Hey everybody, it’s Shack with DataBank, also known as Robert Manshack, Infrastructure and Upgrade Services Team Lead. I’ve been reflecting lately on all my experiences upgrading systems for our clients and I thought I’d share some notes. This information can help you when planning your own upgrade, but also shed some light on DataBank’s thought process on how we approach upgrades.

So here’s what I’ve learned. 

First, make a list. 

We start every upgrade by making a list of known system issues and expected enhancements. This document helps our team make sure that all your concerns are addressed. Maybe there is some new feature you heard about and you want to be sure it is available after the upgrade. As long as we know about it upfront and that it won’t trip anyone up later.

Second, test early and test often. 

Testing plans don’t necessarily need to be click, but collect documentation. Leave some room for end users to figure out some things on their own. That’s how people learn, by doing, and don’t rely on administrators testing everything by themselves. Find some day to day business users and put them in front of a test client and just ask them to go through their normal daily routine. We always have that option with a DataBank-led upgrade. 

And third, don’t sweat the small stuff. 

As cliché as that sounds, it still rings true for OnBase upgrades. Focus on functionality, not appearance. Don’t let your upgrade grind to a halt over the color or shape of a button or an icon that should have had an updated look anyways.

It’s an upgrade. If it doesn’t look updated, how would you know you’re actually updating anything, right? I could go on all day talking about OnBase upgrades, but you and I both have day jobs to get back to. 

If you’re ready to upgrade your OnBase system and you want a partner to help you get there, reach out to us or learn more.