- ERP, NetSuite, Sage 200, Sage Intacct
Cloud-based accounting tools have made it easier than ever for startups and small teams to get up and running with intuitive, easy-to-use systems that offer visibility and automation right out of the box.
But just as a business evolves, so too must its financial systems.
At Noledge, we’ve worked with many organisations that began their journey on entry-level platforms like Xero. As they scaled, however, the limitations of their original setup became more apparent. Eventually, they reached a point where a more robust solution was needed.
This isn’t a criticism of the software itself – it’s simply about recognising when it’s no longer the right fit and taking proactive steps toward a system that aligns with the business’s growing demands. Here’s what accountants, business leaders, and finance teams need to know.
When good software stops being a good fit
Xero is particularly well-suited to startups and small businesses. But it was never designed to handle the intricate requirements of more complex, multi-entity operations. As your business expands, you may find yourself patching gaps with spreadsheets, workarounds, and add-on tools. This typically leads to:
– More manual input
– Increased risk of errors
– Slower reporting
– Limited visibility into real-time financial data
– Greater frustration across finance teams
Some of the common triggers that prompt businesses to re-evaluate Xero include:
– Expansion into new markets or jurisdictions
– The need to manage multiple legal entities
– Growing international operations requiring multi-currency support
– Increased compliance and regulatory requirements
– A need for more advanced reporting and automation
At a certain point, what worked well for you in the early stages of your business becomes a barrier to continued growth.
The moment of transition: What comes next?
One of the most common concerns we hear from businesses is: We know we’ve outgrown Xero – but we’re not sure what comes next.
That’s where our team at Noledge comes in.
We work closely with finance departments and leadership teams to evaluate current pain points and match them with a scalable, cloud-based financial management solution. With experience in delivering Sage Intacct and NetSuite implementations, we help businesses take the next step with confidence.
And that next step doesn’t have to be daunting.
Sage Intacct and NetSuite are two of the most powerful and credible solutions in the cloud ERP space today. Both platforms are built for scale, automation, and visibility – but each brings unique strengths to the table.
Sage Intacct
Sage Intacct is ideal for service-based organisations, not-for-profits, and companies with complex multi-entity structures. It supports:
• Real-time dashboards and reporting
• Automated approvals and workflows
• Built-in compliance tools
• Strong multi-currency and consolidation features
• Easy integration with existing systems
NetSuite
NetSuite is often the go-to for product-based businesses and those with complex supply chains. It offers:
• End-to-end financial, CRM, and inventory management
• Robust order-to-cash and procure-to-pay processes
• Powerful multi-location and multi-subsidiary consolidation
• A single source of truth across all business functions
Choosing the right solution depends on your business model, structure, and long-term goals.
Four signs you’ve outgrown Xero
Still unsure if it’s time to move on? Here are some tell-tale signs:
1. You operate across multiple legal entities or currencies
2. You rely on spreadsheets to supplement core reporting
3. You can’t access key financial data in real time
4. Your business complexity has surpassed Xero’s reporting or automation limits
If any of these sound familiar, it’s likely time to explore your options.
At Noledge, we’re more than just ERP providers – we’re your implementation partners. Our approach ensures you’re not left to navigate the transition alone. Instead, we act as an extension of your team, providing:
• Tailored system recommendations based on your specific needs
• Industry-informed guidance and best practices
• End-to-end implementation support
• Staff training and ongoing assistance
We are accredited Sage and NetSuite partners with a deep understanding of what businesses need to grow, especially when transitioning away from entry-level software.
Looking Beyond Entry-Level Accounting Software
In today’s global business landscape, staying on legacy or entry-level software can limit your agility and ability to scale. Your accounting software should be a driver of growth – not a roadblock.
We help businesses make smart, scalable decisions about their financial systems. Whether you’re ready to move beyond Xero or simply exploring the possibilities, we’re here to help you map the best path forward.
Contact us to book a consultation and learn how Sage or NetSuite can support your business as it expands.
About the Author
Roger Gribbin
Roger Gribbin is an IT professional with over 25 years of experience in various roles, involving assisting customers with selection projects for ERP, CRM, and BI, as well as hands-on implementation and project management in medium-sized organisations in Ireland. He currently serves as the Sales Director for the Noledge Group.