RESOURCE

Sage X3
Implementation Guide
Dive into Sage X3 implementation with Datel. Learn about
our proven six-stage implementation process, the benefits of
working with the UK’s leading Sage X3 partner, and more.
Contents
Why Sage X3? 3

How Sage X3 implementation works with Datel 5

Sage X3 implementation roadmap 6

Stage 1: Project preparation 8

Stage 2: Scoping 11

Stage 3: Installation and configuration 13

Stage 4: Key user training and user existence testing 15

Stage 5: End-user training and Ready for Go Live 16

Stage 6: Go-Live 17

Why it pays to work with a Sage X3 implementation partner 18

Why Sage X3?
Sage X3 is an integrated enterprise resource planning
(ERP) solution for global, product-centric organisations.

From production and financials to supply chain, Sage X3

connects every business unit to give you complete control
and visibility. With market-leading capabilities, flexible
architecture, and a range of hosting options, Sage X3
works with any organisation.

3
Sage X3 benefits
Simple, flexible, and scalable – Sage X3 gives you everything you need to manage your business.

Enhanced decision making Effortless collaberation Increased efficiency

Extensive reporting capabilities, Available anywhere, anytime, on any Built-in automation streamlines internal
dynamic dashboards, and embedded device, Sage X3 allows seamless processes, saving time, enhancing
business intelligence provide company- collaboration across departments – productivity, and removing bottlenecks.
wide insight. making it ideal for global organisations.

One solution for global operations

213% average customer return on investment (Forrester)

12% average annual inventory level reduction (Forrester)

>40% average finance team productivity gain (Sage)

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How Sage X3 implementation works
with Datel
Implementing an ERP solution takes time. So, it’s essential that you choose a Sage X3 partner
with the knowledge and experience to keep your project on track.

Working with Datel gives you access to the UK’s largest team of Sage X3 consultants and APM-
accredited project managers. You’ll receive expert guidance and support throughout your
journey, built around our proven six-stage process.
Sage X3 implementation roadmap
Large-scale business transformation projects can seem daunting, so we split our implementation process into six
manageable phases. Our specialist Sage X3 consultants support you every step of the way to ensure your journey is
as smooth as possible.

1 2 3

Installation and
Project preparation Scoping
configuration

The core project team will meet to Over multiple sessions, we’ll analyse We’ll build your solution using sample
discuss your objectives and your needs and select the necessary datasets, testing and refining
requirements. We’ll explore the modules, add-ons, and integrations. constantly to ensure it meets your
software, recommend features, and We’ll capture this information in DTS requirements. Then, we’ll walk
create your project plan. your description of target solution you through the configured solution.
(DTS).
Key milestones: Key milestones:
Key milestones:
Project kick-off Sample data loading
Requirements capture Data extraction and cleansing Solution installation, configuration,
Project plan creation Scoping sessions and testing
DTS creation and walkthrough Configured solution walkthrough

6
 4 5 6

Key user training and End-user training and Ready

Go-live
user acceptance testing for Go Live Walkthrough

After testing your newly configured Once your key users are We’ll migrate your remaining live
solution, we begin key user training comfortable using Sage X3, end- data and launch your solution.
to teach your team how to use Sage user training begins. As soon as We’ll show you how to contact
X3. As part of this stage, we’ll run everyone’s familiar with Sage X3, our award-winning customer
user acceptance tests to ensure the we ask you to complete a Ready support team and introduce you
solution meets your expectations. for Go Live Walkthrough. This is to your dedicated account
your opportunity to present the manager. They’ll check in with
Key milestones: solution back to us and your regularly over the coming
Solution validation demonstrate your new found months to help you get the most
Key user training proficiency with the software. out of Sage X3.
User acceptance training
Key milestones: Key milestones:

Solution sign-off Live data migration

End-users training Solution launch
Ready for go-live walkthrough Post go-live support

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 Stage 1: Project preparation
We’ll meet with your key stakeholders to understand how your business operates, and what you want to achieve. This gives
us a better idea of what you’re looking for and how we can make it happen.

Following this meeting, we’ll invite you to a live Sage X3 demonstration. Here, you'll see the solution in action to help you
understand what it's like to work with Sage X3 day to day.

Kick-off meeting

We begin every Sage X3 implementation project the same way: with a project kick-off meeting. In this session, we discuss
your business objectives and outline:

Key roles and responsibilities

Milestones and estimated timelines

Expectations and deadlines

Dependencies and risks

One of our APM-accredited project managers runs the session alongside your Datel Sage X3 executive sponsor. From your
side, we recommend inviting only the core members of your project team to keep the conversation focused.

We recommend inviting your internal project sponsor, system administrator, and a representative from senior leadership.

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 Requirements capture

These in-depth sessions allow us to dig deeper into

your requirements. This includes specific
configurations you’ve requested and add-ons you’ve
purchased as part of your Sage X3 solution.

Capturing your requirements enables us to make

more relevant recommendations during the project
scoping phase and spot potential risks early. We’ll
then use this information to create your project plan.

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Common Sage X3 implementation project risks

Resource availability Data availability Business change

Consider how holidays, illness, and Ensure you have the internal Think about how unanticipated
staff turnover can impact delivery resources to review, cleanse, and changes – like internal
timelines when planning your migrate business-critical data. restructuring or a new process –
project. could affect your project.

Project scope Training

Clearly define your project To get the most out of Sage X3,
parameters to avoid scope creep, your team needs to understand it.
budget overruns, and missed Set aside time and resources to
deadlines. train your team.

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 Stage 2: Scoping
Once you’ve approved the project plan, we begin laying the technical foundations of your new solution.

Scoping sessions

Working together, our specialist Sage X3 consultants explore the technical specifications, settings, and data that
underpin your solution.

We take a modular approach to scoping, with dedicated sessions for each area of your solution. Session one might
cover financial data requirements, session two the type of dashboards you need to monitor performance, and so on.

We don’t believe in lift-and-shift solutions. If something isn’t right for your business, we’ll work with you to find an
alternative.

Data extraction and cleansing

We ask you to begin extracting data from your existing ERP solution and preparing it for migration between
scoping sessions.

Missing or inaccurate data causes issues which may delay project go-live. Getting a head start on migration helps
you identify potential problems early. Crucially, we’ll need sample datasets to install and configure your solution.

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 Solution definition

You’ll receive your Description of Target Solutions (DTS)

document at the end of your final scoping session. A proposal
and blueprint rolled into one, the DTS explains what your Sage
X3 does and how we’ll deliver it.

We ask you to review the document carefully to:

Confirm the information is correct

Gather your feedback on the proposed solution

Ensure everyone's aligned and ready to proceed

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 Stage 3: Installation and
configuration
Next, we use sample data to install and configure your solution.

Installation
Installation covers your core Sage X3 solution, as well as any add-ons and
third-party integrations you’ve selected.

Our team of Sage X3 and technical experts have years of combined

experience deploying ERP solutions for businesses in various industries.
They take care of the entire process, so you don’t have to bring in any third-
party consultants.

Configuration
This is where we fine-tune your solution based on the settings outlined in
your DTS. We test your solution repeatedly during the configuration process
to identify and address any potential issues ahead of time. This ensures
everything works as intended and is ready for go-live.

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 How long does it take to install
and configure Sage X3?
That depends on several factors, including the size of your
business and the scope of your solution. We’ll get a clearer
idea of how long installation and configuration will likely
take during the preparation phase.

Configured solution walkthrough

Once we’ve made the final tweaks, we invite you to a configured solution walkthrough.

More than a simple overview, your Sage X3 consultant takes you on a guided tour of your new solution. This includes
everything from core processes to specific features and functionality – with plenty of real-world use cases highlighting
Sage X3’s considerable potential.

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 Stage 4: Key user training and
user-acceptance testing
Before we release your solution into the wild, your people need to know how to use it.

At this stage, we focus on training your key users, giving them the knowledge and confidence to onboard your wider team.

Key user training

Based on the I do, we do, you do methodology, our hands-on training sessions teach key users everything they need to
know about Sage X3.

We explore the solution systematically, covering each area in turn. There’s no limit to the number of attendees. However,
we recommend restricting the sessions to five or six participants to ensure everyone gets the one-to-one tuition they need.

User acceptance testing

A crucial stage in the Sage X3 implementation process, user acceptance testing allows you to put your new solution
through its paces in a controlled, pre-live environment. Think of it as an opportunity to validate your solution and make any
last-minute tweaks.

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 Stage 5: End-user training and
Ready for Go Live
With launch day fast approaching, it’s time to onboard your end-users. End-user training takes anywhere from a
couple of days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size of your team. We recommend starting the process as
soon as you’ve completed UAT.

End-user training
There’s no set curriculum or mandatory courses – you’re free to choose whatever works for you and your team.

Not sure where to start? We advise a systematic approach, with separate lessons for each solution area. This makes
it more manageable for users, giving them the time to familiarise themselves with the software at their own pace.

Ready for Go Live walkthrough

Unique to Datel, our Ready for Go Live Walkthrough turns the tables and asks you to
demonstrate your newfound skills to the project team. This session demonstrates your readiness
to deploy Sage X3 – to us and your internal stakeholders.

Some customers reach the end of the walkthrough and still don’t feel completely confident using
the solution. That’s fine. We’ll regroup and discuss your options to find the best way forward.

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 Stage 6: Go-live
With installation, configuration, and training complete, we’re ready to launch your solution.

This is one of the most gratifying days of the project, but there are one or two final things you’ll need to complete
first. The primary task being to migrate any remaining static and transactional data into Sage X3 and reviewing for
discrepancies.

There are many moving parts during go-live. Our Sage X3 consultants provide guidance and support throughout the
process to ensure things go as smoothly as possible.

Post-launch support
Once the dust has settled, we introduce you to your dedicated account manager. They’ll check in with you regularly
over the coming months and years to help you get the most out of Sage X3.

You’ll also have access to our award-winning, UK-based customer support team. Alongside reliable break/fix
support, we provide expert support covering:

General platform queries

User errors
Datel-managed third-party integrations

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Why it pays to work with a Sage X3
implementation partner
Sage X3 is an ERP that can bring game-changing benefits for global businesses, but implementing it doesn't happen
overnight. Whether deploying a business management system for the first time or moving from another solution – it takes
time, resources, and careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Rather than trying to manage everything in-house, most businesses rely on a specialist Sage X3 implementation partner,
like Datel. Our expert Sage X3 consultants combine product expertise, technical knowledge, and experience to guide you
through the process.

What sets Datel apart?

98% customer satisfaction Sage X3 Partner Of the Year The UK’s largest team of
winner expert Sage consultants

APM-accredited project Award-winning customer Over 40 years experience

managers support

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 Unrivalled expertise

Over 40 years of experience, thousands of successful implementations, and unmatched product expertise make us
the UK’s leading Sage X3 partner. Our consultative approach gets to the heart of your business, delivering future-
proof solutions that scale with your success.

APM-accredited

Your project’s in safe hands with Datel. Our APM-certified project managers oversee every step of your journey,
carefully monitoring your progress to ensure things run smoothly.

Sage X3 specialists

With the largest team of Sage X3 consultants in the UK, we've implemented solutions for businesses in a range of
industries, from discrete manufacturing to pharmaceuticals. This gives us unrivalled insight into your challenges and
requirements, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions.

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 Award winning support
With Datel, you’ll have access to a team of over 50 customer support
professionals with a range of product specialisms and accreditations.
So whether you’re looking for technical support a day after go-live or
the inside track on a new feature years from now, we’ve got you
covered.

Trusted Sage partner

Have an idea for a new feature? We use our close working
relationship with Sage to escalate your feedback directly to their
team, giving you a say in how your software develops.

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“The Datel team won’t just quickly sort
something, they’ll take the time to explain
how to do it ourselves, so should that query
come up again, it's something that we
potentially can solve.”

– Simon Hirst, Business Systems Analyst at Anpario

 Most businesses understand technology can play a fundamental role in helping
them realise their aspirations, but they won’t necessarily know how.

But we do.

We understand that software alone isn't enough. We know that by helping you to
get the very best from the technology to become more efficient, productive, and
innovative, while staying one step ahead of the competition, is what really
matters.

Value is having a team in your corner who knows how to align the capability of
the software, with the ambitions of the business. It’s the same people who stay by
your side to make sure it delivers.

Speak to our team today.

Power to your potential