Meet The New Faces of Sage ERP

Sage 100 ERP
(formerly Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200)
Sage 300 ERP
(formerly Sage ERP Accpac)
Sage 500 ERP
(formerly Sage ERP MAS 500)
Sage ERP X3
(no change)

It’s official! Renaming for our enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions is underway.

But what you may not know is these changes are more than in name alone. Today’s Sage ERP solutions are stronger than ever. Now when our customers choose Sage to help run their businesses, they benefit from:

• Simplified naming that makes it easier to determine the right product for your business.
• Straighforward integration with CRM, fixed asset management, human resources management, and payroll.
• Convenient connected services, including online payment processing, mobile data access, and data security.
• Plus unified service and support through Sage Business Care and Sage Business Advisor.

Get to know the new Sage ERP product families>>

There’s never been a better time to be a Sage business.

Like no other software provider, Sage is committed to providing our customers with an extraordinary experience—backed by ERP solutions that are extraordinarily easy to purchase, implement, and use. The product renaming is just a first step in Sage’s transformation.

Originally posted on Sage ERP – Business Management Blog

Have a question for us about Sage’s new branding campaign? Send it to us here:

ISM Q2 User Group Registration Now Open

As one of the ways we facilitate you & your organization to get the most out of your software investment, ISM offers Quarterly User Group Meetings.

User Group Meetings provide a time to meet with your local consultant and other end users for open Q&A, to learn about latest information and updates, to network with other end-users and more. These meetings are offered in person for Sage 100 ERP clients, and are totally free of charge.

This time around we’ll be discussing the best practices and procedures that will make your job easier and less stressful.

Register today!

Sage SalesLogix User Group, Online – Tuesday June 12th, 11:00am – 1:00pm PST

• Click Here to Register

Sage 500 ERP User Group, Online – Tuesday June 12th, 11:00am – 1:00pm PST

• Click Here to Register

Sage 100 ERP User Groups, in Person – Wednesday June 13th, 9:00am – 11:00am Local Time

• Portland Sage 100 ERP User Group – Click Here to Register
• Phoenix Sage 100 ERP User Group – Click Here to Register
• San Diego Sage 100 ERP User Group – Click Here to Register
• Virginia Sage 100 ERP User Group – Click Here to Register
  

Got a quick question about Q2 User Groups? Submit it here:

Eliminate Your Sales Tax Risk Through Automation and Seamless Integration with Sage

Many companies are learning the hard way that their manual sales tax management processes are putting them at greater risk for negative audits. With the average penalty costing $34,000 per audit, can your company afford to continue losing money on manual error-prone sales tax compliance? Eliminate your risk by automating your entire sales tax process with AvaTax from Avalara.

The AvaTax family of products for Sage includes:

AvaTax Calc

AvaTax Calc delivers real-time sales tax calculations based on up-to-date sales and use tax rules including: sourcing rules, product taxability and jurisdiction assignment.

AvaTax Certs

AvaTax Certs is a complete exemption certificate management service. From wizard-driven online collection to associating the correct certificate with transactions, AvaTax Certs ensures you maintain compliance and reduce your audit risk.

AvaTax Returns

AvaTax Returns dramatically increase accuracy and reduces the time your company spends on sales tax return processing. AvaTax Returns automatically processes e-file, hard-copy and Streamlined Sales Tax returns for businesses of all sizes.

Let AvaTax focus on sales tax compliance, so you can get back to focusing on revenue generating activities for your business! Contact Avalara to learn how you can reduce your audit risk today: http://www.avalara.com/sagesolutions

Got a question about Avalara sales tax automation? Send it to us here:

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ISM Helps SkyGolf® Score A Hole-In-One With Sage 500 ERP And Sage SalesLogix

GPS has many applications in today’s world—from precision-guided missiles to vehicle navigation—so it comes as no surprise that GPS also can guide you through your next golf game. SkyHawke Technologies, LLC, operating as SkyGolf®, makes the world’s leading golf rangefinder—SkyCaddie®. While competitors rely on outdated satellite and aerial images for their GPS maps, SkyGolf’s mappers walk every course using surveygrade equipment for the most complete and reliable course information available. Over the last 10 years, SkyGolf has had to continuously hone and perfect its products, processes, and services to manage its exponential growth worldwide. This growth required enterprise-level tools, which is why SkyGolf selected ISM, Sage 500 ERP, and Sage SalesLogix to keep its operations in full swing.

