- Finance, Sage 200, Sage Intacct
In today’s business landscape, software solutions play a critical role in boosting operational efficiency and supporting long-term growth strategies. For finance leaders, upgrading to new financial software can significantly improve business operations. Whether you’re looking to optimise processes, enhance financial reporting, or support growth, the right Sage software can make all the difference. With over 20 years of experience in Sage systems, Envisage excels in Sage 200 and Sage Intacct, delivering quality projects across sectors like Retail, Services, Distribution, SaaS, Education, Not-for-Profit, Healthcare, and more.Â
In this blog, we’ll guide you through developing an effective implementation strategy, covering everything from choosing the right financial software to the key steps for a smooth deployment.
1. Assess Your Business Needs Â
Before diving into the implementation process, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess your business needs. Identify the key pain points and areas where new financial management systems can bring improvements. Understanding these needs will guide you in choosing the most suitable software. Consider aspects such as:Â
• Current inefficiencies: What processes are taking up unnecessary time?Â
• Scalability requirements: How will your needs evolve as your business grows?Â
• Integration needs: What existing systems need to be integrated with the new software?Â
• Compliance requirements: Are there specific regulations you must adhere to?Â
2. Choose the Right Financial Software
Choosing the right financial software involves considering various factors like cost, scalability, functionality, and user-friendliness. Envisage offers two robust solutions tailored for small to medium-sized businesses – Sage 200 and Sage Intacct:Â
• Sage 200: A comprehensive ERP solution designed to meet the diverse needs of growing enterprises. It provides tools for finance, supply chain management, and project accounting. With its modular architecture and customisable features, Sage 200 aligns perfectly with your business objectives.Â
• Sage Intacct: A cloud-based financial management software offering unparalleled flexibility and scalability. Sage Intacct provides real-time visibility into your finances, advanced reporting capabilities, and seamless integration options, empowering you to adapt to changing market dynamics with ease.Â
3. Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan Â
A well-structured implementation plan is essential for success. Develop a clear strategy with defined timelines and milestones. Assign roles and responsibilities within your team to ensure everyone is aligned. Your plan should include:Â
• Timeline: Set clear milestones and deadlines.Â
• Resource allocation: Identify the team members and resources required.Â
• Training schedule: Plan comprehensive training sessions for your staff.Â
• Risk management: Anticipate potential challenges and devise mitigation strategies.Â
4. Data Migration and System Integration Â
Moving your data from the old system to the new one is a big deal. Make sure the data migration is well-planned to prevent any loss or issues. Plus, integrating the new software with your existing systems will make everything run smoother and cut down on downtime. For more on this step, check out our blog from our parent company, The Noledge Group, which discusses data cleansing, one of the key steps to include in this process.Â
5. Testing and Quality Assurance Â
For a successful launch, it’s essential to plan meticulously, conduct early testing using a demo version if possible, and gradually introduce the software to minimise disruptions. Thoroughly test the software in a controlled environment to address any issues or bugs before deployment. Using demo versions is a great way to accomplish this. At Envisage, we offer a Sage Intacct Product Tour and a Sage 200 Demo. Â
Here are some of the testing and quality assurance steps you can take:Â
• User testing phase: Engage end-users to test the system in real-world scenarios.Â
• Performance testing: Ensure the software can handle your business’s volume of transactions and data.Â
• Security testing: Verify that the system meets all security requirements.Â
6. Go-Live and Post-Implementation Review Â
Once the software is live, monitor its performance closely. Conduct a post-implementation review to assess the project’s success and identify any areas for improvement. This review will help you refine your processes and ensure that you are leveraging the software’s full potential. Gathering feedback for continuous improvement is crucial. Analysing this feedback is instrumental in making necessary updates and improvements to how your team interfaces with the software and adapts to new workflows.Â
Key Considerations for Implementing Sage Software Â
Implementing a new financial software solution can be a game-changer for your business. With the right planning and execution, you can streamline operations, enhance financial reporting, and support sustainable growth. As a trusted Sage Business Partner, Envisage is committed to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring you leverage the full potential of Sage 200 and Sage Intacct. Â
Partnering with Envisage means tapping into a wealth of experience and a commitment to your continued growth and success. Get in touch with us to discuss your specific requirements and embark on a journey towards operational excellence.Â
Download our latest Sage 200 and Sage Intacct guide
We are proud to present a comprehensive suite of financial management solutions featuring Sage 200 and Sage Intacct. Download our latest brochure “Choosing The Right Sage Software” here to learn how our solutions can drive your business growth.Â
About the Author
Steve Boyes
Steve Boyes, the Operations Director at Envisage, brings over 20 years of experience in accounting and IT to the table. With a robust background in specifying, designing, implementing, and supporting strategic solutions for SMEs, public sector, and not-for-profit organisations, Steve excels in addressing clients' real business problems and requirements rather than just focusing on technology. His approach has led to the successful execution of projects with some of Ireland's best-known companies.