Sage North America Support Resource Links: Knowledgebases, Communities, Direct Phone Numbers

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I just stumbled across this page on the Sage North America site. It lists all the direct technical support phone numbers for the various Sage products. It also shows direct links to the knowledgebase areas and the communities.

These links should be helpful for anyone using more than one Sage product. The page also gives you a nice “at a glance” view of the various Sage products.

Included are support links for the following products:
Sage Abra HRMS – 800-829-0170
Sage Abra Canada HRMS – 800-490-3711
Sage ACT! – 877-902-0597
Sage Active Planner – 800-457-5864
Sage BusinessVision Accounting – 800-215-5395
Sage BusinessWorks Accounting – 877-879-0455
SageCRM – 866-856-0703
Sage DacEasy – 800-322-3279
Sage ERP Accpac
Sage ERP MAS 90 / Sage ERP MAS 200 – 800-371-3602
Sage ERP MAS 500 – 800-944-5481
Sage FAS Fixed Assets – 800-331-8514
Sage Fund Accounting (Formerly MIP) – 800-945-3278
Sage Fundraising 50 – 800-945-3278
Sage Fundraising Online – 800-945-3278
Sage Grant Management – 800-945-3278
Sage Healthcare – 877-932-6301
Sage Master Builder – 800-866-8049
Sage Millenium – 800-945-3278
Sage Payment Solutions & Merchant Services – 800-261-0240
Sage Peachtree – 866-747-3888
Sage PFW ERP – 800-333-5242
Sage Pro ERP – 800-642-7693
Sage Project Lifecycle Management – 866-991-3360
Sage SalesLogix – 800-944-5709
Sage Simply Accounting – 888-522-2722
Sage Timberline Enterprise – 866-991-5606
Sage Timberline Office – 800-551-8307
Sage TimeSheet – 866-719-5198
Sage Timeslips – 800-555-2452

Notably missing from the list is Sage ERP X3 though we expect that at some point Sage will update their page for the support resource.

Sage Support Resources

MAS 90 Hot Fixes Now Log Their Status

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When you install product updates to your Sage ERP MAS 90 or MAS 200 the system automatically keeps track of which update you’ve installed. To view this information simply select “Help” and “About” from your menu.

Up until now tracking the status of minor patches, aka hot fixes, has been problematic. There’s not been an easy way to know if someone has loaded a certain fix to your system.

While you could compare program file dates between systems and track down changes that way – most people find that procedure too cumbersome.

Now Sage will create a folder — \mas90\home\hot fix into which it will insert separate text files for each hot fix that someone has installed. The file will have the HFT extension and be named with the reference ID of the hotfix itself. In each text file you can view the exact program that was replaced/modified enabling you to verify exactly which fixes have been loaded along with the product update.

via: 90 Minds consulting Group

Sage Extended Solutions Absorbed Into MAS90 & MAS200

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.

Fixed! – Default printer may now be assigned to standard reports and standard form codes after applying MAS 90 service update 23

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Users of Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 may now correctly assign their default Windows printer to standard forms and reports.

This was always an option in the accounting software – however unfortunately it didn’t work (see Sage RES 490593).

As reported in the knowledgebase article (remember this applies only to version 4.2 as the issue was fixed with an upgrade to 4.3 or application of service update 23+ for v4.2
):

Reports should print to the Windows default printer when the standard report setting or form code is selected if the Use workstation default printer for standard report setting and Use Workstation Default Printer for Standard Form Code check boxes are selected.

Link: Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 Service Update 23 for version 4.2

Direct Deposit reversal issue fixed with MAS90 service update 11

Sage just issued Service Update 11 for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 which fixes an issue that some have reported when attempting to reverse a direct deposit entry in payroll.

As reported by several resellers, the problem with Direct Deposit appeared to manifest itself when you tried to void a payroll check with direct deposit. Those amounts would be doubled during the payroll calculation resulting in totals that were incorrect.

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There are also several other important corrections for those using the following modules:

Accounts Payable

During the check register update, the discount is no longer removed from the invoice when paying a credit memo and invoice together and the total amount being “paid” is negative (so no check prints).

Accounts Receivable

The Customer Listing with Balances Report no longer prints the primary ship to code of the previous customer if the current customer does not have a primary ship to code.

The Global Customer Field Change Utility now updates all customers selected when changing the Payment Type to something other than a credit card type.

General Ledger

The Trial Balance Report now prints the correct period ending date when printing Ending Balance Only is selected as the Report Type to Print.

Payroll

In 941 Printing, the calculation for the SS Tips is now correct.

Sales Order

In Sales Order Entry and Invoice Data Entry, lines are retained correctly when inserting and exploding mulitple kits (exceeding 27 lines).

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Recommendations

If you are experiencing issues with any of the above (or see this Sage “what’s fixed” list for a more complete breakout of the fixes included in MAS90 service update 11) – then consult your Sage Business Partner about installing the latest service update.

If you’re not experiencing any issues, we generally would not recommend installing the service update unless (a) You are installing or upgrading MAS 90 or MAS 200 for the first time or (b) you are about to place a support call to Sage for a new issue.

