RSMUS.comGet data from your association management system into Sage Intacct without a headache
Member-based organizations must maintain close alignment between their association management system (AMS) and their financial management platform. Synchronizing data between the two systems gives decision-makers an accurate, updated and comprehensive look at the group’s financial standing. Unfortunately, many organizations have to move the data manually, draining more resources than they realize. To put things into perspective:
- Depending on organization size, it takes 60-720 hours annually to move data manually.
- Labor spent moving data costs between $8,000 and $37,000 (or more) a year.
- Hidden costs and unexpected errors can add 20-50% to both time and cost.
More than just the cost of doing business, these requirements put a serious strain on membership organizations. Manual data management inflates costs, distracts staff, and creates hours of mundane labor. Just as bad, it makes the data in the financial management system outdated, incomplete, inaccurate or otherwise untrustworthy.
The space between the association management system and the accounting software has been a roadblock for too long. And it stands to get worse as the volume and velocity of data collection both accelerate. That’s why Sage Intacct created a solution. And not just one solution but three.
No matter how it suits your workflows, timeline, or tech stack, Sage Intacct makes it easy, even effortless, to integrate data from your AMS. Which of these works for you?
Crawl
One option that any organization can get started with almost immediately is to export reports from the AMS with the needed data. As long as those reports have headers formatted appropriately for Sage Intacct, the data slots easily into the chart of accounts. It takes a bit of tinkering to get the header format set up, and certain fields are dependent on the chart of accounts, but this is otherwise a quick, easy way to sync the systems.
Walk
For larger organizations or anyone looking to eliminate manual data management from the equation entirely, Sage Intacct offers an open API. Creating a data pipeline between almost any AMS and Sage Intacct takes minimal setup, after which member data flows automatically into the relevant parts of the chart of accounts. Not only does this save tons of time and labor and prevent errors and oversight, but it also means decision makers have a clear, current understanding of financial health at all times.
Run
Sophisticated data management is a reality for any-sized membership organization with Sage Intacct’s open AI. It allows AMS data to flow seamlessly into the financial management platform, but also enables the reverse so that accounting data flows into the AMS. Efficiency and accuracy are maximized through this two-way exchange. On a bigger scale, organizations running on integrated software and automated data are in the best position to innovate, grow and remain relevant over time. One day, automated data flows will be the norm, but Sage Intacct users can make the upgrade already.
Pick the right option with RSM
Any of these options looks better than copying, pasting, and typing data from one system into another. That said, different organizations will want to crawl, walk or run depending on their size, strengths and strategy.
Which choice makes the most sense for your organization? And how will you put the changes in place without breaking an important process along the way? Rely on the Sage Intacct specialists at RSM for help. Our team will help you compare options, plan your transition and make any technical and organizational changes necessary.
All it takes is an AMS and a Sage Intacct license to unleash a world of opportunities, and save substantial time and money along the way. RSM is here to make it possible. Contact us to get started.
Rashida Calvin
Rashida Calvin, CPA, MBA, is a manager in RSM’s Sage Intacct practice, where she helps clients leverage cloud-based ERP solutions to improve financial management and drive organizational growth. With over a decade of experience in business solution consulting, Rashida specializes in implementing ERP systems with a focus on nonprofits, bringing deep expertise in financial reporting, allocations, and process optimization. Her background includes working with leading technologies such as Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics GP, and Bill.com to deliver tailored solutions that enhance efficiency and visibility for her clients. Rashida is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a BBA in Accounting from Howard University and an MBA from Marymount University.
