Levelling Up: The Importance of Upgrading Your ERP/SYSPRO System

26 September, 2024

As business processes grow increasingly complex, your ERP system must keep pace with changing demands. Upgrading an ERP system like SYSPRO offers several critical benefits that can drive efficiency, security, and growth for your business. Failing to upgrade, on the other hand, could leave your organisation vulnerable to inefficiencies and risks that may have serious consequences.

In this post, we’ll explore the key benefits of upgrading your ERP system, when it’s time to make that upgrade and give you a preview of the latest SYSPRO release.

When Should You Upgrade Your System?

There’s no universal rule for when to upgrade your ERP system, but there are key indicators that signal it’s time to act. As your business expands, your existing system may struggle to accommodate increased data or user demands, making it too costly or inefficient to maintain.

Legacy technology can become a significant obstacle, especially if it no longer supports your current business operations or provides the necessary speed for reporting and analysis. Inflexible software may also result in outdated user interfaces that are difficult to navigate, adding unnecessary steps to access critical data.

Outdated interfaces, cumbersome navigation, or reliance on manual processes are further signs that an upgrade is overdue. If you’re also noticing security vulnerabilities or increasing resource consumption just to keep your system running, it’s time to explore new options. In such cases, consulting with ERP experts, like our team at HIT Technology, can help you assess your needs and guide you to the right solution.

Key Benefits of Upgrading

  1. Boost Efficiency and Automation

With each new ERP release, automation capabilities improve, reducing the need for manual intervention in everyday tasks. Enhanced features like machine learning and AI can streamline processes such as data entry and reporting, employees can focus on important tasks to contribute towards business growth, while new report templates and data entry become automated.

  1. Strengthen Data Security

Outdated systems often lack the necessary defences against modern cyber threats. Patch management is a key practice in cybersecurity, where systems are routinely updated to ensure digital defences aren’t weakened. By keeping your ERP system up to date, the security of your data is enhanced, and your business can continue adhering to government regulations.

  1. Improve Process Integration

An updated ERP system can seamlessly integrate with your entire business process, helping to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. By aligning your software with optimised business practices, you create a more cohesive and productive working environment.

  1. Enhance Scalability

As your business grows, so must your ERP system. Upgrades allow your software to scale alongside your organisation, offering new features and integrations that support future growth. This ensures your ERP system remains a valuable tool, even as your needs evolve.

  1. Enable Mobility and Flexibility

Cloud-based ERP solutions, common in modern upgrades, offer mobility that supports today’s hybrid work models. With secure access from any location or device, employees can stay connected and productive regardless of where they work.

  1. Maintain Competitive Advantage

Falling behind on technology can mean falling behind your competitors. New ERP features provide faster data insights and streamline processes, helping you increase productivity, improve customer service, and stay ahead in the market.

What happens if you don’t upgrade?

Neglecting to upgrade your ERP system can leave your business at risk. Over time, older systems are prone to performance issues like glitches, slow processing, and connectivity problems. These issues not only disrupt daily operations but also impact supply chains and other critical business functions.

Additionally, outdated software is more vulnerable to cyberattacks, potentially exposing your business to data breaches and financial losses. Upgrading your system significantly reduces these risks while ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, protecting your business from immediate threats and long-term legal consequences.

The SYSPRO product lifecycle

Older SYSPRO versions are phased out over time and eventually lose vendor support. Upgrading to the latest version keeps your system fully supported.

Currently, any version prior to SYSPRO 8 2019 R2 has been retired. If you face issues with these outdated versions, the first step is to consider upgrading, as resolving problems in retired versions may take longer and impact business processes.

SYSPRO products follow these lifecycle stages:

  • Mainstream Phase: The latest release with current features and technology, supporting modern software like Microsoft Windows, SQL Server, and Office. New customers install this version, and we recommend existing customers upgrade when possible.
  • Extended Phase: This is the previous version of the mainstream product, with limited fixes and updates at SYSPRO’s discretion. Customers are encouraged to move to the mainstream version when possible.
  • Legacy Phase: Older versions where no new development occurs. These versions may not work well with the latest technology, posing risks for businesses still using them.
  • Retired Phase: Significantly outdated versions, with no development or support. These are no longer compatible with modern technology and may severely impact performance. It's strongly recommended that users migrate to newer versions to avoid issues.

For both Legacy and Retired versions, there are no fixes or technical support, and development assistance is minimal.

What’s New in SYSPRO 8 2024?

In line with ongoing technological advancements, the upcoming SYSPRO 8 2024 update promises to simplify processes and introduce features designed to support business growth. Here’s a preview of what to expect:

  • Enhanced Reporting and Security: SYSPRO 8 2024 introduces updates to its reporting services, incorporating advanced security protocols and improved Java infrastructure. These enhancements will provide stronger compliance and licensing, ensuring your business stays secure and efficient.
  • Improved Audit Controls: The ability to flag instances as production or non-production adds clarity and strengthens audit controls, making it easier to adhere to license agreements and manage different environments within your ERP system.
  • e.Net Runtime Operator: This new feature boosts integration control and provides full traceability for third-party software, ensuring smoother workflows and enhanced security for external integrations.
  • Customisation Updates: Maintenance features such as the Accounts Payable Control Record Split and extended data customisation options allow you to tailor SYSPRO 8 2024 to meet the unique needs of your business, improving overall system performance.

Why upgrade to SYSPRO 8 2024?

Upgrading to SYSPRO 8 2024 not only resolves performance and security issues but also introduces new functionality that will help you unlock the full potential of your ERP system. With features designed to enhance scalability, security, and process integration, SYSPRO 8 2024 is built to support your business as it grows.

When will SYSPRO 8 2024 be available?

SYSPRO 8 2024 was officially released in August 2024. We are committed to keeping our clients informed about this upgrade. HIT Technology will assist you in implementing the new system smoothly, ensuring you can leverage all its powerful benefits. Reach out to us at enquiries@hit-tech.co.uk for more information or to schedule a consultation.

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