Hannaford LogoMatt Vier of Hannaford describes how Hannaford created a project team to implement Sage ERP EVision and how this team worked with Sage Construction’s project manager and consultants to create and stick to a project plan. He explains the benefits of creating a test environment and having Sage Construction assist with data migration, and discusses how EVision has been quickly and successfully taken up by all employees resulting in a streamlined business.

Below are extracts from the interview – click here to read the full Hannaford EVision interview.


Briefly, what software did Hannaford use previously and what was the driver for changing this?

We used Intellect, another bespoke construction system. Intellect was around 11 years old and only being used optimally by the finance side of the company. Commercially, we were using reports generated from Intellect, however the commercial team were using external sources for their own work which frequently caused a conflict in data when comparing to Intellect.

There were several reasons for moving to a new system; we felt the need for an ERP system that would encourage universal use throughout the company, increase the efficiency of our internal processes and aid the modernisation of the company.

How did you find Sage Construction’s personnel that worked on your project? Were they able to understand your business, and did you set out to achieve the results you wanted to?

Sage Construction’s lead consultant was excellent, he has a great understanding of our business. He has a patient and calming influence, is well organised, clear in his explanation at all times and very knowledgeable. I’m sure we had a simpler implementation in comparison to other complex implementations.

Did you have many changes / configuration changes done to the software and how did this work?

Because of our lack of commercial system processes, we were flexible and open in adopting the natural functionality and processes of EVision, meaning minimal change to the system. Financially we were able to integrate our existing processes without any significant changes to the system or to the processes themselves. In general, EVision has streamlined our business in all areas, including purchasing, sales and purchase invoices, stock and payroll.

During the project we were exposed to Jet Reports, which we purchased. Jet Reports has significantly enhanced our reporting capabilities.

Do you have more users of the system in the business than you had on your previous system and has this improved the sharing of information around the business?

Yes, the entire company is exposed to Sage ERP EVision now, whether directly to the system or through a Jet Report generated from EVision to assist in their daily job. We now have a central source of information feeding the business.

In particular, our commercial team, contracts managers and project co-ordinators were not previously using Intellect, they are now constant and enthusiastic users of EVision. Intellect was capable of being an ERP system, however it was DOS-based and we felt that the functionality was cumbersome and restricted in comparison to the Windows-based EVision. The efficiency and inviting look and feel of EVision has encouraged users to quickly embrace the system.

Click here to read the full Hannaford Sage ERP EVision interview.