Sage Software say’s “not so fast” to free MAS90 Credit Card Processing By Sage offer
October 17, 2008
According to a consultant who has spoken today with Sage Software, the following is the policy for the Credit Card By Sage module:
As you know, we’d previously written about this module being free (as in no money down) due to the current Sage Software promotions that were distributed earlier this month to Sage Business Partners.
It seems that Sage Software hasn’t quite figured out the details and perhaps the marketing announcement got out ahead of the sales department.
From what we just heard from the Sage order desk, here’s how it will work:
You pay full price for the module
Sage rebates the cost at some future time - perhaps after enrollment to use their Sage Payment Services merchant services.
I’ve sent a message to Sage for their feedback on this new information. As soon as I learn more I will update this post.
Update: October 20, 2008 - we are receiving conflicting information about the definition of free. So far the replies have been that Sage will rebate, will provide free given proof of Sage Payment enrollment, will rebate based on transaction fees. My advice? Push for totally free.
Cost of the Credit Card Processing by Sage Software is still free. It’s just Free after Rebate.
How to remove custom reports from Sage MAS 90 and 200 menus
October 17, 2008
One thing that has left me (and my clients) scratching our heads over is removing custom reports from the MAS 90 and MAS 200 menu structure. Like bad house guests, these user created reports are easy to add (Library Master - Setup - Report Manager) — but nearly impossible to get them to leave when you want.
Unless someone has discovered a better way, here’s the solution that I’ve used in the past to remove custom reports that have been added to the Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 menus (these are the reports that show on the Custom menu choice).
UPDATE/CLARIFICATION: These instructions are meant for situations where you cannot remove a Custom Report via the Report Manager menu. Normally you can go into the Report Manager menu and click the “X” when you have a custom report selected. In many situations (that I’ve seen) this red “X” either is not present for selection or once clicked does not work. That is what the instructions below are meant to cover.
Important: Backup your entire \MAS_SYSTEM and \SOA folder before making any changes. I take no responsibility for any damage that may occur on your system. This was tested on version 4.2 and may (or may not) work similarly on earlier and later versions.
Step One - MAKE A BACKUP FIRST
Go to Library Master - Utililities - Data File Display and Maintenance
For the filename, browse to your MAS_SYSTEM folder and find the file SY_MENU
Browse to the record which is showing your report and click delete.
Step Two
For the filename, browse to the \SOA folder and find the SY1RPM file
Browse to the record which is showing your report and click delete.
Step Three - Recompile your menus
Recompile the menus. You can do this by going into MAS 90 and selecting FILE / RUN.
Type SYZCON and click OK
At the prompt, enter the following and press ENTER after each line.
menus=new(”sy_menu_svc”,%sys_ss)
? menus’compilemenu()
drop object menus
bye
You’ll see either a 1 if the procedure succeeds or 0 if it fails.
Found a better way out of this situation? Let me know in the comments below.
Sage Software announces big Kahuna business partners
October 17, 2008
Sage Software Announces Top Business Partners for 2008
The awards are out and the top business partners for 2008 have been named by Sage Software.
Announced are the 2008 Business Partner of the Year and Million Dollar Achievers. The overall top partner will be announced at the Sage Software January 29th Kauaui HI President’s Circly and Chairman’s Club awards ceremony.
Million Dollar Achievers are business partners who have exceeded one million dollars in business with these Sage products. Business Partner of the Year recipients and Million Dollar Achievers are based on performance during Sage Software’s 2008 fiscal year, which ran from October 1st, 2007 to September 30th, 2008.
Here are the Sage Business Partners of The Year - 2008:
- Blytheco, LLC, Laguna Hills, CA, for Sage ERP products, and Overall
- Business Management Division (BMD) Partner of the Year
- Infinity Info Systems Corporation, New York, NY, for Sage CRM
- MIS Group, Dallas, TX, for Sage CRE products
- NFP Consultants, Inc., St. Louis, MO, for Sage NPS products
- Galaxy Technologies, Inc., Madison, WI, for Sage ES products
Also announced were the Million Dollar Achievers.
