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No large-scale disruption
A phased approach means your business keeps running throughout. You go live on your terms, not ours.
Access PeopleXD Evo
HR & Payroll Sofware Implementation That Actually Works
Access PeopleXD Evo uses our Access FlightPath methodology: a six-stage, sign-off-gated HR and payroll implementation process built specifically for organisations switching platforms in the UK and Ireland.
You get a named project manager, joint sign-offs at every stage, and no pressure to go live until every figure is confirmed correct.
Our HR platform is trusted by 800+ UK and Ireland organisations with 500+ employees
Clear timelines from day one
A baseline project plan is agreed before any configuration begins. You always know exactly where the project stands.
Your data moves securely
Nothing goes into production until both sides have reviewed and signed off the data. Payroll is reconciled in line with HMRC requirements.
GDPR-compliant data handling
All data migration processes are designed to meet UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 requirements. Your employee data is never moved without explicit sign-off.
A methodology built around your business, not ours
Access has been implementing HR and payroll projects for over 30 years.
The six-stage FlightPath methodology is a proven, structured approach. It is not a generic onboarding checklist. Every stage has defined milestones, joint sign-offs, and a named Access consultant accountable for delivery.
"In 30 years of HR and payroll implementations, the projects that go smoothly are the ones where both sides own the sign-off process equally. FlightPath is built on that principle."
The six-stage FlightPath journey to go-live
01
06
1. Getting Started
Stage 1 delivers a confirmed project scope, an introduced project team, and a signed-off baseline project plan before any configuration begins. Access facilitates functional and technical discovery workshops so your team can document requirements, integration needs, and data migration decisions. What we need from you: subject matter experts with decision-making authority in the workshops.
02
06
2. Preparation
Stage 2 delivers a fully configured PeopleXD Evo environment, reviewed and refined through playback sessions before any data goes live. A sample employee dataset is loaded to validate data migration progress as it progresses, not just at the end. What we need from you: completed information-gathering templates and resources available for playback sessions.
03
06
3. Learning
Stage 3 delivers a trained project team capable of cascading knowledge to the wider organisation. Access delivers central, process-based training at one site per process family. A train-the-trainer approach means your team controls the rollout pace. PeopleXD Learning Lite is available throughout the project. What we need from you: identified training resources and a rollout plan for the wider business.
04
06
4. Validation
Stage 4 delivers a fully tested system with all UAT issues resolved and payroll reconciled against your legacy system before go-live is considered. All issues are tracked in TestRail. Cumulative data, salaries, and allowances are compared for every employee. What we need from you: completion of all UAT scenarios and sign-off on the agreed exit criteria.
05
06
5. Parallel Run
Stage 5 delivers confirmed payroll accuracy before you switch, with both systems running simultaneously for one full payroll cycle. The Gross to Net Reconciliation Tool compares every figure between both systems. You sign off and switch only when everything balances. There is no pressure to go live before you are ready. What we need from you: dual-keying of payroll data and active reconciliation sign-off.
06
06
6. Launch
Stage 6 delivers a live PeopleXD Evo environment with a formal handover to your dedicated Customer Success Manager and the business-as-usual support model in place. A lessons-learned session closes the project. Your CSM stays with you for ongoing support and strategic guidance. What we need from you: execution of your internal comms and training rollout plan.
What happens after go-live
The Access aftercare model is built around long-term success. Your implementation team does not disappear at launch. A structured handover, a dedicated success manager, and in-product support are all in place from day one of live running.
Hypercare period
Immediately after go-live, your Access project team remains available to support your HR and payroll teams as they settle into the new system.
Dedicated Customer Success Manager
A named CSM stays with you beyond go-live. Proactive check-ins, strategic guidance, and a single point of contact who knows your setup.
Live support desk
A formal handover from your implementation team to the live support desk ensures full project history is transferred. You are never starting from scratch with a new team.
