How To Install Sage MAS Intelligence for MAS 90 or MAS 200
August 24, 2010
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The training department at Sage North America have just posted another video regarding the new Sage MAS Intelligence reporting tool.
Sage MAS Intelligence is the replacement for FRX Financial Report Writer which Microsoft is terminating support for at the end of next year. FRX had been the recommended financial report writer. With the decision by Microsoft to eliminate their product – the new recommended reporting tool is Sage MAS Intelligence.
Each user of MAS 90 or MAS 200 will receive a free copy of this program along with one user license. Watch for a notification from Sage in the coming weeks that will alert you to the availability of Sage MAS Intelligence.
Timekeeper for MAS90 – Demo 9/1/2010
August 11, 2010
Need to track time for multiple users? If you’re a MAS 90 or MAS 200 user with a large number of users who want to track time then the Hightower TimeKeeper solution might be for you.
From the Hightower Site:
Because Timekeeper is fully integrated with your Sage MAS 90 or Sage MAS 200 ERP system, you can process all time/expense entry information into a number of the modules, including Sage MAS 90 Accounts Receivable, Sage MAS 90 Job Cost, Sage MAS 90 Payroll, Sage MAS 90 Sales Order, Time and Billing, and Time and Billing Professional. This level of integration enables you to increase overall efficiency and enhance service to your clients by tracking employee time and expenses for accurate and timely invoicing.
You can enter time/expense data into your Sage MAS 90 or 200 software using the Timekeeper module, the platform independent Timekeeper Entry application, or online via .timekeeper. All of these solutions are available when you install Timekeeper. Choose the best time/expense entry solution for your company. The following list describes each solution.
I’ve had several clients use the system and have found it to be an excellent solution for anyone looking to track time without having to invest in a more expensive time and billing system (which Hightower offers with their Time and Billing Professional for MAS90).
There’s a free online web demonstration scheduled for 9/1/2010 — click here to register or for more information .
Sage ERP MAS Intelligence Available For Download
August 9, 2010
Sage has just made their MAS 90 FRX replacement available for download online. Branded as Sage ERP MAS Intelligence (say that 3 times fast) the Excel based solution connects to not only your financial data but all other module data (ex. Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, etc).
We provided you with a first look at Sage ERP MAS Intelligence (then being referred to as Sage Business Intelligence) back in March 2010 when Alchemex did a demo for the 90 Minds Consulting Group.
View the product frequently asked questions below – or visit Sage’s site for more information and download links.
ACH Electronic Payment For MAS 90 Accounts Payable – New In V4.4
July 24, 2010
Sage just released a new Product Update #2 for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200. In my opinion one of the top features in this update is the ability to pay accounts payable invoices electronically.
Many times our clients have employee expense checks that are sent out weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or even a few times a week. The employees who receive those checks often are sometimes not in the office which requires the to be mailed.
This introduces delays, increased postage cost and extra administrative time spent stuffing envelopes. Sure this may not be a big issue for those with two or three employees. Ramp the number of employees up to 100 or more — and suddenly you have a potential administrative time sink.
The newest release of Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 – which is available for download to those on the Basic Maintenance plan — adds ACH electronic processing. If you’ve used the Direct Deposit for Payroll – the ACH for accounts payable works nearly identically.
Unlike older versions of ACH for Accounts Payable – this updated feature allows you to create your own customized export of data so that if a bank needs a feed adjusted to fit their required layout you have the ability to do this yourself without hiring a programmer.
Sage has a nice 6 minute vide that showcases the ACH for Accounts Payable.
We can install and configure this during your upgrade – and help you manage the first few exports of data to your bank. Of course we have clients who have been doing this for years and we are happy to connect our clients to those already using the enhancement to get direct feedback on their experiences.
PS - I noticed after composing this article that I mistakenly pasted in the YouTube from last night’s Lou Gramm concert at Mohegan Sun. The video you want of the ACH for MAS 90 is here.
Enjoy Lou Gramm performing Jukebox Hero live at Mohegan Sun 7/23/2010 (former lead singer of Foreigner).
Alnoor Cassim Brings MAS90 Scripting and BOI Training to NJ June 22, 2010
June 8, 2010
One of the most exciting features of the new MAS 90 & MAS 200 business framework has been the ability to use scripts to control aspects of the software.
Almost every consultant and technical end user could benefit from learning how to do some scripting — which in the current 4.4 release is the preferred method of avoiding customizations and add-ons.
Alnoor Cassim is a genius with MAS 90 and MAS 200. He ran the support area worked at Sage for 14 years before striking out on his own last year (Callforhelp.biz). For years while at Sage Alnoor served as the ultimate technical resource and is responsible for many of the advanced level workarounds or problem resolutions.
If you have been thinking of learning more about scripting and the BOI (Business Objects Interface) then be sure to sign up for the class being held at SWK in NJ on June 22, 2010 in New Jersey. There are also two 4 hour remote sessions being held immediately following that date on June 23 and 24.
From the course description:
This training will help channel resellers and ISVs produce User Defined Scripts to solve business process issues and fulfill business requirements using the Custom Office module that previously required a Master Developer enhancement. Prior to version 4.40, Customizer scripts did not have direct access to the MAS 90/200 business objects and could only be activated via button click. However, the new User Defined Scripts are event based scripts no longer requiring a button click and offer direct access to the business objects without having to create a separate front‐end application using the Business Object Interface (BOI).
You may have already read the exciting news from Sage on the capabilities and power of scripting in 4.40 and have seen the exciting presentations on how User Defined Scripts can be used to meet a client’s business requirements. You may have also tried to understand and play with the demo scripts and put all the concepts together. To that end, the primary goals of this class are to:
a. show you what’s “under the hood”;
b. extend and apply what you have already read and seen; and
c. transition your knowledge into real world practice.
For more information – view the PDF registration form today.
MAS90 & MAS 200 BOI and Advanced File Scripting Training June 22-24-2010
Sage MAS 90 and 200 Business Intelligence Comparison
May 12, 2010
Sage just released a pretty helpful chart which shows the main differences between some of the most popular Business Intelligence products that companies have been using with MAS 90 and MAS 200.
As you may know Sage is preparing to release a new universal Business Intelligence product which will be used on the Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 product line.
Their current release plans indicate that this will ship in Summer 2010 as outlined in a recent announcement:
Sage MAS Intelligence will soon be introduced as the ideal FRx replacement product for Sage MAS ERP. On target to be released this summer, Sage MAS Intelligence offers powerful and easy to use graphical financial reporting capabilities to access business-critical information, and makes complex reporting easy using a new report designer. Going beyond General Ledger reporting needs, Sage MAS Intelligence will provide Business Intelligence across the entire Sage MAS ERP system, including CRM and Abra.