Grow With Sage Solutions

“We ran successfully on Sage 100 ERP for years,” recalls Becky Hunt, director of business operations for SkyGolf. “When our operation began demanding an even more powerful ERP application, ISM recommended Sage 500 ERP.” The company also considered an application from SAP but felt the cost of ownership would be too high. Another strong draw for SkyGolf was the deep integration between Sage SalesLogix, a powerful customer relationship management solution, and Sage 500 ERP. After-market service and support is a large part of the SkyGolf’s business, and Sage SalesLogix is an excellent application for handling the large volume of customer-specific data surrounding the company’s support operations.

The flexibility and open database structure of both Sage 500 ERP and Sage SalesLogix make it possible to design and implement a tailored and comprehensive business management solution. Both products offer advanced customization options, and with ISM’s assistance, SkyGolf has taken advantage of the customization options to build an ideal business management solution.

Efficient Order Handling

SkyGolf prides itself on its efficient order handling; its high volume of orders tests its capability daily. Using the software’s inherent barcode functionality, warehouse employees scan picking sheets, items, and serial numbers as they pick, pack, and ship. A sophisticated UPS® integration application, developed by ISM, has proven to be a step-saver; it captures the package’s tracking number and writes it into the Sage 500 ERP database and automatically generates an email informing the customer of the details of their shipment.

“We have improved the efficiency of our warehouse shipping operation dramatically,” says Hunt. “We are processing orders more quickly and accurately now; at the same time we are delivering better service to our customers.”

World-Class Customer Services

Each SkyCaddie unit is serialized, and that serial number becomes the key data element that enables the company to track the unit from receipt through distribution all the way to retail purchase, service, and repair. In the Sage 500 ERP application, serial numbers are recorded as the units are received and then captured and associated with the wholesale customer at the time of purchase.

As retail customers purchase a new unit and register it online, that data flows into Sage SalesLogix. SkyGolf has a complete picture of the lifecycle of each unit and can see precisely when a device was made, what pro shop it was sold to, which customer ultimately purchased it, what course data they have downloaded, if the unit was ever serviced, and what that service consisted of.

With ground-verified map data for approximately 30,000 courses available for the SkyCaddie, customers download course maps to their devices through one of several membership plans. As they access SkyGolf’s website and download the course data, the data about that customer’s device is captured and sent to Sage SalesLogix to ensure the database stays current.

All customer service representatives staffing SkyGolf’s multiple call centers all use Sage SalesLogix. It provides them with the complete history of each unit and with updated support bulletins and troubleshooting techniques. “Our representatives can even view images of the unit the customer is calling about, so they can walk them through various procedures more easily,” notes Hunt.

The Best Course

ISM has helped SkyGolf assemble a winning business management solution using Sage 500 ERP as its platform. In addition establishing the Sage ERP 500 and Saleslogix systems in the US, ISM also implemented Sage 500 ERP in the UK to support SkyGolf’s European operations.

“We now have two integrated databases containing all of our business data and that meets the needs of our entire organization and our customers,” says Hunt. “ISM has been a phenomenal business partner in this project.”

Want to know how ISM can transform your business? Contact us here:

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A Better Way to Ship Products

If you move inventory, you know that there are plenty of opportunities for error during the shipping process (wrong address, wrong customer, wrong item, transposed numbers, etc.). That’s where automated shipping software can have a tremendous impact on your warehouse. It provides a fast and accurate way of collecting shipping data and transferring the information to your accounting system. That said, here are a few automated shipping solutions available for your Sage 100 ERP system (formerly Sage ERP MAS 90 and MAS 200) … including an update for customers already using StarShip.

