CASE STUDY
Possum Ltd
Migration from Sage 50 to Microsoft Business Central with integrated Service App and Cyber Essentials Accreditation
Who are Possum Ltd
Since its inception in the 1960’s, Possum has strived to innovate and deliver assistive technology and telecare solutions to help people with a range of needs including the elderly and people with learning difficulties. As a result of its considerable efforts, in 2009 Possum received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category.
Possum’s range of products are supported with comprehensive end user training and a nationwide service engineer network.
The challenge
Possum, a UK-based company, had built its operations on a mix of systems including Sage 50 for accounting, a bespoke operations platform, and a mobile service engineer application. While these tools had supported the business for many years, they began to limit efficiency and made it harder to connect different parts of the organisation.
At the same time, growing opportunities in their sector meant that achieving Cyber Essentials certification had become increasingly important. Strengthening cybersecurity and modernising IT systems were not just about reducing risk—they represented a chance for Possum to unlock greater efficiency, meet supply chain requirements, and position the company for sustainable growth.
The solutionMigration from Sage 50 to Microsoft Business Central with integrated Service App and Cyber Essentials Accreditation
Business Central + Service Engineer Power App provides full integrated system
Qi Ltd undertook a comprehensive, managed upgrade of Possum’s IT infrastructure, executing the project in phases to meet Possums timeframe which had Cyber Essentials accreditation front and centre.
Key initiatives included:
Microsoft 365 Enhanced Licensing
Microsoft 365 Business Premium: Upgraded licensing to provide enhanced security features, including antivirus protection across all endpoint devices.
Improved Infrastructure Security
Firewall Upgrade: Implemented a more robust firewall to protect the network perimeter.
Managed Cyber Essentials Accreditation
Cyber Essentials Certification: Qi took Possum through the Cyber Essentials accreditation process, completing the certification process on their behalf and providing enhanced infrastructure support to ensure annual re-accreditation is not jeopardised.
Business Central implementation as a central ERP
Sage Accounts Data Migration to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Transferred all historical data from Sage 50 to a modern, browser-based ERP system, consolidating accounting and operational functions into a single platform.
Replacing legacy bespoke system with Business Central functionality
Replacement of Bespoke Operations System: Replaced the legacy system with Business Central’s core functionalities. Qi’s expertise in customising set up, using dimensions, personalisations and custom cues was pivotal in ensuring a unified data source for better decision-making was available to the Possum team.
Service Engineer mobile Power App with offline capabilities
Service Engineer Mobile Application: Qi Developed a user-friendly Power App for field engineers, enabling real-time data synchronization with Business Central with offline capabilities for areas with limited connectivity.
The outcome
Migrating to a modern centralised system streamlines operations, delivers clearer, real time reporting, and improves overall efficiency.
Cyber Essentials protects the business from common cyber threats, safeguards stakeholder data, and builds trust by meeting security and supply chain requirements.
The successful implementation of these solutions resulted in:
Cyber Essentials Accreditation: Possum achieved certification, maintaining their reputation and in the market and giving all stakeholders confidence in the company’s data security and resilience.
Unified Data Platform: A single, real-time data source across the business, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
Enhanced Security Posture: Upgraded systems and processes that meet modern cybersecurity standards, reducing vulnerabilities.
Improved Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes and modernised tools leading to better service delivery and customer satisfaction.
AI-powered automation for Business Central: Has enabled Possum to unlock smarter workflows thus improving efficiencies even further
Qi’s comprehensive approach not only met Possum’s cybersecurity needs but also equipped us with the business systems to drive our growth strategy, strengthen our operational resilience, and position the business for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.