The products compared are:
Sage MAS Intelligence (Sage’s NEW offering scheduled for Summmer 2010)
Sage MAS 90 and 200 Business Insights Dashboard
Sage MAS 90 and 200 Business Insights Reporter
FRX
BizNet
Crystal Reports
F9
The comparisons provide for ranking a wide range of features under the categories of Data Access, Report Security, Report Delivery and Distribution, Reporting Capabilities, Sorting, Aggregation and Drill Down, Database Support Provided, Operating Systems Support and MS Office Version Support.
SageMAS Intelligence Comparison- FRX, Biznet, Alchemex, Crystal, F9
FRX to Sage MAS Intelligence Conversion Tool Is In The Works
April 12, 2010
We’ve already discussed that the financial reporting tool used by MAS 90 and MAS 200, Microsoft’s FRX, is reaching the end of it’s life in 2012. Sales of the product will stop in December 2010 and support ceases two years later.
The replacement for FRX is Sage MAS Intelligence. It’s a private labeled version of a spreadsheet based solution from a company named Alchemex which is already in use with Sage’s Accpac product line.>/p>
We had an opportunity in March to take a first look at what was then termed Sage Insights Intelligence (since re-branded Sage MAS Intelligence).
One of the questions at the time was about how FRX reports would be converted. Many customers who are using FRX have created elaborate FRX layouts for their financial reporting. Understandably many users have been concerned about whether all of this data would transfer to the new Sage MAS Intelligence.
While we don’t know exactly what data will be converted (for example it’s unclear whether reporting tree structures will convert), we can report that last night Alchemex shared the following welcome news:
..nothing new other than we most definitely will release a utility that will convert FRx reports in MAS Intelligence format, but are in discussions with Microsoft regarding the password for the FRx database and using this, so may have some delays, but realize how critical this process/function will be and are paying attention to it.
So it looks as if at least some older FRX layout formats have a chance for automatic conversion to the new Sage MAS Intelligence layout. It’s still too early to tell exactly what will convert (and how accurately) however it’s comforting to know that a conversion option remains under active development.
FRX 6.7 Service Pack 11 for MAS90 and MAS200 Available Now From Sage
April 11, 2010
Sage just posted FRX Service Pack 9 (which had been available directly from Microsoft since December of last year).
The changes appears to be mostly bug fixes with tweaks for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 support. Another user reports that this service pack 11 for FRX also fixed a problem with Microsoft Excel 2007 compatibility.
Of course Microsoft is no longer supporting FRX after 12/31/2012 and the sales of the popular financial reporter will stop as of 12/31/2010.
Sage has announced that Alchemex (rebadged as Sage MAS Intelligence) will be their replacement product for most users. Within an as yet undetermined time Sage also has plans to introduce FR (owned by Sage and presently in use on the ACCPAC product line as the Sage Accpac Financial Reporter or FR) as a reporting tool for the Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 product.
In addition to providing MAS customers with one free user license of Sage MAS Intelligence, Sage will have a promotion for customers who have bought additional FRx licenses to obtain the equivalent Sage MAS Intelligence licenses.
In the long run Sage is looking into bundling more basic FR functionality with no restriction to number of users, but this is not planned for the 4.5 release. This will be basic Financial Reporting. Sage MAS Intelligence will provide more advanced features and capabilities, not just to replace FRx features, but to provide a lot more advanced reporting and analysis capabilities as well.MAS90 and MAS200 FRX SP 11 for FRX6.7
Sage MAS90 and MAS200 FRX 6.7 Service Pack 11 (March 2010) and FRX 6.7 service pack 11 release notes
FRX SP 11 for MAS 90 and MAS 200 Available For Download
January 20, 2010
Been looking for the FRX Service Pack 11 for MAS90 and MAS200?
Consultant Alan Niergarth found it right on Microsoft’s own site.
This 52.5 MB download patches FRX for numerous program issues. Although the “whats fixed” doesn’t mention any fixes for Windows 7 compatibility, at least one site claims that FRX Service Update 11 enables FRX to work with Windows 7. Check the What’s New for details.
While Microsoft has this patch available for MAS 90 and MAS 200 users we must point out that Sage has apparently not yet tested it. So install it at your own risk though at least one person says that “it didn’t blow my system up” when they installed it.
YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary). Consult your Sage Business Partner prior to installing – that is unless you are a Sage Business Partner which in that case consult yourself.
Link: FRX Service Pack 11 for MAS 90 and MAS 200
FRX Not Being Updated for 64 Bit OS Compatibility in SP 11
December 29, 2009
I’m unsure whether the feedback on FRX Buzz indicates that FRX will never be updated for a 64 bit OS (that’s my guess) or whether that compatibility just won’t appear in service update 11.
According to a post on FRxBuzz.com the service pack 11 for FRX has been released with these highlights:
Windows 2008 and Windows 7 support
FRX WebPort support for Windows 2008 and Windows 7
NO Office 2010 support (this cycle) – however unofficial limited testing seems to indicate it works with FRX.
64-bit version of Windows will not be supported. Instead customers must make use of Virtual Machines (a kludgy workaround).
Read the full post at FRxBuzz
Via: Bottomline Software, Inc. – Jeff Schwenk
Sage Extended Solutions Absorbed Into MAS90 & MAS200
November 19, 2009
Sage North America appears to be formalizing their plans for including some of their popular catalog of Extended Solutions for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 into the core product beginning with release 4.4.
If you’re not familiar with Extended Solutions they were pre-written customizations (sold separately) that once installed work seamlessly within MAS 90 and MAS 200.
For years Extended Solutions were the “secret sauce” that Sage consultants used when they implemented new systems for customers.
During any ERP software implementation there’s usually a tiny bit of missing functionality that’s needed. For example finding a fixed cost Extended Solution that for example performed ACH Payments for Accounts Payable (not a core MAS 90 feature) was significantly cheaper and easier than hiring a programmer to modify the software to perform that task.
Sage Extended Solutions No Longer Sold
Beginning with version 4.4 of MAS 90 and MAS 200 Extended Solutions will not be sold separately. Instead Sage have taken the list of available solutions and intends to cull out the most popular ones for inclusion in future releases of MAS 90 and MAS 200.
Extended Solutions not selected for inclusion will have their source code made available to a number of select programmers (Master Developers) so that customers can have their enhancements upgraded.
Although some solutions with few users may not make it into Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 we understand that Sage will continue to provide support (without upgrades past version 4.3) for a period of time yet to be officially announced.
