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Sage X3 Implementation Guide

Your guide to the Sage X3 implementation process

Dive into Sage X3 implementation with Datel. Learn about our proven six-stage implementation process, the benefits of working with the UK’s leading Sage X3 partner, and more.

Why Sage X3?

Sage X3 is an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution for global and scaling, product-centric organisations.

From production and financials to supply chain, Sage X3 connects every business unit to give you complete control and visibility. With market-leading capabilities, flexible architecture, and a range of hosting options, Sage X3 works with any organisation.

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Sage X3 use cases

Simple, flexible, and scalable – Sage X3 gives you everything you need to manage your business.

One solution for global operations

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213%

Return on investment (Forrester)

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12%

Average annual inventory level reduction (Forrester)

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+40%

Productivity improvement (Sage)

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2080

Customer service hours saved each year (Forrester)

How Sage X3 implementation works with Datel

Implementing an ERP solution takes time. So, it’s essential that you choose a Sage X3 partner with the knowledge and experience to keep your project on track.

Working with Datel gives you access to the UK’s largest team of Sage X3 consultants and APM-accredited project managers. You’ll receive expert guidance and support throughout your journey, built around our proven six-stage process.

Sage X3 implementation roadmap

Large-scale business transformation projects can seem daunting, so we split our implementation process into six manageable phases. Our specialist Sage X3 consultants support you every step of the way to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.

01

Project preparation

The core project team meet to discuss your objectives and requirements. We’ll explore the software, recommend features, and create your project plan.

Key milestones: 

  • Project kick-off
  • Requirements capture
  • Project plan creation

02

Scoping

Over multiple sessions, we’ll analyse your needs and select the necessary modules, add-ons, and integrations. We’ll capture this information in your description of target solution (DTS).

Key milestones: 

  • Data extraction and cleansing
  • Scoping sessions
  • DTS creation and walkthrough

03

Installation and configuration

We’ll build your solution using sample datasets, testing and refining constantly to ensure it meets your DTS requirements. Then, we’ll walk you through the configured solution.

Key milestones: 

  • Sample data loading
  • Solution installation, configuration, and testing
  • Configured solution walkthrough

04

Key user training and user acceptance testing

After testing your newly configured solution, we begin key user training to teach your team how to use Sage X3. As part of this stage, we’ll run user acceptance tests to ensure the solution meets your expectations.

Key milestones: 

  • Solution validation
  • Key user training
  • User acceptance testing

05

End-user training and Ready for Go Live Walkthrough

Once your key users are comfortable using Sage X3, end-user training begins. As soon as everyone's familiar with Sage X3, we ask you to complete a Ready for Go Live Walkthrough. This is your opportunity to present the solution back to us and demonstrate your new found proficiency with the software. 

Key milestones: 

  • Solution sign-off
  • End user training
  • Ready for Go-Live Walkthrough

06

Go-live

We’ll migrate your remaining live data and launch your solution. We’ll show you how to contact our award-winning customer support team and introduce you to your dedicated account manager. They’ll check in with you regularly over the coming months to help you get the most out of Sage X3.

Key milestones: 

  • Live data migration
  • Solution launch
  • Post go-live support

Stage 1: Project preparation

We’ll meet with your key stakeholders to understand how your business operates, and what you want to achieve. This gives us a better idea of what you’re looking for and how we can make it happen.

Following this meeting, we’ll invite you to a live Sage X3 demonstration. Here, you'll see the solution in action to help you understand what it's like to work with Sage X3 day to day.

Kick-off meeting

We begin every Sage X3 implementation project the same way: with a project kick-off meeting. In this session, we discuss your business objectives and outline:

  • Key roles and responsibilities

  • Milestones and estimated timelines

  • Expectations and deadlines

  • Dependencies and risks

One of our APM-accredited project managers runs the session alongside your Datel Sage X3 executive sponsor. From your side, we recommend inviting only the core members of your project team to keep the conversation focused.

We recommend inviting your internal project sponsor, systems administrator, and a representative from senior leadership.

X3 Implementation Guide

Requirements capture

These in-depth sessions allow us to dig deeper into your requirements. This includes specific configurations you’ve requested and add-ons you’ve purchased as part of your Sage X3 solution.

Capturing your requirements enables us to make more relevant recommendations during the project scoping phase and spot potential risks early. We’ll then use this information to create your project plan.

Common Sage X3 implementation project risks

Resource availability

Consider how holidays, illness, and staff turnover can impact delivery timelines when planning your project.

Data availability

Ensure you have the internal resources to review, cleanse, and migrate business-critical data.

Business change

Think about how unanticipated changes – like internal restructuring or a new process – could affect your project.

Project scope

Clearly define your project parameters to avoid scope creep, budget overruns, and missed deadlines.

Training

To get the most out of Sage X3, your team needs to understand it. Set aside time and resources to train your team.

Stage 2: Scoping

Once you’ve approved the project plan, we begin laying the technical foundations of your new solution.

Scoping sessions

Working together, our specialist Sage X3 consultants explore the technical specifications, settings, and data that underpin your solution.

We take a modular approach to scoping, with dedicated sessions for each area of your solution. Session one might cover financial data requirements, session two the type of dashboards you need to monitor performance, and so on.

We don’t believe in lift-and-shift solutions. If something isn’t right for your business, we’ll work with you to find an alternative.

Data extraction and cleansing

We ask you to begin extracting data from your existing ERP solution and preparing it for migration between scoping sessions.

Missing or inaccurate data causes issues which may delay project go-live. Getting a head start on migration helps you identify potential problems early. Crucially, we’ll need sample datasets to install and configure your solution.

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Solution definition

You’ll receive your Description of Target Solutions (DTS) document at the end of your final scoping session. A proposal and blueprint rolled into one, the DTS explains what your Sage X3 does and how we’ll deliver it.

We ask you to review the document carefully to:

  • Confirm the information is correct

  • Gather your feedback on the proposed solution

  • Ensure everyone's aligned and ready to proceed

Stage 3: Installation and configuration

Next, we use sample data to install and configure your solution.

Installation

Installation covers your core Sage X3 solution, as well as any add-ons and third-party integrations you’ve selected.

Our team of Sage X3 and technical experts have years of combined experience deploying ERP solutions for businesses in various industries. They take care of the entire process, so you don’t have to bring in any third-party consultants.

Configuration

This is where we fine-tune your solution based on the settings outlined in your DTS. We test your solution repeatedly during the configuration process to identify and address any potential issues ahead of time. This ensures everything works as intended and is ready for go-live.

How long does it take to install and configure Sage X3?

That depends on several factors, including the size of your business and the scope of your solution. We’ll get a clearer idea of how long installation and configuration will likely take during the preparation phase.

X3 Implementation - Consultants

Configured solution walkthrough

Once we’ve made the final tweaks, we invite you to a configured solution walkthrough.

More than a simple overview, your Sage X3 consultant takes you on a guided tour of your new solution. This includes everything from core processes to specific features and functionality – with plenty of real-world use cases highlighting Sage X3’s considerable potential.

Stage 4: Key user training and user-acceptance testing

Before we release your solution into the wild, your people need to know how to use it.

At this stage, we focus on training your key users, giving them the knowledge and confidence to onboard your wider team.

Key user training

Based on the I do, we do, you do methodology, our hands-on training sessions teach key users everything they need to know about Sage X3.

We explore the solution systematically, covering each area in turn. There’s no limit to the number of attendees. However, we recommend restricting the sessions to five or six participants to ensure everyone gets the one-to-one tuition they need.

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User acceptance testing

A crucial stage in the Sage X3 implementation process, user acceptance testing allows you to put your new solution through its paces in a controlled, pre-live environment. Think of it as an opportunity to validate your solution and make any last-minute tweaks.

Stage 5: End-user training and Ready for Go Live

With launch day fast approaching, it’s time to onboard your end-users. End-user training takes anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size of your team. We recommend starting the process as soon as you’ve completed UAT.

End-user training

There’s no set curriculum or mandatory courses – you’re free to choose whatever works for you and your team.

Not sure where to start? We advise a systematic approach, with separate lessons for each solution area. This makes it more manageable for users, giving them the time to familiarise themselves with the software at their own pace.

Ready for Go Live walkthrough

Unique to Datel, our Ready for Go Live Walkthrough turns the tables and asks you to demonstrate your newfound skills to the project team. This session demonstrates your readiness to deploy Sage X3 – to us and your internal stakeholders.

Some customers reach the end of the walkthrough and still don’t feel completely confident using the solution. That’s fine. We’ll regroup and discuss your options to find the best way forward.

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X3 Implementation Guide - Zanett

Stage 6: Go-Live

With installation, configuration, and training complete, we’re ready to launch your solution.

This is one of the most gratifying days of the project, but there are one or two final things you’ll need to complete first. The primary task being to migrate any remaining static and transactional data into Sage X3 and reviewing for discrepancies.

There are many moving parts during go-live. Our Sage X3 consultants provide guidance and support throughout the process to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.

Post-launch support

Once the dust has settled, we introduce you to your dedicated account manager. They’ll check in with you regularly over the coming months and years to help you get the most out of Sage X3.

You’ll also have access to our award-winning, UK-based customer support team. Alongside reliable break/fix support, we provide expert support covering:

 

  • General platform queries

  • User errors

  • Datel-managed third-party integrations

Why it pays to work with a Sage X3 implementation partner

Sage X3 is an ERP that can bring game-changing benefits for scaling businesses, but implementing it doesn't happen overnight. Whether deploying a business management system for the first time or moving from another solution – it takes time, resources, and careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Rather than trying to manage everything in-house, most businesses rely on a specialist Sage X3 implementation partner, like Datel. Our expert Sage X3 consultants combine product expertise, technical knowledge, and experience to guide you through the process. 

What sets Datel apart?

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1. Unrivalled expertise

Over 40 years of experience, thousands of successful implementations, and unmatched product expertise make us the UK’s leading Sage X3 partner. Our consultative approach gets to the heart of your business, delivering future-proof solutions that scale with your success.

2. Sage X3 specialists

With the largest team of Sage X3 consultants in the UK, we've implemented solutions for businesses in a range of industries, from discrete manufacturing to pharmaceuticals. This gives us unrivalled insight into your challenges and requirements, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions.

3. APM-accredited

Your project’s in safe hands with Datel. Our APM-certified project managers oversee every step of your journey, carefully monitoring your progress to ensure things run smoothly.

4. Award-winning support

With Datel, you’ll have access to a team of over 50 customer support professionals with a range of product specialisms and accreditations. So whether you’re looking for technical support a day after go-live or the inside track on a new feature years from now, we’ve got you covered.

5. Trusted Sage partner

Have an idea for a new feature? We use our close working relationship with Sage to escalate your feedback directly to their team, giving you a say in how your software develops.

“The Datel team won’t just quickly sort something, they’ll take the time to explain how to do it ourselves, so should that query come up again, it's something that we potentially can solve.”

Simon Hirst, Business Systems Analyst at Anpario

Anpario case study

Useful resources

Case study about Explore the Sage X3 handbook to understand its core features, benefits, and use cases.
Sage X3 handbook

Explore the Sage X3 handbook to understand its core features, benefits, and use cases.

Learn more
Case study about Watch the Sage X3 on-demand demo to discover its advanced ERP features and business-wide capabilities.
Sage X3 demo

Watch the Sage X3 on-demand demo to discover its advanced ERP features and business-wide capabilities.

Learn more
Case study about Discover how Stephenson Group modernised its ERP by moving from Sage 1000 to Sage X3.
Stephenson's case study

Discover how Stephenson Group modernised its ERP by moving from Sage 1000 to Sage X3.

Learn more
Case study about See how Anpario improved efficiency and automation across its global operations with Sage X3.
Anpario case study

See how Anpario improved efficiency and automation across its global operations with Sage X3.

Learn more

Power to your potential

Most businesses understand technology plays a fundamental role in realising their aspirations, but they won’t necessarily know how. We do.

We know software alone isn't enough. You need an expert team in your corner that aligns your software to your business ambitions. You need people who are always by your side, helping you become more efficient, productive, and innovative while staying one step ahead of the competition.

And that's exactly what you get with Datel. 

Speak to our team today