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Pre-Upgrade Checklist for a Successful Migration from JD Edwards World to EnterpriseOne

Dave Balser
August 2025

Pre-Upgrade Checklist for a Smooth JDE Migration

Migrating from JD Edwards World to EnterpriseOne is more than just a software upgrade. It’s an opportunity to modernize processes, improve reporting, and reduce system complexity. But without proper preparation, World to EnterpriseOne migrations can lead to delays, budget overruns, and user frustration. 

Based on Briteskies’ experience with JDE migration projects, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for a successful transition, including real-world examples from recent projects. 

1. Review All Legacy Programs and Versions Lists Before Migrating 

If your organization has gone through multiple World updates, chances are there are unused objects, outdated customizations, and redundant versions lingering in the system. 

Why it matters: Consolidating and retiring these items before your migration reduces the complexity of your new E1 environment and can shorten project timelines. 

Example: In a recent higher education migration, our team identified several legacy modules no longer in use. Consolidating these early allowed for a more focused configuration phase and smoother testing cycles. 

2. Review & Archive Old Data 

Not every transaction or historical record needs to be converted to E1. Most clients find that keeping 5–7 years of active data is sufficient for operational needs, while older data can be archived for compliance. 

Recommended tools: 

  • Purge-it – Purge transactional data efficiently. 
  • ARCtools – Archive and manage historical JDE data securely.

Example: By closing and archiving prior-year open purchase order detail records, the project team improved the integrity of roll-forward job cost balances in EnterpriseOne. This not only ensured more accurate financial reporting but also significantly optimized system performance by reducing the processing time required for the balance roll program. 

3. Conduct a System Cleanup 

An upgrade is the perfect time to “spring clean” your system. This includes: 

  • Removing unused user profiles 
  • Deactivating obsolete jobs  
  • Deleting unused AAIs, UDCs, and category code values 
  • Cleaning up menus and role-based security 
  • Standardizing naming conventions and documentation

This ensures a more secure and streamlined E1 environment from day one.  

4. Review Reporting Tools & Strategy 

EnterpriseOne offers robust reporting capabilities, but migrating from World often requires changes to existing reporting strategies. 

  • Identify reports built with World Writers or STAR Report. 
  • Decide which should be retired, rebuilt, or replaced with delivered functionality. 
  • Plan for the migration of FASTR reports to modern tools. 

Example: For a recent client, Briteskies assisted in converting FASTRs and World Writer reports to ReportsNow early in the project. This allowed the finance team to adopt the new reporting environment well before go-live, ensuring continuity in critical financial reporting. 

5. Train Developers on E1 Reporting Tools 

E1 introduces more modern tools for reporting and output formatting. Developers and power users should be trained on: 

  • Report Design Aid (RDA) – For designing and maintaining reports in E1. 
  • BI Publisher – For delivering professionally formatted output and integrating with other systems. 

Example: In a recent migration, our team worked directly with client developers to upskill them on RDA and BI Publisher, enabling them to create and maintain reports internally after go-live. 

6. Build the Right Project Team 

Successful upgrades are a joint effort between IT and business stakeholders. Your team should include: 

  • Technical experts familiar with both World and E1 
  • Functional leads for each module (Finance, HR/Payroll, Procurement, etc.) 
  • A project manager to keep timelines on track 
  • A consulting partner experienced in JDE migrations to guide the process 

7. Develop a Realistic Timeline & Testing Plan 

When planning your project, build in time for: 

  • Data cleanup and archival 
  • Customization and report redevelopment 
  • Multiple rounds of testing (unit, integration, UAT) 
  • User training before go-live 

And always have a rollback plan in case unexpected issues arise during cutover. 

Conclusion 

A JDE World-to-E1 migration is a strategic opportunity to streamline operations and future-proof your ERP environment. By reviewing past versions, archiving unnecessary data, cleaning up your system, and training your team on modern tools, you set the stage for a smooth transition. 

Briteskies has guided organizations through this process, from data conversion and security configuration to report migration and developer training. We can help you build an upgrade plan that reduces risk, maximizes efficiency, and delivers long-term value. 

Ready to take advantage of the features of E1? 
Contact Briteskies today to schedule a migration readiness assessment.

Contact our team to get started

About Briteskies

Briteskies, a leader in JD Edwards solutions, offers comprehensive services for JD Edwards World and EnterpriseOne systems. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in JDE upgrades, integrations, customizations, and support. Our team of experts helps businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency through tailored JDE solutions and seamless integrations. 

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