Note: As of this writing the site for Extended Solutions catalogs and pricing is down.
Exact Timetable For Inclusion Uncertain
We’ve yet to hear anything official on when these enhancements (shown below) will be included in the next release(s) of Sage MAS 90 and 200.
One source who attended a Sage meeting indicated that out of and estimated 700 titles (active & inactive) there will be approximately 56 preserved and rolled into MAS 90 and MAS 200 over the next 12-24 months in various quarterly updates.
Another approximate two dozen enhancements were listed as being un-needed due to functionality that was in the new version 4.4 release of MAS 90 and MAS 200.
An unofficial partial list (we think this list is close to what will be added in the first three rounds of updates in 2010 is almost certainly shy a few enhancements and probably subject to change – so take it with a grain of salt) of Extended Solution parts that may be rolled into the first release is:
March 2010: SO1096, PR1018, JC1046, AR1200, SO1271, AR1027, SO1035
June 2010: BR1005, BR1004
September 2010: SO1173, AP1043, AP1101, SO1354
According to consultants who’ve attended the briefings, Sage is selecting the enhancements to include based on the numbers of installed base users and the ease of embedding them in the future release.
Recommendations
While the exact timetable of when certain Extended Solutions will be included in the future releases of Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 is uncertain we recommend reviewing the official Sage document below to see which of your enhancements is being incorporated in a future MAS 90 or MAS 200 list.
If your enhancement is not on the list you may be able to enlist the aid of a qualified Sage Master Developer to assist you in the upgrade process or to purchase a similar enhancement from another developer.
Sage issues statement on FRX support – RIP December 31, 2012?
November 3, 2009
Microsoft has previously announced that they are discontinuing support for their FRX Financial Report Writer which is used as the primary financial reporting tool for both Sage MAS 90 and 200.
Now Sage has confirmed that December 31, 2012 is the last date that FRX will be supported by Microsoft. While Sage’s announcement does not explicitly state that they will stop support for FRX as of that date, it’s likely that their policy will mirror Microsoft’s.
Here’s Sage’s FRX Announcement
Product Update: FRx Reporting Software Beyond Version 6.7
Sage has been advised that Microsoft has made a decision against further enhancement or development of their FRx reporting software beyond version 6.7. Microsoft agreed to continue supporting the current version of FRx through December 31, 2012, thereby enabling Sage adequate opportunity to evaluate suitable alternatives. As a part of the evaluation process, Sage will also assess Microsoft’s Management Reporter; Management Reporter has been described as the next generation FRx and is equipped with full migration capability.
Microsoft’s decision affects not only Sage, but also other competitive ERP solution providers. In response, Sage remains committed to supporting the integrity of our products and your customer’s Sage MAS 90, Sage MAS 200, and Sage MAS 500 ERP, and Sage PFW ERP business software solutions. As a part of our go-forward strategy, we have actively initiated the process of determining what option(s) will provide the most effective solution regarding your customer’s financial report-writing needs. We will inform you of our progress as updates are available. A copy of this notification will be posted on the Partner File Center under the Product Information & Tools category.
[Sage]
AccuPOS and MAS 90 – quick review
September 22, 2009
Are you looking for a point of sale system for Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200? Here’s a quick review done by 90Minds member Bill Pfahnl based on an implementation of AccuPOS and MAS 90 that he was recently involved with.
The integration link is straightforward and works with VI to import a daily sales totals for each till and an invoice in S/O Invoice Data Entry – all automatic. The invoice summarizes total sales for each inventory item along with the total money collected as the deposit amount for clearing later (tender summary) so the invoice should always be net zero. A special POS customer is set up for these invoices. You can also sell to MAS 90 customers (with or without terms) and those sales will import as their own invoice.
Accupos is an award winning Point Of Sale, Inventory Management and Time Clock solutions worldwide for users of QuickBooks, Peachtree by Sage, Simply Accounting by Sage, Sage MAS 90 and 200, and Line 50 by Sage.
The software is a Sage Endorsed Solution which means it has been tested and verified by Sage and is marketed by them.
Follow the link below to read more of Bill’s initial first impressions and see how he liked AccuPOS and the integration to MAS 90.
Link: 90Minds – Accupos for MAS 90 – first look and review and Sage’s AccuPOS Info Page
How to show country names on forms using older MAS 90 and MAS 200 versions
July 30, 2009
To create country code on MAS90 and MAS 200 forms:
Earlier versions of MAS 90 and MAS 200 (typically prior to version 4.10 or 4.20) did not allow for easy linking of the country code name to the code itself.
While the country code could be placed on forms (Sales Orders, Purchase Orders, Checks) – the name of the country was not as easy to place for a few reasons –mainly that the data file required to pull the name from was not readily linkable.
Below is a workaround solution that you may find useful. It is primarily for MAS90 or MAS200 (it works on both) versions prior to 4.1 – so if you are using a later version you probably don’t need this procedure because Sage has wisely added country name to the tables that your forms are using.
All steps below require using Crystal Report Writer – which is included with your Sage MAS90 or MAS 200 product disks.
These are not beginner instructions – and assume some intermediate level comfort with Crystal Reports. Backup all your
For this example, assume that we are going to create a form for the ship to and bill to codes. The same logic here with slight modification can apply to any form with a bill/ship field.
Note: Technical information on creating a Crystal Sub report that shares variables is available from:
NOTE: Unfortunately links below to Crystal Reports technical documents appear to have been broken since Business Objects was acquired by SAP.
http://support.businessobjects.com/library/kbase/articles/c2007600.asp
1. Create a page header A that is above the main details (Note: It is important that this comes at the top of the page so that the shared variable calculates before the body of the report. If you do not put it at the top the whole thing doesn’t work). You will need to create a new header (Right click in the HEADER section area and select Insert Section Below. Once that section is created, right click on the section area again on the left side and select MOVE – then you can move it up).
2. Create a sub report for each Bill-To/Ship-To code. These will be placed into the page header created above.
a. Cty_ship
b. Cty_bill
c. Note: Link these back to the main table on the report. You’ll probably want to look in the Database – Visual Linking Expert to see what table is being used to hold your address information.
