We get it. Your existing installation of Microsoft Dynamics SL is working well enough, so why would you purposely disrupt your team to “fix” something that’s not even broken? It seems like such a huge waste of time and money.
Until the unthinkable happens. Until your system crashes and you’re left scrambling to get back online — and paying exorbitant fees for the emergency fix. Then you might start to rethink your opinion of upgrades.
Don’t wait until a catastrophe forces you to upgrade your ERP software. Here are five key areas you could be risking by running an unsupported version of Dynamics SL:
Government Incompliance
Every time a government agency makes changes to payroll tax tables, 1099 forms or related rules, your ERP system needs to be updated to reflect those changes. Failing to do so could result in reporting inaccurate information to those agencies.
Microsoft does provide Dynamics SL clients with year-end updates and other time-sensitive updates to keep their ERP systems compliant with current IRS regulations. However, the company only rolls out the updates for versions of Dynamics SL that are still within mainstream support. As of 2020, this means that only users of Dynamics SL 2018 will be getting these crucial year-end updates. If you rely heavily on the Payroll module in Dynamics SL, upgrading in a timely manner could be critical.
It is technically possible for users of older versions to obtain the necessary forms or updates directly from a third-party vendor or to outsource the work. Of course, doing so creates an additional cost that can be avoided simply by keeping your software current.
Security Breaches
As hackers come up with new ways to bypass security protocols, software providers such as Microsoft are continually improving their own security to combat these attacks. If your ERP or other systems are not current, you don’t have access to these additional security measures. That lack of additional security leaves your company much more vulnerable to hackers and other security breaches.
A similar issue will occur if your operating system is outdated. For example, companies who are still using older operating systems no longer receive security updates from Microsoft. This can create a multitude of issues, leading companies to figuratively (we hope) “duct tape” their system as best they can whenever security risks arise.
Emergency Fixes
Sure, you might have saved on consulting costs by opting out of the latest Dynamics SL upgrade. Those minor savings can disappear quickly when your system goes down and you find yourself paying extra for an emergency fix. The rushed fix can quickly compound if:
- You’ve let the software lapse for more than one upgrade
- You have other outdated software systems
- You’re also on an older operating system
Only one of your outdated software systems needs to break for the snowball effect to wreak its havoc. You might need to update multiple software packages and your operating system all at once to ensure that the various components of your business management system are all compatible with each other.
Loss of Productivity
Every new version of a software brings improvements, such as bug fixes, simpler workflow processes and other enhancements. Depending on your current version of Dynamics SL, you might be missing out on some big opportunities to improve your company’s productivity.
Dynamics SL 2015, for example, introduced significant improvements in multi-company capabilities, reporting enhancements and workflow improvements especially in the Payroll module. These little time-saving processes can greatly improve your team’s productivity within the system. Not updating robs your team of process improvements that can make their daily activities in the system so much easier.
Wasted Money
If you’re current on your Microsoft maintenance plan, then you’ve already paid for the software piece of the upgrade. Why not take advantage of it? If you don’t, you’re wasting money!
Dynamics SL’s cumulative updates can be applied as a simple patch and require little outside help. Full upgrades require an uninstall/reinstall process and typically demand the expertise of an ERP partner. You might need to spent a little on consulting fees to complete the upgrade, but doing so in a timely manner will save you money in the long run. Delaying, skipping upgrades or waiting for that emergency fix, on the other hand, will leave you scrambling to get the job done and the bill paid.
Ready to Upgrade? We Can Help!
Staying current on your Dynamics SL software can protect your company from multiple risks. Ready to take that preventative step? We can help you assess your upgrade requirements and plan out the timing of the project to suit your company’s needs.
Plus, if you sign up for Boyer’s Dynamic Support plan, we can divide the cost of your upgrade into a 12-month fixed-fee plan. This gives you access to monthly support and more. Contact us now at 763-412-4315 or csimonson@boyerassoc.com to learn more about a Dynamics SL upgrade and our managed service offerings.
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