MAS90 LinkedIn User Group Tops 1,000 Members
January 31, 2011
Membership in the MAS90 LinkedIn Users And Consultants Group today topped 1,000 members for the first time.
Formed in January 2009, the Linkedin group is approximately 10 times larger than the largest next MAS 90 specific discussion group on Linkedin and is not sponsored by Sage.
Participants regularly share information and the latest news about Sage ERP MAS 90 and MAS 200 and informally discuss product ideas with Sage product managers.
Membership is free and open to any MAS 90 or MAS 200 software users or consultants. The only requirement is to participate and share knowledge.
FRX to SMI Conversion Utility On The Way From Sage
January 26, 2011
January 2011 is the last month that Sage is able to sell FRX. This has been known for a while and it’s the direct result of a decision by Microsoft to stop offering FRX. Support will still be available until 2012 and Sage have indicated that version 4.5 of Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 will continue to be backward compatible with FRX.
Sage have introduced a new tool for FRX users called Sage MAS Intelligence (SMI). This is a re-branded version of the Alchemex reporting tool which is already in widespread use by other ERP packages including Accpac.
However one potential stumbling block with adopting Sage MAS Intelligence is that existing FRX users have no utility to convert their reporting files. Until now.
Erik Kaas, Sage Director Product Management for the Sage MAS product line, has just revealed that a conversion utility is due at some undetermined point in the future:
Sage recently received permission from Microsoft that allows Sage to decrypt the proprietary FRx files. Sage will use this to create a utility that will help reduce the effort to migrate FRx reports into Sage MAS Intelligence. This utility will not “automagically” transform FRx files, but it should allow consultants or users familiar with FRx to more quickly recreate similar reports in SMI. We will be working on the utility but don’t have a specific release date yet. We’ll provide updates as we get closer to releasing
via Linkedin
Sage ERP MAS 90 or MAS 200 Upgrade Quote Request
January 26, 2011
We’re working to streamline our upgrade quote process.
If you’re seeking a quote to upgrade your existing Sage ERP MAS 90 or MAS 200 — and you are NOT already a Schulz Consulting client (Reseller of Record = Schulz Consulting) then please complete the form below.
Within 24 business hours we will contact you to provide an estimate of upgrade costs for your review.
If the estimate is acceptable to you then we will provide a written proposal.
Google Custom Search for MAS 90 Information
January 26, 2011
Are you tired of all the SPAM and self-serving information that appears when you search Google for technical information on MAS 90 or MAS 200? What if you could totally eliminate all but the most important Sage sites — and just search what Google has publicly indexed from Sage?
Well now you can. Here’s a quick and dirty Google Custom Search that reviews the public contents of your search results and limits the results only to those coming from Sage’s knowledgebase.
You won’t need to login or provide any other information – just search away!
How many users can I have on Sage ERP MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200?
January 25, 2011
One of the most frequently asked questions from new (and often existing) users of Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 is around the maximum number of user who can simultaneously log into Sage ERP MAS 90 or Sage ERP MAS 200.
If you ask twenty consultants this question – you’re likely to receive twenty different answers.
I posed this question to five consultants who I trust. Interested in their responses?
How Many Users Can I have on Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200?
How To Convert FRX to Sage MAS Intelligence (SMI)
January 25, 2011
Struggling to convert your FRX financial reports to Sage MAS Intelligence (SMI)?
As you probably are aware, FRX was the reporting tool bundled with all versions of Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200. Starting in January 2011 Microsoft has stopped selling FRX. As of the end of 2012 FRX support will no longer be available. In response Sage have pledged to keep version 4.5 of Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 backward compatible with FRX.
Beyond version 4.5 it’s anyone’s guess whether FRX will continue working with Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200. For this reason Sage have introduced a re-badged version of Alchemex (an Excel based report writer) as their FRX replacement. Marketed as Sage MAS Intelligence this reporting tool is being provided to every user of MAS.
Users of FRX have questioned whether their existing reports will migrate automatically to SMI. Unfortunately the answer ultimately is no. However Craig Juta from bxintelligence has posted this short 5 minute video that could give you an idea of the ease with which a person skilled with Excel can convert FRX reports.
