This is add-on for Blender 2.8x  It creates grouping-like workflow using regular instances.  Ctrl+G - make Instance (group) from selected objects  F9 (adjust last operation) to set center of the group and set a name  Tab - Opens group edit mode  Deselect everything and press Tab - Return to scene.  Ctrl+Alt+G - ungroup  Ctrl+Shift+G - advanced options like make single user, and change instance.  This add-on uses regular Blender instances, so you can work with "groups" made by this add-on, even if you haven't this add-on.