These folks sold $1 million dollars of software (an impressive feat in today’s economy). The product lines that they represent run the entire spectrum of Sage Software’s offerings and include ERP, CRM, Non-Profit, Construction, etc.
- Accordant Company LLC, Whippany, NJ
- ADSS Global, Miami, FL
- Aktion Associates Inc, Maumee, OH
- Alliance Solutions Group, Brandon, FL
- Arxis Technology, Inc., Simi Valley, CA
- BAASS Business Solutions, Thornhill, ON
- Bangert Computer Systems, Burlington, IA
- BCS/ProSoft, Inc., San Antonio, TX
- Blytheco, LLC, Laguna Hills, CA
- Brainsell Technologies LLC, Ipswich, MA
- CA-Plus Inc, Toronto, ON
- CFO on the go co, Temecula, CA
- CIS Consulting Group, Charlotte, NC
- CompuData, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
- Construction Real Estate Software, Mill Valley, CA
- Constructive Solutions For Business, Vancouver, BC
- Con-Tec Management Systems Inc, Concord, CA
- Contractor Business Solutions, Monroe, WA
- Cornerstone Solutions, Oak Brook, IL
- Crouch, Slavin & Company, Tulsa, OK
- Delphia Consulting LLC, Columbus, OH
- Digitek Inc, Gilbert, AZ
- Dresser & Associates Inc., Scarborough, ME
- Emerald TC, LLC, Suwanee, GA
- Eos Group Inc, Scottsdale, AZ
- FCA Technologies, Falls Church, VA
- Fortsum Solutions D Affaires, Laval, QC
- Galaxy Technologies Inc, Madison, WI
- Hagel & Company, Puyallup, WA
- HighTower, Incorporated, Skokie, IL
- Idysys, Irvine, CA
- Infinity Info Systems Corporation, New York, NY
- ISM Barsa - Portland, Portland, OR
- JMT Consulting Group, Patterson, NY
- Logical Construction Concepts, Pleasant Hill, CA
- MIS Group, Dallas, TX
- Net@Work, Inc., New York, NY
- NFP Consultants, Inc., Saint Louis, MO
- Practical Software Solutions, Concord, NC
- SGS Technology Group, Ogden, UT
- Skyline Business Systems, Beaverton, OR
- Socius, Brecksville, OH
- Software Professional Center, West Haven, UT
- SWK Technologies, Inc., Livingston, NJ
- Technology Advisors, Inc., Des Plaines, IL
- Techware LLC, Lakeville, MN
- The Strategies Group, Suwanee, GA
- THG Sales Automation , Wilmington, MA
- United Solutions, Marlborough, MA
- WAC Consulting, Inc., Northborough, PA
- Zybertech Const Software Services, Red Deer, AB
The overall Business Partner of the year is expected to be revealed at the Hawaii awards ceremony on January 29, 2009. Pictures of the happy revelers are usually shown at the annual Sage Software reseller conference in May.
Link: Sage Press Release
Edit MAS 90 General Ledger Detail with DSD’s G/L Detail Editor
October 15, 2008
Have you ever wanted to edit your historical General Ledger detail transactions. Generally it’s a good idea to make corrections to the detail by posting another general journal entry. However there may be situations where data must be corrected in a way that cannot be accomplished by an adjusting journal entry. For example if you have corrupted data or transactions posted to future periods that you simply want to move to the current date.
The General Ledger Detail Editor for MAS 90 allows the G/L user to:
1. Edit posted General Ledger transactions (in GL_DETAILPOSTING.M4T file). The Account Number, Posting Date, Posting Remark and Posting Amount may be changed for any transaction. If the Posting Date, Account Number, or Posting Amount are modified, appropriate changes are made to
the Chart of Accounts Master File. When the Detail file is changed, the GL Period Summary file is also updated.
2. A unique search capability has been incorporated into the Editor, in order to allow the user to quickly locate posted transactions.
3. Posted transactions may be deleted. Corresponding changes are made to the Chart of Accounts Master File, in order to ensure that the Detail Posting file is always in balance with the Chart of Accounts Master File.
4. New transactions may be added. They are added simultaneously to the appropriate period’s activity in the Chart of Accounts Master File. The Editor does not force a balancing entry to be made, and, for this reason, the Editor must be used with care in order to ensure that the General Ledger is not placed out of balance.
