Insights from Will Kappauf on successful upgrade strategies.
In the latest episode of The acu-connections Podcast, Jeremy Potoka engages with Will Kappauf from PC Bennett to explore a critical topic for Acumatica users: the necessity of intentional upgrades.
The Shift in Upgrade Practices
Will shares his journey in the Acumatica space, emphasizing a significant shift in how upgrades are approached. Traditionally, customers dictated when upgrades occurred, but the introduction of the Always Current program necessitated a more proactive strategy. Will explains, “We need to drive this wagon in order to help our customers stay in compliance, stay updated, and get the newest features.”
The Risks of Ignoring Upgrades
Ignoring the importance of upgrades can lead to severe consequences for both customers and resellers. Will highlights the necessity of thorough testing, stating, “If you can’t process a sales order, it’s pretty hard to make money.” The repercussions of skipping the testing phase are significant, often resulting in system failures that disrupt business operations.
The Importance of Testing
The conversation delves into the critical nature of testing during upgrades. Will stresses that without testing, businesses risk encountering major disruptions. He points out, “If you don’t test, the outcome is… your business stops.” Understanding the specifics of each business is essential for effective testing, and Will encourages customer participation in the process.
A Systematic Approach to Upgrades
To address these challenges, Will and his team developed a systematic approach to upgrades. They began with an Excel spreadsheet to track customer needs and preferences, aligning upgrade schedules with their business cycles. Will notes, “Our goal right now is that no SaaS customer is retired.” This proactive planning ensures that customers remain compliant and minimizes the risk associated with upgrades.
In conclusion, as the landscape of Acumatica continues to evolve, the need for intentionality in upgrade practices and robust testing frameworks has never been more critical. Will’s insights provide valuable guidance for both customers and resellers navigating this complex terrain.
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of these upgrade strategies, tune into the full episode of The acu-connections Podcast.
You can listen to this episode and more from The acu-connections Podcast here or on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Always Current program, and how does it affect upgrades?
Always Current is Acumatica’s approach to keeping SaaS customers on supported versions. Customers no longer decide on their own when, or whether, to upgrade. Partners need to plan upgrades in advance so customers stay compliant and keep access to new features.
Who should drive the upgrade process: the customer or the reseller?
According to Will Kappauf, resellers need to take the lead. Customers still play an important role, especially in testing, but the partner is responsible for keeping the schedule moving and making sure no customer falls behind.
Why is testing so important during an Acumatica upgrade?
Every business uses Acumatica differently, and an upgrade can affect customizations, integrations, and everyday workflows. Without testing, problems may not show up until they stop core processes such as sales order entry. As Will put it, if you can’t process a sales order, it’s hard to make money.
What role should customers play in testing?
Customers know their own processes better than anyone. Will encourages them to take part directly by testing the transactions and workflows their business depends on, so issues are caught before the upgrade goes live.