3. Within each of these subreports:
a. Create a formula as follows (Note: Vary the variable name depending on whether you are creating a bill to or ship to)
b. Place the above formula in the body of the subreport in the details section. Once on the report, right click the formula, select format field, then font, change the font to WHITE (or any shade that won’t show on the report)
c. Place the SY_Country.CountryName in the body of the subreport in the details section. Change the font to white so it doesn’t print on the final report.
d. Leave the Details section viewable – all other sections should be suppressed – ie headers/footers. (Note: If you suppress the details section this won’t work – so be sure to leave it viewable. The way to get around seeing the data on the report is to later change the font to white and make the field very tiny).
e. Make sure your subreport is linked from the SO1_SOEntryHeader.ShipToCountry to the SY_Country.CountryCode
f. When you’ve placed both sub reports into the header section you created above, right click on each subreport and de-select the “can grow” checkbox. (Note: If you do not remove the check you may get a “page size exceeded” message)
4. Within the main report create two variables
a. Country_bill
b. Country_ship
5. Now you can put this variable into your main report formula and the value from the subreport is carried over. The following is the example of it being worked into the @ship to address formula which is standard in the Sage SO Order and Invoice form.
6. Sample formula which has been modified with the new variable.
7. Important: Place the new variables onto the report in the main header section (NOT the sub report) – you can make the white fonts so they don’t print. You must make them viewable (Cannot suppress or this does not work).
BACKGROUND NOTES ON THIS ISSUE:
Q: Client wants to display the Country Code in the forms (SO Orders, Invoices, Purchase Orders, Checks).
A: (Prior to version 4.1 and 4.2) There is no simple way to do this in MAS90/MAS200 — though there are two standard approaches.
The first approach to adding MAS90 country names on forms
Use Alias Tables — this would allow for a table to be used in a report more than once. You give each table an “alias” and it would then allow you to link it to separate fields. This would be needed for the Country Code field because it is potentially a different result for either the Bill To or Ship To.
The problem in MAS90 4.x+ with the Alias Tables is that there is a bug of some sort preventing them from linking to the SY_Country field. This is documented in the Sage KB with the workaround to use a subreport (an ok solution but the country name is impossible to properly line up since it is a free floating field).
The better solution is to use shared variables within the report. Basically this involves creating a new section (header) at the top of the report (important because the variable has to be created before the rest of the report). Then you declare the variables as shared and they can be read from the header on down to the main body.
I did this through the SO and it seemed to work.
Here is the link to the Crystal KB article showing how to create shared variables:
http://support.businessobjects.com/library/kbase/articles/c2007600.asp
On the subreport, you have to create a main subreport, a formula (put this on the subreport) and a shared variable (reference this on the main report).
In the main report you have to create a formula, call up the shared variable (see the Crystal KB for syntax) and then use it in the address formula. Do not forget to put the formula itself onto the form or the value won’t compute.
You want to make the font be white on white. Do NOT suppress and printing or the calculation does not work. If you make it very small you can hide it on the form.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is being made available “AS-IS”. Prior to making any changes on your system be sure you have a backup of all forms being modified.
Subsequent upgrades to MAS 90 or MAS 200 table structures may render some (or all) of these instructions obsolete. Sage may also fix bugs that we’ve referred to above. These instructions are meant to serve as a starting point for your own use – and not as a detailed step by step guide to resolving any particular issue. We take no responsibility for updating these instructions. We are not able to provide support (except for our own MAS 90 support clients) on implementing these instructions.
When to recommend Scanco bar coding for Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200
June 17, 2009
Scanco just sent out a nice PDF document that I think is worth posting. It’s unusual to get a document from a company that doesn’t read like pure sales hype – and this document doesn’t. Kudos to Scanco.
In case you don’t know, Scanco is one of the very long term players in the bar coding solutions for MAS 90 and MAS 200 and MAS 500 marketplace. I’ve seen them at every Sage event that I’ve ever attended.
If you’re looking for a MAS90 bar coding solution – I’d always start here.
Note: Please remember that we don’t sell advertising or accept any money for mentioning products. Take our feedback above as simply another item to add to your own list of evaluation tools that you use to research vendors that you may be considering.
MAS90 Sales Tax Compliance Demo – Today June 17 1pm EST
June 17, 2009
I think in the coming years we will see significant compliance audits by the Government (State and Federal) looking to recover every bit of tax money they can.
Update: Read this WSJ article 6 States Hitting Residents With Big Tax Hikes
If your company is collecting sales tax for multiple states or if your monthly sales tax liability is significant – and you’re not already using a service to help prepare your sale tax returns and calculate the proper tax on every transaction – why?
One common mis-conception about sales tax is that if a company is audited for sales tax they will just re-bill their customer for any tax mistakes.
Wrong
Hardly every happens.
And if it does (provided tax law allows for re-billing the tax) – good luck collecting from your good customers.
Even better luck collecting from the deadbeats…
The only way I’ve seen clients “beat” the Government out of a sales tax audit is to have books and records that are in tip top shape.
If you’re collecting sales tax for several states it’s virtually impossible to keep up-to-date on sales tax rate changes in ever region (and many states have several overlapping jurisdictions that have different tax rates).
So how do MAS 90 and MAS 200 users manage the burden of sales tax compliance?
We’re going to talk about one solution today at 1pm.
It involves integration MAS 90 or MAS 200 with Speedtax which takes your shipping data and automatically computes the proper sales tax. The service also prepares the sales tax filings for you.
Quite honestly a lot of my customers only use these services AFTER an expensive tax audit convinces them of the need to pay attention to the details of collecting tax.
Stay ahead of the game (or at least be better informed of your options).
Register for this Wednesday (today) June 17 1pm EST seminar on
Sales Tax Compliance for MAS 90 and MAS 200 with Speedtax
MAS 90 for the iPhone, Mac, and Web – gets priced
June 10, 2009
Back in May at the Sage Insights 2009 conference we met with the folks over at Blytheco. They have a new product that they’re excited about called BMobile.
What this does is take Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 screens and transfer them to HTML. This enables you to log into MAS 90 or MAS 200 remotely from just about any web enabled device and use your accounting system.
There are a couple potentially huge advantages to this solution.
First, if the product delivers on the pre-releae promise, you’ll be able to get at your data from any web enabled device via a browser. Previously users had to use a remote solution such as Terminal Server or Citrix.
Second, bMobile will enable some users to setup remote access for customers who demand the ability to review their transactions in real time. In prior cases most MAS 90 users would have had to setup some type of Citrix or Terminal Server access with lots of security limitations for their customer so they could not browse other data.
Third, Blytheco is promising that areas of the program which a user does not have access to may be taken off the screen. So if a customer does not have access to Invoice Data Entry they would not see that option.
bMobile for MAS90 Pricing
bMobile pricing is available online from the Blytheco site. The basic 5 users system is $1,250 for the core foundation and you can add on smartphone access for $1,250 (5 users), CRM integration to SalesLogix Web 7.5 for $1,250 and bMobile B to B which provides Customer SO Entry and Inquiry (seems like a eBusiness workaround) for $1,250.
