Posted on Mon, Jan 30, 2012
Yes it is true Sage ERP Accpac will be adopting a new name and logo. This has been announced by Sage Software on their website -- Sage Brand Changes "In 2012 the names of many of our core accounting and ERP lines, including those designed for nonprofits and the construction industry, will be changing". Probably the most common question and concerns for all Accpac users would be "How will this affect us?". Generally all the existing products' features and functionality will remain the same and users will continue receiving the same support and services including any new Product Updates, version releases, etc.
The New Look
The following are the new titles and logos for the various different Accpac editions:
| Existing Name |
|
New Name & Logo |
| Sage ERP Accpac |
 |
 |
| Sage ERP Accpac 100 |
 |
 |
| Sage ERP Accpac 200 |
|
 |
| Sage ERP Accpac 500 |
|
 |
| SageCRM |
|
 |
You can expect to begin to see these new product names used in communications early in 2012 as the launches for new versions approach. Our websites will begin using these names beginning in May, and you’ll see them used throughout the Sage Summit Conference being held in Nashville in August 2012.
All of the Sage ERP lines are driven by long-term development roadmaps to ensure we continue to deliver leading solutions to help make your business life easier. Rest assured that these products, newly named to make clear the Sage portfolio of solutions available to you, will deliver the same great capabilities, support, and backup you have known and value from Sage.
Posted on Thu, Jan 19, 2012
What is Reporting Dysfunction? More importantly...are you suffering from it?? Reporting Dysfunction (RD) is a condition that could affect every area of your business. Your people rely on information to make solid business decisions. Without accurate information delivered quickly, decisions are delayed and business opportunities missed.
Symptoms you may be experiencing
- Lack of flexible reporting, dashboards and customized report formats
- Staff bogged down with the time it takes to generate reports
- Rekeying of data from one system to another to create meaningful reports
- Inaccuracy of reports
- Risk of non-compliance with governance
It is not too late to get help! Learn more about how you can be treated.
Learn how you can simplify your reporting process and learn about Excel Tips & Tricks. Download the eBook --
Posted on Mon, Jan 09, 2012
SageCRM & Accpac Together as One
Like apple pie and ice cream, SageCRM and Sage ERP Accpac are a perfect match. And with each new release, the two products move closer to becoming one. Not only is SageCRM now included free with Sage ERP Accpac (more on this below), but new workflow improvements and tighter integration are evidence of this perfect marriage between two fantastic products. Let’s take a closer look.
Based on feedback from customers like you, Sage ERP Accpac Version 6 now allows you to enter sales orders directly from within SageCRM - without opening the full Accpac order entry screens. This simplifies Quote-to-Order workflow by reducing the steps previously required to convert a prospect into a customer. Plus, your salespeople remain in the familiar SageCRM interface throughout the Quote-to-Order process without having to fumble around in Accpac screens.
Perhaps best of all, the improved workflow might just save you some money. That’s because a Sage ERP Accpac user license is no longer required to process the order.
What’s Yours is Mine ...
SageCRM is already a true web-based product. However, Sage ERP Accpac is not far behind, transforming itself from a traditional Windows/Desktop application to a web application with each new release.
And while SageCRM has always displayed a fair amount of customer and transactional data that originates in the Accpac database, the integration will become even tighter as both products move to the same web-based platform.
In fact, Accpac 6.0 rolled out some newly-styled web-based screens that look and feel just like SageCRM. That way, your salespeople won’t know whether they’re running SageCRM or Accpac … it all just happens behind the scenes. Sage has also taken measures to ensure that the workflow is continuous, data transfers smoothly from one step to the next, and information is automatically synchronized in both products.
That means everyone in your company is working from the same data and following the same workflow. Multiple databases, external spreadsheets, and disconnected islands of data are a thing of the past. Accpac data is available in SageCRM and SageCRM data is available in Accpac.
I Now Pronounce You … Free
Did you know that SageCRM is already installed on your system and ready to use for free? As of Sage ERP Accpac Version 5.6, a free user license for SageCRM is included. After all, you wouldn’t buy a car without giving it a test drive first, right?
With the free SageCRM user license, you can get your hands dirty, kick the tires, and take SageCRM for a test drive before determining whether it’s the right technology for you.
Contact Us to learn more about SageCRM or Accpac 6.0.
Posted on Mon, Dec 12, 2011
Last week we talked about preparing for year-end processing within your Sage ERP Accpac. This post is a reminder on important dates and some new tax filing information for the coming year or changes that will take effect for your next tax filing, expense reimbursements and/or tax reporting.