24/7 in-app support
PeopleXD Evo includes a Digital Support Assistant available around the clock. Answers are delivered in-product so your team can self-serve without raising a ticket.
Continuous innovation
New features arrive as natural enhancements, not disruptive upgrades. Everything is shaped by real-world customer feedback and delivered at your pace.
People Analytics built in
Out-of-the-box analytics with built-in metrics and shareable guidebooks. Full visibility on your people data with no reliance on internal BI teams.
Want to see the implementation in action?
Talk to our team and get a personalised walkthrough of the FlightPath methodology for your organisation.
Access PeopleXD Evo implementation vs competitors
What customers say about switching to PeopleXD Evo
"I haven't found many people in my career that would say system implementation is enjoyable, but this one certainly was! From the first meeting it was made very clear to us that we could design the platform to be flexible to our needs and that the Access design team could not only give some guidance and examples but then also do the design for us."
"The rollout process was smooth, and our employees quickly adapted to it. Customer support is proactive and responsive, making it really easy to resolve queries and implement new features."
"Our project lead was great and made it so easy to navigate through the process, from start to finish. We were provided with a lot of support and regular communication. Our successful launch was testament to this collaboration, and the strong organisational and leadership skills exhibited from Access People throughout the project”
HR & payroll implementation: your questions answered
Common questions about switching HR and payroll platforms to PeopleXD Evo.
In summary:
- Typical implementation: 3 to 6 months depending on scope
- Six stages: Getting Started, Preparation, Learning, Validation, Parallel Run, Launch
- Data migration follows the ETLV process with full sign-off at each step
- Payroll is reconciled in a parallel run before any live switch
- Dedicated Customer Success Manager assigned at go-live
- No IT team required, Access provides all technical configuration
FAQs
How long does a typical PeopleXD Evo implementation take?
A typical PeopleXD Evo implementation takes between three and six months, depending on payroll complexity, the number of modules, and the number of integrations required. Access agrees a baseline project plan with you before any configuration begins, so you have a clear picture from day one. Your named project manager tracks progress weekly and flags any risks early.
What does the implementation process actually look like, step by step?
PeopleXD Evo implementation follows the six-stage FlightPath methodology: Getting Started, Preparation, Learning, Validation, Parallel Run, and Launch. Each stage has defined milestones and exit criteria that both sides must sign off before the project moves forward. See the full journey above.
How is our data migrated from our old HR or payroll system?
Data migration follows the ETLV process: Extract, Transform, Load, Validate. Access provides templates and specifications at each step, and all data handling meets UK GDPR requirements. Nothing goes into production until both sides have reviewed and signed off the data.
What happens to our historical payroll data during the switch?
Your historical payroll data is reconciled during the Parallel Run stage, where your existing system and PeopleXD Evo run simultaneously for one full payroll cycle. Cumulative data, salaries, and allowances are compared for every employee using the Gross to Net Reconciliation Tool. You sign off and switch only when every figure is confirmed correct.
What if we are not ready to go live?
You hold the sign-off. If the parallel run does not balance, the project does not proceed. There is no pressure to go live before you are ready. Both parties must satisfy the agreed exit criteria before any stage advances.
What support do we get after go-live?
After go-live, you receive a dedicated Customer Success Manager, a hypercare period with your implementation team still available, a formal handover to the live support desk, and 24/7 in-app support via the Digital Support Assistant.
Do we need internal IT resource to implement PeopleXD Evo?
You do not need a dedicated IT team to implement PeopleXD Evo. You will need a named project manager and subject matter experts from HR and payroll. Access provides all technical configuration, templates, and tooling. Your team's role is to make decisions, validate the build, and complete data migration files with Access's support.
Is PeopleXD Evo HMRC-compliant for UK payroll?
Yes. PeopleXD Evo payroll is built to HMRC specifications and supports Real Time Information (RTI) submissions, P60s, P11Ds, and all statutory payment calculations including SSP, SMP, and SPP. The system is updated in line with HMRC legislative changes as part of the standard product release cycle.
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