to ensure a smooth and predictable upgrade experience.
An ERP software upgrade can be a critical milestone for a company both in terms of operational efficiency and growth. Working with an experienced ERP partner that understands the scope of your ERP upgrade and the needs of your company, is crucial to the success of any upgrade.
Feel free to contact us at Borek Business Solutions for more information. We’ve been successfully implementing Microsoft Dynamics ERP solutions for more than 15 years and can help get your questions answered.
Roger Borek, Borek Business Solutions, Eugene, Oregon, Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner, Implementation and Support
About Borek Business Solutions
We Get It.
Since 1999, successful businesses and organizations have looked to Borek Business Solutions for high-quality business solutions, outstanding services and expert technical support. As one of today's leading Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP solution providers throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, we're dedicated to helping small to mid-market organizations improve their success through technology.
We're experts in Microsoft Dynamics GP, an integrated, adaptable, user-friendly ERP business management solution that automates and streamlines financial, customer relationship, and supply chain processes in a way that helps you drive business success and achieve:
- Improved efficiency, responsiveness and productivity
- Increased profitability
- Greater strategic and competitive advantages for long-term success
Borek Business Solutions is committed to outstanding customer service, innovative product implementations, quality technology certifications and proactive customer initiatives. Borek has built a strong reputation as a premier Microsoft Dynamics partner and is consistently recognized by Microsoft and other prestigious organizations for its excellence.
If you are considering new accounting software, upgrading your existing system, or currently use Microsoft Dynamics GP and want to speak with an expert, feel free to contact us at Borek.
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