The key to a smooth migration is in the preparation

Tim Purcell shares actionable insight on the task of preparing for the migration journey from Sage 1000 and Sage Line 500 including tips on how to get started and what needs to be considered first. 

Migrating is going to have an impact, the key is to prepare

If we’re being honest, migrating from Sage 1000 or Sage Line 500 isn’t something that’s topping most people’s wish list right now.

For most, it feels more like a grudge decision - “why fix what isn’t broken?”. Your current system works (for the most part), your team knows it inside out, and the idea of replacing it feels more like a risk than an opportunity.

But the truth is, your system shouldn’t be something you tolerate, or have to create manual work-arounds just to get the job done. It should enable your business to grow, to enhance your workflow and make life easier.

Migration is going to have an impact on your business, that’s inevitable - a major system is being upgraded, and with that - your business processes. So, preparing beforehand really is the key to a smoother migration journey. 

Get the right people in the room 

Start by making sure you’ve got the right people involved - and early.

One of the biggest factors in a successful migration is having the right team in place from the get-go. These are your internal champions. The ones who know how your business works today and can help shape how it should work tomorrow. This team of people should really understand how the business operates - not just technically, but operationally too.

These are the people who can look at a process and say, “we’ve always done it this way, and here’s why” but who’ll help you to understand what needs to be replicated, what needs to be improved, and what can probably be left behind.

You have to make sure this team is available, not just on paper but in reality. Give them the space and time to properly engage with the project. Because when they’re involved early and consistently, the implementation becomes far more collaborative and cohesive, making all the difference.

Make planning your migration the priority

Planning your migration shouldn’t be a box-ticking exercise, it has to be the foundation that supports your entire migration.

We work closely with customers to map out what this journey is going to look like, not just the software, but how it’ll affect teams, timelines, and day-to-day operations. It's important you include every area of your business when putting your migration plan together.

We can work with you to map it all out:

• What needs to happen and when

• Who needs to be involved

• What your critical BAU processes are, and how we protect them

• What risks we need to avoid

By spending that time upfront, you’ll spend less time firefighting later. That’s where the real value of preparation comes in. It’ll mean you have the ability to carry on business-as-usual while the project is happening.

Managing the impact of migration - it’s possible

Migrating a major system will cause some disruption, there’s no getting around that. But if you’re well prepared, if you’ve got the right people in place, and if it’s well supported by the right partner then that impact is short-lived, and is far outweighed by the long-term benefits.

You’ll be moving to a system that’s faster, more secure, better supported, and more aligned to where your business is going. Not where it’s been.

My final thoughts

Many Sage 1000 and Sage Line 500 customers I’ve spoken to, both past and present, mention the same cross-road that they face. They’re nervous. It feels safer to stick with what you’ve got. But those legacy systems are holding you back, the cracks get wider and the workarounds pile up.

Migration doesn’t have to be a painful leap. With the right approach, it can be a smooth, empowering transition, and a chance to rethink the way your finance and operations really work.

And remember, you’re not doing it alone, as your partner you have access to a vast skill set at Datel, our people are experienced in every industry across Sage’s medium solutions. You’re in great hands.

If you’re still doing some research there’s plenty of information on our website about migrating from Sage 1000 and Sage Line 500, take a look and reach out if you need us.