We understand our upgrade path
If you’ve been staying current on your updates, your upgrade path should be directly from your current version of GP to the newest release. Most customers will be able to make a direct upgrade. However, there are situations where a two-stage upgrade will be needed. For example, there is no direct upgrade from Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2016, so that would involve upgrading to an intermediate version before moving to the most recent release. Be sure you have allotted extra time as this can add roughly 50% to the total time required for an upgrade.
We will/will not require a test upgrade
If you’re relatively current, don’t have complex integrations and don’t have many companies or locations, there should be no issues upgrading GP. However, if you don’t meet the above criteria, it might be worth considering a test upgrade. Although a test upgrade does add more cost upfront, it can prove more cost-effective to identify and mitigate risk in a test environment to prevent costly issues later.
Our hardware/software is compatible
This is a pretty standard part of any software upgrade but it’s also something that’s easy for you to check. Just don’t forget to review the specifications for the server you plan to install GP on as well as the workstations for your GP users. You can view the full GP 2016 System Requirements here.
Our third-party add-ons and integrations support the new version
If you’re using Dynamics GP as an independent product, you don’t need to worry. If you’re using ISV products or have integrations that rely on third-party tools (Scribe for example) you’ll need to make sure that they support GP 2016. Many of the major software vendors that integrate with GP already support GP 2016, or have plans to do so in the next month. If your third-party supports the relevant version of GP, it will be upgraded along with GP. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to delay your upgrade or find a different solution.
Our backups are complete and recent
This is a crucial and obvious step, yet easily overlooked if you haven’t had issues for a while. Before you initiate an upgrade, ensure that your backups are current and complete.
We have researched what new modules and features we want to use
Before you decide to upgrade it is important to review all the new features and offers of the release. Once you have decided which features you want to take advantage of or new modules you want to install, then you can assess your existing processes and/or schedule some additional training. You can see what’s new in GP 2016 in the New Feature Blog Series.
Contact Rimrock to ensure you have completed your checklist or to answer any questions you have about upgrading to Dynamics GP 2016.