5. The Editor constantly displays a BATCH BALANCE, in order to assist the user in constructing one-sided ledger entries which do not cause an out of balance condition in the General Ledger.
6. All transactions are posted in “real time”. That is, once the changes have been accepted by the user for each transaction, the General Ledger files are updated immediately.
7. Each addition, deletion or transaction edit is written to a special holding file. When the Editor is exited, the user may elect to print the Transaction Edit Listing, or not. The user decides whether to keep or erase this special holding file.
DSD G/L Editor User Manual (pdf)
The cost of this enhancement is $1,750 which includes the first years’ maintenance of $416.67.
This enhancement is on promotion for 15% off through November 15, 2008
For more information - use our contact form below.
MAS 90 General Ledger journal entries print one per page with paperless office
October 15, 2008
Several members of my 90Minds Consulting Group have been discussion an odd issue that appears to be a WAD (works as designed) within Sage MAS 90 and 200 version 4.3. The issue is that when paperless office is enabled in the general ledger module and several journal entries are made - each of them will print on a separate sheet of paper.
The reports do not print as one entry per page when the paperless office module is not in use. Our speculation is that the logic behind paperless office dictates that one journal entry must print per page. This is likely to keep the abililty to search the paperless register for a single journal entry.
Suggested workarounds:
Option # 1: Enable the ability to post after previewing a report - and allow the user to preview the journal entries and then answer “Yes” to the “Do you want to update” question.
Using this option you are assuming that if a journal needs to be re-printed that you could do so via the regular report printing option to reprint journals.
Option #2: Modify the options for the paperless journals and registers - specifically the general ledger and the general journal register.
Set the “Autocreate PDF ” option to “Prompt” which will cause MAS 90 or MAS 200 to prompt you 
during printing of the journal/register and ask if you want to send the document to PDF (paperless). If you answer no you can preview the register or print it normally. For times when you want to send the report to paperless just answer “Yes” to the prompt.
This option may also be set to “NO” if there are any journals and registers that you do NOT want sent to PDF.
As a best practices we recommend that you adopt an all or nothing approach. Instructing staff to print certain registers to PDF (paperless office) while previewing and posting others is fraught with opportunities for error.
Credit Card Processing by Sage - Now Free Through 12/31/08
October 14, 2008
From now until December 31 the Credit Card Processing by Sage module is free for users of the Sage Payment service. If you haven’t recently evaluated your credit card processing fees and procedures - this is an excellent time to do so.
Normally the Credit Card Processing module is a $1,400+ add-on. Subscribers to the Sage Payment Service get the product free. The software integrates natively into Sage MAS 90 and 200. There is no separate credit card server software. To install the software you simply enter an unlocking code.
Processing of credit cards happens in real time in the Accounts Receivable cash receipts as well as Sales Order entry and invoicing. Your credit cards can also be processed online via a web based terminal.
Processing credit cards is a competitive market. Sage Payment will review what you’re paying now. If they can process for less - then you will have the ability to switch to them and also receive this free MAS 90 or MAS 200 credit card processing module.
Top 10 lies resellers tell (and how to avoid them)
October 14, 2008
Have you recently purchase Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 accounting software? Are you in the process of selecting software? Then read on because I have 10 specific tips for you to keep in mind as you lumber through the exciting process of interviewing potential consultants and talking to salespeople.
Although I’ve labeled these topics as “lies”, they’re more like “sales puffing”. During the sales cycle you’ll often deal with many of these 10 issues and I’ve tried to explain briefly how to work your way around the traps.
The biggest key to avoiding an issue? Get references. And check them.
Someone claiming that they’ve worked in your industry or have done work exactly like what you’re asking about should have no hesitation to provide you with a list of references (I consider 5 references to be a minimum - especially with niche software).
Top Ten Lies Resellers Tell (and how to avoid them)
#1 - We’ll do that in phase 2 (or later)
Here’s the biggest warning that whatever is being proposed is going to be tougher and more expensive than you are initially led to believe. If it were an easy feature or procedure to implement - then it would be done before phase 2.
