Technology | Schulz CONSULTING

posted on January 9, 2013 by Wayne Schulz

How To Reprint The Data From A Sage 100 ERP Accounts Payable Check Stub?

Have you ever printed an accounts payable check and for whatever reason the detail on the stub which shows the invoices paid is missing?

When printing accounts payable checks there is a field labeled “Stub Lines”

I have seen instances where setting this number TOO HIGH can cause a check to print with incomplete/partial invoice listings.

The resolution is generally to reduce the Stub Lines number to be the actual # of lines that can fit on that check. Also, remember that both stubs of the check may have different amounts of space for invoice listing depending upon whether customization’s have made to your check layout. In those cases select the # of lines which is the SMALLEST # which fits on either of the stub in order to prevent losing invoice details.

Unfortunately re-printing check stubs is not possible however you may wish to use the Payments History Report from the Accounts Payable – Reports menu or the Trial Balance report on the same menu. Both of these standard Sage 100 ERP (fka MAS90 or MAS200) reports will show the check invoice detail.

Filed Under: mas200, Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting, slider, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: accounts payable, check printing, stubs

posted on December 12, 2012 by Wayne Schulz

Microsoft May Target 30,000 Customers In Software Asset Management (SAM) Engagement

Are you a Microsoft Enterprise license customer? If so you may find Microsoft knocking on your door to help you determined the ROI of your software licenses.

At least that is Microsoft’s explanation.

The 2012 Software Pricing and Licensing Survey by IDC indicates that 51 percent of enterprise customers may be subject to compliance reviews – aka software license audits meant to uncover violations of licensing and in turn elicit additional compensation.

According to a story today in The Register , Microsoft may have set a goal of targeting 30,000 companies to be audited over the next two years.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: microsoft, sam, software asset management

posted on November 11, 2012 by Wayne Schulz

Nokia 920 and Windows Phone 8 Initial Thoughts – Mini Review

Yesterday I purchased a Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone 8 device (my own money – not one of those freebie loaners web sites obtain and are ~~somewhat~~ indebted to positively review the smartphone they can continue to receive free loaner phones in the future) .

My reasons for upgrading from an Android (Galaxy Nexus) were as much out of boredom over the lack of new features (no LTE??) of the just announced Nexus 4 (due 11/13) as my desire to give Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 another trial.

I know I face lack of apps and that the Nokia 920 is being knocked as being a big fatty (the phone has gathered many mentions about it being much heavier than competitors). I’m willing to see what developers in the Windows Phone Marketplace — and the weight of the Nokia 920 is not of concern to me (though you should test it by visiting your nearby AT&T store).

So far I have two big disappointments that Microsoft will need to pay attention to pretty quickly.

A. The Windows Phone 8 Facebook application is awful – not only is it the slowest loading app on the phone - the UI looks like a 1.0 attempt. Microsoft is NEVER going to attract the younger crowd with this type of shoddy application. If you are a Facebook addict this phone is probably not for you (at least not until Windows Phone gets an upgraded app which puts it on par with the apps available for iOS and Android).

Tip: Use http://touch.facebook.com for a much better Facebook experience (except for images which don’t appear to resize properly)

B. The integrated messaging (SMS/IM) works with Microsoft Live Messenger and Facebook. It’s one of my favorite Windows Phone features — however when using Facebook messaging through the WP8 messaging app it does not support group messaging nor does it provide read receipts or location info (Which both the iOS and Android apps support).

In order to use group messaging on Facebook you must open the dreadful WP8 full Facebook app and sit through it’s slow startup time. I’m also not sure whether all the notifications of new messages through the dreadful WP8 Facebook application are actually alerting me.

This area is disappointing especially since it seems easily fixable. I only hope Microsoft hasn’t left it unfixed so they can play the “use the stack of Microsoft services” game which they love to play….

If Microsoft plays the stack game — aka ecosystem game — and requires WP8 users to pony up and migrate to Microsoft applications in order to use fairly common functionality such as group messaging (which is available in Microsoft Messenger and also a confusing “Rooms” application) then I believe Windows Phone 8 has a high probability of failing (or at least not obtaining meaningful market share).

A third issue is going to be the Windows Marketplace. Microsoft will have to pay much closer attention to getting the top apps (think Instagram, Twitter) onto WP8 and to do this pronto. It’s a little odd that even though this is the third major release of Windows Phone there are still these major apps that are absent from the platform.

