Upgrading your core financial and business management software, like Microsoft Dynamics GP can be a daunting task, but if you are organized and the computers involved are in good working order, are current on Windows patches and service packs, it really isn’t bad. However, because this system is central to your business, you certainly want to put some planning into the process. We use a checklist for most everything we do and GP upgrades is no exception. Having a checklist can make a big difference. In fact, many steps can be done ahead of time to alleviate down-time during the live upgrade. Below is a list of some items to consider:
- Determine desired date to upgrade and coordinate with GP partner, just in case you run into something, it will be good for your Partner to have a heads-up what you are doing so that they make themselves available to assist if need be
- Gather current version information including build for Dynamics GP
- Record current version information for all third party products
- Get registration keys for all products for current and upgrade versions
- Ensure you have latest version of media for Dynamics GP
- Download latest service pack for Dynamics GP upgrade version
- Ensure you have upgrade media (either download or cd) for third party products including service packs
- Verify Server DISK Layout and Space
- Document workstations and print Dex.ini and Dynamics.set files
- Create a list of products to be installed on server and workstations
- Document modified forms and reports
- Go to Microsoft Dynamics GP>Tools>Customize>Customization Maintenance
- Create a ‘Print Screen’ of list by clicking on the ‘alt’ key and ‘print screen’ key
- Print sample of each report for reference
- Create a screen shot of modified forms
- Identify and document integrations used
- Make a copy of the local and shared reports dictionaries and note location of each
- Print trial balances for post-upgrade verification
- Review security setup and make plan for utilizing security roles available in GP 10.0
- Perform Checklinks on all modules
- Make a complete backup of the Dynamics and Company databases
- Perform a test upgrade
Did we miss anything? If there is something you do prior to every upgrade, let us know!
Often times, upgrade assistance is available from your GP partner and it can often be as “hands-on” as you would like. Don’t discount the experience that your partner has. These days, everyone is looking for ways to cut spending but an upgrade gone bad may far outweigh the money you would have spent to have your partner’s assistance.
