Standard vs. Optimized Upgrades

Choosing the most effective upgrade methodology for a customized Microsoft Dynamics solution depends on many factors but most importantly on solution customization volume and how well customizations have been isolated from standard Microsoft Dynamics NAV objects.

To measure customization status, the 1ClickFactory Microsoft Dynamics experts formulated the special term the Touch. Touch describes in %, how much of the standard objects have been customized.  Depending on Touch level as well as other factors, there are a two primary options for upgrading a Microsoft Dynamics solution - standard or optimized upgrades.

Standard or Optimized?

When solution Touch is assessed to be low (less than 5% from the standard version), the optimal upgrade methodology often can be the standard upgrade, when current customization is fully converted to work on the latest Microsoft Dynamics NAV version. This is the most simple way to upgrade from a short term point of view but often not the most effective in the long term.

The standard upgrade concept doesn't become most effective in cases of high Touch because customers will often not utilize new Microsoft functionality that conflicts with their customizations, as the customizations will be ones that stay active in the application. At the same time, as the customer will not clean up the customizations in the long term, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the application will be higher for future upgrades.

This upgrade challenge could be overcome performing optimized upgrades. This type of upgrade allows for a more intelligent approach. Looking responsibly at future costs simplifies the next upgrades as well as on the solution, and only key modifications are brought forward, which in turn decreases the complexity of present and future upgrades.                

                                                                             Figure: Upgrade Scenarios  

Minimizing Touches: LightTouch concept

1ClickFactory has developed an intelligent development methodology - LightTouch - that ensures better solution customization isolation from standard Microsoft Dynamics objects. Code is restructured to reduce redundancy and key modifications are moved to the library, isolating them and enabling more simple future upgrades. Customers who have upgraded their Microsoft Dynamics NAV solution by applying the LightTouch methodology are entitled to an upgrade subscription service and may achieve the financial benefits of better TCO and cash flow management.

Touch Assessment: 1ClickFactory may evaluate the level of Touch (as a part of general Upgrade Assessment report) and recommend relevant solution upgrade methodology.

To learn more about optimized upgrade concept or to get a Touch assessment for your customer solution upgrade please contact us to info@1clickfactory.com.