Blue 8 to 9 Transition Guide - Blue Administrators (Checklist & Overview)

Note - This article focuses on planning and execution (5–10 minute read).

Overview

The transition to Blue 9 follows a structured, guided process designed to ensure continuity of your operations while introducing new capabilities.

This guide outlines:

• What to expect
• What to prepare
• How to ensure a smooth transition

What to expect (at a glance)

• Your data, reports, and projects remain intact
• Explorance coordinates the upgrade with your team
• Existing workflows continue with improved navigation and capabilities
• Some configuration updates (e.g., URLs, authentication) are required

Blue 9 introduces a modernized structure with dedicated spaces for:

• Blue Home (end-user access)
• Blue Administration (project management)
• System Administration (security and SSO)
• Home Administration (user experience configuration)

What changes

• New homepage and navigation model
• Centralized administration areas
• Updated authentication and system configuration
• Improved data validation requirements

These changes are guided and documented, not manual rework.

Your role in the transition

Administrators focus on readiness and validation, not technical migration.

Key responsibilities:

• Review data quality (user data, formats)
• Plan upgrade timing (ideally outside active project cycles)
• Communicate changes (e.g., new URLs if applicable)
• Validate post-upgrade configuration

Upgrade checklist

Use this checklist as your main preparation guide:

Before upgrade

• Validate user data (IDs, emails, required fields)
• Review active projects and plan timing
• Align internal stakeholders (IT, project owners)
• Prepare communication for users (if needed)

During upgrade

• Coordinate with Explorance Support
• Confirm readiness and timing

After upgrade

• Validate login and access
• Confirm emails and notifications
• Review homepage configuration and messaging
• Test key workflows and reports

This checklist ensures a predictable, low-risk transition.

Ensuring a smooth transition

• All projects and reports remain consistent
• Existing links and workflows continue (with updates where required)
• Upgrade is supported end-to-end by Explorance

Recommended approach

• Start with the checklist
• Align with IT early
• Schedule upgrade during a controlled window