Navigation wise the phone is very nice and most functions are not buried too deeply in the system (although I am struggling with learning how to quickly access photos after they’ve been taken – which seems to require way too many clicks). I have not found the weight of the phone to be a problem though I’m not immediately impressed with battery life which seems to barely get me through the day. Picture seem good but not head and shoulders above my iPhone 5.

I purchased the phone for $99 (included free charging base which was out of stock and they are shipping directly to my home) at my Glastonbury CT AT&T store and though I usually shun the retail stores due to bad experiences I have to admit that the salesperson was extremely knowledgeable and helpful

I’ve found that it takes at least a full week before the newness of a new device wears off and you can see the missing features that you overlooked upon the initial use. I’ll use the link below to provide some more in-depth observations as my usage progresses past the honeymoon period.

Nokia 920 Pros, Cons, Observations

Filed Under: Smartphones, Technology Tagged With: nokia 920, review, windows 8, windows phone 8

posted on October 10, 2012 by Wayne Schulz

Email Scam Warning: Beware Of Friends Claiming To Be Trapped Overseas Needing Quick Money

This morning I awoke to the email below in my inbox. I immediately suspected that it was a scam because:

It was from someone who I did not know well enough to be asking me for money
The person claimed that their credit cards were stolen and they were being told by the hotel that they must settle their room charges before departing. Now I don’t know about you but it’s been a good 10 to 20 years since I’ve been to a hotel where they did not keep my credit card on file. In many cases the charges are even prepaid.

How does this scam work?

Someone’s email account is hacked – usually by tricking them into a bogus (but official looking) site that prompts them to enter their user name and password for their email account. This is quite often done in “pfishing” emails that seem valid but their intent is to steal your user name and password.

Once the email login and password has been stolen the hacker has full access to send out emails to anyone in the address book. Since these contacts likely know each other it’s far more likely that a hack of this type might work on at least one or two unsuspecting friends.

Here’s The Email That Was Sent

From: xxxxxx
Date: Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 7:24 AM
Subject: Awful Ordeal……xxxxxx (friend’s name)
To: Undisclosed recipients

Hello,

This message may be coming to you as a surprise but I need your help. Few days back we made an unannounced vacation trip to London, United Kingdom. Everything was going fine until last night when we got mugged on our way back to the hotel, all cash and credit card were stolen off us but luckily for us we still have our passports with us.

I’ve been to the Embassy and the Police here but they’re not helping issues at all they asked us to wait for 3 weeks but we can’t wait till then and our flight leaves in few hours from now but we’re having problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won’t let us leave until we settle the hotel bills, Dealing with foreign authorities here is extremely frustrating, It would take us about 24 hours to get everything straighten out before we could leave, we are freaked out at the moment…I really need your financial assistance.

Please let me know if you could help us out financially?

What The Scammer Hopes Happens

The scam relies on you knowing the person who sent the email. They hope you will reply back (remember the scammer is in control of the email account) and at that point you’ll likely be given instructions to wire transfer funds urgently overseas.

If you do transfer funds – expect that will be the last you ever see of the money.

Your best bet is to contact your friend immediately by phone (do not reply to the compromised email) and verify the information.

Filed Under: schulz consulting Tagged With: email, online, SCAM

posted on August 27, 2012 by Wayne Schulz

Facebook Page Likes Are Important But Shouldn’t Be Your Only Online Marketing Tool

I’m not entirely sold that this the Facebook Page Likes marketing method applies to all types of businesses – however I do buy into the concept of:

a. Likes = social proof
b. Likes = “soft opt in”

On the downside – you are inside a walled garden that is 100% controlled by Facebook. They control how much of your content is pushed down to your likes.

It is not much of a stretch to imagine the day when Facebook Pages will only pass content to likes based upon a paid advertising relationship.

Facebook have only promised to remain free to join – there’s nothing that says they won’t (and I’m betting they will) charge an increasing number of businesses who want to push out content to those who’ve liked their sites.

So, yes – Likes = important. But more important is the content YOU control which should be your web site/blog.

How to build Facebook Fans to drive sales

Filed Under: Facebook Tagged With: facebook

posted on June 28, 2012 by Wayne Schulz

Deal of The Day: Galaxy Nexus HSPA+ – $349 – No Contract, No Crapware, No Kidding

If you’re in the market for a new cell phone – either for yourself or someone in your family – you can’t go wrong with the Galaxy Nexus.

