- ERP, NetSuite, Sage 200, Sage Intacct
Upgrading to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a big milestone. The right technology can reshape daily operations, give a clearer view of finances, and help you plan for the future. But selecting the best ERP software is only the first step. The real test is how well the implementation is managed.
Many companies start out thinking they can handle the process themselves. Others hire a partner but still see red flags: missed deadlines, creeping costs, or a system that doesn’t fit their needs. When implementation stalls, the benefits of a new ERP quickly disappear. That’s why the guidance of an experienced partner can make all the difference.
First, what is an ERP system?
For executives or finance leaders who may not be familiar with the term, an ERP system is business management software that connects core functions – finance, sales, operations, inventory, HR, into a single platform. Instead of juggling separate tools for accounting, stock control, and reporting, an ERP acts as a central hub where information flows seamlessly across departments.
Think of it as moving from multiple spreadsheets and standalone programs to one secure, always-up-to-date system that everyone can access. The result is better visibility, faster decision-making, and fewer errors.
A closer look at leading ERP platforms
Sage 200
Ideal for small and medium-sized companies that have outgrown entry-level accounting software, Sage 200 offers advanced financial management, project accounting, and inventory control. A growing distributor, for example, can track every item from supplier to customer while keeping real-time financial data in one place.
Sage Intacct
This is a true cloud-based financial management system designed for organisations that need sophisticated accounting and multi-entity consolidation. From non-profits managing restricted funds and grants to healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and multi-location hospitality groups, Sage Intacct helps automate complex reporting and reduce reliance on endless spreadsheets.
NetSuite
A full-suite cloud ERP built for scaling businesses, NetSuite covers everything from finance and CRM to e-commerce and supply chain. Manufacturers can monitor production schedules and costs in real time, while professional services firms can manage projects, resources, and billing within one system.
These platforms share the same goal: to give decision-makers an accurate, up-to-the-minute view of their operations, but each has strengths suited to different industries and growth stages.
How businesses actually use ERP
The power of ERP becomes clear through real examples:
• Retail and e-commerce – A growing online retailer can link its website, stockroom, and finance team through ERP. Orders placed on the website automatically update inventory levels and generate invoices, cutting manual work and avoiding overselling.
• Manufacturing – A furniture manufacturer can track raw materials, monitor production schedules, and manage supplier payments in one system. If a shipment of timber is delayed, managers see the impact instantly and adjust schedules to keep orders on track.
• Professional services – A consultancy can use ERP to capture billable hours, create accurate invoices, and forecast cash flow. Project managers and finance teams access the same data, improving profitability analysis.
• Non-profits – Charities can manage multiple funds and comply with strict reporting requirements. ERP provides clear audit trails, making it easier to show donors and regulators how money is spent.
In each case, the business moves away from siloed systems and gains the ability to make decisions based on real-time data.
Where ERP projects go off track
Even well-prepared teams underestimate how complex an ERP rollout can be. Common trouble spots include:
• Data migration problems – Moving years of financial and operational data is complicated. Without experts, errors can creep in, causing delays and reporting issues later
• Low user adoption – If staff aren’t trained or the system isn’t configured for how they work, they resist the change, slowing down core processes
• Over-engineering – making processes overly complex and harder to manage within the system
• Limited scalability – A system might be powerful enough today but fall short tomorrow if the implementation isn’t built for growth
• Operational disruption – Poor planning can mean days of downtime, hurting productivity and customer service
Each of these challenges can derail a project or cut into your ROI.
How expert guidance changes the outcome
Working with a seasoned ERP partner prevents those headaches. At The Noledge Group, we don’t just “install software.” We align technology with your business goals, using deep knowledge of platforms like NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and Sage 200 to create a plan that fits your workflows and growth strategy.
Here’s how an expert-led approach delivers results:
• A tailored setup from day one – No two companies operate the same way, even in the same industry. We spend time understanding your processes so the system is configured to meet both current and future needs.
• Getting it right the first time – Our team maps processes and plans for scalability before a single line of code is touched. This prevents costly rework and ensures you start benefiting from the software sooner.
• Faster, smoother integration – With experience anticipating common pitfalls, we can reduce disruption to daily operations and help you see a return on investment more quickly.
• Ongoing support and training – Implementation isn’t the finish line. From initial planning through to user training and post-launch support, we stay involved so your staff are confident and your system runs as intended.
• Future-proofing your investment – A good ERP should grow with you. We build in flexibility so the platform scales as your business evolves.
Ready to move forward?
ERP implementation is one of the most significant technology projects a business will ever undertake. Done right, it sets you up for years of growth and better decision-making. Done poorly, it drains resources and creates more problems than it solves.
If you’re planning a move to Sage Intacct, Sage 200, or NetSuite – or if you’re already implementing a system and worried about delays, talk to our team. With expert guidance, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls, keep your project on budget, and start realising the full potential of your ERP investment.
We’re also proud to be exhibiting at this year’s ERP HEADtoHEAD™ event at the Crowne Plaza, Dublin Airport. Join us for live NetSuite demos and discover how ERP can solve real challenges in your business. Register here to attend.
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.