Consultants leave stuff for phase two when they really don’t know how to make it work.
By the time they reach phase two they hope you’ll either forget about the feature or they’ll have stumbled upon a method to produce the functionality they’ve promised.
# 2 - Sure we can integrate to your [pick a custom program your company uses]
Integrate is the most mis-understood word in the software world.
To the person selling the program that they promise “will integrate” — the word means that they support exporting to Excel or CSV and then having you do a ton of data manipulation and pulling the data into your software.
To the company making a software purchase the word integrate means “one button seamless” pulling in of detailed data from an external program.
Unfortunately the reality is almost always closer to the first option and you’ll be performing time consuming tasks to massage your data and get it ready for a manual import. To get around falling into this trap - insist on a paid walk through of the way the import would work (yes, I said paid. Not many consultants will dedicate hours to a custom import with no guarantee that you’ll want to purchase).
# 3 - We’ll make a special custom Crystal Report
If the consultant promises a custom report - be sure it is going to be no charge - or have them design and show you the report prior to buying the software.
I’ve seen situations where custom reports run 20 to 40 hours to design. In real dollars that can be an extra $5,000 or more depending upon how complex that report is.
# 4 - Here’s what our training will cost
Wake up call.
Whatever the consultant quotes - when they reach their time budget - they’ll either (a) ask for more or (b) leave.
Moral of the story? Get a realistic quote and if it’s not fixed - expect to pay hourly. To alleviate cost overruns dedicate internal staff to assisting with as much implementation as possible.
# 5 - You won’t need much training
Sometimes this statement may be true. For very experienced companies there might not be much training.
For the remaining companies count on 10 to 12 hours of training per module.
A consulting firm promising less than this is planning to cut corners somewhere. Good luck.
# 6 - Once you buy the software we’ll design a procedure to accommodate [insert non-standard workflow]
Tip: Here’s problem #1 in disguise. Have them design it (for a fee) before you buy. The only time you should make an exception to this is if the functionality is not that important to you.
# 7 - If you have over 5 users you must use MAS 200
We hear this fib all the time. It’s mostly told by resellers who want to increase their sales volume with Sage Software.
In nearly every instance MAS 90 over Citrix or Terminal Server will work just as well.
# 8 - We have a client in [pick the industry that your company is in]
Talk to the reference. When you talk to the reference, make sure that they’re using the exact same modules and procedures that you are considering. It will be surprising how many companies in your industry aren’t using Sage MAS 90 or 200 to its fullest capacity.
# 9 - We can import all of your detailed history during our conversion
During data import you should bring in master file information and detailed (invoice level) totals for AP and AR.
If you try to import detail (down to invoice line items or general ledger transaction lines) you’re only asking for a lot of trouble (and expense).
The problem?
During the conversion process you will be working under such a tight deadline that nobody will be able to stop and tie out the detail. The end result will likely be a huge data conversion bill for data that someone discovers (months after the conversion) doesn’t reconcile.
#10 - We can sell you the [pick niche software add-on] and you’ll be trained by the company that makes the niche software
We see companies all the time who have bought software add-ons for their MAS 90 or 200 that the consultant didn’t know how to install. So the company is left searching for another consultant who knows the software package that they’re struggling to implement.
Either find a consultant who has more than 5 references on the add-on or contract with the add-on supplier to manage all your installation and training from the start.
Tip: Get references for both circumstances. Be sure those references are using the exact setup (modules) that you are contemplating.
Conclusion
Use some extra due dilligence when you are interviewing consultants. My recommendation to everyone is to obtain and check references. Do not be afraid to pay for a test implementation of the solution you are considering. If you can pay $5,000 and discover that a proposed solution doesn’t work - then you’ve probably saved $100,000 (and years of internal labor) by rejecting that solution.
Most good consultants will openly discuss the pros and cons of solutions that they are offering. We strive to position the solution with as many minusses as plusses. This allows prospective users to make better informed decisions.
Support FAQ: Error message #105 keyed file error
October 13, 2008
Frequently Asked MAS 90 Support Question:
Hi Wayne,
I am getting an error message while I am doing a deposit and try to run the cash receipts report. Error message #105 keyed file error ( short key block). Is this something you can fix?
