Why Getting People On Board Matters

Why successful Sage 200 implementation projects prioritise people

A successful Sage 200 implementation is never just about getting the software live. While Sage 200 Professional is a capable ERP system, its real value comes when the people behind the processes understand it, trust it and want to use it. That means a Sage 200 implementation should focus as much on the people as it does on the platform.

At Evolution, we see it time and time again. Businesses come to us thinking Sage 200 is not working for them, but it is not the software at fault. It is how the system was introduced, how processes were mapped, and how teams were brought on board.

Why Sage 200 projects sometimes fall short

In most cases, Sage 200 does exactly what it was configured to do. The issue is that the configuration did not reflect how the business really operates.

Here are some common signs the Sage 200 implementation was not people-focused:

• Teams were not involved in early planning
  • There was no clear explanation of why the system was needed
  • Training happened under pressure just before go-live
  • System processes did not match the way people actually work

The result? Adoption is low. Spreadsheets creep back in. Reports become unreliable. And confidence in the system fades.

Usage is not the same as adoption

It is possible to enforce usage. You can switch off old systems, mandate new processes and remove access to alternatives. But that approach usually leads to minimal compliance, not meaningful engagement.

People might do what is required, but they will not take ownership. They will work around the system, not with it.

A successful Sage 200 implementation is not about control. It is about confidence.

What works in real Sage 200 implementation projects

When the people using the system are considered from day one, the implementation process becomes more strategic, more realistic and far more effective.

Start by explaining why the change is happening

You do not need to overwhelm teams with technical detail. Instead, make sure they know:

• What business issue Sage 200 is solving
  • How it will help them in their day-to-day roles
  • Why now is the right time for the change

Clarity and transparency go a long way.

Listen to the people doing the work

The way your finance, purchasing and warehouse teams use Sage 200 will vary. If they flag concerns during discovery, take that seriously. Their feedback often highlights risks before they become real problems.

Configure Sage 200 around your real-world workflows

Sage 200 is flexible, but only if it is shaped around what is actually happening inside your business. Off-the-shelf processes or demo-style configurations rarely work in practice. Build the system around reality, not theory.

Make training part of the journey, not a tick-box

The best Sage 200 implementations create space for users to learn without pressure. When people feel supported and trusted, they are more likely to engage with the system and raise concerns early. This saves time and fixes further down the line.

When people trust the system, everything changes

When your team feels confident using Sage 200:

• Data quality improves
  • Reporting becomes more reliable
  • Resistance drops
  • Ownership increases

You stop needing to chase people to use the system. They start choosing it by default.

At that point, Sage 200 stops being seen as just a finance tool and becomes the operational backbone of the business.

A successful Sage 200 implementation is a people-first project

Even the most technically sound ERP system will struggle if the people using it do not trust it. You can have the right platform and still fall short of your goals if adoption is low.

That is why our Sage 200 implementation strategy always puts people at the centre. We help you understand what is getting in the way, how your teams work, and what support they need to make the most of the system.

Let us help your Sage 200 implementation deliver long-term value

If you are planning a Sage 200 implementation or trying to recover from a project that has not landed well, we can help. Our consultancy-led approach ensures the system works for your business and your people.

Because real results do not come from software alone. They come from people who trust it.