ERP Migration3 min read
ERP Data Migration Guide: Profile, Cleanse, Rehearse, Reconcile
How to migrate data to a new ERP without losing control: scope, profiling, cleansing, mapping, scripted loads, mock migrations, reconciliation and cutover.
Service · Run & Improve
ERP upgrades planned like the projects they are
Upgrading an ERP sounds like a technical chore. In practice it touches every process: screens change, behaviour changes, custom modules need porting, integrations need retesting, and users need to know what is different on Monday.
Overview
What erp upgrade involves
Staying on an unsupported version is not a safe alternative. Security fixes stop, third-party apps stop being maintained, and the eventual upgrade gets bigger every year it is postponed.
01The problem
Where things usually go wrong
01
Several versions behind
The system is so far behind that the upgrade looks like a reimplementation, so it keeps being postponed.
02
Unknown customization inventory
Nobody knows exactly which modules are installed, which are custom and which are still used.
03
Regression risk
Without automated tests, every upgrade means weeks of manual checking — and something still slips through.
04
Third-party apps abandoned
Apps bought from marketplaces are no longer maintained for the new version.
02Our approach
How we handle it
Every upgrade begins with an inventory. Each installed module is classified as standard, third-party or custom, and then as keep, port, replace with standard functionality, or remove. In most systems we upgrade, a meaningful share of custom code turns out to be redundant on the newer version.
We upgrade a copy of production on staging, port the remaining custom code, and run automated tests plus a structured functional test led by your key users. The production upgrade follows a rehearsed runbook with a verified backup to roll back to.
03Capabilities
What the work covers
01
Module inventory
Complete classification of installed apps and custom code.
02
Custom code porting
Modules adapted to new APIs, views and framework changes.
03
Third-party replacement
Abandoned apps replaced with maintained alternatives or standard features.
04
Regression testing
Automated tests plus scripted functional tests on key processes.
05
Integration retesting
Every connected system verified against the upgraded version.
06
User change briefing
Short guides and sessions on what changed for each role.
04Technical considerations
Details that decide whether it holds up
01
Data model changes
Fields and tables renamed or restructured between versions are mapped and migrated.
02
API changes
Integrations checked for deprecated endpoints or changed payloads.
03
Performance comparison
Key screens and batch jobs timed before and after to catch regressions.
04
Rollback readiness
A verified backup and tested rollback procedure before the production window.
05Process
How the engagement runs
- 01
Inventory
Modules, customizations, integrations and reports catalogued.
- 02
Test upgrade
Production copy upgraded on staging with code ported.
- 03
Validate
Automated and user-led testing with fixes iterated.
- 04
Rehearse
Full dry run of the production upgrade with timings.
- 05
Upgrade
Production upgrade in an agreed window, with post-upgrade checks.
06Outcomes
What you should expect afterwards
Supported and secure
Back on a version that receives fixes and security updates.
Lighter system
Redundant customizations removed rather than carried forward.
New capabilities
Access to standard features that replace workarounds.
Where it applies
Industries and systems we commonly see
Relevant industries
Relevant integrations
Related services
Often delivered alongside
ERP MigrationMove from one ERP to another — processes, data, integrations and people — without losing control.ERP MaintenancePreventive care: updates, backups, security, housekeeping and capacity planning.ERP CustomizationTailor your ERP to real processes with the least custom code that will do the job.Legacy ERP ModernizationReplace or wrap ageing ERP systems in planned stages, without a risky big-bang switch.
Insights
Related reading
ERP Migration3 min read
Odoo 20 Upgrade Checklist: Breaking Changes to Check
An Odoo 20 upgrade checklist covering breaking changes: record rules, tracking values, account groups, Field Service, payroll work entries, icons and the RPC API.
ERP Migration2 min read
Odoo Upgrade Guide: Moving to a New Version Safely
How to upgrade Odoo to a new major version: assessing custom modules, upgrade service vs OpenUpgrade, test cycles and a cutover plan that holds.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How often should we upgrade?
Platforms with annual releases are best upgraded every one to two years. Waiting longer usually makes each upgrade larger and riskier.
Can we skip versions?
Usually the database can move across several versions in one project, but custom code must be ported to the target and behaviour changes tested. Skipping saves calendar time, not testing.
Will our users notice the upgrade?
Yes, interfaces and some behaviours change. We prepare role-specific briefings so the first day on the new version is not a surprise.
Next step
Stuck on an old version?
We will inventory your system and give you a clear upgrade plan and estimate.