This Android based phone is an official “Nexus” device from Google which means it obtains the latest operating upgrades (such as Jelly Bean – aka Android 4.1) much faster than other Android devices which are often loaded with bloat and “skins” to tailor the phone to be more of a unique experience.

The downside of buying a heavily skinned Android phone from a manufacturer such as Samsung or HTC is that you often wait forever to obtain the latest Android updates.

The Galaxy Nexus is a GSM phone. It supports both AT&T and T-Mobile’s high speed HSPA+ frequencies in America. For $349 you are receiving the phone WITHOUT any contract.

Pair this smartphone up with a no-contrat plan from Straight Talk – http://www.straighttalksim.com – and for $45/mo you’ll have unlimited everything including data (Tip: The unlimited really seems to mean 2 GB / mo and/or about 100 MB per day).

Galaxy Nexus Price Cut – $349

Filed Under: Smartphones Tagged With: android, galaxy nexus

posted on June 26, 2012 by Wayne Schulz

Stop Facebook Wall Spam

If you use the popular Facebook social media site you may notice on occasion that your friends’ walls have images that show they’ve been tagged in the image.

However upon closer inspection you’ll find that the friend isn’t even in the picture. What gives?

This is Facebook wall Spam.

The gimmick goes like this:

Spammer finds a Facebook user with a lot of friends
Spammer friends that Facebook user
Spammer posts an image – and tags their new Facebook friend – while also inserting links to spammy sites they’re promoting

Once the image is posted – with the new friend tagged – all the many friends of the unsuspecting person will now see the image (because their friend was tagged in it) as well as the spammy link.

How to fight back?

ZDNET have published a detailed step by step procedure to tighten up your Facebook account. Essentially what you do is require anyone tagging you in a photo to receive your approval before it goes live on your Facebook wall. This removes the ability for anyone to tag and share on your wall to your friends – without you first approving it.

Here’s the full post with step-by-step details on tightening Facebook security - How to keep Facebook spammers from hijacking your wall

Filed Under: Facebook Tagged With: facebook, spam, tag, wall

posted on June 8, 2012 by Wayne Schulz

Prepaid iPhone Might Save You $1,000 Despite Higher Initial Cost

Here’s a nice comparison chart from Cult of Mac showing that you can save about $700 over the 2 year cost of an iPhone 4S by choosing prepaid. The cost savings would rise to $1,000 if you go with Virgin’s lowest cost $30/mo for 300 minute plan.

One caveat – prepaid phones typically don’t roam. We often take cell service for granted and due to roaming agreements aren’t even aware of some occasions when our service is being provided by a roaming partner.

Another option not listed is Straight Talk which provides for $45/mo unlimited voice, text, data although you’d have to bring your own unlocked iPhone and the data is strictly capped at about 2 GB per month or 100 mb per day.

Source

Filed Under: Smartphones Tagged With: iphone, prepaid, smartphones

posted on February 24, 2012 by Wayne Schulz

T-Mobile Data Roaming Changes April 2012 Create Opportunity To Leave Without ETF

On April 5, 2012 T-Mobile will change the amount of data that a subscriber may consume while roaming off the parent network. Users on a standard data plan allowing for 5 GB of use will only be able to roam with up to 100 MB of data. This change can have a more severe impact than you might imagine because if T-Mobile does not have coverage in your town you may be roaming to another carrier and in that case you could find starting 4/5/12 that your data limits are sharply curtailed.

Some eager eyed deal hunters spotted this change (which T-Mobile have also posted online here) and have been calling T-Mobile asking to be released from their contracts ETF (Early Termination Fee) free.

In most cases if your cell phone provider materially changes the terms of your contract you will have a chance to exit the contract – even if you are in the middle or beginning of its term.

If this change applies to you – and you want to exit your contract early – then call T-Mobile to request the termination without fees due to this change. Depending upon the representative who answers the phone this process may be easy — or it may require several calls. In the past with similar changes those who called early in the process (before word spreads on the Internet) seem to have an easier time.

You are likely to encounter resistance if you have not used data roaming on your account in the past – though sometimes this can be overcome by calling repeatedly or also filing a Better Business Bureau complaint.

