When moving an enterprise finance function to the cloud, the easiest option is often to copy and paste the past, migrating decades of accumulated database structures, inactive business units, and legacy permissions directly into a new host. However, true digital transformation isn't about changing where your software runs; it is about reshaping how your finance team operates.When Urban&Civic, a leading UK master developer specialising in large-scale strategic sites, decided to modernise their long-standing Infor SunSystems v4.4 environment, they faced a familiar challenge: How do you modernise a core finance platform that holds years of critical history without disrupting day-to-day operations? 

infor_partner_network_logo-1Partnering with Eclipse, Urban&Civic achieved a seamless transition to Infor SunSystems Cloud. Here is how we turned a complex migration into a clean slate for future growth.

The Challenge: Disentangling Legacy Complexity

For years, Urban&Civic relied on an on-premise SunSystems v4.4 setup. Over time, the environment expanded to 174 Business Units, a mix of active operational entities and historical/inactive data.

Key Operational Hurdles Stood In The Way Of A Simple Upgrade:

  • Database overhaul: Mapping legacy database architecture to modern cloud standards while resolving code conflicts.

  • Security redesign: Transitioning legacy user permissions and security structures that couldn't be automatically migrated.

  • Reporting continuity: Upgrading the finance team's reporting pipeline from Infor Query & Analysis (Q&A) 10 to Q&A 11.3 without breaking essential daily reports.

  • Zero disruption: Executing the entire cutover in a tightly controlled window to ensure zero loss of business continuity.

The Solution: An 8-Step Blueprint To Transformation

Rather than simply lifting and shifting old complexity into a new platform, Eclipse worked alongside Urban&Civic to execute a structured, 8-step migration journey: 

  1. Strategic rationalisation: Instead of carrying forward all 174 legacy Business Units, we audited the environment and narrowed the migration scope to 66 active Business Units, safely excluding 108 historical/inactive units.

  2. Data cleansing & remediation: Outstanding journal holds were cleared, redundant data was evaluated, and clean baselines were established prior to the move.

  3. Structural mapping: Legacy unit codes were renamed and adapted to eliminate system table naming conflicts in the cloud.

  4. Cloud security alignment: User groups and permissions were entirely redesigned around modern role responsibilities rather than historical configurations.

  5. Modernised reporting: Q&A reporting workflows were transitioned to Q&A 11.3, utilising automated conversion tools and manual fine-tuning to protect report accuracy.

  6. Rigorous test migrations: Full trial migrations were executed across dedicated Development and Test environments before touching live production data.

  7. Empowering the team: Hands-on training and change management ensured the finance team felt confident navigating the new cloud interface from Day 1.

  8. Controlled production cutover: A scheduled maintenance window was used to execute the final cutover, backed by hypercare post-go-live support.

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Key Results:

  • 62% reduction in BU bloat: Streamlined operations down to 66 active, high-value Business Units. 

  • Cleaned data & security: Eliminated years of legacy data friction and simplified role-based access control.

  • Uninterrupted reporting: Preserved vital financial reporting logic in Q&A 11.3. 

  • Gateway to the Infor Ecosystem: Established a modern cloud foundation ready to integrate with Infor OS, Infor ION, and Infor Document Management (IDM).

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With more than 39 years of experience, Eclipse has delivered financial and business management solutions to over 2,000 organisations across 70+ countries. We work in close partnership with our clients, helping them achieve their unique business goals through tailored solutions, expert guidance, and long-term support.

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