Please advise
Suggested Resolution:
This is an indication of a data corruption issue in your Cash Receipts data entry file.
If possible, delete the cash receipt and begin again.
Another alternative is to use Library Master - Utilities - Analyze & Relink Line files on your A/R Cash Receipts Data Entry (valid for version 4.05 and lower). On version 4.1+ you’ll need to use the rebuild key files.
If you attempt to repair, be sure to check the resulting data file because corrupt records (if found) may be removed.
MAS90 & MAS200 Upgrade Checklist
October 10, 2008
Note: This is a draft post - please hold off on using the information until it is final (You’ll know it’s final because this warning will be removed).
These instructions are meant to be tips and not a complete “how to” upgrade MAS90. Upgrades are recommended to always be performed by a qualified consultant.
You will notice that I have not written verbose instructions to completing every step. My assumption is that you are skilled enough to know how to access the different menus within MAS 90 and MAS 200. If any of this wording seems unfamiliar to you then stop reading and seek the assistance of a competent Sage consultant to assist you with your upgrade.
Disclaimer: Schulz Consulting assumes no responsibility if you follow these instructions and somehow screw up your upgrade. Proceed at your own risk. Although we strive to make these instructions complete, there is a distinct possibility that your system requires more/different steps than what I’ve listed.
Upgrades from versions prior to 4.0 are generally not recommended for self-install by the end user.
During the course of the installation you may be prompted to re-boot your server (regular and any Terminal Server installations) - please plan accordingly to have all users logged out of the server while the installation is happening.
Version 4.1 is a major upgrade. If you are using Inventory and Sales Order - consider acquiring the assistance of a consultant (who knows what they’re doing).
Tip: Before starting — rename \mas90\home\pvxwin32.exe to pvxwin32.old so nobody can login to the system while you are doing the steps below. On MAS200 you can turn off new logins at the Application Server.
Before you start this, make sure you have:
- MAS 90 upgrade disks
- Reviewed the Supported Platform Matrices to be sure your hardware and operating system are supported by Sage Software.
- Extended Solution upgrades
- Any third party upgrades needed (check the compatibility list)
- Latest version required of Crystal, Starship, Credit Cards, etc.
- Unlocking and registration codes
- User name and password for Sage Knowledgebase
- Reviewed the entire contents of the Sage Pre-Installation Recommendations for important news about upgrading Sage MAS 90 and 200.
Print these totals out from your existing (pre-upgrade version) of MAS 90:
- Total debits/credits from latest GL Detail
- Total AP owing as of today from AP Aging
- Total AR owing as of today from AR Aging
- Total open Sales Orders as of today
- Total open Purchase Orders as of today
- Total Inventory value as of today
- Any other crucial totals - including copies of custom reports that you rely upon
Tips For Upgrading MAS90 from 4.x to 4.x
- Make a complete copy of the ..\mas90 folder and all sub-folders to another location on a local disk (even when you are sure/positive/beyond a reasonble doubt that the IT department is making backups). I like to copy it into a folder named “mas90 backup - ok to delete” so that IT staff know the folder is ok to erase when I’m done (or it also reminds me that it’s ok to delete this one)
- Obtain a copy of the registration / unlocking codes from sagesoftwareonline.com - these can also generally be found on packing slips or by calling Sage Softare 800-854-3415.
- Download any Extended Solutions ( I suggest saving this into a \mas90\consultant\download) folder for easy organization. Your Sage Business Partner will have these or you can call Sage Sales directly at 800-854-3415 and request them.
- If you haven’t previously installed MAS90 from this workstation / server (and you can do this just to be safe) - go to ..\mas90\home and run pvxcom.exe which will prevent the providex.script error message after you’ve typed in 99% of the information that the install requires.
- Install MAS90 version 4.x on top of your prior version 4.x (Note: It is very important that you have a total backup prior to doing this - do not install over any MAS90 system where you are not confident of the completeness and integrity of your backup).
