Background

Beginning with version 6.3 ShipWorks will automatically update when there is a new ShipWorks software release.  This will save you time by not having to update your ShipWorks software manually and will ensure that you always have access to the most up-to-date version of ShipWorks.

This article will answer many of the questions you may have regarding the auto update process.  You may also wish to check out our All About ShipWorks AutoUpdate help article for more detailed information.

FAQs

How often will ShipWorks update?

It’s not always an exact science, but we like to release updates monthly to make sure the software is full of features that make your life easier and free of defects that don’t.

What about during busy season?

We’re committed to keeping your operations running smoothly, so we won’t be releasing updates during the holiday season (the entire months of November and December). The exception to this: if you’ve found a defect that needs to be resolved quickly, we’ll make sure to get a fix to you as soon as possible.  

Can I opt out of updates?

No. We know updating used to be disruptive, so we intend to make it much easier by running automatic updates. We want everyone to have the same great experience with ShipWorks.

By default, updates will run on Thursdays at 11pm, but please feel free to change your update day and time through Settings > Advanced tab.

How will I know when ShipWorks will update?

You’ll be notified in the ShipWorks application within 24 hours of an update. When the update succeeds, we’ll let you know; when ShipWorks is unable to update, we’ll give you that message too.

What happens if something goes wrong?

There may be occasions when ShipWorks is unable to update (for example: there may not be enough disk space to create a backup, which will cause the automatic update to cancel). In those cases, you’ll still be able to use ShipWorks. We’ll try to update again the following week. If ShipWorks is unable to update after two attempts, we’ll open a support ticket for you to troubleshoot the issue.

What are some other reasons ShipWorks will be unable to update?

Take a look at the AutoUpdate Best Practices section of our All About AutoUpdate help article.

What happens if there is a defect or a stability issue?

We never intend to release a defect; but should one ever occur, we will release a fix as quickly as possible.

Does an update delete my data?

We will create a backup of your ShipWorks data before an update runs, and we’ll do this every time we push an update to keep your data safe.

Will that backup interact with archives or affect how many database backups I can keep?

We will store the backup that’s created as part of the automatic update process in a separate location from your normal backup folder; that way, you can still keep all of your regularly scheduled backups. That file path will depend on the ShipWorks version and some other parameters (such as your install location and database name), but it will look something like this:

C:\ProgramFiles\MicrosoftSQLServer\MSSQL14.SQL2017\MSSQL\Backup\ShipWorks_AutomaticUpgradeBackup.bak     

Can I still update my ShipWorks software manually?

Yes. We’ll still be placing downloads on our website here. Feel free to install the latest version at any time.

What’s being updated?

The automatic update service will update your ShipWorks database and all the client applications connected to it.

What happens if I’m using ShipWorks when an update begins?

If ShipWorks is open when the update begins, you’ll receive a message that an update is about to run. You’ll be prompted to finish your task, save your work, and exit out of the application so that the update can begin.

What happens if ShipWorks is not running at the scheduled upgrade time?

If ShipWorks is not running at the scheduled update time, the update will be completed the next time the ShipWorks software is opened.

I have multiple databases. How will that be managed?

If you have multiple ShipWorks databases, AutoUpdate will update the database that the ShipWorks software is currently connected to.  The next time you connect ShipWorks to one of your additional databases, you will be prompted that the database needs to be updated and you will be guided through the process.