Sage Intacct integrations help businesses improve productivity, efficiency, and overall profitability. However, incorporating Sage Intacct ERP too quickly into a company’s IT infrastructure may result in unintended prwoject delays.
Multiple issues can arise, from employee concerns to technical problems and decision-making delays. While some delays may be due to Sage Cloud ERP integration, this is not always the case. Proper planning and preparation can help avoid most issues.
Below, the five most beneficial strategies for preventing Sage Intacct integration delays are examined in more detail.
Five Strategies to Avoid Sage Intaact Integration Delays
The following are the top five strategies an organization can use to avoid delays in Sage Intacct integration:
- Identify Key Decision-Makers From the Outset
Identify the decision-makers that will properly steer the Sage Intacct integration process from the start.
To keep the Sage Intacct integration moving forward, identify the decision-makers and assign them ownership for the most optimal outcome. Avoid having team members pull in different directions, potentially steering the project off track. All team members require a clear sense of leadership.
As stakeholders are responsible for making final decisions, their judgments must align with overall business goals.
Stakeholders must advocate for the team and handle critical decisions related to various aspects of the integration project, such as:
- Core Business Processes
- Timeline Management
- Scope Adjustments
- Budget Allocation
2. Document Cross-Functional Activities Before Integration
Businesses should map out their cross-functional processes and document them properly. This mapping should be assessed before integrating new tools and systems to track the business’ growth path properly. As companies constantly evolve, this mapping is a crucial ongoing process throughout business cycles.
Assess how the team currently handles data between apps. What methods and tools are they using? Are they efficient in doing their part?
Various teams must work together to integrate Sage Intacct software with the CRM, so a proper understanding of which and how many systems are in the mix is crucial. Determine which tasks, when automated, will bring the most benefit.
Mapping and documenting are critical to ensure the success of the Sage Intacct integration. For example, for an accounting business, process documentation is vital in areas such as:
- Ledger Management.
- Payment Collection
- Book Closures
- Invoicing
- Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable
- Adjustments
- Returns/Refunds
- Financial Statements
3. Obtain a Web Services License
Sage Intacct has flexible, open APIs, making third-party integrations straightforward. However, a Web Services User and Sender ID are required to access the ERP’s API power.
What exactly is a Web Services Sender ID?
A Web Services Sender ID is a security measure that ensures only authorized users connect to the Sage Intacct API. The Sender ID verifies team member identities before allowing data exchange between systems. With this credential, integration will proceed safely and smoothly.
Obtaining a Web Services license is essential to integrate Sage Intacct ERP with other tools.
How to Obtain a Web Services Sender ID and Password?
Most Sage Intacct users may already have a Web Services Sender ID and password. For those without a web services sender ID and password, team members should contact their account manager directly to access Intacct from Sage and obtain these essential credentials efficiently.
Sage works with resellers that include the new customers’ ID and password in the agreement. Contact the reseller from whom the Sage Intacct software was purchased to obtain ID and password information.
4. Clarify Admin Access Across Systems
Every software, including Sage Cloud ERP, has security systems to safeguard sensitive data. It is imperative to securely establish which team members have control and access. Often, each department holds administrative rights to the tools they rely on daily.
The stakeholders responsible for connecting APIs require admin access to specific systems, which is vital to keeping operations running smoothly.
Department heads and critical decision-makers must assess the delegation and responsibilities of all team members before starting the integration and work together to create a detailed list of contacts with administrative privileges.
This is crucial in determining and understanding which team members have admin access across systems, ensuring the integration partner obtains the access they need precisely when needed, and there is no chance for delays.
When working with a digital consulting firm, further clarification is required to outline the delegation of tasks with the consulting firm team as well.
5. Add Multiple Stakeholders to the Project
Adding multiple stakeholders to the project is essential for small teams. Often, small businesses try to complete the project with only one or a few team members. However, regardless of an organization’s size, the integration process can stretch over several weeks or potentially even months, depending on the scope.
Hence, assigning at least three team members to the integration project is crucial. Any temporary fixes will hurt in the long run for such a long-term and integral project for the overall business structure. Implement a strong team from the outset to provide a solid structure for this integration process.
Inevitably, many bumps will occur throughout the integration project—schedules shift, priorities change, and people may go on leave. With human involvement, not every aspect of the project can be controlled. The entire project may stall when it relies only on one or two key players.
As such, establishing a solid team with multiple stakeholders will enable a company to keep the integration moving forward with this built-in coverage and flexibility, ensuring limited delays.
How to Select the Right Sage Intacct ERP Integration Partner?
Selecting the ideal integration partner for Sage Intacct can be daunting. With diverse options, choosing a partner that aligns with business goals is vital.
Here are a few essential considerations to help make an informed decision:
- Assess Industry Experience
When looking for a Sage Intacct integration partner, focus on its industry experience. A partner with a proven track record will better understand a business’s unique structure and challenges.
An agency must understand industry regulations, processes, etc., no matter the specific industry.
Here are a few elements to consider to secure a well-fitted integration partner:
- Request case studies or references
- Verify history with comparable companies
- Assess knowledge of relevant compliance standards
- Evaluate Technical Expertise
Another critical factor to consider is the integration partner’s technical prowess. Sage Intacct ERP has various modules that its partners must have an in-depth knowledge of. The integration partner must have certified professionals on their team.
Be sure to assess the partner’s experience with customizations and APIs. These capabilities can significantly impact the integration’s effectiveness.
The partner’s technical skills are crucial to make or break the project.
- Review Client Testimonials
Client testimonials can offer valuable insights into the partner’s performance. Do not rely only on their marketing materials; instead, reach out to former clients to gauge their satisfaction.
Ask specific questions about their integration process and after-integration support.
Consider the following points when reviewing testimonials:
- Responsiveness and Communication skills
- Quality of Post-Implementation Support
- Ability to Meet Deadlines
- Understand Various Pricing Structures
Have a solid understanding of the pricing structures of the potential integration partners. Be wary of hidden costs or vague pricing models that could overrun budgets.
Request a detailed breakdown of fees. The breakdown must include setup costs, ongoing maintenance, and support charges for Sage Intacct ERP integration.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Obtain quotes from multiple integration agencies
- Understand what is included in the price
- Compare offerings and overall value
How Big Bang Ensures Smooth Sage Intacct Integration
Carrying out the Sage Intacct integration process as quickly as possible is a priority for any business. Delays due to flaws in planning and preparation should not affect a company or its operational efficiency. By following the strategies discussed in this blog post, companies can address these delays to a considerable extent. However, wholehearted efforts are necessary from the Sage Intacct integration team.
At the same time, working with a reliable digital consulting firm to carry out the project is vital for optimal results and working in a respectful timeframe with reduced delays.
If your company is searching for such an agency, Big Bang 360 is a top choice in the field. With extensive knowledge of the Sage Intacct ERP alongwith Netsuite ERP and years of experience working with diverse Sage integration projects, Bing Bang – ERP Consultants has an extraordinary team to help with the integration processes across several industries.
Big Bang 360 ensures an efficient integration process and constant post-integration support.
Contact Big Bang 360 for a free Sage Intacct integration consultation.