FRX to Sage MAS Intelligence Conversion in 6 Steps (5 minute video)
MAS90 & MAS 200 Module Removal Request Form
January 23, 2011
Do you have modules on your Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 system which you’re no longer using? Sometimes this can happen due to a change in business. Other times it might be a module like Visual Integrator which you used for the first few years but no longer need.
Sage will reduce your maintenance for any modules that you indicate are no longer in use. First you must remove those modules from your system and then you’ll need to supply Sage with the completed form below.
Please consult your Sage Business Partner prior to making any such changes just so you’re sure that the modules you’re requesting be removed are in fact no longer used.
MAS90 or MAS200 Module Deactivation Request
MAS90 & MAS200 User Count Reduction Request Form
January 23, 2011
Are you licensed for 20 user of Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200 yet find that you’re only using 10 on a consistent basis? If so then you can complete the form linked below, return it to Sage and they will in turn reduce your licensed user count and subsequently reduce your associated annual maintenance costs (if any) for the user counts removed.
MAS90 & MAS 200 User Count Downgrade Request
User Downgrade Request Form – Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 (1/17/2011)
What versions of Crystal Reports are supported by Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200?
January 23, 2011
What versions of Crystal Reports are supported?
1. MAS 4.40 – Crystal Report 11
2. MAS 4.30 – Crystal Report 10
3 MAS 4.20 – Crystal Report 10
4. MAS 4.10 – Crystal Report 10
5. MAS 4.05 – Crystal Report 8.5
6. MAS 4.00 – Crystal Report 8.5
7. MAS 3.71 – Crystal Report 8.5
8. MAS 3.70 – Crystal Report 8.5
9. MAS 3.61 – Crystal Report 8.5
10. MAS 3.60 – Crystal Report 8.5
11. MAS 3.51 – Crystal Report 8.0
12. MAS 3.50 – Crystal Report 8.0
Note: MAS versions below 3.71 are no longer supported by Sage.
Use of an incorrection version will render forms and reports that are used by the Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200 program (ie – Check Printing, Invoices, Custom Reports, Canned Reports) unusable though the report may appear to function properly outside of the MAS system when run straight through Crystal. There is no way we’ve yet seen to reverse changes made in a higher version of Crystal and save the form to a lower version.
Be sure you work with the proper version of Crystal Reports.
via: Sage KB Resolution ID 513325
Sage ERP MAS 90, MAS 200, MAS 500 Supported Versions [January 2011]
January 18, 2011
Sage have indicated their intention to support the current version of Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 – plus two prior versions.
This support policy will kick in on September 30, 2011 when the following Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 versions will no longer be supported by Sage Software:
Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 version 4.00
Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 version 4.05
Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 version 4.10
In addition the following Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL versions will retire on 9/30/11:
Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL version 3.72
Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL version 3.73
Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL version 3.74
The following MAS500 version will retire on 9/30/11:
Sage ERP MAS 500 7.05
Via: Current Sage ERP MAS 90, 200 and 500 Supported versions
Sage Summit 2011 Social Media Sites
January 17, 2011
Thinking about attending Sage Summit 2011? This year’s conference hosted by Sage is geared toward both customers and consultants.
The game plan is for the consultants to roll in for the July 10-15, 2011 time period and the customers can arrive July 12-15. Once again a good time is promised to all (what’s not to love about a resort where it costs well under $5 to transfer from the airport to the front doorstep).
If you’re headed to Washington be sure you keep your ear to the ground to learn of everything that’s happening. All the usual suspects – Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube will be buzzing with activity as the date nears.
Where do you go to find the Social Media buzz around Summit 2011?
Here is a list of all the social media sites for Sage Summit 2011.
Promote away!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SageSummit
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sage_Summit
LinkedIn: http://events.linkedin.com/Sage-Summit-2011/pub/506615
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sage_summit/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SageSummitEvent
Lest we forget my favorite memories of Sage conferences of the past….
