New Product Announcement: DSD xPress Suite for Sage 100
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of xPress, a dynamic new line of Enhancements tailored to revolutionize data entry in the Anytime/Anywhere environment. These enhancements are specifically designed for Sage Partner Portal customers, enabling them to fully leverage the capabilities of the web interface. But that’s not all – xPress is also compatible with traditional installations, ensuring that all users can benefit from its optimized data entry features. Whether you’re working remotely or on-premises, xPress is here to elevate your data management experience to new heights!
xPRESS Suite Common Features
Touch Keypads
The DSD xPRESS Suite will introduce touch keypads essential for form accessibility in touch panel environments. These keypads, created using the Business Object Framework, provide a user-friendly interface that allows for better control and visibility of data on tablets like the iPad, Surface, or Android devices.
Font Resizing
Sage 100 programs are being updated with a new scaling feature to enhance mobile screen usage, moving beyond the limited hard-coded font sizes. This feature, adjustable from sizes 11 to 23 and possibly larger, will be saved by workstation, user, and form, allowing for a customized full-screen experience within aspect ratio limits.
Re-designed Screens
The DSD xPRESS Suite’s screen libraries will adhere to new design standards for improved usability and adaptability, featuring larger buttons and re-aligned text for better navigation without a mouse. Design refinements will streamline the workflow by removing rarely used features and the multi-folder interface.
Multi-Language Message Library and Help System
The DSD xPRESS Suite will feature a bespoke message library and help system. The redesigned help system is context-sensitive and window-based to complement the Sage 100 interface, offering detailed, data-specific assistance without screen obstruction.
xPRESS Sales Order Entry
The inaugural addition to the xPRESS Suite is the highly anticipated Sales Order Entry program. For years, there has been a strong demand for an improved Sales Order Entry screen. Sage initially laid the groundwork by designing the first Quick Order Entry as a component of their CRM Integration.
The goal is to create a clean, streamlined interface that features minimal fields while still providing access to more intricate functionalities. This has led to a significant redesign of the screens, consolidating them onto a single panel without the clutter of folder tabs. To further declutter the interface, hyperlinks have been introduced for lesser-used options, allowing for a more spacious and organized single panel layout. A key feature of this new design is the dynamic update of totals on the main form, which adjust in real time as line items or other details are modified. While some drill-downs retain the old interface, many, including the Lot/Serial Distribution Dialog, have been updated, marking a significant advancement in the user experience. Building upon this foundation, DSD has embarked on a new implementation, drawing inspiration from Sage’s design.
Current Schedule
We expect to run a beta release during the last quarter of 2023 and early 2024. The expected launch date will be in Q1 2024 although an exact date has yet to be set. Beta will run through a new SPP site. Beta users will be able to connect to this SPP site and use the DSD xPRESS Sales Order Entry program without having to install the software on their own systems. This way, we will also be able to easily recreate issues as all users will be running in the same environment.
Future Plans
Additional modules are planned for the DSD xPRESS Suite but have yet to be prioritized. Feedback will be solicited from beta participants and customers once the DSD xPRESS Sales Order Entry is released. Schedule will need to be balanced between work to enhance DSD xPRESS Sales Order Entry and new programs utilizing the DSD xPRESS Suite framework. Sales Order Invoice Entry, Purchase Order Entry, Receipt of Goods Entry and various Inventory programs are being considered. A new Payroll Time Entry program is also being considered.