The complete bMobile for MAS 90 price list is here.
bMobile Demonstration
Here’s a quick demonstration that I filmed while at Insights 2009 where Danny Baker, VP Development for Blytheco walks through the bMobile program.
Link: bMobile
Paperless Office file list for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200
June 2, 2009
Here’s a great summary that shows the names of the system files which hold “behind the scenes” information about MAS 90 and MAS 200 Paperless Office.
This information can be useful in diagnosing system level problems or in restoring data files from a backup should you experience problems with Paperless Office.
WARNING: Do not make any changes to these files unless you know what you are doing. Consult a qualified Sage Business Partner for assistance. This information is believed accurate at the time of publication. Use at your own risk. Schulz Consulting takes no responsibility for damage that you may do to your data files.
Accupos for Sage MAS 90 recorded demo
June 1, 2009
Looking for a Point of Sale solution that integrates to your Sage MAS90 or MAS200 accounting software?
Join the newest Endorsed Partner for Sage MAS 90, AccuPOS Point of Sale, and learn about the opportunity available for you to reach into the Point of Sale market without traditional challenges many partners face in the retail sector. Focused on cash and carry retailers and on restaurants, this award winning front end software uses the inventory of Sage MAS 90 allowing you to remain the expert in the product with which you are already familiar. AccuPOS has provided and supported Point of Sale for Sage financial management solution users for over ten years and we are excited to present them as our newest Endorsed Partner.
FRX Support Plans – FAQ
May 28, 2009
Microsoft have announced that on 12/31/2010 their FRX Financial Report Writer will no longer be sold to those requiring a new license.
As of 12/31/2012 all Microsoft official support will terminate.
These are the latest dates that we have regarding the future of FRX support and availability. Since we expect some vendors to “self support” the report writer (including possibly Sage) you should check with your financial software supplier to see what their plans are for the product.
FRX Support Options – Post 2012
The question that we’ve been asked more frequently by both Sage and non-Sage users of FRX is what will happen after 2012. Will the FRX software stop working or are there alternate means by which users who are happy with their financial reporting can obtain support?
We provide support for FRX via our unlimited phone agreement (copy here). Other consultants will likely offer the same thing. When we spoke with Sage they were leaning toward (but not committing to supporting the FRX program beyond the 2012 end of life date).
You should consider that FRX (at least on the Sage MAS 90 level) has not been significantly upgraded since the last MAS 90 level service pack for FRX was issued dated December 2008 (Service Pack 10 for FRX v6.7).
Your Options
A. Self Support
Using internal resources, maintain your own help desk to answer user questions. If you’re already at this level then you probably are already also self-supporting. Remember that no new FRX modules/licenses will be sold after 2010.
B. Vendor Support
We think (though we’re not 100% sure yet) that you’ll see vendors like Sage (and others) offering to carry on the support for FRX during the period of time that they announce a transition to an as-yet unnamed financial report writer.
C. Use Third Party Support
Given that FRX has not had the need for a program patch since December 2008, you’re reasonably safe to continue using the program for at least the immediate future. Your main risk factor will likely be an incompatibility between FRX and a future operating system. However you’d likely know of such incompatibility months or years ahead of the time that you decided to upgrade operating systems.
Conclusion
Most consultants (including the ones you use to maintain your current financial software should be able to support you for the next few years. It would be prudent to begin the process of migrating your financial reporting to a new program just a soon as your vendor announces one.
Prior to 2010 you should plan to acquire any essential programs that you may need from FRX. If you need to acquire more licenses or remote you’ll need to do that before 12/2010.
Scanco Automation Series for Sage MAS 90 and 200
May 21, 2009
We just received this brief (one minute) video from Scanco that gives a broad overview of their Automation Series (lots of people pointing scanners but not a lot of detail on how it works).
One thing that’s mentioned in the video is that use of expensive Sage MAS 90 or 200 licenses is not required so they’re probably using some type of Web Server similar to how Hightower operates their Remote Timekeeper. If I’m wrong about the technology I’m sure someone from Scanco will set me straight and I’ll update the post.
Pricing on this per the mailing is “about $5,000″. For more information visit Scanco Automation Series.
Hightower Time and Billing Promos – expiring June 30 2009
May 21, 2009
Need Time and Billing for your Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200? The most viable solution is from a company called Hightower who have been marketing their Time and Billing Professional and TimeKeeper software for as long as I can remember.
They ran a limited time promotion for users who purchased at Insights 2009. Looks like this has been extended through June 30.
- 25% off new enhancement purchases
- Buy Time and Billing and get TimeKeeper 50% off
- Buy TimeKeeper and get 20 device licenses free (much cheaper than MAS licenses)
- Premier Plan $995 (normally $1,200) includes new and upgrades from value plans.
Interested? Sit with your Sage Business Partner and tell them Wayne Schulz say’s call Patti Benitez at Hightower who is the representative that can set this all up.
MAS 90 for iPhone type solution announced by third party developer Blytheco and bMobile
May 1, 2009
Using a Providex-based technology (PVXPlus) Sage Business Partner and Developer Blytheco is announcing a new mobile solution which appears to render standard Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 screens to html for easy display on remote devices such as the iPhone as well as desktops.
This type of technology isn’t completely new. Sage Business Partner and long time developer Hightower Associates use PVXPlus technology to render their Timekeeper software remotely over a web browser as well.
At least a portion of the appeal of bMobile from Blytheco appears to be the elimination of the need to use Citrix or Terminal Services. While this is a good thing for smaller clients, most larger corporations already have some remote solutions in place and may already be using them with Sage MAS 90 or 200.
No word on whether the iPhone specific version of this solution will be available in the App Store (we think it will) or whether it will require a special type of iPhone referred to as jailbroken and meaning that the iPhone can accept applications from outside the official Apple iPhone App Store.
It’s also too early to tell what the implications will be for end user MAS 90 and MAS 200 license requirements and whether a full license for MAS 90 or MAS 200 will be required for all who are remotely connecting to the system via bMobile (we think it likely that licenses will be required).
The most unique announced feature appears to be the self-service portal capabilities. Many times companies want to allow vendors or employees into the system to do very limited data entry. Until now most were creating remote access desktops in Citrix or Terminal Server which can create security concerns.
There’s no word on availability though we expect to hear further information at the upcoming Sage Insights conference May 11 to 14 in Nashville.
From the Blytheco site, here is some more information about bMobile:
Access your MAS 90 or MAS 200 system when and how you need it.