And a Eddie Money from the Orlando conference entertainment:
Sage Summit 2011 Social Media Sites
Notice 1400: IRS Tax Forms Booklets Not Being Mailed In 2011
January 16, 2011
According to a story in The Washington Post, The Internet Revenue Service will not mail out instructions or paper forms for the tax year 2011.
This change is expected to save the government $10 million annually and is happening because more Americans are filing online. According to the article only about 11.5 million people who filed paper tax returns in 2009 had received paper tax forms in the mail. The IRS normally starts mailing out the 2011 Form 1040 packages at the start of the new year. Last years’ mailing totalled 44 pages.
IRS Notice 1400 via The Washington Post
TurboTax SnapTax Mobile App – File 1040EZ Taxes From Android and iPhonse [video]
January 16, 2011
Intuit offers a unique way for you to file your 1040EZ for 2011. “Snap” a picture of your W-2: SnapTax imports all the info for you. Then, just answer a few quick questions, review your taxes, and e-file.
Cost is $14.99 per return (1040EZ) through 3/26/2011 when the price is scheduled to rise to $19.99.
2011 Sage ERP MAS 90 and MAS 200 Payroll Tax Tables Download Available
January 16, 2011
Sage have updated their payroll tax tables for 2011 to include the latest state tax information for Missouri as well as Puerto Rico.
You can look at what’s new in the latest Sage EPR MAS 90 or 200 payroll tax update for 2011 and consult with your tax advisor or Sage Business Partner as to whether you need to update your payroll tax tables (as well as the timing of when that should happen).
This payroll tax table update, dated 1/11/11, is available only via download and it’s only for those with a Sage Basic Maintenance plan. We strongly recommend you consult with your Sage Business Partner and Tax Professional on the application of these updates and for any required assistance with checking the tax table updates have been installed properly and taken affect.
In most cases you may want to visit the IRS site and download the latest version of their official 2011 payroll tax table guide (Publication 15 aka IRS Circular E) which is useful for verifying that your computerized payroll tax calculations match against the IRS guidelines for 2011 payroll tax withholding.
Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 Tax Tables – 2011
IRS Payroll Tax Tables – Publication 15 (Circular E) for 2011
January 16, 2011
We recommend that the IRS tax tables for 2011 be used on your first payroll run of the new year to manually verify that the tax tables you’ve uploaded to your computer system match with the official tables issued by the IRS.
Small discrepancies of a few centers are typical. If you’re seeing discrepancies of several dollars then you should check to be sure you have the proper Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200 tax tables installed .
We recommend that even after installing the Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200 tax table updates that you also go into the Circular E for 2011 and manually compute several (or all) tax withholdings for each of your employees.
Issues around incorrect tax tables are significantly easier to correct during the first payroll of the new year than if they’re discovered at year end and retroactive fixes need to be made.
When in doubt – be sure you consult with your tax progressional about proper tax treatment of both employee wages and any deductions which you are creating or continuing to use. The tax law changes frequently and it’s better to set these deductions up properly from the start than to notify employees midway through the 2011 tax year that there’s a change to their payroll withholding.
You can download the IRS tax tables from the IRS Site — http://www.irs.gov. Always check to be sure you are using the most current rates and that pending changes are included in any guides that you are using for reference. Pay attention to effective dates since some late changes may allow for adoption during the current year so long as you make adjustments. Consult your tax professional for advise on tax matters.
IRS Circular E – Publication 11 – 2011
90% of The Top 10 WordPress Themes Found In Page One Results = Malicious or Suspicious
January 14, 2011
Are you just in the process of setting up your company with a new WordPress website?
You may have already found that changing the look of WordPress is as easy as downloading and installing a theme. This change is so simple that you can usually apply a new theme to WordPress in well under 5 minutes.
The problem is that many first time users of WordPress look for free themes by using a search engine. As Siobhan Ambrose of WPMU.ORG found – many of these free themes contain hidden code that may be malicious or causing your web site to unintentionally link out to other web sites (think spam and pharmacy type sites).
This post is a must read for anyone just getting started in the world of WordPress or who has been tasked with selecting a theme for their site.
Of the top ten listings on the first page of a Google search for “free wordpress themes” Siobhan found only 1 of 10 that she deemed safe.