Fatwallet via Wayne Schulz

Filed Under: Smartphones Tagged With: cancel, etf, fee, Tmobile

posted on February 2, 2012 by Wayne Schulz

CT Debit Card Tax Refund FAQ – 2012

The State of Connecticut has moved to completely eliminate issuing checks for 2012 income tax refunds. You may still have your refund wire transfered to your bank account however there is no longer an option to receive a paper check in the mail.

In an effort to reduce costs, the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) may issue debit cards for income tax refunds not designated for direct deposit. The DRS has contracted with JPMorgan Chase (Chase) to administer the debit card program.

Instead those who would formerly have received a check for their Connecticut income tax refund will instead receive a Chase Debit Card which looks like this:

Some other interesting notes from the State of Connecticut FAQ regarding their new income tax debit card refund program:

QUESTION: Can I send my debit card back to DRS and request that a refund check be mailed to me or request that a credit be added to my account?

ANSWER: No. You will not be able to mail the debit card back to DRS to request a replacement refund check or a credit.

QUESTION: Is my debit card ready to use once I receive it?

ANSWER: No. Before you can use your card, you must first activate it by calling Chase Customer Service at 1-866-586-1705. Have the card in front of you when making the call. You will be prompted to enter your social security number and Zip code. Once your card is activated, you may choose option 4 from the main menu to create a PIN (Personal Identification Number) in order to withdraw cash at ATMs. Once you have activated your card don’t forget to sign it.

QUESTION: Where can I use my debit card?

ANSWER: You can use your debit card at:

Banks and Credit Unions displaying the VISA logo
ATMs
Retail locations (both store front businesses and on-line businesses) that accept VISA
Gas Stations to purchase fuel. (However, you will not be able to use the “pay at the pump” feature. You must go inside and pre-pay for all fuel purchases.)

QUESTION: Are there fees imposed when I use my debit card?

ANSWER: In some cases, yes. Please refer to the chart below (or the card carrier and the brochure that accompanied your Chase debit card).

State of Connecticut Debit Card FAQ

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: ct, Debit Card, drs, Income Tax, Refund

posted on November 12, 2011 by Wayne Schulz

How and Why To Link Your Google Profile To Search Results

The world of online search is growing more competitive by the day. If there were a way for your website’s results to stand out from the competition – you’d probably want to know about it – right?

How about if the way to make your site standout was completely free and took about 5 minutes to setup?

Here’s one way that many site owners are using to standout. They’ve seized upon Google’s new pilot program that links author information in Google Profile’s to web search results.

When Google users search the web for information Google now will associate the author of a post (provided they’ve set this up) with the search result. This means the author’s Google profile headshot and a link to add that profile to a Google Plus shared circle will both appear.

This is an easy way you can establish credibility with those who are searching as well as standout from competitors who’ve not taken the time to establish the link between their Google Profile and their web site.
If you want your author information to appear in search (Google News too) results for the content you’ve created then first create a Google Profile with a good recognizable headshot as your profile photo.

Sample:

Wayne Schulz Google Plus Profile (link)

Then verify authorship of your online content by associating it with your profile using one of two methods provided by Google (details):

Add your name and email to the post (Google’s recommended method – and easiest)
Link your web post to your Google profile (and your profile to your web post)

Once you’ve completed those steps – notify Google here.

It can take a week or so for Google to pick up on this (provided that you’ve followed the setup instructions precisely). And when they do you may not see every one of your blog posts indexed – rather you’ll see a few posts at a time gradually have your profile headshot and Google circle link added.

The results is a search result that stands out from competitors and conveys more authority – and hopefully translates into greater results for your company.

Google

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: author, connected, google plus, search, seo, Wayne Schulz

posted on September 11, 2011 by Wayne Schulz

Facebook Complaining Can’t Get You (Rightfully) Fired

About a year ago an employee at the non-profit agency Hispanics United of Buffalo let loose with a Facebook rant about the work conditions. This prompted followup comments from coworkers

What the f… Try doing my job. I have 5 programs,” and “Tell her to come do [my] f***ing job n c if I don’t do enough, this is just dum

Naturally the co-worker spied the message. Passed the information along to their supervisor and the workers making the disparaging comments were all fired for cyber harassment of co-workers.

Fast forward to now. The five fired co-workers were all awarded their jobs back based on a National Labor Relations Board ruling that said employees have the right to talk to each other about improving work conditions.

via: Forbes

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: facebook, harassment

posted on June 23, 2011 by Wayne Schulz

Sage Summit Blog Now Live

Schulz Consulting has been asked to work with a group of other sites that blog actively about Sage Software and related Sage products.

