What is the correct procedure to remove a component that has already been deployed to production?

To effectively remove a component that has already been deployed to production, the correct procedure is to import a new version of the solution with the Upgrade option.

When you select the Upgrade option during the import process, it allows you to replace the existing solution with the updated version while also managing any components that are no longer required. This method ensures that dependencies and relationships among the components are respected, maintaining the integrity of the overall solution.

Using the Upgrade option is particularly beneficial because it can handle the deprecation of components natively within the solution, allowing for a cleaner removal process. This helps to avoid potential issues in live environments that could occur if components are simply deleted without consideration of their interdependencies.

In contrast, cloning a patch or cloning a solution does not facilitate the removal of components. Cloning typically creates a duplicate of the existing solution or a specific version, which would not serve the purpose of removing components from production. Importing a new version with the Update option is also not focused on removing components; rather, it typically applies modifications without the component removal capability intrinsic to the Upgrade option.

Thus, importing a new version of the solution with the Upgrade option is the most suitable approach for properly managing solution upgrades and component removals in a production environment