Why You Should Never Search for Free WordPress Themes In Google or Anywhere Else
50% off of your Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200 Clientcare Reinstatement When You Enroll With Sage Payment Solutions
January 13, 2011
Sage just announced a promotion that might be of interest to some existing users of Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200 who’ve let their maintenance lapse.
For a limited time Sage is offering 50% off Clientcare reinstatement, a $500 credit toward monthly payment transaction fees and the Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200 Credit Card Processing module at no cost.
UPDATE: This promo applies to customers on at least version 4.10 of Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200. Computation of back maintenance is up to 2 years prior maintenance plus one year forward (which you can put onto Easy Pay using your bank account as a drafting source with monthly installments).
Here’s further details on the offer via Sage:
The SPS promotion is 50% off the software update (lapsed fees) for a new SPS sign up. Sage is targeting customers whose last version shipped is 4.1. It is available to clients whose last version shipped is 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4. Here is how it works.
· 1/4/11 email campaign went to off plan 4.1 customers
· If the customer, off plan signs a 3 yr agreement with SPS, Sage will provide a 50% discount on the software update of their reinstatement.
· Customer will get Credit Card processing module at no charge (annual maintenance will apply)
· Up to $50/month for the first 10 months off transaction fees.
· Must start transacting within 90 days of acceptance.
· Applies to either integrated or non integrated solutions,(but discounts are different)
This promotion (click the image above for the details) runs from today through March 31, 2011. For more information you can contact your Sage Customer Account Manager at 877-541-1681, or your Sage Business Partner.
Be sure to mention promo code MS900P .
MAPADOC EDI Now Available For ERP Sage MAS 200 SQL 4.45
January 11, 2011
SWK Technologies, a Sage Business Partner located in Livingston NJ announces the availability of their MAPADOC EDI processing for the newly released Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL 4.45.
According to SWK Technologies they are the only fully integrated EDI solution currently available for Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL 4.45. The company participated in the Sage beta program as a Gold Development Partner which gave them a head start to releasing the new version.
Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL 4.45 licenses are the same price as the Sage ERP MAS 200 client server. There is no additional Sage ERP MAS charge for the SQL version of the product. Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL is available for new license sales only with version 4.45. Current Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 customers, and Sage ERP MAS 200 for SQL 3.xx customers, will be able to choose to move to the SQL option with the 4.5 release, which will offer tools and a product-assisted upgrade path. 4.5 is scheduled to be released in the second half of 2011.
MAPADOC’s EDI Solution Beats Competition to Market with Total Integration for New Sage MAS 200 SQL Version 4.45
LIVINGSTON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MAPADOC EDI by SWK Technologies, Inc., an integrated Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software solution built specifically for Sage MAS 90, 200 and 500, is now available for the new Sage MAS 200 SQL Version 4.45. The announcement was made by Gary Berman, vice president of EDI for SWK.
“Our relationship with Sage, and our status as a Sage Software Authorized Business Partner and Sage Gold Development Partner enabled us to participate in the Sage Beta Program. This gave us the head start we needed to finish programming MAPADOC for SQL Version 4.45 in record time.”
“Based on our research, MAPADOC is the only fully integrated EDI solution currently available for Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL 4.45,” says Berman. “Our relationship with Sage, and our status as a Sage Software Authorized Business Partner and Sage Gold Development Partner enabled us to participate in the Sage Beta Program. This gave us the head start we needed to finish programming MAPADOC for SQL Version 4.45 in record time.”
According to Sage, 4.45 combines the features, ease of use and powerful customization of Sage ERP MAS with Microsoft SQL Server’s efficiency, scalability and flexibility. SQL provides IT professionals with their familiar Microsoft SQL Server environment for ad-hoc reporting, backup, data integrity and design tools. Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL offers product line stability and two decades of customer-driven enhancements from tens of thousands of installations. 4.45 includes the flexibility of highly customizable modern architecture, and the benefits of the established Sage ERP MAS ecosystem.
Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL 4.45 licenses are the same price as the Sage ERP MAS 200 client server. There is no additional Sage ERP MAS charge for the SQL version of the product. Sage ERP MAS 200 SQL is available for new license sales only with version 4.45. Current Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 customers, and Sage ERP MAS 200 for SQL 3.xx customers, will be able to choose to move to the SQL option with the 4.5 release, which will offer tools and a product-assisted upgrade path. 4.5 is scheduled to be released in the second half of 2011.
Sage MAS Intelligence Jumpstart – February 28, 2011
January 11, 2011
Ready to get going with Sage MAS Intelligence? This session will have you ready to start working with this powerful new reporting tool and teach you everything you need to get started. We review the concepts from the Essentials training and show you how to work with this powerful tool right after it’s installed. We will also discuss the various licenses available and what you may need to take your reporting to a new level. Join us for this informative session and bring your questions as we prepare you to start using Sage MAS Intelligence for your everyday reporting needs.
Schedule Id: 40525
February 28, 2011
08:30 AM – 10:30 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Complimentary: $0.00
Registration End Date February 24, 2011
Sage ERP Accpac 6.0 Virtual Launch Event – February 10, 2011
January 11, 2011
Sage Software just announced a virtual launch event for their Sage ERP Accpac 6.0. This even promises to:
- Hear directly from customers about how Sage ERP Accpac has impacted their business
- View a panel discussion moderated by an analyst about Sage ERP Accpac Version 6.0 and the future roadmap
- Chat live and network with your peers, Sage ERP executives, product specialists and Sage business partners
- Visit virtual information centers staffed by Sage ERP product experts
- Access downloadable resources to help your business
Sage ERP Accpac 6.0 is expected to eventually be one of Sage’s SaaS capable offerings (target for full SaaS is late 2012). The product is sold primarily in the USA and Canada and has received a renewed vote of confidence by being named one of the global products that Sage promotes worldwide.
To sign up for the web event you can visit the Sage ERP Accpac 6.0 virtual launch event registration site.
Sage ERP Accpac 6.0 Launch Event
More information via the Sage Community Accpac 6.0 FAQ
Accpac 6 FAQ
Happy New Year everyone. Hope you all had a good holiday. Over the past year this blog has had quite a few postings to do with Sage ERP Accpac 6.0A and the new Web Based technology platform that it is based on. Sage ERP Accpac 6.0A has now been released. It has been available for download for a couple of weeks now. In this posting I wanted to address a number of questions I’ve been receiving as well as try to put to rest some misconceptions that seem to be out there (mostly to do with the transition from VB to Web).
Does Sage ERP Accpac 6.0A become a 100% full web based solution?
No – this is the first step in that journey. With this release we have the technology foundation, the new web based portal, the new dashboard, the new Inquiry tool along with the web based screens that make up Quote to Orders. All the other accounting screens are still the VB screens similar to 5.6A.
When Will Sage ERP Accpac be 100% fully web based?
Version 6.2 which is estimated for release at the end of calendar 2012. With this release the entire product will have a web based option, including all accounting modules and options products. However version 6.1 which is estimated to ship at the end of 2011 will have all the major modules Web based including GL, AP, AR, IC, OE and PO.
As Web Screens are released will the VB screens disappear?
No. You will still be able to run the VB screen from the original Accpac desktop. As Web Screens are completed they will take the place of the VB screens in the new Web Portal, but the original VB screens are still installed, supported and accessed from the original desktop.
How long will the VB screens be supported?
At least through 6.2A, beyond that it will depend on market demand. If everyone moves to the web quickly then that will be it. But if it takes time to move customizations and such, then you will have that time.
Is SageERP Accpac 6.0A SaaS?
No. This is an on-premise installed product. You can install it in the cloud, but this is still essentially on on-premise install, just with a remote server.
When will there be a true SaaS version of Accpac?
After we have a number of accounting modules Web based then we will look to do a SaaS deployment through AccpacOnline (ie after 6.1 or early 2012).
If I don’t deploy the web components, why should I upgrade to 6.0?
There is the lock fiscal periods by module feature that is used by both. Plus there are many bug fixes.
Why should I deploy the Web components?