Important Deadlines & Tax Information
- January 31, 2012 - Deadline to issue W-2, 1098 and 1099 forms to employees & independent contractors.
- January 31, 2012 - Deadline for filing quarterly payroll and annual sales tax returns.
- Depreciation & Section 179 Expense - Last year's Small Business Jobs Act (SBJA) of 2010 increased the Section 179 deduction to $500,000. The phase out threshold for qualifying Sec. 179 expenses increased to $2 Million, up from $800,000 previously.
- Standard Mileage Rate - Beginning on January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011, the standard mileage rate for operating an automobile for business use is 51 cents per mile. From July 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, the standard mileage rate increased to 55.5 cents per mile.
- HIRE Act Worker Retention Credit - If your business hired a previously unemployed worker last year, 2011 is the year you qualify for up to $1,000 tax credit for keeping that person employed.
- Informational Reporting of Employer-Sponsored Health Coverage - Reporting employee's annual cost of health insurance coverage on form W-2 is NOT mandatory until 2012. However, the ability to voluntarily report such information in 2011 using code DD in W-2 Box 12 will be included in the year end PUP.
Note: We would like to note that the above information is solely intended as a helpful reference and is NOT to be relied on as tax advice from a licensed and qualified tax professional.
Printing W-2's
If you are using Sage ERP Accpac Payroll module it is very likely that there will be a Payroll Tax Update for January 2012. After applying your Sage Accpac Payroll Tax Update please print an alignment W-2 form before ordering these documents. Once you order your W-2 forms please print the alignment again to paper to ensure that everything is in order. You can edit the form aligments in Crystal Reports if you have the Crystal Report Professional designer. If you need assistance with aligning to the W-2 forms simply fax a copy of your printed alignment to Equation at (760) 436-3521 and we can modify the alignment accordingly.
Contact Us if you require any assistance with your year-end preparation. If you haven't registered for the Sage Accpac Year End & Purging History Webinar this Wednesday click here to register.
Posted on Wed, Dec 07, 2011
As we are fast approaching the year-end of 2011, we want to make sure you are ready 2012. Here are some tips and checklist to help you along. We also have a webinar scheduled next week to review the steps and procedures to close out the year and create a new year in Sage Accpac.
Tips For a Successful Year End
2011 Year End FAQ’ General Closing Procedures and Important Deadlines
- Create a New Fiscal Calendar - Accpac allows you to begin entering transactions for the new year without closing out the current year. But you must first create a new fiscal calendar in Common Services before entering transactions for 2012.
- General Ledger Closing - While it’s a good idea to close modules and purge historical data in a timely fashion, your General Ledger can remain open as long as you need while awaiting final processing in other modules or audit adjustments.
- Check Your Version Number - closing procedures can vary depending on the version of Accpac you’re currently running. So be sure to check your version number and service pack before starting year end.
- Back Up Your Data - before you begin any year end process, be sure to execute a complete back up of your database. You should also test the back up to ensure it was successful and the data is readable. The only way to “reverse” year end processing is to restore your data from a back up. So do it now!
- Check Data Retention Settings - Accpac retains historical data based on the version you’re running and the settings you’ve configured in each module. So it’s a good idea to double check your settings so you don’t lose important data during year end close.
Remember, We Are Here to Help - As you begin year end closing procedures and prepare to start fresh in 2012, be sure to contact us if you need any assistance during this important time of year. As your software and technology partner, we’re here to help!
Posted on Wed, Nov 30, 2011
What is barcoding? In a nutshell a barcode is an optical symbol that is machine-readable to extract the data and identify the object in which a barcode label is attached to. Some of the most common questions when it comes to whether a barcode is required are "What is a UPC code?", "How do I get a barcode or UPC/EAN code?", "Who needs a UPC/EAN code?". Let's get started, let's decode the barcode and see if you need one....
What is a UPC or EAN code?
- UPC = Universal Product Code
- EAN = European Article Number or International Article Number
The UPC code is widely utilized in North America, the U.K., Australia as well as New Zealand. UPC-A is the most common format which comprises 12 numerical digits. Most of us are familiar with seeing this barcode on products or items we purchase from retailers. The UPC codes are also referred to as a GTIN ~ Global Trade Item Number which comprise of a Company Prefix and the numbers the company has assigned to that specifc item. In the United States, the Company Prefix is issued by GS1. GS1 is a non-profit standards based organization that supplies GS1 US company prefixes that are authenticated and accepted by all retailers.
EAN has been adopted as the International Article Number but retained the EAN abbreviation. The EAN code is a 13-digit barcode format (12 data and 1 check digits) and it conforms to the original 12-digit UPC code developed in the United States. The EAN-13 barcodes are used worldwide for marking products often sold at retail point of sale.
