Is It Time to Upgrade to Sage 100 ERP 2014?
Sage has recently released its 2014 version of Sage 100 ERP. The question is: Should you upgrade to the latest version of Sage 100 ERP and why? I think one of the main things to consider is which version of Sage ERP you are currently using.
If using version 4.3 or lower, then your system is no longer supported by Sage. This means that neither you nor your business partner can get support for this version directly from the Sage Support Team. If you are currently using the Sage BusinessCare Plan, then you have access to the Sage Knowledgebase. However, you still are at risk of coming across an undocumented issue and having to resolve it on your own. Also, the support for Sage 100 ERP version 4.4 will be discontinued in September 2014.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of compatibility with new technology. ERP software should work properly with the latest technology, so important considerations are XP no longer being supported, the release of Windows 8 and the fact that most new computers offer 64-bit technology.
Being on the Sage BusinessCare Plan provides all the more reason to upgrade. There have been so many great enhancements in Versions 4.5 2013. Version 2014 has so many new enhancements to be taking advantage of that it’s almost foolish not to upgrade. I agree that you don’t need to upgrade every time a new release comes out, but if you fall many versions behind then you are missing out on benefits that you have paid for.
There are lots of great reasons to upgrade your Sage 100 ERP, all of which lead to increased productivity. Here are the top reasons to upgrade:
- The autocomplete in the customer, vendor and item code entry fields. Enjoy this new, easy way to look up customers, vendors and items!
- Sage Data Cloud – Sage has released a lot of great mobile and cloud solutions to help expand your business. Version 2014 gives you access to the data cloud enabling you to easily connect with these exciting solutions.
- Sage Billing and payment is one of the online solutions that can help you get paid faster and empower customers to access, pay and view invoices online.
- Sage Mobile Sales app empowers sales teams to increase revenue and impress customers with easy access to the items you sell on an iPad.
- Sage Mobile Service allows field technicians to deliver great customer service so you get more referrals and repeat business from customers.
- Use Sage Inventory Advisor to get a modern, concise and comprehensive view of inventory. Reduce stock outs and excess inventory, along with increasing profitability!
- Take advantage of highly improved integration with Sage CRM! Connect sales people through an iPhone app and track sales with Windows 8 using Sage CRM.
- Use Sage ERP Intelligence Reporting to modernize and upgrade Sage 100 ERP reporting. Use the profitability dashboard to see the profitability of customers, products and sales people.
- Make custom reporting easier by keeping the customer report window open after preview and print.
- Find invoices easier with an invoice list button in Accounts Payable Invoice Data Entry, Repetitive Invoice Data Entry and Accounts Receivable Repetitive Data Entry.
Having made a significant investment in your Sage 100 ERP system, why not take advantage of the added features and functionality? We are glad to help you determine where you are with your system and strategize on the necessity and value of a software upgrade. Please email info@dsdinc.com if you would like further information on the new capabilities of Sage 100 ERP version 2014.
Written by Trish Gardner, Account Manager at DSD Business Systems
