Success Story
Breaking Ground with Better Tech: Beal Derkenne’s Move from Sage 300 CRE to Sage Intacct
Who
Ali Meimann, Controller
Beal Derkenne Construction
Beal Derkenne Construction (BDC) is a full-service construction firm specializing in high-rise developments, historical renovations, and multi-family housing projects. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, BDC has built a strong reputation, having worked across the country, including significant projects in Arizona. BDC recently refocused its efforts on the Des Moines market.
“I liked that I could go at my own pace with Bangert Deployment for Sage Intacct. If I needed help, I could join a daily Q&A session or do a live training. But I was also able to learn independently when I wanted. It was the best of both worlds.”
Ali Meimann,
Controller, Beal Derkenne Construction
The Challenge
BDC had long relied on Sage 300 CRE for its accounting needs, but as the company grew and its projects became more complex, frustrations with the system mounted.
Key Challenges:
Outdated & Rigid System – Sage 300 CRE lacked user-friendly functionality and required users to navigate multiple modules to access financial data.
Inefficiencies & Workarounds – Employees had to jump between disconnected modules to retrieve information, making workflows cumbersome and inefficient.
Limited Integration – BDC struggled with linking project details, invoices, and financial reporting in real-time.
“Sage 300 CRE wasn’t intuitive—I couldn’t just dive in and figure things out. It required extensive training, and even then, it wasn’t user-friendly. Just printing a check was a learning curve,” said Ali Meimann, Controller at BDC.
The Decision to Switch
With the company preparing for its biggest project yet—a 33-story tower in downtown Des Moines, the tallest building constructed in the city in over 40 years—BDC realized it was time for a change.
“We knew Sage 300’s days were limited [at BDC]. Everyone in our company who used it was frustrated, and we were about to ramp up with the tower project and new hires. It made sense to switch before expanding our team, so we could train them on a modern system from the start,” said Ali.
Ali Meimann and her team saw Sage Intacct as more than just new software—it was a strategic decision to gain efficiency, eliminate frustration, and position the company for growth.

Deploying Sage Intacct with Bangert
BDC chose Bangert for their transparent pricing, expert-led training, and proven deployment process. For Ali, the self-paced flexibility made all the difference:

“I liked that I could go at my own pace with Bangert Deployment for Sage Intacct. If I needed help, I could join a daily Q&A session or do a live training. But I was also able to learn independently when I wanted. It was the best of both worlds.”
Instead of feeling stuck in a traditional implementation model, BDC was able to move quickly and independently—completing their deployment in time for year-end and a clean January 1st go-live.
The Results: A More Efficient, Integrated System
Since moving to Sage Intacct Construction, BDC has seen immediate improvements in efficiency and accessibility:
✅ Fully Integrated System – No more jumping between modules. Financials, project management, and invoices are linked in real-time.
✅ User-Friendly Interface – Employees can quickly navigate the system without extensive training.
✅ Streamlined Reporting & Billing – Reporting is faster, more accurate, and no longer requires exporting to Excel.
When asked about what’s changed the most with their internal processes, Ali Meimann put it simply: “In Sage 300 CRE, I had to be in the right module at the right time to get the right details. In Sage Intacct, everything is connected. If I’m in a project and click an AP invoice, I can see the attachment instantly—no more searching through different modules.”
BDC also found Paperless integration to be seamless: “We used the desktop version before, so learning it in Sage Intacct was easy. It’s faster, and invoices automatically post once exported, saving us time,” said Ali.
Future-Proofing with Sage Intacct
BDC didn’t just replace old software—they laid the foundation for what’s next.
With multi-entity capabilities, real-time financial insights, and native cloud architecture, Sage Intacct gives BDC the tools to scale confidently.
“I haven’t even tapped into all the automation or AI features yet, but knowing they’re built into the system is huge. If AI makes my life easier, I’m all for it. I’m excited to see what comes next with Sage Intacct, ” said Ali.
As features like Sage Copilot roll out, BDC is ready to take full advantage—tracking projects more closely, reducing risk, and making smarter decisions faster.
Advice for Other Companies Considering the Switch
For other Sage 300 CRE users thinking about making the move, Ali Meimann’s biggest advice is to take advantage of Bangert’s full support system:
“don’t sit on your questions. Whether it’s daily Q&As, live training, or submitting help desk tickets, there are so many resources available. The support team is very responsive, so you’re never left struggling.”
BDC’s transition to Sage Intacct Construction was seamless, efficient, and well-timed, allowing the company to focus on its projects rather than battling outdated software.
Thinking About Making the Switch?
BDC’s journey shows that switching from Sage 300 CRE to Sage Intacct Construction doesn’t have to be complicated. With Bangert’s Deployment Process, your company can transition smoothly and start seeing immediate benefits.
👉 Ready to future-proof your construction accounting?