SmartLinc

The first shipping solution we’ll look at is also the newest. SmartLinc has recently been certified as an official “Sage Endorsed” shipping solution for your Sage 100 ERP system. It provides all the benefits you’d expect from an automated shipping solution like real-time address correction, label printing, shipment tracking and history, automatic creation of packing lists and bill of lading, and more.
It’s also worth noting that SmartLinc is cloud-based, which means there is no need for software to be installed at the workstation. It’s accessible to anyone with the proper login credentials and an internet connection. You’ll also get real-time carrier rate updates via the web so you can compare costs across multiple carriers and save some money.

Starship

Tried and true, StarShip has been the most popular shipping software for Sage 100 ERP for many years … even though Starship is no longer “officially” a Sage Endorsed Partner. Like SmartLinc, StarShip is a complete shipping solution that offers all the features you need to automate shipping, eliminate manual data entry, print all the documents you need, and shop multiple carriers. StarShip also prides itself on the ability to integrate with your Sage 100 ERP system allowing you to invoice orders immediately after they’re shipped, quickly retrieve customer shipping data from the back office, update orders with proper freight charges, and improve efficiency and workflow between the warehouse and your accounting department.

ShipGear

Also available from the makers of StarShip is their entry-level shipping solution – ShipGear. ShipGear connects your accounting software with UPS WorldShip or FedEx Ship Manager. It supports fewer carriers which makes it fast and easy-to-implement. ShipGear is also one of the few software applications available via the UPS Customer Technology Program where UPS will potentially pay for your software license which makes ShipGear a budget-friendly shipping solution.

Help Me Decide

When it comes to shipping software, there are a variety of choices to fit any need and budget. As your technology provider and business partner, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for information, to schedule a demo, review pricing, or discuss your needs.

Got a quick question for us about shipping add-ons for Sage 100? Submit it here:

ISM – Offices in Portland, Phoenix, Northern Virginia, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco

Introducing Sage FAS Fixed Assets 2012

The New Shape of Fixed Asset Management

Sage FAS Fixed Assets 2012 was recently released and the feedback from customers has been tremendous.  As a component of your Sage 100 ERP system (formerly Sage ERP MAS 90/200), this fixed asset management software boasts a whole new experience and a brand new look … while maintaining the same powerful depreciation calculation engine that Sage FAS Fixed Assets is known for.  Let’s take a closer look.

Why Do I Need to Track Fixed Assets?

First things first … you may be asking yourself “why do I need fixed asset software?”  Simply put, property tax and insurance is typically based on the value of your fixed assets like equipment, furniture, fixtures, and software.  Accurately tracking the initial cost, depreciation, ongoing value, and disposition of those assets helps to ensure that you aren’t overpaying tax and insurance.

Oh,  and it’s also required by the IRS, GAAP, and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) regulations!

What’s New in Sage FAS Fixed Assets 2012?

The first thing you’ll notice is a totally redesigned interface.  The screens have been cleaned up and better-organized which improves productivity and allows you to accomplish more in less time. Plus, new controls allow you to resize data entry screens, change the order of fields with drag-and-drop simplicity, set up shortcuts to common tasks, and a variety of other options that give you more choice and control.

The improved Search and Replace function allows you to find the information you need and update records faster than before.  Now, you can perform “bulk edits” to make several changes to a group of assets all at once.  Plus, a new “wild card” search function allows you to be less specific and still find what you need quickly.

A new Assistance Center connects you with tools and resources that help you take full advantage of your software including access to tips, tricks, best practices, and the ability to interact with fixed assets experts and other Sage FAS Fixed Assets customers.  Lastly, an optional Global Task Manager is available to automate fixed asset depreciation and reporting across multiple companies.

