Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is constantly changing as providers offer patches, upgrades and advances in the technology. While upgrading any software can be a complex undertaking, in today’s fast-moving technology environment, having an ERP upgrade strategy is not merely desirable but necessary. It can be complicated, however, by any customization that has been made to the software and for many companies an upgrade process can be costly and difficult because it requires engaging programmers and consultants to make these compatible with new releases. As a result many companies stick to old versions of software that run the risk of security breaches and potential failure.
It is possible, however, to create an upgrade strategy that is relatively simple, inexpensive and where risks are managed by engaging with ERP vendors that offer upgrade guarantees, periodic reviews and optimization of the software and the ability to port customization to new versions of the system. Delaying upgrades poses significant compliance and security risks and, ultimately, the possibility that outdated software fails completely.
When researching potential ERP upgrade providers, the following questions should be discussed about an ERP upgrade strategy:
How Often Software is Updated?
ERP software needs to change not only when a new version is available but also when changes occur in a company’s products, markets and competition. An ERP vendor must be able to provide and upgrade plan that involves regular review and optimization of a company’s installed systems and usage situation to ensure that new functionality is applied regularly and as required.
How Long Does an Upgrade Take?
Software upgrades should be a regularly undertaken process by any ERP vendor or service provider. They should be able to give an estimate for the projected timeline for completion of an upgrade including porting of any customization. Aside from providing ‘best case scenarios’, a professional ERP provider should be able to give specific guarantees for completion of upgrade times and give a company certainty about its upgrade process.
What About Modifications and Customization?
Modern ERP software should be flexible enough to be applied to hybrid and multi-tiered architectures where it is flexible enough to encompass any customization that the customer has performed. A good ERP vendor or upgrade specialist will be able to assess any customization that has been performed and port this to new software versions without having to make changes to source code while also ensuring that any modifications do not present compatibility, compliance or risks to functionality.