How Epicforce Tech Tests Custom Code for Compatibility Before Epicor Upgrades
How Epicforce Tech Tests Custom Code for Compatibility Before Epicor Upgrades
Blog Article
Introduction: The Hidden Risk in Epicor Upgrades
Upgrading Epicor® ERP brings modern features, improved performance, and stronger security—but it also introduces critical compatibility risks for any custom code built into your current system. Customizations that work flawlessly today can suddenly break post-upgrade, leading to operational delays, data inconsistencies, or even system outages.
That’s why Epicforce Tech applies a meticulous, phased testing approach before any upgrade. Our goal? Ensure that every script, BPM, customization, or integration continues to perform as expected—without surprise bugs or business disruption.
This guide breaks down how Epicforce Tech tests custom code for compatibility before Epicor upgrades, and how we help our clients transition with confidence.
Why Testing Custom Code Is Essential Before Upgrading
Before diving into the "how," let’s understand the "why."
❌ What can go wrong without testing:
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BAQs and Dashboards may fail due to schema changes.
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BPMs written for older versions may trigger errors.
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Deprecated methods in C# or UI customizations may crash.
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Integrations using REST or copyright may break without warning.
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Even slight version shifts can impact DLL behavior and SDK references.
???? Up to 40% of Epicor upgrade failures are caused by overlooked custom code conflicts.
Epicforce Tech’s Custom Code Testing Strategy
Our testing framework is built on precision, predictability, and proactive resolution. It unfolds in five essential phases:
???? Phase 1: Inventory & Documentation of All Customizations
We begin with a complete audit of all custom components across your Epicor environment:
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BPMs (Method, Data, and Pre/Post Processing)
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BAQs and Dashboards
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Custom Reports (SSRS)
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C# Custom Code
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User Interface Modifications
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REST/API integrations
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External applications linked via Epicor DLLs
We categorize each by:
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Type of customization
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Area/module it impacts
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Risk level during upgrade
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Dependencies and business-criticality
???? This creates a Compatibility Risk Matrix, helping us prioritize high-impact customizations for deeper testing.
???? Phase 2: Version Comparison & Schema Diff Analysis
Epicforce Tech uses Epicor Release Notes, Schema Change Logs, and API documentation to identify:
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Removed/deprecated features
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Modified tables, columns, and stored procedures
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Changes in function parameters or API behavior
We map this against your custom code to pinpoint exact areas of potential failure.
???? This prevents "post-upgrade firefighting" and ensures we fix issues before they appear.
???? Phase 3: Sandbox Testing with Replica Environments
We clone your production environment into a sandbox matching the target version of Epicor.
In this environment, we:
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Deploy all custom code
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Reconnect integrations and test endpoints
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Simulate business processes across modules
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Capture logs and performance benchmarks
???? We identify:
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Compilation errors
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Runtime exceptions
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Integration failures
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UI rendering issues
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Performance slowdowns
???? Our testing is role-based, ensuring that Sales, Finance, Ops, and other departments experience no disruption post-upgrade.
????️ Phase 4: Refactoring, Remapping & Rebuilding
When a custom component fails, we don’t patch—it’s professionally refactored for stability and future-proofing.
Examples:
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Replacing hardcoded table calls with DynamicQuery references
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Updating deprecated Epicor DLL references
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Rebuilding BPMs to align with updated method logic
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Migrating custom reports to match updated datasets or visuals
✅ All changes go through internal peer review, and where needed, we consult with Epicor documentation or support to ensure alignment.
✅ Phase 5: User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with Real Scenarios
Once the code is refined and deployed in the sandbox, we hand it over to your team with:
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Role-specific test cases
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Guided walkthroughs
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Feedback forms
We log:
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Business process accuracy
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Data consistency
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UI behavior
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Functional reliability
Only when your team signs off, do we greenlight the final upgrade deployment.
???? Everything is documented for compliance, training, and audit readiness.
Real-World Example: Compatibility Testing Saved $40K in Downtime
One of our manufacturing clients had over 40 custom BPMs and 15 external integrations. During our testing, we uncovered:
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Two broken REST API calls
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Three obsolete fields used in critical BAQs
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A dashboard that rendered blank in the new version
Had these issues gone live, their system would’ve been down for at least 3 business days. Thanks to our approach, zero post-upgrade issues occurred, and the client reported improved performance within hours.
Bonus: Tools We Use for Testing Epicor Custom Code
Epicforce Tech leverages:
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Visual Studio for compiling and debugging custom DLLs
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Epicor Administration Console for environment control
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PowerShell for automated test script execution
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Postman for testing API compatibility
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Epicor Insights & Release Notes for change tracking
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Jira / Notion for internal testing documentation and signoffs
Our consultants are not just developers—they’re Epicor strategists who think in business processes, not just lines of code.
Best Practices We Recommend to Clients
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Always version control your custom code (Git, Bitbucket)
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Keep documentation updated for each customization
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Avoid unnecessary code—configure before customizing
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Use modular design for BPMs and reports
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Schedule regular upgrade simulations every 12–18 months
These habits save time and cost when the real upgrade arrives.
Conclusion: Avoid Surprises. Upgrade Smart.
Custom code is a competitive advantage—but only when it evolves with your ERP system. At Epicforce Tech, we treat upgrade preparation as a technical and strategic project—not just a routine IT task.
Our consultants ensure that your customizations are compatible, optimized, and documented—so you can upgrade Epicor without breaking what makes your setup unique.
???? Let’s Get Your Custom Code Ready for Upgrade
Need to validate your Epicor customizations before a version upgrade?
Contact Epicforce Tech today for a tailored compatibility assessment:
???? (888) 280-5585
???? info@epicforcetech.com
???? epicforcetech.com