Some Things Change, Others Stay the Same

While Sage FAS Fixed Assets 2012 introduces some fantastic changes, some things remain the same … like the underlying calculation engine that automatically manages and updates more than 30,000 IRS and GAAP rules and more than 50 methods of depreciation (try managing all that manually or in spreadsheets!).  It’s also worth noting that as a component of your Sage ERP 100 system, asset   purchases, depreciation entries, and other financial data automatically update your general ledger without duplicate data entry.

Take a peek at the new shape of Fixed Asset Management at: www.sagefas2012.com

Got a question for us about Sage FAS Fixed Assets 2012? Submit them here:

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Uncovering Hidden Revenue and Cost-Savings with CRM

For years now, businesses have been watching for the Green shoots of economic recovery before investing in technology and business growth.  But the fact is, what we see now may just be the new economy.  And in the new economy, ‘business as usual’ may not cut it.

That’s why many companies are investing in CRM software – like Sage CRM – that not only protects your existing customer relationships, but helps uncover hidden revenue opportunities and cost savings that have been there all along.

How Does CRM Help?

First, CRM software helps you get to know your customers better, uncover hidden cross-sell opportunities, and breathe new life into your existing customer relationships.

Beyond your existing customers, CRM software can also help you find and attract new business at a lower cost-of-sale than traditional methods where sales people are managing contacts and opportunities in spreadsheets and Outlook folders – an approach that requires more people, more administration, and more cost.

CRM Lowers the Cost of Sales

CRM software is designed to help you sell more effectively and efficiently.  This is due to the fact that your sales people (and managers) have a single point of access to contacts, calendars, meetings, follow-up tasks, accounts, call lists, sales opportunities, pipeline reports, and everything else they need to produce more revenue per sales hour.  And with automated workflow built right into the software, there’s less paperwork and administration and a lot more selling.  It also means that everyone is following the same successful sales methodology and focusing on opportunities that are most likely to close.

Keep Customers Coming Back for More

For many businesses, customer relationships are more profitable after the initial sale … and that’s where CRM comes in.  You can track your customers’ communication preferences (phone, email, fax, etc.), sales history, recent purchases, complementary products, and other important data that will help you deliver highly-targeted and timely follow up.  In that way, CRM software helps you uncover up-sell and cross-sell opportunities and maximize the lifetime value of every customer relationship.

Integration and a Bird’s Eye View

The goal of any good CRM system should be to integrate everything you know about your customers into a single location.  With Sage CRM and Sage 100 ERP, you’ve got one less thing to think about because the integration between ERP and CRM is built right in!

Everyone who has direct contact with a customer – whether it’s a sales person, support technician, or accounting staff – has up-to-date customer information on-hand.  That means sales people have access to recent shipments or customer credit status without fumbling about in the accounting system.  It also means that customer service or support staff is better able to resolve customer inquiries on the spot, rather than passing them to another department or promising to call back with an answer.

Contact us if you’d like to learn more about how Sage CRM can help your business uncover hidden revenue and cost-savings.

Have a quick question about Sage CRM? Send it to us here:

Change to Sage Support

Sage recently announced they will discontinue the Bronze Level Support plan which provides primarily maintenance updates and product upgrades.

What Does the Change Mean for You?

If you are currently on a Bronze plan, you will need to change to either Silver or Gold level support -  both of which provide additional benefits like direct Sage Support team access by phone or online. According to the announcement by Sage, customers are more satisfied with their software when they have a higher level of Sage support. This is effective for renewals on/after March 1, 2012.

Contact Us to learn about your options and discuss how this change impacts your specific installation of Sage 500 ERP (MAS 500).

Got a quick question for us? Submit it here:

ISM – Offices in Portland, Phoenix, Northern Virginia, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco

5 Things You Should Know About Intelligence

Don’t forget to register for ISM’s Q1 Sage 500 ERP (MAS 500) User Group. Click here to register today!

The clock started ticking as soon as Microsoft announced, back in 2009, that there would be no further development of FRx Financial Reporter and that complete retirement of the product was imminent. Some of our customers have already switched over to Sage ERP MAS Intelligence (“Intelligence”), while others are holding off and evaluating options. If you haven’t decided yet, here are 5 things you should know about Intelligence.

