Client Success Story: ELAC and Sapphire’s Switch to Intrinsiq
When the team made the decision to transition to Intrinsiq (IQ Schools), it marked a significant shift in how they managed their systems and processes. We spoke with Zoë Harris about her experience, from data migration to day-to-day impact, and what changed after going live.
What was your experience like with data migration?
Zoë described the migration as one of the more challenging parts of the transition:
“It was quite a challenge because a lot of the fields didn’t match up… it was a very big job afterwards to try and clean it up.”
Despite the complexity, Intrinsiq’s team played a crucial role in turning things around:
“The team were extremely helpful in telling us what they needed… they basically got us out of the mess that we were in.”
While the process wasn’t without difficulty, the support and expertise provided ensured a successful outcome.
How did your staff find learning the new system?
Adoption proved smoother than expected, with most staff adjusting quickly:
“I think most of the staff found it quite intuitive to learn… once you get your head around the different format, it’s quite intuitive.”
In fact, the speed of learning came as a pleasant surprise:
“I think most of them learnt it quicker than possibly we expected them to.”
Even while balancing day-to-day responsibilities, the team adapted well to the new system.
One of the standout takeaways was how quickly staff became comfortable with the platform.
Despite initial concerns about change, the intuitive design meant that users were able to pick it up faster than anticipated—reducing disruption and accelerating the benefits of the new system.
What surprised you most after switching?
One of the biggest surprises for Zoe was the sheer capacity of the system and how effectively it brings data together.
She was particularly impressed by the amount of information the platform can hold, and more importantly, how that data can be connected and used across different areas:
“The amount of data it can hold… and how you can cross-pollinate all this data into something you can actually use.”
Rather than data sitting in isolated silos, the system enables teams to draw meaningful insights and streamline processes, unlocking far more value from the information they already have.
What made you finally decide to switch?
Zoe explained that the decision to switch was driven at a leadership level, but the reasons behind it were clear:
“To be honest, it wasn’t my decision… but there were a lot of things that our old system didn’t do for us, which we needed.”
A major factor was the need to better connect different parts of the organisation. Bringing ELAC and Sapphire together required a system that could support multiple entities while keeping data aligned, something the previous system struggled to handle.
Reporting and accessibility were also ongoing challenges:
“It was always very hard for the directors to get into our old system to find the data that they needed or run the report that they needed.”
With frequent limitations and restricted functionality, the organisation reached a point where change was necessary:
“There seemed to be a lot of ‘you can’t do this, you can’t do that’… so I think that’s what prompted them to switch.”
Ultimately, the move was about enabling better connectivity across teams, improving access to data, and supporting the operational and financial needs of the wider business.
How was the transition process for your team?
Zoe highlighted a key reality of any system change, balancing implementation with daily operations:
“You have to just go for it… choose a date and be prepared”
Alongside careful planning, the support from Dario and the wider Intrinsiq team played an important role in keeping things on track. Having responsive guidance throughout the process helped the team navigate challenges and maintain momentum during the transition.
Setting clear expectations and boundaries, combined with that ongoing support, made the change far more manageable, even with the inevitable adjustment period.
Do you feel the investment has paid off?
Zoe’s response reflected a realistic and measured perspective, recognising both the progress made and the journey still ahead:
“Probably… yeah, I believe so.”
While early signs are encouraging, she noted that the team is still in the process of unlocking the system’s full potential:
“We’re not even touching on its potential at the moment… we’re still learning more and more about what it can do for us.”
With directors still being trained and new capabilities continuing to be explored, the full impact is yet to be realised:
“In 12 months, we’d probably be able to answer that more effectively.”
Even at this stage, however, it’s clear that the foundations are in place, setting the organisation up to gain increasing value from the system over time.
Bonus: A Personal Perspective on the Transition
Zoe spoke candidly about her initial concerns—particularly around data accuracy and the risk of losing important information during the migration.
“I was really nervous about this part.”
Those concerns felt justified at first. After the initial data import, it appeared that key information was missing:
“I looked at it and thought, oh my goodness, this is all missing.”
However, what followed highlighted the importance of having the right support in place. The Intrinsiq team quickly stepped in to investigate and resolve the issue:
“They said, ‘don’t worry… we’ve got the database from your old system.’”
Working collaboratively, the team reviewed what was missing, identified where it existed in the legacy system, and restored it:
“You just need to show us where they were… we’ll find them and put them in.”
While the process took a few days and required patience, the outcome was exactly what Zoe had hoped for:
“Everything that was missing was put into the right places… nothing’s missing in the end.”
Her experience highlights a key takeaway, successful transitions aren’t just about the technology, but about partnership, responsiveness, and trust throughout the process.
The Difference Intrinsiq Made
Zoe’s experience reflects a journey many organisations face, moving from a challenging legacy setup to a more structured, intuitive system.
While the migration required effort, the combination of strong support, clear communication, and a user-friendly platform helped turn that challenge into a success.
In summary: even when the starting point is complex, the right system, and the right team behind it, can make all the difference.