You will get the new portal, dashboards and inquiry tool. Plus this will prepare you for 6.1A. If you get the web components going then installing 6.1A will be very easy since you will have the infrastructure all deployed.
If the product is web deployed why do I need workstation setup?
Until the VB accounting screens are moved to the Web in 6.1 or 6.2, we are running the current VB screens from the Portal. The only data entry screens in the new Web technology for 6.0A are the Quote to Order screens run from inside SageCRM.
Why is there an ActiveX control in the new Portal?
This is required to run the VB UI screens. This will be removed once all the VB screens are moved to the Web.
Can I run the Portal for remote users?
Only for the new Web parts. The VB screens will not run remotely with this technology, Workstation Setup is required. This will be more realistic starting with 6.1A.
Can I use browsers other than IE?
The only supported Browsers are Internet Explorer 7 and 8. You can use Firefox, Safari or Chrome but you can’t run the VB screens from these Browsers (since they don’t support ActiveX controls). The CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are optimized for IE and will have many rendering glitches with the other browsers (this will be fixed for 6.1A).
Does the new Web Portal use a Lanpak?
No. Logging on to the new Web Portal, seeing the dashboard, drilling down to reports from the dashboard, accessing help and using the Inquiry tool does not use a lanpak. However you will use a lanpak the first time you run an accounting screen. The idea is to promote the use of Accpac in the Enterprise outside of the accounting department.
Do the Quote to Order Screens use a Lanpak?
No. You just need the SageCRM User count to sign onto SageCRM, then no further Lanpaks are required.
Do I require a new server for the web parts?
Depends. Often people already have a good file server that is being under-utilized, you may be able to use this additionally as your web server. If you are already running SageCRM, then this server will probably be ideal as the Accpac Web server also. But if you are running local installs and Pervasive workgroup and have no server, then you will need to get one.
Full Sage ACCPAC 6.0 Post Continues On the Sage Community Forum
Alternate Support for Peachtree Customers Impacted By Atlanta Storm
January 10, 2011
Sage Peachtree Atlanta is advising customers on January 10, 2011 that they’re officially “snowed in”.
That means for safety’s sake the customer support department for Sage Peachtree is working from their homes as opposed to chancing the snow and ice that’s surrounding the greater Atlanta area.
As an alternate means of support – Peachtree users can also access the Sage knowledgease – Sage Peachtree knowledgebase.
Here’s the announcement posted on the Sage site:
As many of you may have heard, the southeast was hammered last night with 4-6 inches of snow. The precipitation is continuing throughout the day today as a wintery mix of snow and ice. As a result of the treacherous conditions, we made a decision to close down our physical office to ensure the safety of our employees. We are attempting to minimize the impact this situation is having on our customers but our reduced capacity will obviously limit the number of customers we can effectively support and service.
In an effort to keep you informed, I thought I would let you know how we are operating during this time. If you call our support line you will be asked to send us an e-mail with your contact information and description of problem. Our support staff will be working at a limited capacity from home calling back customers who reach out via e-mail. We have shut down the sales department and we are directing all customers to Peachtree.com where you can purchase upgrades, tax service, etc. Our sales representatives are actually assisting support by calling out to customers that were unable to reach us and working proactively to schedule a call-back with a support representative.
At this point in time we don’t know when we will be able to resume normal operations. Given the current forecast, there is a good chance we will be operating in this mode through Wednesday but we will continue to monitor the situation on a regular basis. In the interim, I would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. If you are having problems reaching us, remember there are other support resources available to you such as the online knowledgebase, Year End Center located on Peachtree.com, and this community (where you can receive assistance from our entire ecosystem which includes partners, other customers, etc.). If you chose to leave us a message we will get back with you as soon as we possibly can.
On a more personal note, if you are or will be in the path of this large winter storm please take precautions and be safe. Not sure where you live but if it’s any place like Atlanta, it’s likely that your area is not used to this type of weather and, as a result, would find it challenging to quickly respond to the situation.
