Implementing a new finance system is an important step for any business. While choosing the right software is essential, how you prepare for the implementation can have just as much impact on the success of the project.
From preparing financial data to establishing the right project team, taking action before your implementation begins can help reduce delays and create a smoother transition.
Jamie Watts, Managing Director at Mysoft, sits down with Joe Conlon, Sage Intacct Implementation Consultant, to discuss what businesses should consider before starting their Sage Intacct journey.
Drawing on Mysoft’s experience delivering between 10 and 20 Sage Intacct projects each year, they explore the importance of data quality, realistic timelines and collaboration throughout the implementation process.
Preparing for Implementation
Why the work starts before your project begins.
One of the biggest challenges in a Sage Intacct implementation isn’t necessarily configuring the new system. It’s moving existing financial data from one system to another.
As Joe explains, data migration can be one of the most time-consuming parts of an implementation, making early preparation particularly valuable. Whether it’s exporting existing records, reviewing financial information or identifying who will be involved in the project, there are several activities businesses can begin before their official kick-off.
Of course, not every organisation will have the opportunity to complete everything beforehand. Annual leave, audits and other business commitments can affect how much preparation is possible. The important thing is to recognise these constraints early and factor them into the project plan. Rushing essential tasks to meet an unrealistic deadline can compromise data quality, creating problems that could have been avoided with better planning.
Data Quality
Clean data is the foundation of reliable reporting.
When moving to a new finance system, the quality of the information being transferred is just as important as the system receiving it.
If existing records contain inconsistencies or inaccuracies, those issues can carry through into the new environment. This becomes particularly important when businesses rely on financial reporting and analytics to make decisions. As Jamie and Joe discuss, reporting tools can only interpret the information available to them. If the underlying data isn’t accurate, businesses cannot expect the resulting reports to be reliable.
The same principle applies as AI becomes more integrated into financial systems. AI-driven insights depend on the quality of the data being analysed. Inconsistent or incomplete information can lead to misleading results, making data preparation an increasingly important part of implementation planning.
By taking the time to review and cleanse existing records, organisations can establish a stronger foundation for both everyday financial processes and future reporting requirements.
Project Planning
Three priorities before starting your implementation.
While every Sage Intacct project will have different requirements, Joe highlights three areas that businesses should prioritise before getting started.
01
Establish a realistic go-live date
Having a target go-live date provides a starting point for planning the implementation.
Working backwards from that date helps businesses understand the time available for data migration, configuration and other project activities. It’s also important to consider existing financial commitments and reporting periods when deciding when the transition should take place.
02
Identify your internal project team
A successful implementation requires the right people to be involved at the right time.
Businesses should identify their internal subject matter experts and establish who has the authority to make decisions throughout the project. This can help avoid unnecessary delays when important questions arise, ensuring that decisions can be made without repeatedly involving additional stakeholders.
03
Start preparing your data early
Preparing information such as your chart of accounts, supplier records and customer details before the project begins can make the migration process more manageable.
Having this information available allows the team to focus on reviewing and improving data quality rather than spending valuable project time simply trying to extract it. Although these activities may appear straightforward, Joe identifies them as some of the biggest potential causes of project delays when they aren’t addressed early enough.
Implementation Timelines
How long does a Sage Intacct implementation take?
One of the most common questions businesses ask is how long their Sage Intacct implementation will take.
According to Joe, a typical project takes around three to four months, although the actual timeline will depend on factors such as project scope, integrations and available resources. Another important consideration is when the business chooses to go live. Aligning the transition with a VAT quarter-end or financial year-end can create a cleaner cut-off between the existing system and Sage Intacct.
This can help reduce the need to reconcile or manipulate information across two separate systems, particularly when dealing with VAT reporting and Making Tax Digital requirements. However, speed shouldn’t come at the expense of getting the implementation right.
While projects need to maintain momentum, Joe emphasises that correcting mistakes after implementation can be more costly than taking the necessary time to complete activities properly. The focus should be on maintaining a realistic schedule, managing changes and ensuring everyone understands what needs to happen next.
Looking Ahead
A successful implementation begins with preparation.
Getting ready for a Sage Intacct project doesn’t mean every detail needs to be finalised before the implementation begins. It means understanding the work involved, identifying potential challenges and taking practical steps to prepare your organisation for the transition.
For businesses considering Sage Intacct, Jamie and Joe’s advice centres on three priorities: establish realistic timelines, involve the right people and start preparing your data as early as possible.
Combined with open communication and a collaborative relationship with your implementation partner, these foundations can help businesses approach their project with greater confidence. Ultimately, the goal isn’t simply to implement a new finance system quickly. It’s to get the implementation right and establish a platform that supports the business moving forward.
Working Together
Why communication matters throughout the project.
Even with careful preparation, implementation projects can encounter unexpected challenges.
Business priorities may change, resources can become unavailable or additional requirements might emerge as the project progresses. This is where effective project management and open communication become particularly important.
Jamie and Joe highlight the value of maintaining honest conversations between the implementation partner and the customer throughout the process.When challenges arise, raising them early allows both teams to work together to find a solution. Sometimes the implementation partner can offer experience or guidance to resolve a customer challenge. Equally, the customer may hold information or expertise needed to move the project forward.
This collaborative approach helps maintain progress, manage expectations and keep the implementation aligned with the organisation’s requirements.
HEAR FROM JAMIE & JOE
Watch the Full Conversation.
Join Jamie Watts, Managing Director at Mysoft, and Joe Conlon, Sage Intacct Implementation Consultant, as they discuss how to prepare for a Sage Intacct implementation, common project challenges and the steps businesses can take to support a successful transition.