6 Lessons for Microsoft Dynamics NAV users to learn before upgrading reports

In walking her audience through the available approaches when upgrading reports in Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Julie Saewue, senior systems analyst with Nissin Foods, pointed out the important features that all customers should keep in mind when tackling such projects. Here are six that this NAVUG Forum speaker said shouldn't be ignored:

1. Reports can be converted to the new RDLC format, re-written from scratch, or a combination of the two methods.
2. If you're not already using NAV 2009 R2/RTC or higher, get ready for the "RoleTailored client" (RTC) - a new, dashboard-like interface that retains the Classic client.
3. But don't get too comfortable with the Classic client. It went away with the introduction of NAV 2013 and won't be back.
4. The report-conversion acronyms and jargon aren't as onerous as they appear. For example, RoleTailored layout, enhanced layout, and RDLC layout all mean the same thing.
5. When converting to RTC, always retain a documentation blueprint. "If you run into an issue, you'll be able to go back and look at what you did, train others on the issue, and maintain a record of what changes were made," Saewue explained.
6. Look at the upgrade period as a transition time. While its customized reports are converted to the new RDLC format supported in the RTC, for example, Nissin Foods allows users to view the Classic client interface and the RTC formats side-by-side. "This gives users a fallback/safety net as they learn the system," Saewue said.