Leading by example: Lessons from our own digital transformation

Even after decades spent guiding others through digital change, we still had to face it ourselves.

Our systems were solid. Reliable. Familiar. But over time, they started to hold us back, especially as we evolved towards a more subscription-based model. What once felt “good enough” no longer fit where we were headed. So we made the decision to migrate from Sage 1000 to Sage Intacct and lead the transformation from the inside out. It was about rethinking how we work.

From software shift to mindset shift

Digital transformation is a huge topic, but at its core, it’s about enabling better outcomes. Not just new tech, but smarter processes, more joined-up thinking, and stronger visibility across the business.

The biggest shift? Mindset.

It’s tempting to replicate what you know, to rebuild old processes in new systems. But we kept asking: what do we actually need? What’s going to move us forward, not just feel familiar?

We didn’t aim for perfect. We aimed for progress.

“We held ourselves to the same standard”er

As Lorna Timms, our Sage Intacct Consultants Manager, put it:

“Having delivered Sage projects for decades, we knew what good looked like. This time, we held ourselves to that same standard.”

That meant sticking to an ambitious timeline. Committing to “good enough on day one”. Ensuring key integrations were working from the start, so the business could keep running without disruption. It also meant creating space for the project while still balancing the day-to-day.

The real unlock: our people

Change isn’t just technical. It’s cultural. Bringing people from across Datel into the project early, with a clear understanding of their role and why it mattered, was critical.

We also brought in James Alcock from Freeman Clarke, who acted as a CTO for the project. His independent perspective helped challenge our thinking, align stakeholders, and keep us focused on the outcomes that mattered most.

It wasn’t always easy. But what we achieved, collectively, has changed how we think, not just about systems, but about what’s possible when we evolve together.

Why it matters

This experience hasn’t just strengthened our internal setup. It’s deepened our empathy for the organisations we support. We know what it’s like to let go of the familiar, to balance transformation with business-as-usual, and to navigate the reality of change.

And we’ll use that experience to keep helping others take their own next steps, not just with the right tools, but with the right mindset.

Want to hear the full story?

Watch the video of our internal transformation journey.