Connie
via: Sage Peachtree
Why You Should Treat Sage ERP MAS 90 and MAS 200 Service and Product Updates As Upgrades
January 10, 2011
I spent some time on Friday with an A+++++ level client who was on version 4.30 and a lower service level (the IRD is only applicable per Sage for level 4.3.17 and up). They used payroll and had some HIRE employees which meant they needed to upgrade their payroll module to print applicable tax forms for the 2010 year.
In a perfect world the client would schedule this work a month ahead of time. But they world of payroll isn’t perfect and enhancements and “patches” are often only available “one the fly” and at the last minute during the super hectic year end season.
The client was on a version 4.3 and service update 2 version of MAS 90. That’s where the problems start. For most clients the year end updating of their payroll files is done with what’s called an IRD or Interim Release Disk. This disk only updates the payroll features needed for year end processing.
Except for some reason Sage doesn’t allow any users on 4.30 with less than service update 17 installed to us an IRD. Instead these (unlucky) users are forced into a busy season upgrade.
Sage MAS 90 or 200 4.30.0.17 – 4.30.0.20:
http://infosource.sagesoftwareonline.com/sw_attach/sso/mas90/IRD/HowToInstall2010YearEndIRD.htm
If you are on version 4.30 and using any version lower than 4.3.17 it appears you are forced to go with a full service update (From this point on referred to as upgrades).
Be advised that these service upgrades may often involve an extremely time consuming data conversion process. During this process you will need exclusive access to Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200.
The conversion progress bars in my experience are not of much use because during certain times they (still) sit frozen and you’ll not know if you’re dealing with large data conversion or a damaged data file (have fun explaining to your client / staff that they need to stay out of the system for two hours while you stare at a static progress bar).
Sage’s only warning is to make a full data backup. Which in my experience (and that of clients) is not much comfort when you have 15 people sitting waiting to know when to go back into their MAS 90 system after someone has kicked off what’s billed as a relatively easy update.
No longer.
Going forward all service updates, product updates – or patches of any kind need to be treated as full system upgrades.
I recommend:
1. Only apply service and product upgrades when you have 1 to 4 hours of exclusive access where NOBODY in any part of the company will access MAS 90 or MAS 200.
2. Make a FULL data backup immediately before your upgrade – just having a backup from the prior night won’t be good enough because if your system experiences an issue then you will loose all data entry since the last backup point.
3. Keep all users out of the system for the duration of the system upgrade.
4. Only apply product and service upgrades as part of a pre-planned upgrade — never apply on a whim.
When Should You Load The MAS90 2011 Tax Table Update?
January 6, 2011
Several people have asked when they should load the 2011 tax table update for MAS 90 and MAS 200 payroll.
As you may know one of the hidden gotcha’s of printing W2 forms via MAS 90 and MAS 200 payroll is the system uses the current FICA/MEDICARE maximum limits for determining how much goes into each FICA/MEDICARE box. For employees over the maximum limit at which tax is assessed MAS 90 simply supplies the current maximum rate from the FED tax table.
Update 1-11-2011: New Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 2011 Tax Tables
At first glance since there is no limit change for the FICA/MEDICARE this year many users determined that it didn’t matter when they loaded the tables (ie – Before or after preparing quarterlies and W2 forms).
Turns out according to Jim Woodhead over at DSD Business Systems that if you load the tax tables early your 941 form will show an incorrect overpaid status due to the 941 form using the NEW rate for employee FICA (4.2% for 2011). the solution is to manually change the FICA rate back to 6.2% while printing your 941 forms.
PS – Don’t forget to change it back to 4.2% when you’re done printing.
Sage Summit Facebook Page – Now Live
January 5, 2011
Sage have just created a Facebook Page that will hold pictures and updated information about their July 10-15, 2011 conference.
This year’s event is in Washington DC at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center. For the first time both Sage Partners and Sage Customers will attend this conference with Partners welcomed July 10-12 and Customers July 12-15.
The Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center is convenient to public transportation and only about 25 minutes from the fantastic DC subway system which leads to almost any historic site you’d want to see.
Sage Summit on Facebook and also — sadly — Sage Summit 2011 Omitting Facebook, Twitter specific sessions?
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