We’ll be writing about the upcoming Sage Software partner and customer conference – Sage Summit. This conference is being held July 10 to 15 in Washington DC (official site) .

Our blog – summitdiary – is now live and you can read up on the latest conference news starting now and extending until the end of Summit 2011.

Sage Summit Blog

Are You An Exhibitor At Summit 2011? Having An Event You Would Like To Publicize?
Use The Form Below

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: blog, sage summit, schulz consulting

posted on June 22, 2011 by Wayne Schulz

Stop Tedious Business Card Data Entry – Use QR Codes Instead

Does this sound familiar?

You rush around at conferences collecting business cards from exhibitors and your peers. In the back of your mind you promise that just as soon as you get back to the office you’ll key in all those contacts to your computer.

Did you know there’s an easier way to enter in that contact information?

Some business cards and advertisements now contain a tiny bar code symbol called a QR code. This is Quick Response code. They bar codes can embed more than what they’ve been traditionally used for — either inventory item numbers or tracking numbers.

Using a free web site like ZXing you can input your own contact data and create a free bar code.

Here’s my contact information that I’ve created using the site above.

Now all you need is free scanning software for your smartphone. On Android I use Bar Code Scanner and on iPhone Red Laser is good (both are free).

Once you start the scanning application on your smartphone you simply hold it over the QR image and within seconds if the QR code contains address and contact information that data will display on your phone.

There are obviously some challenges to this concept of doing away with re-keying business cards – mainly that people need to use the QR codes on their cards and your smartphone (assuming you have one) needs free third party scanner software.

Gradually we (hopefully?) ‘ll see more widespread adoption of QR codes – and less re-keying.

Via: Sage Summit 2011 Diary

Filed Under: Productivity, Sage 100 ERP, Smartphones, Technology Tagged With: android, iphone, QR, sage summit, sage summit 2011, summitdiary

posted on June 13, 2011 by Wayne Schulz

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

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

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting, Service Updates, Technical Documents Tagged With: mas200, Sage 100 ERP

posted on January 31, 2011 by Wayne Schulz

MAS90 LinkedIn User Group Tops 1,000 Members

Membership in the MAS90 LinkedIn Users And Consultants Group today topped 1,000 members for the first time.

Formed in January 2009, the Linkedin group is approximately 10 times larger than the largest next MAS 90 specific discussion group on Linkedin and is not sponsored by Sage.

Participants regularly share information and the latest news about Sage ERP MAS 90 and MAS 200 and informally discuss product ideas with Sage product managers.

Membership is free and open to any MAS 90 or MAS 200 software users or consultants. The only requirement is to participate and share knowledge.

MAS90 LinkedIn Group

Filed Under: LinkedIn, Sage 100 ERP Tagged With: discussion, forum, linkedin, mas200, Sage 100 ERP

posted on January 16, 2011 by Wayne Schulz

Notice 1400: IRS Tax Forms Booklets Not Being Mailed In 2011

According to a story in The Washington Post, The Internet Revenue Service will not mail out instructions or paper forms for the tax year 2011.

This change is expected to save the government $10 million annually and is happening because more Americans are filing online. According to the article only about 11.5 million people who filed paper tax returns in 2009 had received paper tax forms in the mail. The IRS normally starts mailing out the 2011 Form 1040 packages at the start of the new year. Last years’ mailing totalled 44 pages.

IRS Notice 1400 via The Washington Post

Filed Under: Technical Documents, Technology Tagged With: 2011, booklet, forms, irs, tax filing

posted on January 14, 2011 by Wayne Schulz

90% of The Top 10 WordPress Themes Found In Page One Results = Malicious or Suspicious

Are you just in the process of setting up your company with a new WordPress website?

You may have already found that changing the look of WordPress is as easy as downloading and installing a theme. This change is so simple that you can usually apply a new theme to WordPress in well under 5 minutes.

The problem is that many first time users of WordPress look for free themes by using a search engine. As Siobhan Ambrose of WPMU.ORG found – many of these free themes contain hidden code that may be malicious or causing your web site to unintentionally link out to other web sites (think spam and pharmacy type sites).

This post is a must read for anyone just getting started in the world of WordPress or who has been tasked with selecting a theme for their site.

Of the top ten listings on the first page of a Google search for “free wordpress themes” Siobhan found only 1 of 10 that she deemed safe.

