Reality Check on the QAD Upgrade Journey

Posted on: June 27, 2024 | By: Guy Logan | QAD Financials, QAD Manufacturing, QAD Business Process, QAD Distribution

Upgrading to the latest QAD version is an exciting milestone for any company. The new QAD features promise to make everyday tasks easier and more efficient, with an intuitive interface and real-time analytics that provide valuable insights at a glance, allowing teams to focus on driving innovation and growth. This upgrade is more than just a software update; it’s a step towards a more streamlined, dynamic, and competitive business landscape. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations, as this journey may come with challenges. In this blog we will explore QAD upgrade options and highlight potential road bumps to consider.

What are your options?

Upgrading to the latest QAD version may initially seem like the only choice. However, your options are not limited, you can explore more!

Your QAD journey includes:

  • Staying on Your Current Version
  • Upgrading to the Latest SE version
  • Upgrading to QAD EE/AUX
  • Exploring Alternative ERPs

QAD upgrade

Staying on Your Current Version

One option to consider is staying on the current version of QAD. Leadership should evaluate all options to determine if there is a business case for each. Consider whether staying on the current version leads to slower workflows or less efficient processes. If the answer is “No,” then staying on the current version may be acceptable.

Moreover, companies should also assess whether they need to maintain their current maintenance plan or if they have the internal expertise or a trusted partner to support their current version.

While staying on your current version may seem appealing, there are a few considerations:

  • Staying on your current version may leave your cybersecurity at risk.
  • If you go off-maintenance, it’s crucial to have the proper internal or external team in place to handle any errors or issues that may arise.
  • Companies must consider that some modules may no longer be available if they go off-maintenance.

Upgrading to the Latest SE Version

Another option available to QAD-using companies that is often overlooked is upgrading to the latest SE version, 2014 SE. If your business continues to flourish on your existing version but you want to address identified bugs impacting your operations, you have the option to upgrade to the latest SE version.

However, similar to staying on your current version, upgrading to 2014 SE may still leave your cybersecurity vulnerable. A business may consider going off-maintenance in this case as well but will need to account for the same considerations listed in “Staying on Your Current Version.”

Upgrading to QAD EE/AUX

While staying on your current version is the easiest option, upgrading to QAD EE/AUX may be the right decision if your business is facing the following issues:

  • Limited by the absence of real-time data analytics, making it more challenging to make quick, informed decisions.
  • Constantly having to find workarounds for integrations due to third parties not supporting older versions.
  • Experiencing constant year-over-year growth but feeling limited by the existing version and business processes.
  • Concerned about the risk of cyberattacks.

Exploring Alternative ERPs

Exploring alternative ERPs can also be a viable option. This approach allows you to evaluate other solutions that might better align with your evolving business needs and future growth plans. Nevertheless, this path requires thorough research and a significant investment of time and resources to ensure a smooth transition.

Conclusion

Upgrading to the latest QAD version is indeed an exciting moment for companies. While upgrading to the latest version may seem like the only approach, it’s important to remember that it isn’t your only option. Careful evaluation of your business needs, risks, and the potential benefits of each option will guide you to the best decision for your company’s future.

Next Steps

If you are interested in learning more about QAD upgrades, contact us here to find out how we can help you grow your business. You can also email us at info@loganconsulting.com or call (312) 345-8817.