1. Presented by: Sandi James - The Resource Group
November 5, 2015
Tips for a Successful Upgrade
Presented by:
Sandi James - The Resource Group

2. Pre-upgrade tips Plan and Communicate
Explain why you are upgrading, get project Buy-In from all departments and users
Have regular Project Meetings and post the project timeline
Discuss dates that should be avoided when planning project events
Is there an audit coming up?
Is a key team member out of the office?
Consider scheduled tasks such as payroll, month-end processing, etc

3. Pre-Upgrade Tips FRx RIP FRx!
FRx is no longer supported by Microsoft and GP2015 R2 will break FRx, so migration to Management Reporter must be a part of your project plan.
FRx
Management Reporter

4. BOO! Pre Upgrade Tips Review GP2015 R2 System Requirements
Latest GP2015 System Requirements are available on Customer Source / Partner Source.
Get on a Supported Platform to avoid being haunted by unanticipated consequences.
BOO!

5. Test Upgrade
Performing a test upgrade will shine a spotlight when there are issues that prevent a database from being upgraded.
Documenting the steps to resolve issues that occurred during the test upgrade will provide a roadmap for the production upgrade.

6. User Acceptance testing
User Acceptance Testing is a CRUCIAL step in the upgrade process!
Prepare detailed upgrade TEST Scripts for UAT and assign key users to test functionality in their specific area of expertise
Document all identified issues, including screenshots of error alerts, etc.
Document the steps taken to resolve issues, as these steps may change the production upgrade process
Require sign-off by Department Managers when testing is complete
Be sure to test all key business processes, and include the following:
Modified Reports, especially client facing reports such as Invoices, AP Checks, Payroll Checks, PO’s, etc.
Once successfully tested, Sign Off on all modified reports. If modifications are required, note that the changes have been completed in test and the modified reports from test will be used for Go Live. NO CHANGES once testing is complete

7. What’s New in GP2015 R2 Attend the What’s New in GP2015 R2 events.
This is a unique opportunity to see new features and benefits using your GP data.
New GP2015 Workflows, DocAttach, Management Reporter, Web Client and so much more.

8. Production/Live upgrade
Inform users of downtime and the Go Live process.

9. Production/live upgrade
Stop ALL access to the previous GP version.
Run and print key financial reports after all users have logged out of GP, before the upgrade begins.
These will be used for data validation upon Go Live.
The test upgrade steps are repeated.
Issues found during the test upgrade are resolved.

10. Go-Live
Communicate the Go-Live procedure before letting “everybody in the pool”
Run key financial reports, compare to the reports printed before the production/live upgrade began.
Tie out all modules, all companies
Have a Go-Live/Rollback meeting with Sign Off
Double check any issues encountered during UAT
Lock down any Service Accounts, “SA” password, GP System Passwords that may have been shared during the TEST Upgrade/Go Live Process.
Have a Go Live Support plan.

11. QUESTIONS?