Why You Should Never Search for Free WordPress Themes In Google or Anywhere Else

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: themes, wordpress

posted on December 28, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

How To Process Payroll Before W2′s Are Printed Within Sage ERP MAS 90 or MAS 200

This year the rates have changed for the 2011 FICA however the wage limits remained stable. This has caused a few people over on the MAS 90 LinkedIn group to question the correct procedure for printing W2 forms.

As you may be aware one of the hidden “gotcha’s” of the Payroll processing is that when you print W2 forms in Sage ERP MAS 90 or MAS 200 that the CURRENT FICA/Medicare limits are used to establish the maximum wages subject to each tax which prints on the W2 form.

Since tax tables are shared globally across all your Sage ERP MAS 90 and MAS 200 companies – simply copying the current company code to a backup isn’t enough. You also must be aware of what the tax limits are for at least FICA and Medicare because those limits can impact W2 printing for those exceeding them.

If the FICA or MEDICARE limits are changing in the next year — AND you install the tax tables BEFORE printing the last year’s W2 forms then you run the risk of the W2 form (for those exceeding FICA and/or Medicare) printing the maximum wage limit that’s included in your next year tax table instead of the limits for the year just passed.

Regina Gutcher, a Sage Customer Support Specialist, provided the following guidance on this LinkedIn discussion:

The recommended procedure if you need to run a 2011 payroll before printing 2010 W-2s is:

1. Back up all Payroll data.
2. Create a new company code in Company Maintenance. Copy Company to copy P/R, C/I and G/L (and Job Cost, if integrated).
3.. Run year-end for the original company.
4. Install the updated 2011 tax tables.
5.. Process payroll for the original company for the current year.
6.. Before printing the W-2s, install last year’s tax tables(2010) and access the Copy Company.
7. Reinstall the updated tax tables when finished.

Keep in mind that FICA is not the only limit we need to be concerned about when printing W-2s. For some states, the limits for State Disability or State Unemployment may also need to be printed on the W-2.

via: LinkedIn

Join MAS90 LinkedIn Group

Filed Under: LinkedIn, mas200, Sage 100 ERP Tagged With: mas200, Sage 100 ERP

posted on December 10, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Charlie Don’t Surf. The IRS Doesn’t Email.

Have you (or someone you know) recently received an urgent email claiming to be from the IRS. Sometimes the email asks for personal information. In other cases it directs you to call an 800 number. In the most scary situations there’s an attachment known as the “Zeus Banking Trojan” that the scammers hope you’ll download.

Well don’t fall for it.

According to Connecticut CPA Thomas Scanlon – a widespread scam preys on the belief that if someone does not respond to an official looking email that there could be penalties.

Thomas’s recommendation – discard emails claiming to be from the IRS unopened.

Why the IRS does not send email and IRS Site FAQ

Filed Under: Productivity Tagged With: connecticut, cpa, irs, thomas scanlon, zeus banking trojan

posted on November 30, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

My Poor T-Mobile Experience – And The Importance Of Taking Ownership Of Customer Problems

Please if you do nothing else to improve your company’s service – train your employees to take ownership of problems.

Have you ever called in for a question about a customer service issue and the representatives, while helpful, seemed like they couldn’t transfer your phone call quick enough to another department.

I bet those experiences are mis-managed by companies who measure “success” by how quickly a representative can “fix” a problem (aka – get you off the phone or pass you to someone else). These customer service experiences are like one big game of hot potato.

A phone transfer or handoff of the problem to another employee is not a fix for a problem. In some cases it will cause you to lose customers – who leave based on not much more than the poor service that they just experienced.

This recently happened to me at T-Mobile.

I was looking to re-connect a line of service. This should have been a 5 minute slam-dunk for T-Mobile. They would have added another subscribers (since I was a former subscriber it’s even better and they term it a “win back”).

Instead what happened? I was passed from one representative to another — in a circular motion.

Customer service said “hold on you need to speak to activations”. Then when I was passed to activations they said “hold on you need to speak to customer service”.

After two rounds of this I was done.

There are, after all, other cell phone providers offering pretty much the same service using similar phones.

Are you losing customers based on similar poor customer service?

What could T-Mobile have done to improve their service?

1. Have the representative stay on the phone to make sure the transfer happens (it doesn’t hurt to get a callback number in case you’re disconnected).