1. Reaches Beyond the General Ledger

Sage ERP MAS Intelligence looks across your entire Sage 500 database to report on information in any module. For example, a single report can display information from multiple companies and across operational areas like sales, accounting, payroll, manufacturing and inventory.

2. A Familiar Face … Microsoft Excel

Intelligence is Excel-based.  Assuming you’re already familiar with this indispensable spreadsheet software and business tool, your learning curve will be short and a world of analytical tools will be at your finger tips using Excel formulas, pivot tables, and charting tools. In fact, one of the reasons FRx originally became so popular was its Excel-like Row and Column structure.

3. Go Ahead and Drill Down, It’s Integrated

Since Intelligence is an integrated part of your Sage 500 system, it automatically picks up your chart of accounts, fiscal periods, transaction details, and leverages native security functions.  Plus, the reports are linked to your Sage 500 database so you can drill down to the transaction level and extract live data as you slice, dice, and analyze company performance.

4. Pre-Defined Reports Right Out of the Box

Intelligence comes with a suite of pre-defined standard reports – you know, the common stuff that every business needs like an income statement and balance sheet – which means you’re up and running quickly.  Standard reports can also be reformatted to meet your specific needs.

5. It’s Sexy

Intelligence converts all that raw data in Sage 500 into graphs, charts, and dashboards that make it easy to spot trends and identify emerging opportunity.  Perhaps more important, underneath that pretty face lies a powerful business intelligence engine that’s fast and easy to use.

6. It’s Free

All current on-plan customers receive 4 Report Manager licenses for free as a replacement for FRx. That means you can get your hands dirty and give it a try before deciding whether Intelligence is the right reporting platform for you.

Need Help Deciding? As your technology partner, we’re here to help you evaluate your reporting options and develop a transition plan.  Contact Us if you’d like assistance.

Have a quick question for us? Submit it here:

ISM – Offices in Portland, Phoenix, Northern Virginia, Sacramento, San Diego & San Francisco

Sage 500 ERP (MAS 500) Product Updates & News You Can Use

Here is a collection of recent developments and online resources available to help you get the most out of your Sage 500 ERP system.

Don’t forget to sign up for ISM’s Q1 Sage 500 ERP User Group on March 22nd, from 11:00am – 1:00pm PST. Click here to register today!

Sage ERP MAS 500 is Becoming Sage 500 ERP

For the past several years, Sage has made incremental changes in their marketing strategy in an effort to more prominently feature the “Sage” brand while putting less emphasis on individual product names (MAS, Abra, Peachtree, etc).  Over the course of 2012, you’ll see the final phase of this change which will include the renaming of Sage ERP MAS 500 to Sage 500 ERP.  However, it’s important to note that the name change will not affect your system or business in any way.  Bottom line: New name, same great product.

Sage 500 Online Resources

As a Sage 500 customer, there are a few new resources available to help you make the most of your software.

Sage 500 Customer Blog – Maintained by Sage Product Manager Linda Cade, this blog provides news, updates, and thoughts from a Sage 500 “insider.”

http://sageerpmas500users.wordpress.com

Sage 500 YouTube Channel – Also updated and maintained by Linda Cade, you get access to online demonstrations and “How To” videos related core accounting, manufacturing, distribution, and more.

http://www.youtube.com/lscade

Business Intelligence Community – Get product tips and tricks, download installation & support documentation, and interact with other Sage ERP MAS Intelligence customers in this new online forum.

http://community.alchemex.com/group/sagemasintelligence

New Customer Portal Coming

For a while now, Sage has been developing a new customer portal aimed at improving your online support experience and provide easier access to important documentation and knowledgebase articles.

They are rolling out the final phase and cutting over to the new platform on February 27, 2012.  Sage will also send email communication with your new customer number and login instructions so keep you eye out for the message and be sure to check out the new portal at: www.sagesoftwareonline.com

Got a quick question for us? Submit it here:

ISM – Offices in Portland, Northern Virginia/ Washington DC, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco