Things to consider before migrating to Sage Accounting

Do we have to start afresh? 

This is decided on a dataset-by-dataset basis with your Migration Specialist, but as a rule we will migrate 2 years’ worth of history. In datasets where there are barriers to migration, we offer an alternative route known as a ‘Shell Migration’. This is where we would migrate over the Customer List, Supplier List and your Chart of Accounts and you would need to set up Opening Balances within Sage Accounting for a date of your preference.

Does it matter what version my Sage 50 Data is on?

The Migration Service requires the data to be on Sage 50 Accounts v16 or above, anything earlier than this is no longer compatible with our current version of Sage 50 Accounts and therefore not compatible with the migration software.

Can you migrate data from Sage 50 Accounts Professional?

There are several features available in Sage 50 Accounts Professional that are not yet available in Sage Accounting. If you confirm that these features are not required, then yes, we can migrate these datasets.

Do I have to wait until I have closed my financial year end or VAT period to migrate?

No, unless there is a need or a want to do Opening Balances then we can migrate at any point during a period.

Can Sage Accounting link to Sage 50 Payroll using Nominal Link?

Nominal Link works between desktop products and you cannot connect your Sage Accounting data to Sage 50 Payroll. You can however post journals to reflect these transactions.

If you choose to migrate your Payroll into Sage Accounting, then you can link Sage Accounting with SBCP.

If my client or I use Bank Feeds in Sage 50 Accounts will this affect the migration?

It doesn't affect the migration, but if you wish to continue using the Bank Feeds service in Sage Accounting you must disable bank feeds in Sage 50 Accounts first. This can take up to 14 working days to complete. Once this is done, you can set up Bank Feeds in Sage Accounting.

Can I still integrate with Microsoft 365?

Sage Accounting does not integrate with Microsoft 365 for emailing purposes. Instead, you can amend the company settings for which email you would like any documentation to be sent from.

You can export data and reports to CSV to continue working with Microsoft Excel if required, but it does not have Excel Integrated Reporting functionality.

How long does migration take? 

We try to migrate your data within 3 working days, however this is on a dataset-by-dataset basis, depending on varying factors which will be discussed and established in a validation call with your Migration Specialist.

Can I migrate a client if they don't use Sage 50 Accounts and we do the processing for them?

As long as you have a backup from Sage 50 Accounts, we can migrate your data. You can choose to continue processing for the client or, as Sage Accounting has unlimited users at no extra cost, you can invite your client to access the data to help with the processing. Sage Accounting also offers the ability to restrict access to users, therefore you can also grant your clients a read-only view of the data.

Can I process while the data is being migrated?

Although we cannot stop you doing this, we strongly advise against it. Anything processed during the time a migration is in progress will need to be reprocessed in Sage Accounting.

How far back can I go in years, can you migrate everything?

No, we migrate 2 years’ worth of history from Sage 50 Accounts to Sage Accounting. However, you will still have access to a read-only licence of the data held on the desktop. You can use this to run reports from the software and access any historical transactions if required.

Will you migrate the data for me, or will I have to?

You are allocated a dedicated Migration Specialist who can migrate the data for you.

Further information

If you'd like to know more about the benefits of moving to Sage Accounting and the advantages of it, read our handy guide now. Find out more >