Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company in the US

Everything You Need to Know About a Dynamics GP Upgrade

Upgrading Microsoft Dynamics GP isn’t just about installing a new version—it’s a detailed, multi-step process that ensures your ERP system remains secure, efficient, and compatible with your business needs. At Ascent Innovations LLC, we understand that clients often ask, “Why does a GP upgrade take days?” or “What exactly happens during the upgrade?” This article breaks down the key components of a Dynamics GP upgrade to help you understand what’s involved.

Key Factors That Influence the Upgrade Process

Several variables affect the time and complexity of a Dynamics GP upgrade:

Number and Size of Databases: Larger databases or multiple company databases require more time for data checks and migration.

Version Path: Upgrading across multiple versions (e.g., GP 2010 to GP 2016) may require intermediate upgrades, each with its own compatibility checks.

Infrastructure Changes: Moving data across different servers, operating systems, or SQL versions adds complexity.

Third-Party Integrations: If your GP environment includes ISV products or custom integrations, these must be tested and updated for compatibility.

System Resources: Network speed, server performance, antivirus scans, and access permissions can all impact upgrade speed.

Core Activities in a Dynamics GP Upgrade

Here’s a breakdown of the major tasks involved in a typical upgrade:

1. Environment Preparation

Updating operating system settings

Applying Windows updates

Configuring server roles and features

2. Data Backup and Recovery Planning

Creating full backups of databases and files

Establishing recovery checkpoints for rollback if needed

3. Data Migration

Moving databases between servers

Transferring files and configurations

4. File Maintenance

Cleaning up old or unused files

Preparing system files for compatibility with the new version

5. Data Integrity Checks

Running diagnostics to identify issues that could cause upgrade failures

Performing checks across all company databases (which can be time-intensive)

6. Upgrade Execution

Applying the new version of Dynamics GP

Updating SQL Server components if required

Reconfiguring integrations and third-party tools

7. Post-Upgrade Validation

Verifying data accuracy

Testing core functionalities

Ensuring user access and security settings are intact

Why Partner with Ascent Innovations LLC?

A Dynamics GP upgrade is a strategic investment in your business continuity and performance. At Ascent Innovations LLC, we bring deep expertise and a structured approach to ensure your upgrade is smooth, secure, and aligned with your business goals.

Whether you’re upgrading from an older version or planning a multi-stage migration, our team is here to guide you every step of the way—from planning and testing to execution and support.

Author: Abdul Hafiz

Enterprise Solution Architect

Latest Posts

Ready to start transforming your business?

Talk to us about how Ascent Innovations can help you realize business value faster with end-to-end solutions and cloud services.

Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company in the US