2. Understand the problem. It shouldn’t be a race to see how quickly you can hit the “transfer” button.

3. Never measure customer satisfaction based on how many calls per day a representative handles. Measuring speed only provides incentive to pass the problem off to someone else regardless of the customer outcome.

Are any of these had to implement? Would they take hours and hours of re-training for your staff?

No.

Are your employees empowered to take ownership of a problem (from start to finish) as opposed to passing the problem to another employee?

If not, why not?

T-Mobile Poor Customer Service

Filed Under: schulz consulting, Uncategorized Tagged With: customer service, Tmobile

posted on November 26, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

How To Make Money Using LinkedIn

Bill Kizer has just posted a great set of tips for better utilizing LinkedIN and more importantly how to make money from your participation.

Most important of his advice is to keep everything updated, use a profile photo, participate in discussions and make connections.

This 14 minute presentation is part of a discussion he facilitated at a recent group meeting. Bill went back and recorded the presentation for the benefit of all who may have questions about using LinkedIN.

via: Bill Kizer and LinkedIn

Filed Under: LinkedIn, Sage 100 ERP Tagged With: bill kizer, discussion, linkedin, sage

posted on October 30, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Sage LInkedIn Group Meeting: Irvine CA November 18, 2010

The popular Sage LinkedIN Group (over 3,000 members and growing) has scheduled a free meeting to be held Thursday November 18, 2010 at 4pm in the Sage Irvine California offices.

The formal speaker list has yet to be rolled out though typically Sage provides a speaker or two to answer questions from those in attendance. Bill Kizer, the group’s founder, is coordinating the sessions. Questions or suggestions for agenda items can be sent to him via email.

Sage LinkedIn Meeting – November 18, 2010

Filed Under: LinkedIn, Sage software Tagged With: linkedin, sage

posted on October 22, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Sage Common Payroll Announced For MAS200 SQL, MAS500, ABRA, ERP X3 and ACCPAC

Sage today made official that they’ll be rolling out a common payroll based on their SData communication protocol. This common payroll fills a hole in the Sage MAS 200 SQL release (due November 2010) where legacy (non 4.x standard modules which include payroll) cannot be used with the MAS 200 SQL release.

By creating a common payroll solution Sage hopes to cut down development costs that are soaring as the government continues to change employer tax laws. Each change in tax law requires Sage to update payroll (usually at the very end of the year when everyone is busiest), test the changes, and quickly distribute those upgrades to end users.

Under the Sage Common Payroll initiative the ACCPAC SQL Payroll will be used by at least four Sage products (ABRA SQL v10.1, MAS500 v7.3, ERP X3 v6.1, MAS200 SQL 4.45).

Integration levels will vary depending upon product with only Accpac and ABRA receiving level 3 or very robust integration.

Here’s Sage’s Official Announcement:

Common Payroll is the Sage ERP Accpac payroll module which has been enhanced to become a best-of-breed SQL Server-based payroll that can serve the needs of many of our Sage North America customers. With over 4000 payroll customers in the US and Canada, the Sage ERP Accpac payroll module has a strong track record of providing value to small and medium sized businesses.

Using Sage ERP Accpac payroll as the foundation and the new common sData communication protocol to facilitate connectivity, the new Common Payroll module will offer the tightest level of integration possible between payroll and all of our ERP solutions.

How will a Common Payroll support Sage’s strategy to maximize our assets and reduce redundancies? One example lies in the hundreds of new tax changes that are mandated each year. In 2009 there were more than 200 changes released and that number is expected to increase in 2010. To keep on top of these changes, Sage spends a great deal of money each year to maintain our 12 unique payroll modules, and in some cases, multiple versions for each product. Imagine how much we could accomplish by removing this redundancy of effort, provide the updates in a form that could be used by all our products, and instead leverage our resources to provide customers with greater value, such as new connected services. And because the payroll-related connected services such employee benefit services would only need to be developed once, it would mean they could be made available immediately to all our customers with little to no incremental effort required by individual product teams.

The Common Payroll initiative also supports our goal for providing an Extraordinary Customer Experience as we focus our efforts on developing a single best-of-breed solution that surpasses the functionality and ease of use found in our current payroll modules. This new, unified payroll module will not only scale as a business grows, but if a customer needs to upgrade to another Sage ERP (enterprise resource planning) product, the payroll data will seamlessly migrate.