Always remember that if you have enhancements or Extended Solutions that you need to check to be sure that installing a service update does not break any of your existing functionality prior to loading the update.

MAS 90 Tax Tables Updates for Q2 2009 Changes (3/27/09)

I’ve just noticed that the tax tables for MAS 90 and MAS 200 have been updated and given a new date of 3/27/09. These tax table downloads are cumulative — so if you’re unsure whether you have applied the tables previously then you can download this latest update and receive all prior changes.

By all appearances the only changes were to non-resident alien tax tables. The most recent prior update was dated 2/27/09 and that update contained the latest federal withholding tables as mandated by the IRS.

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You can:
Read about the latest changes here
Download the 3/27/09 MAS90 and MAS200 payroll tax tables here

2009 MAS90 Q1 IRD for 941 – All Versions

ird-2009-mas90-mas200Sage just released  program fixes to allow Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 (works with Extended Enterprise) to print the new 941 forms for 2009.

Unlike prior years, these fixes are not in the form of an official IRD (aka Interim Release Disk). Instead the program fixes have been added to the service update releases for versions 4.1+.

You can also download individual fixes (helpful for those using third party add-ons or Extended Solutions that may not play well with the latest update).

What’s Changed ?

Quarterly 941 printing has been updated for the 2009 IRS changes to the 941 form.

The following fields have been added:

  • COBRA Premium Assist. Payments
  • Individuals Provided COBRA Assistance

The following fields have been removed:

  • Prior Quarter Social Sec/Medicare
  • Additions to Federal Tax
  • Additions to Social Sec/Medicare

The 941 Form and Schedule B have been updated with 2009 IRS changes to the form. Changes are applicable to Report Formats:

  • Entire form
  • Pre-Printed Form
  • Worksheet

Here are the most direct links for the latest 941 updates.

Option one – for those on MAS90 or MAS200 version 4.1+

Download the latest service update – this contains all the 941 form changes plus NJ payroll tax changes.

The new 941 layout (as well as tax law changes required for payroll users in New Jersey) may be downloaded as part of a complete service update package.

Version 4.30 Service Update 10 (read What’s New)

Version 4.20 Service Update 23 (read What’s New)

Version 4.10 Service Update 22 (read What’s New)

Note: Service Updates are only issued for versions 4.10 and higher of Sage MAS 90 and 200. Consult your Sage Business Partner prior to applying service updates. Be sure to have a backup. Always eat your vegetables. Your mileage may vary. Void if spindled, mutilated or tag is removed from mattress.

Option two – download the individual program fixes

If you’re unable to download a complete service update because you’re on a version where the update isn’t available or you have modifications that might not work with a service update you can download each fix individually.

Here are direct links to the individual program fixes – for versions 3.71 to 4.30

IMPORTANT: There are several manual steps which you must follow after downloading the following patches. Be sure to read the instructions closely.

MAS 90 & MAS 200 EES (Extended Enterprise) v1.0 to 1.2 -  PR4030-T

MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.30 – PR4025-T

MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.20 – PR4029-T

MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.10 – PR4028-T

MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.05 – PR4027-T

MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.00 – PR4026-T

MAS 90 & MAS 200 v3.71 – PR3059-T

2009 IRD (Interim Release Disk) for Sage MAS90 and MAS 200 Payroll due soon

MAS90 Accounting SoftwareLooks as if there will be an Interim Release disk coming for each of the supported versions of Sage MAS 90 and 200 (and SQL). This will be in addition to the Service Update that was released on March 26 and included fixes for the Payroll 941 form changes and New Jersey payroll tax changes.

Some users had noted that they were unable to load a full service update due to the existence of third party enhancements which may require customization prior to loading a full service update.

The Interim Release Disks (there will be separate ones for the 2009 941 tax form as well as the NJ tax law) will first be available for the newest versions of Sage MAS 90 and 200 with releases for older versions following.

When available these IRD (Interim Release Disks) will be posted in the Sage Online Support Services (SOSS ) area.

Anyone needing to file immediately (and who is on version 4.3) can use the new integrated electronic tax filing that is included with the latest version of Sage MAS 90 and 200.

2009 MAS90 and MAS200 IRD Download Links

Version 4.30 – Sage Extended Enterprise Edition – PR4030-TSage 2009 IRD 941

Update for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 2009 941 and other tax changes now available

Kudos to Robert Wood, a Central Florida Sage MAS 90, MAS 200, Businessworks and Peachtree consultant, for spotting the release of Service Update 10 for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 version 4.3.

This release changes the MAS90 and MAS200′s version of the IRS Form 941 to meet  new federal guidelines mandated for 2009. Below are some of the instructions that you’ll need to follow in order to make this change.service-update-mas90-941

We recommend only installing updates after conferring with your Sage Business Partner. They have the experience to tell you whether you’ll also need to upgrade any third party solutions (usually not) or if you’ll need to perform any secondary steps when installing the service update.

Please be sure to read the installation instructions on this update thoroughly. If you’re printing the 941 form so that you can file it then you’ll have some additional manual steps (outlined below) in order to complete the update.

