Each upgrade comes with new things that will make your experience using the software better. Upgrades might eliminate tedious steps (like logging in to each system window individually) or allow you to complete tasks faster (like copying/pasting tasks from existing workflows to create new workflows more efficiently). Upgrades give you tools to work better, faster, and smarter. 

Upgrades keep you current with the latest tax laws and accounting best practices, not to mention privacy laws like GDPR. If you’re running an old version of GP, you may also be producing forms and documents that no longer comply with today’s tax code. If you keep your software up to date, you don’t have to work around the limitations of an outdated system. 

In most cases, the newer the software, the easier it is for users to learn. It’s challenging to train a new staff member to use software that requires quirky workarounds or manual steps outside of the system. Keeping your software current makes it easier to hire and train new employees. 

For your existing staff, regular upgrades usually mean regular training. With ongoing education, your team is equipped to use GP’s full capabilities, and with each upgrade, they’ll gain more productivity and efficiency. 

You won’t save money by skipping regular GP upgrades. In fact, you’ll probably pay more in the long run. It’s much less complicated (and therefore less expensive) to make small, regular jumps between versions than to jump two or three versions in one shot. For example, a jump from GP 2013 to GP 2015 is fairly straightforward, while a jump from GP 2013 to GP 2018 is more complex. While it may be tempting to skip a version, moving from upgrade to upgrade is a simpler process and will save you money. 

You can also find cost savings in streamlining your existing software environment. You may be using third-party software to manage an aspect of your business that GP cannot handle. If an upgrade puts the third-party software’s functionality right in GP, you may be able to eliminate the extra software and its cost.