BlythecoDev’s bMobile solution offers four deployment options:
Web browser-based MAS 90 or MAS 200 eliminates the need for expensive remote access tools (like Terminal Services or Citrix), and provides full system screens and capabilities for remote or traveling users. Run your system on a Mac or a Linux system, or on an alternative browser like Safari. Deploy one user or an entire remote office.
MAS 90 or MAS 200 on your smart phone. Access key system components easily and quickly using your iPhone, Blackberry, or other ‘smart phone.’ Customize your mobile screen using the standard Custom Office module.
Self-service browser-based portal for your customers, vendors, and employees. A streamlined MAS 90 interface combined with the power of your system gives them the ability to review their accounts, update contact information, place orders, and more.
Web- Based MAS 90 & CRM Integration
Your integrated front- to back-office system on the web. Proven Dynalink technology for SalesLogix Today enables users to have a complete view of all customer interactions on a web browser, increasing efficiencies and improving customer service.
Link: bMobile – Blytheco
Service Management for MAS 90 and MAS 200 – Brutally Honest VAR Survey Results
April 30, 2009
In November 2006 I had a prospective client (actually it was an existing end user who knew me from a prior job and had called for my advice) seeking options for Service Management for MAS 90. They were already using one package and though it appeared to work they’d been through quite a bit of back and forth with a local Sage Business Partner who sold the Service Management and then had no clue how to make it work.
So they came to us asking if we could “fix it”.
Since we hadn’t worked with this particular software package before (and our rule is that we don’t bill clients for our learning time) – I advised her that I’d take a poll of other resellers of Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 to see what they were using for Service Management.
Boy did I get an earful.
The question just came up again. Someone asked for some feedback on different service management packages. Since the analysis was written almost three years ago – I have to caution that some responses to it may have changed. Packages could have improved (or gotten worse). Take this information as a general overview of candid responses from experienced Sage consultants who have worked with these products and are providing the feedback to me.
I know each of these consultants personally – however to protect their companies and insure totally candid replies I’ve stripped out the firm name and identifying information.
These experiences are often the result of only one or two implementations. You may find that other consultants who have done dozens of impelementations of Service Management software have a totally different reply. The trouble is that I never can find these consultants. Service Management seems to be an area where consultants sell and run.
Here are my informal survey results. I do not claim they are scientific, authoritative or have any other special insight that you couldn’t get from asking around yourself. Simply take this information as one component of your own due dilligence as you reseach Service Management for MAS 90.
Full Disclaimer:
These results are from 2006 – the products mentioned may have been improved since I took this informal poll
While I know every person who submitted information – I cannot know what their level of competence with the product was. It’s very possible that some of the people who replied and whose opinions are included here were never properly trained and that taints their feedback. For this reason I strongly recommend using this information only as one portion of your own due dilligence when researching Service Management Software.
Service Management Options for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 – Survey Results
From: Wayne Schulz
Sent: Tuesday, November 07, 2006 4:34 PM
To: [prospect name]
Subject: RE: MAS90
Hi [prospect name],
As discussed today – I have put together some of the comments and feedback about the various Service Management packages for MAS90.
As I thought, none appear to standout. I’m continuing to look for a reseller with more than one or two clients using any one of these.
I think this is a fairly complete list of the Service Management available for MAS 90. I compiled the feedback from various emails that I have received over the last 6 months. These emails are internal communications between resellers as we are looking to find software or solve problems for our users.
The only solution that I have not seen anyone using but have repeatedly heard recommended is Job Ops. This is a more expensive solution from a company called Synergistic. The address is http://www.jobops.com
I hope this information is helpful. It appears to me from the comments below that you’re probably on the most widely used Service Management solution. I will follow-up with some additional information as I continue to query the resellers who work with these products to see if anyone has done more than three (so far what I’m seeing is resellers who’ve done one or two of these types of implementations).
-Wayne
IIG – Service Maestro
http://www.iigservicemaestro.com/ -
mixed feeback from resellers.
FEEDBACK FROM A CONSULTANT:
Service Maestro from IIG is not that bad, but it isn’t that great either. The product is solid. Support is very slow. It is difficult in an implementation to teach. There is a lot of functionality, and sometimes it gets confusing because there is so much functionality. It is not made for a particular industry, so lots of terminology is very generic and vague.
I like Wayne’s idea. Tell them that you will charge them for time and disclaim at the onset.
I have also heard great things about JobOps, but cannot get a client to take the large dollar investment. Probably worth it in the long run.
FEEBACK FROM A CONSULTANT:
IIG doesn’t return phone call’s or e-mails inquiries for Service Maestro. I now believe that if you can’t basic sales questions answered, then watch out once they get the client’s money.
Ascent – Automated Service
http://www.ascent-sys.com/ – wmixed feedback (see below)
FEEDBACK FROM A CONSULTANT:
We have several clients in the service management industry. Three are on Automated Service from Ascent, and three are on Service Maestro from IIG.
First the really bad: I spent 3 days last summer in Houston with their top (only) trainer. It was a painful three days to say the least. Obviously training, plane tickets, hotel, partner fee, and lost billable time were very expensive. By the end of the second day, I was on the web getting my airline reservations changed to that night. It was only the second day, and it was clear that this was an absolutely terrible program. Based on
what I heard, they really have it installed at one big company that is satisfied. I know that none of my clients are satisfied. There is absolutely no dispatching functionality. They have three “dispatch” functions, but they are all just terrible. Also, no job cost functionality.
We also choose this path because we also do Peachtree and BusinessVision. I was very excited about the prospect of learning only one service management solution for the three products that we carry. These were also jokes. The software just doesn’t work. One of the students in our class had the BV version for 6 months and still no go live. He spent the entire three days with the head programmer working on bugs.
FEEDBACK FROM AN END USER:
Yes, my current maintenance/support for MAS90 is through Ascent, since I also have Automated Servic (Ascent) support, this way all our issues are handled through one company. They have a very slow response time, although once they get involved, they are proficient at resolving issues.
They are located in Texas, so there isn’t any local support, they handle everything through PC Connect or VNC. If you would like, you can call me with any questions.
FEEDBACK FROM A CONSULTANT:
Ascent Business Systems has a very robust and well-integrated Field Service MAS 90 Add-on. Tell Shelley Roth I sent you. She’s been great to work with and is extremely helpful. Here’s her contact information if you want to talk with her, the package is called Automated Service.
Shelley Roth
Director of Channel Development
Ascent Business Systems, Inc.
