Why Your Accounting Firm Should Consider Sentinel: A Success Story

In today’s digital age, accounting firms face a crucial challenge: maintaining robust, efficient IT systems that can handle sensitive financial data while ensuring maximum productivity. The story of England & Company, a respected accounting firm with over 40 years of experience, demonstrates why Sentinel might be the solution your firm needs.

The Warning Signs: When IT Starts Holding You Back

Does this sound familiar? Your team is experiencing:

Frustratingly long login times
Frequent system crashes
Screen freezing during critical tasks
Delays in adding new users
Disruptive software updates during peak hours
Inadequate security measures

These were exactly the challenges facing England & Company, a firm of 28 qualified accountants and support staff managing over 1,000 clients. Despite using industry-standard software (Iris Accountancy Suite), their third-party hosted environment was becoming a liability rather than an asset.

The Real Cost of Poor IT Infrastructure

For England & Company, the situation became so dire that they had to create a specific nominal code in their accounts for system downtime – a red flag that no accounting firm should ignore. As Director Cheryl Lawes noted, “Our productivity was dropping, and colleagues were becoming increasingly frustrated.”

The Sentinel Solution: More Than Just IT Support

Sentinel’s approach to solving England & Company’s challenges offers valuable insights for other accounting firms:

1. Dedicated Resources

Instead of competing for server resources in a shared environment, Sentinel provided a dedicated server configured specifically for the firm’s needs. This eliminated the performance issues that had plagued their previous setup.

2. Complete Cloud Migration

Rather than settling for a hybrid solution, Sentinel implemented a fully managed environment where:

All applications are accessible via the cloud
Sensitive data and documents are stored securely
User screens can be customized to specific requirements
Everything is managed from a secure data centre

3. Infrastructure Upgrade

The solution included:

New thin clients replacing aging PCs
Updated network infrastructure
New switches and routers
Modern Wi-Fi access points
Fibre leased line installation

The Results: A Testament to Success

The transformation was remarkable:

Migration completed in just 4 weeks
Minimal disruption to daily operations
Improved system performance and stability
Enhanced security protocols
Better compliance standards
Seamless remote working capabilities

Why Should Your Accounting Firm Consider Sentinel?

Proven Expertise: Sentinel demonstrates deep understanding of accountancy-specific IT needs
Comprehensive Support: 24/7 monitoring and proactive issue resolution
Future-Proofing: Scalable solution that grows with your firm
Security Focus: Enhanced protection for sensitive financial data
Cost-Effective: No need for expensive hardware reinvestment
Minimal Disruption: Smooth transition process with minimal downtime

The Client's Verdict

In the words of Cheryl Lawes:

"Sentinel have restored confidence in our IT and our ability to provide a great service to our clients. Their support is first class... we now have a system which is fully fit for purpose, ready and secure for home working too and managed by a team with robust knowledge."

Cheryl Lawes

Looking Ahead For Your Accounting firm

In an era where digital transformation is no longer optional, having a reliable IT partner who understands the unique needs of accounting firms is crucial. Sentinel’s success with England & Company shows they’re not just another IT provider – they’re a partner who can transform your firm’s technological capabilities while ensuring security, efficiency, and scalability.

For accounting firms struggling with similar IT challenges, England & Company’s experience offers a clear pathway forward. With Sentinel, you’re not just getting an IT solution; you’re investing in your firm’s future productivity and success.

Ready to transform your firm’s IT infrastructure? Contact Sentinel today to learn how they can help your accounting practice thrive in the digital age.