- Load latest service updates - these are downloaded from Sagesoftwareonline (login req’d)
- Install any Extended Solutions (be sure you’ve requested the very lates from Sage)
- Log into MAS90 and convert data (This is done in company maintenance)
- Go to ..\mas90\home and run MASCRCW.EXE to convert all rpt files in the company data directories (MAS_xxx\reports as well as ..\mas90\reports). This probably won’t prevent pesky annoying “your report is on an older version” error messages. Let users know that it’s ok to answer “yes” when asked to convert.
- Check role maintenance for any new applications
- Update the live company data (Tip: I generally let the other companies - backup/archive - update overnight because if I kick off “update all” and the conversion takes hours then I’m stuck babysitting the screen which is usually not efficient when the upgrade could instead be run overnight)
- Upgrade any User Defined Fields to the latest version - you must go into each table with a UDF and click update (There is no way to update them all at once). You may want to first print a list of the UDF fields so you know which tables to tackle.
- Go into the setup screens for any Extended Solutions (and other third party solutions) and make sure they aren’t waiting for you to acknowledge their setup by somehow activating them (the messages will vary by solution). This is important because on Extended Solutions we find that if you skip this step that some solutions de-activate themselves.
- If you need to upgrade any third party programs such as FRX, F9, Crystal Reports then do so now. Sage publishes an Integrated Solutions Compatibility Matrix that tells you when an update of integrated software is required.
- Run workstation setup on each and every workstation (mandatory) - if you fail to run the workstation setup the MAS 90 program may appear to run but error out in some crucial functions. Be sure to remember to update any Terminal Server users as well (generally you can log into TS as Administrator and run the WKSETUP once).
- If you’ve customized screens via Custom Office for users, then have them go into their individual workstations and check the screen fields. Remember: The screens are customized by user code and workstation - so if you’re logged in with a different code for the upgrade - be sure to log out so they can go in with their user code and view the enhancements specific to their MAS 90 code.
- Test everything by printing reports, visiting screens, printing checks, printing forms.
IMFX utility rebuilds your MAS 90 & 200 Inventory, Sales Order and Customer sales history files
October 9, 2008
Has a data problem caused you to doubt the accuracy of the totals in your Inventory Item Sales History file (IM9)? If you’ve recently experienced a data glitch of perhaps you’ve changed your fiscal basis for tracking inventory from a calendar to a new fiscal period. IMFX from DSD Associates will rebuild and correct your totals.
Rebuilding detailed customer sales history is not covered by any of the utilities included with Sage MAS 90 or 200. In the past some consultants have taken to extreme measures to rebuild these files manually for clients.
IMFX rebuilds the following files in all versions of Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200:
- IM9 - I/M Inventory Item Sales History
- IM_13 - I/M Customer Item Sales History
- SO_SalesHistory - S/O Item Sales History
- AR_CustomerSalesHistory - A/R Customer Sales History
IMFX is a rebuild utility designed to rebuild the Inventory Item Sales History and Customer Item Sales History files.
The Warehouse Item Sales History, Customer Item Sales History, SO SalesHistory, and Customer Sales History tables are rebuilt from data in the AR Invoice History Header and AR Invoice History Detail files.
What Are Your Alternatives To This Utility?
You may think that rebuilding your Sage MAS 90 or 200 sort files will resolve situations such like this? It won’t. The sort file rebuild contained within Sage MAS 90 and 200 will rebuild a limited number of totals including items like quantity on Sales Order. It won’t rebuild the detailed history that many people rely upon for their sales reports.
If you’re thinking that you could re-key the data directly into the above data tables or use Visual Integrator - you might be right. But think about the time you’d spend extracting the data, accumulating the totals, checking the math, designing the Visual Integrator import job and suddenly this utility has the potential to be a huge timesaver.
If you’re in a situation where you need to rebuild sales history in any of the above data files then this is the utility for you. DSD Associates is a Master Developer for Sage Software and they’ve been around since before I started working with Sage MAS 90 (1986). Their catalog of enhancements is pretty popular with users - especially their magnetic media.
Contact person at DSD for sales questions :
Sedal Legesse - 858-550-5900 x133
Cost of enhancement:
$ 708.33 (includes first year maintenance of $208.33)
Introductory Promotion - 15% off through 10/31/08
Links:
IMFX program manual (PDF)
