FIX BEFORE YOU FAIL: EPICFORCE TECH’S PRE-UPGRADE AUDIT FRAMEWORK FOR EPICOR ERP

Fix Before You Fail: Epicforce Tech’s Pre-Upgrade Audit Framework for Epicor ERP

Fix Before You Fail: Epicforce Tech’s Pre-Upgrade Audit Framework for Epicor ERP

Blog Article

Introduction: Upgrading Without the Unexpected

Upgrading your Epicor® ERP system is a major opportunity—but also a major risk if done blindly. Too many manufacturers treat ERP upgrades as simple version bumps, overlooking the hidden issues that can break critical processes, introduce downtime, or cause data corruption.

That’s why Epicforce Tech developed a proven Pre-Upgrade Audit Framework—a structured approach to identify and fix risks before the upgrade happens. This framework ensures your upgrade is smooth, predictable, and value-generating from day one.

In this post, we’ll explore how Epicforce Tech helps manufacturers de-risk upgrades and build a future-ready Epicor environment with confidence.

Why ERP Upgrades Fail—or Fall Short

An ERP upgrade can go wrong for several reasons:

  • Outdated or incompatible customizations

  • Unused or broken BPMs and BAQs

  • Poor data quality and incomplete cleanups

  • Lack of testing in new environments

  • Limited user training on updated interfaces

  • Missed configuration differences between environments

These issues can lead to costly downtime, lost productivity, frustrated users, and—worst of all—a rollback that sets your business back months.

The key is preparation. That’s where Epicforce Tech’s audit framework shines.

What Is a Pre-Upgrade Audit?

A Pre-Upgrade Audit is a structured evaluation of your current Epicor ERP environment. It identifies everything that might break, lag, or fail when migrating to a new version.

Epicforce Tech performs this audit in phases, covering technical, functional, and operational dimensions. Our goal: fix issues before they become upgrade blockers.

Epicforce Tech’s Pre-Upgrade Audit Framework: Step-by-Step

Here’s how our process works:

Step 1: System Health Assessment

We begin by evaluating the overall system performance and setup, including:

  • Server specs, resource utilization, and storage

  • Application logs and error trends

  • Security roles and permissions

  • Active vs. inactive modules and features

  • Licensing and user concurrency issues

???? Outcome: A clear baseline of system readiness and infrastructure health.

Step 2: Customization & BPM Inventory Review

Next, we identify all elements that may conflict with the new version:

  • Custom code, forms, and embedded logic

  • BPMs (Business Process Management directives)

  • BAQs, dashboards, and custom reports

  • External integrations and APIs

We categorize each item by:

  • Compatibility with the target version

  • Risk of breakage

  • Importance to business continuity

???? Outcome: A complete roadmap of what needs to be rewritten, updated, or deprecated.

Step 3: Data Quality and Cleanup Analysis

Poor data = poor upgrade results. We analyze:

  • Duplicate records and legacy data clutter

  • Incomplete master data (e.g., suppliers with missing contacts)

  • Inactive SKUs, customers, and parts

  • Orphaned records in transactional history

Epicforce Tech helps design scripts and strategies for safe data archiving, merging, or cleanup.

???? Outcome: Clean, reliable data to migrate—reducing errors and improving post-upgrade usability.

Step 4: Process Walkthroughs and User Interviews

We sit with key users and process owners to review:

  • How critical processes function in the current version

  • Custom workarounds in place

  • Handoff points between departments

  • Reports and dashboards used for decisions

This identifies functional dependencies that must be preserved or improved in the upgrade.

???? Outcome: A real-world blueprint of workflows that can’t afford to break.

Step 5: Integration Risk Analysis

We assess all external systems connected to Epicor:

  • MES or shop floor systems

  • CRM, eCommerce, or supplier portals

  • Document management tools

  • Financial platforms or BI dashboards

We verify compatibility, identify deprecated APIs, and plan for connector updates or middleware changes.

???? Outcome: Integration continuity with minimal surprises.

Step 6: Test Environment Setup & Validation Planning

We help you prepare a clean, cloned test environment where:

  • Upgrade simulations can be safely run

  • Users can validate processes

  • Reports and dashboards are verified

  • Critical transactions are tested end-to-end

We also create UAT (User Acceptance Testing) plans and rollback scenarios.

???? Outcome: A safe, realistic playground to test everything before the real upgrade.

Common Issues We Help Fix Before They Break

Epicforce Tech’s pre-upgrade audits often uncover:

Issue Risk
Outdated customizations System crashes or feature loss post-upgrade
Poorly written BAQs Performance degradation
Deprecated BPM functions Broken validations and automation
Misaligned roles and permissions Unauthorized access or workflow issues
Overloaded dashboards Dashboard failures and delays
Dirty master data Migration errors and duplicates

Fixing these before the upgrade is cheaper, faster, and smarter.

Why This Matters for Growing Manufacturers

Scaling manufacturers often can’t afford long downtimes or rework. Our pre-upgrade audits support growth by:

  • Ensuring uninterrupted operations

  • Preserving process logic and reporting

  • Reducing post-upgrade training burden

  • Enhancing long-term ERP usability and stability

It’s not just about technical health—it’s about business continuity.

Real-World Case: Avoiding an Upgrade Disaster

Client: A multi-site automotive parts manufacturer
Planned Upgrade: Epicor 10.2 to Kinetic
Problems Found by Epicforce Tech:

  • Over 50 inactive BPMs causing errors

  • 40+ obsolete BAQs slowing dashboards

  • 3 key integrations relying on deprecated methods

  • 600+ duplicate SKUs flagged during data cleanup

Solutions:

  • Archived or rebuilt outdated elements

  • Created new, faster dashboards with layered BAQs

  • Replaced integration methods with REST APIs

  • Validated a full test upgrade in a sandbox environment

Outcome: A zero-downtime upgrade with full feature continuity and cleaner data.

Why Choose Epicforce Tech for Pre-Upgrade Audits

✅ Epicor-Certified Expertise: We know what breaks between versions—and how to fix it
✅ Business-Driven Approach: We don’t just check systems—we protect your operations
✅ Proven Audit Methodology: Structured, repeatable, and scalable
✅ Risk Mitigation Focus: Prevent issues before they cause failure
✅ Post-Audit Support: We help implement every fix—not just report it

Our audits are more than technical checklists—they’re strategic investments.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Upgrade Blindly

An ERP upgrade should be a step forward—not a stumble. With Epicforce Tech’s Pre-Upgrade Audit Framework, you eliminate guesswork and upgrade with clarity, control, and confidence.

If you're planning an Epicor upgrade—or if you're overdue for one—now is the time to fix before you fail.

???? Planning an Upgrade? Start with a Clear Picture

Don’t wait for problems to surface mid-upgrade. Let Epicforce Tech audit your current Epicor environment, highlight critical risks, and prepare your system for a smooth transition.

???? info@epicforcetech.com
???? (888) 280-5585

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