Change is never easy. Changing your finance system is harder than most. But if your finance team has been wrestling with the same clunky system for years, you are incurring cost every day.
What Cost?
Excel Hell
Your "simple" spreadsheet becomes a web of interconnected files that break when someone changes a formula. What starts as basic tracking becomes a full-time job managing formulas and version control.
Multi-Entity Nightmare
Managing subsidiaries, locations, or currencies becomes impossible with basic software. Consolidation turns into a monthly nightmare of manual adjustments and reconciliation errors.
Reporting Bottlenecks
You spend more time formatting data than analysing it. Board reports take days to produce instead of minutes, and by the time you have the information, it's already out of date.
Audit Trail Problems
Your auditors want proper controls, audit trails, and role-based access. Basic accounting software doesn't provide the rigour required for compliance or growth.
If your current system can't keep up with your growth plans; if your team spends too much time on manual tasks that should be automated; if you're not getting the real-time insights you need to make confident decisions; if you're spending more time fighting your system than using it to drive better results – it's time to make a change.
Before we explore what options you might consider, let's discuss some of the FAU (Frequently Used Excuses) that we often hear.
What Excuses?
"We have to wait until year-end to switch"
That's rubbish. You can migrate at any point in your financial calendar. What matters is picking a clean cut-off date that makes sense for your business operations.
"It's just swapping one bit of software for another"
Wrong. This is a business improvement project. If you treat it like an IT upgrade, you'll waste everyone's time and money.
"Cloud systems aren't secure"
Modern cloud platforms like Business Central and Sage Intacct are more secure than most on-premise systems. The big providers invest millions in security that you simply can't match internally.
"This will disrupt our business operations"
Not if it's done properly. A phased implementation approach maintains full operational capability throughout the transition. The key is planning and execution, not crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.
"Our team won't adapt to new technology"
People resist change when they don't understand the benefits or feel unprepared. Proper training and ongoing support eliminate this problem. Most users find modern systems easier to use than their legacy predecessors.
"What if the data migration goes wrong?"
Data migration risks are real, which is why you need experienced partners who've done this hundreds of times. Thorough data cleansing before migration and proper testing eliminate most problems.
What Options?
Don't waste time comparing 30 different products. Four systems will serve most businesses your size:
Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central was originally Navision from Denmark, acquired by Microsoft in 2002, and completely re-engineered into a cloud-first ERP.
Makes sense when you're distribution-focused, already using Microsoft tools, need full ERP capability beyond just finance, and want enterprise functionality without enterprise complexity. Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Azure, and Power BI means if you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem, this is your logical choice. Strong partner ecosystem with decent skills availability across the UK. Typical implementation: 3-6 months depending on complexity.
Sage Intacct
Sage Intacct is purpose-built for financial management, not retrofitted from older systems. Started as an independent US business, acquired by Sage in 2017 to fill their SaaS gap.
Makes sense when you're services-focused, need sophisticated financial reporting, manage multiple entities or currencies, and want best-in-class finance functionality without full ERP overhead. Cloud-native from inception, exceptional for services businesses and subsidiaries of US companies. Built-in multi-entity consolidation and dimensional reporting. Typical implementation: 6-12 weeks for most deployments.
Sage 200
Sage 200 is an established UK ERP solution, popular among SMEs who've outgrown Sage Line 50 or 100. Offers both cloud and on-premise deployment.
Makes sense when you're manufacturing or distribution-focused, want proven UK-specific functionality, need hybrid deployment options, or are already comfortable with Sage interfaces. Strong in manufacturing, distribution, and multi-location operations. Modular design lets you add functionality as you grow. Sicon enhancements available for industry-specific needs like construction or warehousing.
Pegasus Opera 3
Pegasus Opera 3 is a comprehensive UK-developed ERP covering finance, payroll, CRM, and service management. Long-established in the UK market with deep local expertise.
Makes sense when you need integrated finance, CRM, and operational modules, require extensive customisation, want UK-developed software that understands local requirements, or need proven manufacturing and service capabilities. Fully integrated modules work together, highly customisable for specific business needs. Can be hosted on Azure for cloud benefits.
Here's what most businesses get wrong: they spend months comparing features between systems that do broadly the same things. The secret to success isn't which product you choose – it's who implements it.
Who With?
+/- 15% most finance systems do the same thing. The difference between a successful project and a problematic one is who you choose to do the work with. Focus on selecting a partner with whom you feel a genuine connection – whose people you respect and like. Talk to them about their approach to implementation. Find someone who is thoroughly pragmatic. You don't want a digital transformation – you want a new system implemented on time and on budget.
Discovery (Weeks 1-4)
We assess your workflows, pain points, and the real costs of your current setup. We work with you to identify the friction you want to get out of your business.
Build and Test (Weeks 5-8)
Configuration happens here. No surprises, no scope creep. We build what you need and test it properly.
Training and Preparation (Weeks 9-12)
Your team learns the new system. Not death-by-PowerPoint training, but proper hands-on preparation that builds confidence.
Go-Live and Stabilisation (Week 13+)
The switch happens. We're there to ensure everything works as it should.
Total timeline: typically 3-6 months, depending on complexity. Not years.
What Next?
Want to explore your options without commitment? Start with a discovery session to understand what's really broken and what fixing it would mean for your business.
Get in touch with our people and make up your own mind.
