Time to Upgrade to Dynamics GP 2015 R2? Remember These Critical Factors

Microsoft recently released Dynamics GP 2015 R2, and it offers a range of new features and enhanced functionality. Companies and partners eager for the latest software will soon begin to roll up their sleeves and plan for upgrades. While upgrade projects are not as difficult as they were before the introduction of GP 2013 R2 last year, there are still some significant lessons to be learned to improve the effort.

It is commonly known by now that the Dynamics GP release cycle has changed to a new six-month (or semi-annual) cadence. The new approach has dramatically shifted the approach that Dynamics GP clients and partners must take on upgrade projects. As a Microsoft partner, my company has spent the last year adapting to this new approach. We have found it necessary to introduce a considerable number of changes in our own approach to managing the upgrade process.

Moving into the future, upgrading Dynamics GP to a new version will be a less intense but more regular activity, as opposed to being treated as a "once in an era" project. Today's upgrades have a lighter impact on the technical environment as a whole, are easier for end users to adopt, and, most importantly, are more efficient in terms of stoppage-time. Nonetheless, there is a single unchangeable fact about upgrades - before touching your production system you should plan perfectly and test thoroughly.

There are several approaches to consider when it comes to upgrading your system, but they will not be the primary focus of this article. Here, I will shed light on the fundamentals of upgrade planning, that guarantee a successful and smooth transition from the old release to the new one. These areas are generally ...