If you’re using any of Yardi Elevate products or are on Voyager 8, you will be used to regular upgrades being pushed out to you. But if you’re not making the jump to Voyager 8 just yet, it’s important to remember: Staying on 7S doesn’t mean standing still. Like all software, Voyager 7S continues to evolve. Yardi releases regular updates to improve performance, tighten security, and ensure compatibility with their wider product suite, including Elevate. Keeping your Voyager 7S system current is essential for long-term system health and user productivity.
If your organization plans to stay with 7S for the time being, below you’ll find what you need to know about managing upgrades smartly, why upgrading Voyager 7S should be part of your ongoing strategy, and the best practices for managing upgrades.
Why Regularly Upgrading Voyager 7S Still Matters
- Security & stability. Yardi frequently releases patches and minor upgrades for Voyager 7S that address newly discovered vulnerabilities or system bugs. Delaying upgrades increases your risk exposure and can cause instability across key functions. Regularly upgrading Voyager 7S ensures your environment stays secure and reliable.
- Compatibility with Elevate products. Even if you’re not using Voyager 8, many clients are adopting modules from the Elevate suite, such as Asset IQ or Forecast Manager. These require specific minimum Voyager 7S versions to function properly. Keeping your 7S environment updated ensures these integrations work as intended and that you don’t hit version-related roadblocks.
- Better Yardi support. If you’re several versions behind, troubleshooting becomes slower, and some fixes may no longer apply. Staying current by upgrading Voyager 7S means you get quicker, more effective support when it matters most.
- Performance improvements & fixes. Each new build of 7S includes behind-the-scenes improvements. From better handling of large datasets to user interface refinements, the enhancements may seem small, but they add up to a smoother, more productive user experience.
Best Practices for Managing 7S Upgrades
Even though upgrading Voyager 7S is less dramatic than moving to a new platform, it still requires planning and care. Here are some tips to help ensure each upgrade is successful:
- Know your version lifecycle: Familiarize yourself with the current and upcoming Voyager 7S release schedules. Yardi typically posts this information on Client Central. Track your version history and upgrade cadence so you’re not caught off guard by functionality being retired or replaced. You can also compare installed plugins against the latest available versions in Client Central.
- Maintain a test environment. Before applying any upgrade to production, always test it in a non-live environment. Validate core processes like AP, AR, lease setup, and reporting, and ensure any customized items are included in your testing. This reduces the risk of post-upgrade issues and gives your users a safe place to explore any interface or process changes.
- Review Elevate requirements. If you’re using (or plan to use) Elevate modules alongside Voyager 7S, coordinate version compatibility. Elevate products often require the latest 7S builds, especially for data syncs or new feature access. Align your upgrade timing with Elevate roadmap updates to avoid disruption.
- Communicate and train. Even small changes can trip up end users. Let your teams know when an upgrade is coming, what to expect, and how to get help. Provide light-touch training or quick-reference guides if needed, especially if a new feature or behavior is introduced.
- Document customizations and reports. Keep a log of any custom reports, interfaces, or automations tied to your 7S setup. These can be impacted by even minor version changes. Having a clear inventory helps you test effectively and troubleshoot faster when needed.
Need help planning your next 7S upgrade? At 33Floors, our expert Yardi consultants support clients across the full Yardi ecosystem, whether you’re upgrading Voyager 7S, transitioning to Voyager 8, or implementing Elevate modules. We’re here to help you plan, test, and implement with confidence. Contact us today.