If you have no need for the latest 941 or other payroll tax related enhancements and are not otherwise experiencing any issues with error conditions then I recommend not loading service updates (Exception – I will always load service updates during the initial upgrade).

941 Form and Schedule B 2009 Update:

Quarterly 941 Printing has been updated for the 2009 IRS changes to the 941 Form.

The following fields have been added:

COBRA Premium Assist. Payments
Individuals Provided COBRA Assist.
The following fields have been removed:
Prior Quarter Social Sec/Medicare
Additions to Federal Tax
Additions to Social Sec/Medicare

The 941 Form and Schedule B have been updated with 2009 IRS changes to the form.
Changes are applicable to Report Formats “Entire Form”, “Pre-printed Form” and “Worksheet”.

Entire Form:
Lines 12a and 12b have been added to the 941 Form
Lines 7e through 7h have been removed from the 941 Form
The year on the 941 Form has been changed to 2009
Changes to the text of the 941 Form and Schedule B

Pre-printed Form:
Amounts will print for lines 12a and 12b.
Amounts will no longer print for lines 7e through 7h

NOTE: The “Pre-printed Form” format has been designed based on the downloaded 941.pdf
from the IRS website. Since the IRS has not yet released the alignment requirements for the
“Pre-printed” format it is recommended either the “Entire Form” or “Worksheet” formats be used.

If you use the “Pre-printed Form” format the alignment may need to be adjusted or the form may
need to modified.

Instructions:
If you are on 4.30.0.xx (regardless of service update) and have done 941 processing in prior
years before installing 4.30 Service Update 10 you will need to process the following:

1. Using Windows Explorer, browse to the ..\MAS90\Reports directory and rename the following
files in the ..\###-###\ and ..\###-xxx\ folders (xxx = company code) if present:
• PR941A.rpt (example: pr941a.rpt.2008 report)
• PRSCHB.rpt (example: prschb.rpt 2008 report)
• PR941P.rpt (example: pr941p.rpt 2008 report)
• PRSCHP.rpt (example: prschp.rpt 2008 report)

2. Install Service Update 10.

3. Open Payroll / Period End / Quarterly 941 Printing. Click ‘OK to the message “The Crystal
RPT file for ###-xxx (xxx being company code) does not exist. The default form will be used.
Ok”.

Worksheet:
Lines 12a and 12b have been added to the Quarterly 941
Lines 7e through 7h have been removed from the Quarterly 941 Worksheet
Changes to the text of the Quarterly 941 Worksheet

Download Service Update for supported versions of MAS 90 or MAS 200

MAS90 Service Update for 4.30 Released (SU 9)

Sage Software have released their service update 9 for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200. These service updates are cumulative and contain all prior fixes. To update your Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 please first make a backup, verify that you have no third party enhancements which may require and update and then download the fix from our link below.

As a general rule of thumb we recommend that if you are NOT experiencing any issues with your Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 that you not install the update UNLESS advised to do so by a competent Sage consultant. Generally we always update to the latest service update prior to calling Sage for any technical support issues because their advise will almost always be to update to the latest release.

We recommend you always work with a competent Sage Business Partner to assist in updating your software. Please always back up your data prior to any major updates.

Link: Download Sage MAS 90 Service Update 9

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Sage MAS90 4.3 Service Update 9

Payroll Tax Tables for MAS 90 updated (2/27/09)

Sage Software have just posted the 2/27/09 electronic version of their MAS90 and MAS200 payroll tax tables. This updated tax table reflects the new federal withholding rates mandated by the latest economic stimulus.

The tax table update will work for versions 3.71 and higher of MAS90 and MAS200 (the same tables work with both). Rate changes for states are also included in this update.

For a complete list of the changes, see the list below. If you are active on a basic Sage maintenance plan you may log in and download the new tables from here.

Tip: The tables will not be mailed to you – they must be downloaded.

Sage 2009 Tax Table Changes 02/27/09

Publication 15-T tax tables for 02-2009 released by IRS [preliminary]

Tax table updates for Sage MAS90 and MAS200 have yet to be released by Sage. When they are released, those users who are active on a basic maintenance plan can download them from the Sage Online web site.

Payroll tax table updates will be available for MAS 90 and MAS 200 payroll from version 3.71 to 4.30.

The lack of updates from Sage (as of 2-26-09) doesn’t mean you cannot update your tax tables manually with information released by the IRS.

Important Disclaimer: The IRS site states that the table they’ve published are preliminary. Be sure to check back at irs.gov to see whether any updates are released. We strive to update our site with the latest news of interest to MAS90 and MAS200 users – however we cannot be responsible for use of an outdated tax table. Always check tax calculations closely after making any changes to your payroll tax tables.

To manually update your MAS90 payroll tax tables

Obtain the latest IRS tax tables from Irs.gov site (Publication 15-T)

Using the Table 7 ANNUAL Payroll Period table, navigate to MAS90/MAS200 – Payroll – Setup – Tax Table Maintenance and update the FED table for each filing status (single, married, head of household).

Important: It is crucial that you verify the accuracy of all tax computations on the first payroll runs. Be sure to verify that you are running the latest and most accurate tax tables by checking irs.gov for any future tax table updates.