Who needs a UPC/EAN code?
If you are a supplier or manufacturer that sells to distributors or retailers then your products may require a UPC barcode that represents the GTIN. If you do not plan to sell the items that you want to barcode to retailers for resale, and you simply want them barcoded for internal purposes i.e. for asset tracking, then you DO NOT need to get a Company Prefix from GS1 for a UPC code. In this instance, you can use any numbering system you choose, and any barcode type you want.
Now that you have a better understanding when a UPC code is required it brings us to the next question..."When does it make sense to use my part number as my barcode label?". This is usually not advised unless your scanned items are your internal assets and/or equipment and these items are not distributed. However, do keep in mind that in the event that your scanned items may someday be distributed to retailers who would rely on a UPC code and you started with a barcode with a part number then this could be a disruption to the automation you worked hard to put in place. In light of this, you will want to plan out the barcoding for your inventory carefully ahead of time
How do I obtain a UPC Code?
Register for a company prefix with GS1 US to get started. This registration process is quick and easy and requires some basic information about your company and a registration fee. Once you receive your prefix, you can create barcode numbers (GTINs) for each product you're selling.
This is part 1 of 4 on the Understanding Barcoding and Barcode Implementation article series. Subscribe to our blog and follow this series. Part 2 of 4 talks about "What hardware will I need to purchase to implement barcoding system?"
Read about how barcoding can help with streamlining orders and shipments...
Posted on Tue, Nov 22, 2011
Asset Management allows for strong integration with Sage Accpac Accounts Payable. This feature allows user to select invoices entered in Accounts Payable and bring the balance and information into the Asset Management module.
User will enter their asset invoice transaction entry as normal in Accounts Payable module. Then from within the Asset Management module the user adding an asset will now have a finder to the Accounts Payable invoice to retrieve in the details. This allows for separation of duties between Accounts Payable and Asset Management without rekeying the information.
About Sage ERP Accpac Accounts Payable
With Sage ERP Accpac modular solution, the Accounts Payable module can be utilized as a stand-alone module or as an integrated solution. With Sage ERP Accpac Accounts Payable users are able to automate processes, eliminate double-entries, create comprehensive analysis reports and much more. Some of the benefits include:
- Prioritize payments, negotiate terms, and keep 1099 and Contract Payment Reporting System (CPRS) information for vendors that are subject to 1099/CPRS reporting—all in a timely manner.
- Facilitates rapid entry of vendor invoices, flexible cash disbursement, and full check reconciliation using Bank Services.
- Import and export transactions from other applications, create reusable templates and use advanced import/export options to update or replace recurring payables and terms codes.
- Seamless connectivity between the accounting back-end with SageCRM ensures user has detailed vendor and supplier information on hand— even when they are on the road, as mobile functionality is built-in.
- Multicurrency capabilities
- Powerful inquiry tools utilizing Sage ERP Accpac Portal
About Norming Asset Management Solution
Norming Asset Management is developed in the latest Sage ERP Accpac Software Development Kit, has the same look, feel, level of integration as the Sage ERP Accpac core modules.
- Asset transactions generates General Ledger batches automatically.
- Integrates with P/O to streamline the asset acquisition and invoicing process.
- Integrates with I/C for asset acquisition, disposal and maintenance.
- A/P invoice can be created from asset acquisition batch automatically.
- A/R invoice can be created from the asset disposal batch automatically.
- A/P invoice can be created from asset maintenance batch automatically.
- A/R invoice can be created from asset lease billing entry automatically.
- Transfers the asset depreciation expense to PJC Contracts/Projects.
- Drill down from G/L,A/P and A/R to originating asset transaction.
Interested to learn more?
Posted on Wed, Nov 16, 2011
Yes, we are close to that time of the year again...year-end processing and then followed by annual filings to IRS. Do you currently have stacks of 1099 forms to print and mail on an annual basis? The hassle of purchasing costly 1099 forms, aligning the forms to print, stuffing envelopes...well the list goes on and on. Well, the good news is you can now automate this process in 3 easy steps!
Easy as 1-2-3
All you need to do is:
- Login to your account to import data from your Accounts Payable module
- Review control totals for accuracy and returns for accurate placement
- Click "Submit" and Done!
Yes that's it. You don't have to deal with printing, mailing and filing. Leave these hassle to the AvaTax1099!
In addition to offering a seamless process, AvaTax1099 is fully compliant with the most current legislative requirements so you can have a peace of mind. It is also compatible with most ERP solutions including Sage Accpac ERP, Sage MAS, QuickBooks, and more. Since this is a hosted cloud solution, there is no IT support to deal with.
