Sector: Membership and trade bodies · Platform: Sage 200
The challenge
To the outside world The IPA looked like quite a small organisation, but it was in fact carrying out a considerable volume of transactions — more than its existing accounting solution, Sage 50, could support. The system had a tendency to crash under the load.
The IPA wanted to start offering customers products based on their interests, which meant introducing a new CRM platform. For that CRM to work at full capacity it had to have the right supporting systems, so moving to a more capable accounting solution became a prerequisite for integrating it effectively.
There was history to deal with, too. Layers of infrastructure had built up from previous systems that no longer fitted: references to general ledger codes from a bygone era, and integrations that were no longer relevant. The IPA knew they needed a partner experienced in Sage who could handle transitions between systems.
Multiple staff needed to create bespoke reports, but often only one operator could produce them at any one time.
The IPA needed a solution that:
- Supported the growth of the organisation
- Made operations as efficient as possible
- Was easy for staff to use
The solution
Impress Solutions began by reviewing The IPA’s general ledger as a whole, and asking what the new world of The IPA needed to look like.
“The value I saw with Impress was that they were so forward-thinking. They took us right back to basics and asked all the right questions: what do you want your general ledger to look like, who are you reporting to, and what do those reports need to look like? Impress were then able to offer a much better-looking and sophisticated system that was easier to use and simple to understand.”
— Stephen Mayer, Financial Controller, The IPA
Sage 200 was then implemented, giving the team bespoke reports, a more detailed chart of accounts, and better controls — including period accounting and simplified processes such as suggested payments.
The results
Bespoke reports could be created at the click of a button and budgeting became easier. The IPA could run an original budget and a flex budget at the same time, making it possible to measure the financial effect of decisions such as offering courses for free during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Other companies in the market were offering basic migration from one software to another, but there were additional things that really attracted us to Impress. Our processes as a business are unusual, with different management groups needing different management reports. Impress took the time to understand our business and what our accounting needs were as a company. A standardised package wouldn’t have been the right fit for us and Impress were able to cater to our needs and provide bespoke support.”
— Stephen Mayer, Financial Controller, The IPA
The experience
“Impress are really quick to respond to our queries. They are always happy to help whether that’s over the phone, which is our preferred method of communication, or via email with their efficient ticketing process. You always know they are prioritising and working on your query, if you have one. Their face-to-face training has also been brilliant for our new starters to show them the system and bring them up to speed with using it.”
— Stephen Mayer, Financial Controller, The IPA