Driving Efficiency with Sage 200 – Alton Cars and Pinnacle
Pinnacle enabled a smooth transition to the latest version of Sage 200
Customer Profile
Alton Cars, one of the UK’s largest independent repair groups, is committed to delivering high-quality vehicle repairs and customer service. To maintain efficiency and ensure ongoing support for their business systems, Alton Cars partnered with Pinnacle to upgrade their Sage 200 solution. This case study highlights how Pinnacle’s expertise enabled a smooth transition to the latest version of Sage 200, minimising downtime and ensuring business continuity.
Sector: Services
Business Need: Business Management
Location: Leeds, United Kingdom
Employees: 440 Employees
The Challenge
Alton Cars recognised the need to upgrade their Sage 200 system to maintain full Sage support and avoid restrictions on assistance for older versions. Initial discussions revealed compatibility issues between their existing Sage server, bespoke 3rd party software and the new Sage 200 version. To prevent disruptions during the transition, Alton Cars and Pinnacle decided to postpone the upgrade until after Alton Cars financial year-end.
The Solution
Understanding the complexities of Alton Cars’ infrastructure, Pinnacle worked closely with their team to deliver a structured upgrade plan:
Server Compatibility Assessment
Pinnacle identified the compatibility issues early and advised on the necessary server upgrades to support the latest Sage 200 version.
Planned Upgrade Execution
To avoid any financial reporting disruptions, Pinnacle scheduled the upgrade post-financial year-end.
Project Management & Communication
A dedicated Pinnacle project manager facilitated discussions via multiple channels to ensure smooth coordination.
Minimal Disruption Implementation
Pinnacle’s team worked efficiently in the background, ensuring minimal downtime for Alton Cars.
Comprehensive Testing
A test company was set up, allowing Alton Cars to evaluate all Sage functions, with any minor issues addressed promptly.
"The main reasoning behind the upgrade was to ensure we have full support going forward, as opposed to restricted support Sage will provide on the previous version, should Pinnacle need assistance. I would like to add the service provided by Pinnacle is excellent as always and your team are always happy to help."
Sophie Braithwaite
Alton Cars
The Results
Since the upgrade, Alton Cars has experienced a stable and well-functioning Sage 200 system and the upgrade has delivered key benefits:
Continued Full Support
The transition ensures ongoing access to both Pinnacle’s expertise and Sage’s support for the latest version.
Seamless User Experience
The system runs efficiently, with no major disruptions reported post-upgrade.
Enhanced Stability
Any initial minor issues were swiftly resolved during the testing phase, allowing for a hassle-free transition.
Reliable Service from Pinnacle
Alton Cars continues to benefit from Pinnacle’s proactive support and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Alton Cars’ Sage 200 upgrade demonstrates the importance of a business being on the most up-to-date version of Sage 200, along with a financial solutions partner which can provide expert support in system transitions.
Pinnacle’s structured approach, seamless execution and commitment to minimising disruption ensured a successful upgrade. With the latest Sage 200 version now in place, Alton Cars is well-positioned for continued operational efficiency and long-term software support.
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