Preparing for cloud migration? This is how you get rid of your customisations
These days, many organisations are in the preparation phase for a migration of their ERP software solution to the cloud. The more innovative organisations because of the many advantages they see in domains like functionality, availability, flexibility and innovation. The ones who are a bit more cautious feel themselves forced to take action now that more and more vendors announce limitations in the availability, support and expected innovation. Generic challenge for almost all these organisations that still use on-premise software is how to get rid of their customisations. Here’s some advice on how to best do that.
In traditional ERP implementations, creating customized functionality specific for just one organisation was pretty normal. Danish Navision Software even advertised in those days with the slogan ‘Navision works exactly the way you work’. So it was no wonder that many customers invested in customisations. Sometimes to secure and strengthen their competitive advantages. But oftentimes also to avoid necessary organizational changes. As a result, many organisations lost flexibility, got problems with upgrades and eventually found themselves left behind on an outdated version.
Fast forward to 2023. The internet has made the world extremely transparent. And your current and future customers expect no less than maximum speed, adaptability and continuous innovation. Because of all this, many organisations feel compelled to stay close(r) to the standard. Also because the cloud concept in essence is based on sharing IT assets with other organisations.
Here’s a few steps to consider when you want to get rid of (parts of) your old customisations.
Find the overlaps
Over the years, the standard functionality of ERP systems has grown significantly. So many functions that were missing at the time are now part of the standard solution.Check the business need
Part of your current customisations was implemented back then because of best practices, rules and legislation. But are they still relevant today?
Old habits
Not rarely, colleagues have asked for customisations simply because it was possible. Or just because they were used to work in a certain way. And were not motivated to change. Are these colleagues still working in your organisation?
Industry requirements
Over the years, many implementation partners have developed add on solutions or extensions that focus on solving specific industry requirements. You can exchange customisations for these standard solutions that are well tested, documented and supported.
Please remember that it is both dangerous and expensive to take your old customisations with you in the new cloud era. As a D365 partner we can support you in all the steps mentioned above. So please contact [your contact person here] today to discuss your specific situation and make a plan.
After all, you can’t do today’s job with yesterday’s processes and customisations and still expect to be in business tomorrow!