1880 S. Dairy Ashford Suite 535
Houston, TX 77077
281-497-8882 x209
800-256-6853
sroth@ascent-sys.com
FEEDBACK FROM A CONSULTANT:
We have a couple of clients on Automated Service. The product is good for Field Service and not so good for Depot or In-House service. Ascent is just about the only player that is still standing. Their service is ????, their customer centric focus is ???? and their willingness to listen to resellers is ?????
IIG I would not touch, Cognitive is not even a player sooooooo your choices are limited.
Watch out when applying updates and third party stuff. Acent will try to burn you. One of our clients they wanted 3-4K to integrate Paperless Office. The client told them to buzz off and they finally did it for $00.00.
FEEDBACK FROM A CONSULTANT:
Either of you ever deal with Ascent Systems (Automated Service)? The are the least service oriented group I have ever dealt with and I swear if they go home and have a nightmare about us, they come in the next morning and hit my charge card, nickle/dime!
FEEDBACK FROM A CONSULTANT:
We just sold one 2 months ago – they make you pre-pay and then they never tell you how much you used. Also they won’t go direct to the client for services – very annoying – so I prepay but if the client doesn’t use the hours I am stuck.
FEEDBACK FROM CONSULTANT:
We have done a few Automated Service installs at a couple of larger customers and found out the hard way that the Automated Service files are not standard MAS 90 structure and you can’t use VI to import to them all the time (some you can, some you can’t). We had to pay Ascent to do some custom data conversion and custom import utilities for ongoing integration. Every time we speak to Ascent it is more money, to the point that I should just send them my charge card and let them use it when appropriate. Service is a bit spotty
(slow or non-responsive). Product is as good as any 3rd party apps tend to be.
FEEDBACK FROM CONSULTANT:
I have one client and authorized by Ascent. The upgrade to 4.05 is not too difficult and Ascent has the patches/bugs worked out. The hardest is getting the GL to convert to 4.x. Support is available from Ascent – The client will need the current patches for Automated Service. This cannot be stressed enough. When I did an early conversion, AS wasn’t that mature with 4.05 and hard to work with Ascent to address issues. It has been very stable the last nine months. 4.10 will be released soon, but we’re not encouraging that yet.
Procedure is:
Prepare 3.71 data just like any conversion.
Install 4.05 MAS 90
Install 4.05 MAS 90 patches
Install AS 4.05
Install AS 4.05 patches
Convert company data.
BCS – Service & Warranty Management
http://www.bcs-tx.com/product/swm/index.html – I
am not positive these guys are the originators of this software. I also have no feedback at all on this.
Conative Systems
http://www.conativesystems.com/
A few have looked at this and found support lacking
FEEDBACK FROM CONSULTANT:
I looked at Conative in late 2002 also. [xxx]the owner did the presentation. It looked to be solid. However, during the on line demo, [xxx]kept going down side alleys showing us how some things could/would be handled which became distracting. The other presentation was done by Automated Services. The presenter that day was a novice and didn’t know much about the software. I decided to pursue Conative, but soon realized that it was a one man shop and getting simple timely quote was impossible. I gave up after two months.
FEEBACK FROM CONSULTANT:
Unfortunately I haven’t any recent experience with service software, but attempted to work with http://www.conativesystems.com/ a couple years ago. Owner is a talented, but I think it was too much for him to sell MAS 90/200, service his clients AND market an enhancement. I recall that most of the SM2000 implementations were customer specific, making it difficult to support and learn (since there was little consistency). While very robust, the product also didn’t “feel” like MAS 90 (screen design was different, function key assignments were different, etc). Having also reviewed Automated Service a couple years ago, I was less than impressed with their sales pitch (pick us because the other guys suck).
ACSG
http://www.aboutpm2000.com/Product/SWO.htm
Service Work Order – does not appear to be widely used – no feedback found
Conclusion
My recommendation to you is to do your own research in this area and insist on talking to users who have been using Service Management software for over 1 year in exactly the same way that you anticipate using it.
Avoid using a consultant who only has one or two implementations of the software. My own personal belief is that you cannot make any money as a consultant doing “onesies and twosies” of a product. If there is a source to many troubled engagements that I’ve seen it si that the consultant who sold the specialized product did not have the necessary skills to actually implement it. Usually you’ll get a hint of this if the consultant promises to hold implement the specialized package in “phase two”.
Also keep in mind that the above comments are unfiltered feedback from consultants and end users who I know and trust. This is not research that I’ve done myself – rather I’m compiling various emails that people had sent to me in the year 2006. Because this feedback is almost three years old the various packages may have improved. So use this information to compliment your own good research – and not as a replacement.
Update 5-5-2009 from Traci Clay Marketing Manager – Ascent Business Systems:
Ascent Systems has this to say in a certified letter sent to me dated May 1, 2009 (read the entire letter here) which they say points out what they claim is inaccuracy in several of the responses to the informal survey we took :
We do understand that every company has some less than favorable press out there and we can handle that, but we would like for the information that is blatantly incorrect to be removed from your post. We specifically request that posting number one, Feedback from a Consultant, be removed in its’ entirety. This post contains serious inaccuracies such as Ascent having installed AutomatedService in only one big company that is satisfied, no job cost functionality and the information regarding Peachtree and BusinessVision. We also request that the inaccuracies in posting number four: Feedback from a Consultant be removed. The quote that states “They wanted 3-4k to integrate Paperless Office” appears to be blatantly incorrect. We have no record of every quoting any customer that amount to integrate Paperless Office. If you believe that statement is important enough to leave in your post, we would appreciate the name/company of the Consultant so that we may verify the accuracy. We would be comfortable with only removing the inaccduracy in posting number four, but due to the many inaccuracies in posting number one, we feel the only recorse is to remove the post in its entirely.
To further enlighten you as to the success that both partners and end-users have with AutomatedService, I have included the Success Story that Sage presented during a quarterly Sage Channel Partner webinar regarding the joint BIG win we had. Ascent was able to sell Sage Softwasre along with Automated Service to Ranger America beating out the incumbent, Great Plains. I have also included a success story to give you a broader picture.
Update 5-20-2009 – FEEDBACK FROM A CONSULTANT – ASCENT BUSINESS SYSTEMS:
DSD Business Systems has two recent implementations of the Ascent Automated Service software. Overall, both of our end-users are happy with the product. The most challenging of our end-users is a mechanical pump distributor who also performs maintenance work on their products. They were previously using Conative’s SM200 product, which is a complete disaster. Since switching over to AutomatedService (AS), they have been happy. This end-user says that support response times are sometimes spotty and if the question is very complex it can take Ascent a while to get back to them. But, they always do get back, which has not been our experience with other Service Management products on the market. Overall, they say that Ascent’s AS product works for them and they are very satisfied with it.