List of supported forms:
- 1042-S
- 1099-INT
- 1099-MISC
- 1099-DIV
- 1099-CAP
- 1099-B
- 1099-LTC
- 1099-R
- 1099-S
- 1099-T
- Form 3921
- Form 3922
All form formats are guaranteed compliant reducing the risk of an IRS audit.
Take the next step towards automating your 1099 process -- Learn how to get started and attend the webinar.
Posted on Wed, Nov 09, 2011
Now that we have an understanding of how credit card payments are processed, let's take a look at how the processing fees are calculated. Here are some of the basic terms or steps used; Authorization, Batching, Clearing and Funding.
Authorization
- This is the first step. After the sales transaction is made an authorization is requested and it gets routed to the card-issuing bank. This step is where it lets the merchant know if a sale is authorized or denied.
Batching
- After a transaction is authorized it is then transmitted in batches to the acquirers bank or merchant account to receive payment.
Clearing
- Next the batch is sent through to the card association where each transaction is routed to the appropriate issuing bank. The issuing bank will subtract an interchange fee (which is shared with the card association) and transfers the remaining amount back to the acquirer through the card association.
Funding
- The final step is when the acquirer release the funds to the merchant after subtracting its discount fee. The merchant is now paid for the transaction and the customer/cardholder will be billed by its issuing bank.
The above is an example of how payment processing fees are calculated. Generally the interchange fee can range between 1 - 3% depending the on type of card used and the transaction amount. As for the discount fee, the percentage for this also varies and it can be influenced by numerous factors such as how the card is processed and the type of card. The range for discount fee ranges from 1% up to 5%. It is important to get comparison discount rates offered by the merchant account or acquiring bank as this rate is very competitive.
If you are processing credit card payments today and are curious to find out how much you can save on processing fees we can provide a side-by-side savings analysis. Get a No Obligation Quote!
Posted on Tue, Nov 01, 2011
In our last article we talked about Credit Card payment processing within Sage Accpac. Lets take a closer look into this process and unmask the much familiar terms such as "Payment Gateway", "Merchant Account" that is very much a part of this transaction cycle. What exactly is a Payment Gateway? What is the Payment Gateway's role? Who needs a Merchant Account? Well, fret no more. This is how it all works .....
Not that scary sounding once it is layed out in a concise view huh? That's right, basically it can be broken down into 6 steps:
1: The customer/cardholder places an order and submits the credit card details for payment through an eCommerce webstore, the information is passed through the secured payment gateway via SSL-encryption to the merchant’s web server.
2: The payment gateway now transmits the payment transaction data to the payment processor used by the merchant’s acquiring bank via a merchant account.
3: The payment processor (via the merchant account) transmits the data to the card issuer.
4: After the card association determines the approved or declined status (depending on the type of card used and issuing bank), the payment processor (again, via the merchant account) receives a response code with either an approval code or a denial code with reason (e.g., insufficient funds, network not available, etc.).
5: The payment processor, via the merchant account, sends this approval or denial response back to the payment gateway.
6: The payment gateway completes the cycle and sends the response back to the customer/cardholder that is patiently waiting at the merchant's webstore and completes the checkout process.
All of the above steps completes in approximately 2-3 seconds!! To wrap up this up, here are the definition of Payment Gateway and Merchant Account
What is a Payment Gateway?
The Payment Gateway primary role is to protect the cardholder during an eCommerce transaction. It is provides a secured layer when the cardholder or customer makes the initial request to perform a payment transaction. It facilitates the transaction authorization by encrypting the transaction details and then passes it through the merchant’s web server. The processor then sends the information on to the card issuer for approval and the approval response is sent back to the merchant via the payment gateway. It is the e-commerce equivalent of the physical POS terminal used by store-front merchants in face-to-face transactions.
What is a Merchant Account?
A Merchant Account is a service that allows the merchant to accept electronic payments i.e. credit cards, debit cards, ACH, etc This service is provided by a processing bank that is a member of a credit card network (such as VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), either directly or through a third party. It links all the transaction components into an inter-related system. Once a payment transaction is processed, the processing bank credits the merchant’s designated bank account for the transaction amount, after it subtracts its processing cost, as agreed on in the Merchant Agreement. The processing bank then sends a payment request to the card issuer, who credits the processor’s account, after it subtracts its own costs. The issuer then sends a monthly statement to its cardholder to complete the cycle.
So there you have it Credit Card Payment Processing debunked :). Stay tuned...next article we will give an example of how fees are calculated.
