Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Let’s be transparent about the elephant in the room. This doesn’t come up enough in ERP sales conversations, but it should: implementations can go sideways.
Sometimes, projects run over budget. Frequently, timelines stretch. Often, businesses go live on software they don’t fully understand and then spend months filling in the gaps.
In our opinion, all of these are failed implementations. And we should know, because we’re often the ones who get called in to fix those issues.
After 30+ years and 700+ successful Sage 100 implementations, VBCC has seen what happens when the process breaks down – and we’ve built our entire approach around making sure it doesn’t. That starts with a commitment to being straightforward about what the process actually looks like. We guide you from the first conversation to go-live and beyond.
If you’ve ever wondered what an implementation for Sage 100 should look like, here’s your answer.
It Starts With Listening, Not Selling
Many implementation firms show up with a canned demo and oversimplified answers. We show up with questions.
Before we propose anything, we schedule a discovery call to understand your actual challenges. We’re not there to pitch you software, but to accurately figure out whether and how we can genuinely solve your problems.
From there, we can prepare a custom demo using your own data. This ensures you can see exactly how the proposed solution would work for your specific business. If you have additional needs or requirements we initially overlooked, we’ll update your demo until it’s right.
Why this matters to you: If you want a custom demo, you’ll see your own business reflected back at you in Sage 100 before you sign anything.
A Sage 100 Implementation Process Refined Over 700+ Projects
Once you’re ready to move forward, your implementation begins in earnest. And it follows a process we’ve spent three decades refining:
- We build a project plan directly from your accepted proposal with nothing generic and nothing copied and pasted.
- We hold a kick-off meeting to confirm and clarify expectations for our agreed-on scope, hours, and timelines.
- We follow a proven framework, including a custom setup checklist and custom configuration to your specs. We also use proprietary import templates we developed to ensure none of your Master file data gets lost in translation.
- We run weekly project management meetings to keep everything on track.
- Our in-house training experts train your core team members, or we use a “train the trainer” approach for larger organizations. We focus heavily on month-end training and help you document detailed process instructions.
- We walk you through process flow testing to confirm everything works the way you expect. In addition, we ensure that all (and we mean all) your processes are fully accurate before you’re ever asked to go live.
Why this matters to you: Every step is documented, tested, and approved, and you are always in the know about project status and roadmap. Nothing is left to chance, nothing is assumed, and there’s no guesswork. Ever.
Go Live and What Comes After
Go-live day is carefully monitored by your VBCC implementation team. We’re there as your team gets comfortable with the new system. In addition, we keep communication open to ensure your transition is smooth.
After go-live, our relationship doesn’t end. It deepens.
Post-launch support includes additional training that matters more after go-live, such as General Ledger reconciliation or advanced functions. We also provide ongoing assistance as your team becomes more comfortable with the software over time. VBCC support is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM CST. In addition, weekend and after-hours support is available by appointment on an as-needed basis.
We also ensure you have comprehensive 24/7 access to Sage’s support articles, product documentation, and the latest software downloads and updates in the Sage Knowledgebase.
Why this matters to you: You won’t be handed a user manual and wished good luck. We’ll still be there, whenever you need us. And you won’t have to initiate help all the time. We can schedule training sessions to enhance your understanding of Sage 100, and we’ll check in with you regularly. A lot of people throw around the term “your success matters to us,” but we actually mean it.
The Team Behind the Process
VBCC was started by Joe Jenders, a public accountant who got tired of watching his clients struggle with software implementations and decided to do something about it. From the beginning, he built VBCC’s reputation around solving client problems, not selling software licenses.
More than three decades later, that philosophy hasn’t changed. It’s grown bigger. Our national team of expert consultants has an average of 20+ years of experience and has very little turnover. Additionally, the team serves clients in 40 of the 50 states.
Why this matters to you: The team that implements your system will still be there when you call with a question years from now. We won’t hand you off to some junior consultant who just passed a certification exam and has never heard of you. Instead, we’ll keep you connected with the team members you’ve developed relationships with – the folks who know you, have seen your exact situation before, and can really help.
Get to Know Who You’ll Be Working With
A successful Sage 100 implementation isn’t something we do to your business. It’s something we build with your team. Your deep knowledge of your business, combined with our deep knowledge of Sage 100, gets us working together toward an outcome that fits your exact needs.
To us, that means getting to know your operations, your challenges, and the people who will be living in the software every day. It also means giving you the opportunity to get to know us, too. Not just as consultants, but as partners who will be in your corner long after go-live.
Start by finding out more about the team you’d be working with.
Related Articles
How long does a Sage 100 implementation typically take?
The timeline for a Sage 100 implementation depends on your business size, the modules being deployed, data migration requirements, customizations, and any third-party integrations. While some organizations can be up and running within a few weeks, more complex manufacturing and distribution environments often require additional planning and testing.
Working with experienced Sage ERP consultants can help streamline the process, reduce disruptions, and ensure your implementation stays on track.
What training is included during a Sage 100 implementation?
Proper training is essential to a successful Sage 100 implementation. Most businesses benefit from role-based training for accounting teams, operations staff, managers, and administrators. Training can be delivered remotely or on-site and should continue beyond go-live to help employees fully utilize the software.
Our Sage ERP training services help your team become productive faster while reducing common challenges in Sage 100 implementations.
What happens after my Sage 100 system goes live?
Go-live is only the beginning. As your business evolves, you may need ongoing support, reporting assistance, workflow improvements, software upgrades, and additional user training. Having access to knowledgeable consultants can help you maximize your investment and avoid costly inefficiencies.
Learn more about our Sage ERP support services and ongoing consulting options.
Can Sage 100 integrate with other business software?
Yes. Sage 100 can integrate with CRM systems, eCommerce platforms, shipping software, payroll solutions, business intelligence tools, and industry-specific applications. Identifying integration requirements early in the project helps ensure a smoother implementation and better data accuracy.
Explore our integrated business solutions to learn how Sage 100 can connect with your existing technology stack.
Is Sage 100 a good fit for manufacturing and distribution companies?
Sage 100 is widely used by manufacturers and distributors for robust inventory management, purchasing, production management, financial reporting, and operational visibility. Industry-specific enhancements can further improve efficiency and decision-making.
Learn more about our Sage manufacturing solutions, distribution and operations solutions for Sage users.
Should I upgrade Sage 100 or move to a different ERP system?
The right choice depends on your business goals, growth plans, and current software challenges. Many organizations can extend the life of Sage 100 through upgrades, additional modules, or integrations, while others may benefit from evaluating a different ERP solution as their needs become more complex.
Before making a decision, it’s important to assess your current processes, future requirements, and available options. Learn more in our guide: Should I Upgrade Sage 100?