As far as reseller support is concerned, DSD’s VP of Sales, Pete Morone, has been extremely happy with Ascent. He says that Chris Fix, their VP of Sales, has been accessible and willing to work with us. Jim Woodhead, our VP of Professional Services – MAS says, “Chris is very knowledgeable about the Ascent package and can be counted on to deliver on his promises and to resolve problems. I have no hesitation to recommend Ascent to a customer that needs a strong service management product.”
I read some of the older Consultant Feedback for AutomatedService, and I know from firsthand experience that some of the criticism levelled by other resellers is no longer true in 2009. While that criticism may have been valid 2-3 years ago, much of Ascent’s business model, staff, and software features have evolved greatly since then. At one point, 8-10 years ago, DSD had decided not to continue using Automated Service as a supplier because of their predatory policies regarding their relationship with our end-users. That is no longer a concern for us, because the Ascent staffers who executed those policies are long gone. DSD has nothing but the highest regard for Ascent’s current products and delivery model.
Doug Deane
President, DSD Business Systems
FRX MAIL SERVER: Email does not appear to be installed on your system – please install email and then try the operation again [solved]
March 26, 2009
Just had a client call with this error message:
FRX MAIL SERVER: Email does not appear to be installed on your system – please install email and then try the operation again
The message was occuring when they tried to email reports from their FRX Report Manager module. According to the Sage and Microsoft knowledgebase the cure is to find and install OLEMSG32.DLL to the \windows\system32 folder.
Both knowledgebases advised finding the file (OLEMSG32.DLL) on a spare workstation. The only issue we had was none of the workstations had that exact DLL file.
We were able to find the DLL by searching Google. The only issue was the DLL was listed on sites that we weren’t sure hosted the original. Not wanting to get a virus, we decided to look for a more authoritative download.
It appears Microsoft (beginning with Exchange 2007) has begun delivering the MAPI client libraries and CDO 1.2.1 as a web only downoad.
If you’re wondering where to find it — look here:
Microsoft Exchange Server MAPI Client and Collaboration Data Objects 1.2.1
Pre-Written Crystal Reports for MAS 90 and MAS 200
March 5, 2009
Getting started with a Crystal Report for MAS 90 or MAS 200 is the hardest part of the design process.
Once you know the tables to link (and the formulas to create) – the rest of the report design process is a piece of cake.
Did you ever wish there was a “starter kit” of Crystal Reports you could use as a basis for your own MAS90 reports? If there was just a report that kind of looked like what you wanted — and then you tweaked it (as opposed to writing it from scratch).
Well here’s your opportunity!
I have over 60 Crystal Reports that are available. These are written for version 3.71 but they can be upgraded (you’d have to do this yourself – we aren’t bundling labor in this deal) or used as a guide to show how to create a similar report in 4.x.
The last time we sold these we offered them as a bundle for $995 back in 2006.
I’ve since had several clients inquire about the availability of such a bundle of reports and for a limited time (though April 30, 2009) I’m going to make them available under the following pricing:
Client of Schulz Consulting and Member of Unlimited Support – $ 250
Client of Schulz Consulting – $ 500
Due to license restrictions we are not able to distribute these to other resellers or to users of MAS90 who are not clients (listed as reseller of record) of Schulz Consulting.
At this price we cannot invoice for the reports. We require credit card payment in advance and then we will provide you with a copy of every report in the package.
If this is of interest – email me directly – wayne@s-consult.com. Remember, Schulz Consulting must be your reseller of record and I’m only offering this through April 30, 2008.
Crystal Catalog of MAS90 Reports
FRX Report Writer for MAS 90 Still Alive
February 15, 2009
FRX Financial Reporting for MAS 90 appears to have gained a new lease on life. According to Mark Chinsky of Client’s First Business Solutions – New Jersey, the FRX Report Writer is back under development (or at least is being promoted as a solution by Microsoft) after being slated for discontinuation in favor of PerformancePoint Server.
Mark spotted an article in Network Computing that states in part:
Microsoft made a surprise announcement that presents good news and bad news for customers and partners who were developing on the PerformancePoint Server product. The good news is that the dashboarding, scorecarding and analytic capabilities of PerformancePoint are now being made available as free services to customers with an enterprise license of SharePoint Server. The bad news is that PerformancePoint and its planning functionality will no longer be offered as a separate product, though there will be a final “Service Pack3″ upgrade to the planning functionality released this summer. Translation? Microsoft’s BI team is backing away from deep financial and operational performance management, ceding those opportunities to the Microsoft Dynamics unit and stranding some customers and partners in the process.
Microsoft says it is bundling high-demand PerformancePoint functionality like dashboarding, scorecarding and advanced analytics with SharePoint to better fulfill its longstanding goal of spreading business intelligence to the broadest possible base of users.
“By putting this functionality into SharePoint, it makes it available to exponentially more users,” said Kristina Kerr, Lead Product Manager, Microsoft Business Intelligence, in an interview with Intelligent Enterprise. Share “As for the financial budgeting and planning piece, we found that it involves very different buying behaviors, different people and different deployment scenarios, so we’re very deliberately splitting those two areas.”
A final upgrade of PerformancePoint may buy planning-focused customers and partners some time, but nobody wants to make long-range plans around a product without a road map. Thus, one of two paths forward Microsoft points to exploits what Kerr describes as “broad planning capabilities” it can offer with the combination of SQL Server, SharePoint Server and Excel.
“For example, we have an Excel add-in that exposes the analytic capabilities of SQL Server Analysis Services,” Kerr explained. “Analysis Services offers a function called Forecast, which is really predictive analytics based on historical trends. [That's the kind of functionality] that’s suitable for scenarios that aren’t specific to the office of finance but that call for broad planning and forecasting capabilities.”
A second path forward for partners and customers interesting in planning is to work with the Microsoft Dynamics ERP and applications unit, which will continue to develop its Forecaster and FRX products for forecasting, budgeting and financial reporting.
via: 90Minds
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Custom SearchAbout Schulz Consulting, LLC
We are a Glastonbury CT consulting firm specializing in Sage MAS90, MAS200 and related software (FRX, Crystal Reports, Starship, F9, SQL Mirroring, etc).
We provide nationwide consulting services via on-site, telephone or remote connection. Our clients range in size from start-up to $200 million and are located as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, California, Florida, Texas, Montana, Michigan and many other states.
Since 1986 we've provided support for all versions of Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 under an unlimited client support agreement.
You may contact us via email or review our full support agreement here.
Our phone number is 860-657-8544
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