Independent Finance System & ERP Consulting since 1990
FOR EXCHEQUER DISTRIBUTION CUSTOMERS
Moving on from Exchequer
Exchequer has been at the heart of your business for years, managing everything from order processing and stock control to finance. Replacing it is a significant decision, but it doesn't need to be a leap into the unknown. With decades of hands-on Exchequer experience, extensive knowledge of today's ERP market and specialist migration tools, we can help you make the right choice and move forward with confidence.
TWENTY YEARS OF LOYAL SERVICE
A system that has earned its place
For many wholesale distribution businesses, Exchequer has been the operational backbone for fifteen, twenty or even more years. From sales order processing and purchasing to stock control and finance, it underpins almost every aspect of daily operations. Over time, it has become deeply embedded in your business processes, your team's knowledge and the historical data you've built up over decades. Replacing it isn't simply changing software – it's changing the system your business depends on
Replacing decades of business-critical systems demands experience, not guesswork.
THE WORLD HAS MOVED ON
How software is bought and run has changed
Today
✕
An on-premise server that may be creaking at the seams
✕
Windows Server versions to keep up to date
✕
Backups that may still rely on tape
✕
Support that hasn't kept pace with your business
Tomorrow
✓
No server to buy, maintain or back up
✓
Software delivered as a service (SaaS), in the cloud,Â
✓
Updates and security handled for you
✓
Access from anywhere with WiFi, on any device
Whether you spend £1m on SAP or £50 a month on Xero, the server has gone.
Every modern ERP now runs in the cloud.
WHAT IT REALLY COSTS
The new cost model – and what you get for it
The ERP market today is a very different proposition.
​
Most modern ERP solutions operate on a subscription model, with ongoing monthly or annual fees covering software access, hosting, updates and support. You no longer own the software, and the traditional approach of having consultants on-site throughout implementation and training is increasingly uncommon.
​
For businesses using Exchequer primarily for core finance, the transition may be relatively straightforward. However, if you rely on functionality such as sales order processing, stock planning, job costing, works orders or other operational modules, the picture can be considerably more complex.
Modern ERP solutions offering equivalent functionality can require 9–12 months to implement, with implementation, configuration and migration costs potentially approaching or exceeding £100,000, before ongoing subscription costs are considered.
​
That's why comparing ERP solutions on headline subscription prices alone can be misleading. The real comparison is the total cost of ownership over three to five years, including implementation, migration, configuration, training, support and future requirements.
​
At Accountech, we understand both sides of that equation. We know Exchequer, its functionality and the businesses that depend on it, alongside the capabilities and commercial models of modern ERP systems. We also recognise the value of practical, hands-on support, which is why we continue to offer on-site consultancy and staff training where location permits.
​
The objective isn't simply to replace Exchequer. It's to ensure the investment delivers genuine operational improvements and long-term value for your business.
Understanding these costs, and comparing solutions on a genuinely like-for-like basis, is where experienced, independent ERP advice can make a significant difference.
MIGRATION
Your data, ready for your new ERP
Whichever system you choose – Xero, SAP or anything in between – your new vendor will ask you for two sets of data:
Static data
Customers, suppliers, stock items, chart of accounts and more
Closing positions at go-live
Detailed aged debtors and creditors, closing stock and closing trial balance
Getting that data out of Exchequer and into the right format is one of the most time-consuming, error-prone parts of any migration. Our Exchequer Migration Tool does it for you.
Exchequer Migration Tool Price
£999
1
Run the Exchequer export files we provide.
2
Upload them to the tool, along with the import templates your new vendor gives you.
3
The tool maps your Exchequer data and creates completed import files in your new ERP's format.
YOUR EXCHEQUER HISTORY
Keep seven years of history at your fingertips
Once you've moved on, you still need access to your Exchequer history – for audits, queries and HMRC. Keeping Exchequer running on a read-only (RTU) licence can be expensive. eXchequerVault is a one-off alternative.
We extract all your Exchequer data and load it into eXchequerVault.
You receive an encrypted external hard drive to keep in your safe.
If HMRC inspects, plug it into a laptop by USB and view every transaction from the last seven years.
eXchequerVault Price
£4,999
Seven years of Exchequer transactions, searchable and secure, designed to support your HMRC record-keeping requirements.
eXchequerVault Pro
INCLUDES SCANNED
PURCHASE NVOICES
£5,999
Everything in eXchequerVault, plus your scanned PDF purchase invoices, linked and viewable.
Our largest saving for a single customer, compared with a read-only licence quote, was just under £40,000.
WHERE NEXT?
What could replace Exchequer?
STRAIGHTFORWARD BUSINESSES
Xero with integrated order processing and stock
For single-entity businesses with simpler accounting and moderate volumes, we've migrated Exchequer customers onto Xero with a fully integrated, dedicated order processing and stock system. A cost-effective route, typically 12 weeks from project kick-off to go-live, for businesses that fit the criteria.
Typically 12 weeks to go-live
MORE COMPLEX BUSINESSES
A full ERP, chosen on evidence
If you have higher volumes, multiple entities, bespoke development or Exchequer add-ons such as Stockplan, EWS or PostTrans, the right answer needs more work. We start with a detailed discovery and scoping session, then provide a fully auditable vendor shortlist with indicative costs.
Discovery, shortlist and indicative costs
HOW WE CAN HELP
Choose with confidence
Our recommendation is always to follow a robust, best-practice ERP vendor comparison and selection process. You can work with us in the way that suits you:
Ad hoc advice and support
Guidance, sense-checks and expert input while you run the process yourself.
Ready to plan your move from Exchequer?
Start with a free discovery call. We'll talk through how you use Exchequer today and the options that fit your business.