Common Payroll integration will soon be on the roadmaps for many of our other products, so stay tuned for details. You can rest assured that the native payroll module will continue to be enhanced, sold and supported for those products where it doesn’t make sense to adopt a common payroll.

The Common Payroll integration is an important step toward achieving our objectives and providing your clients with greater value. Projects like Common Payroll not only generate substantial savings and leverage best practices, but enable us to deliver a common experience to our mutual clients.

Filed Under: Abra, mas200, Sage 100 ERP, Sage 500 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting, Technology Tagged With: common, payroll, sage, sql

posted on July 8, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Former Sage Channel Chief Taylor Macdonald Joins SaaS Provider Intacct

In what has to be a coup for SaaS (software as a service) provider Intacct, industry veteran Taylor Macdonald today is announced as their new VP of Channels.

Taylor spent 9 years managing and building the reseller channel for Sage North America.

Taylor Macdonald Joins ERP SaaS Provider Intacct As VP Channels

Filed Under: ERP Vendors, Sage software Tagged With: cloud computing, erp software, intacct, saas, sage, taylor macdonald

posted on May 10, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Locked out of LinkedIn?

Do you have a LinkedIn account which you access infrequently and might have trouble remembering the password?

Here’s a tip from Dawn Westerberg whose LinkedIN account was linked to her old work email address.

When she left her job she had forgotten her LinkedIN password.

Without access to her old work email address she was unable to perform a standard password reset which would have sent a link to her (old) email enabling her to login to LinkedIn.

It turns out that if you forget your password and cannot access your registered email address (in Dawn’s case this was her old work address) then LinkedIn will not – (a) reset your password, (b) update your account or (c) transfer/merge account information to another account.

Their solution? Create a new account and re-invite your connections.

Seriously. That’s the best solution that LinkedIn has to offer?

Think about the time when you are changing jobs. That’s typically when you need to use LinkedIn the most.

And if for some reason you’re unable to remember the password or gain access to your old work email address – you’ll be potentially shut out of important LinkedIn connections!

To be safe, use a primary email address that YOU own to sign up for LinkedIn – and not an employer email that you would lose access to when changing jobs.

LinkedIn allows you to enter in additional email addresses (such as work) so that people can still send invitations by knowing your work email.

Change your primary email address in: Settings – Personal Information – Email Addresses.

Dawn Westerberg

Filed Under: LinkedIn, Sage 100 ERP Tagged With: linkedin

posted on April 18, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Great Plains Guy vs Netsuite Guy – ERP Cloud Computing Spoof

Another humorous take on cloud computing. This version (authored by Netsuite) is obviously slanted to show the cloud computing strength of Netsuite versus Great Plains and SAP.

The product name “Great Plains” is used to poke fun at the product’s Fargo North Dakota roots. Those familiar with the Great Plains software will of course realize that Microsoft now owns the product and has rebranded it under the Microsoft label.

Of course anyone who sat in on Netsuite’s latest earnings call knows that they reported essentially flat license growth. That lead us to proclaim that Netsuite appears to lose customers as fast as they replace them.

Netsuite Earnings Call Summary

Filed Under: ERP Vendors Tagged With: fargo, great plains, microsoft, netsuite, spoof, youtube

posted on April 4, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Apple iPad: First Impressions For Business Users

The Apple iPad launched this past weekend leading to an overwhelming influx of posts both online and in print media.

Most reviews have gushed over the devices capabilities (here’s a pretty good iPad review from the Washington Post) . There’s a lot to gush about to be sure – with a great looking 9.7″ screen the iPad makes the applications that we loved on the iPhone work even better on the iPad.

The next question to be answered is whether the iPad can replace laptops. While the touch screen device is certainly attractive and simple to use there are a few issues that I noted in my weekend of testing that make me wonder just how quickly businesses might adopt an iPad type device.

Issue #1: The iPad browser won’t run all the sites that your laptop will

In my initial testing I immediately ran into problems running Google Wave which repeatedly crashed the iPad browser. Similarly when trying to use Facebook I was stopped when trying to view videos that friends had posted because the iPad doesn’t (and won’t) support the Flash technology that Facebook uses to embed the video.

Yes there are mobile sites that I probably could have run instead. However to make a fair comparison between an iPad and Laptop I feel you have to test the process of opening the same sites – and not relying on another typically lightweight (and crippled) mobile site for compatibility.

Apple has been steadfast in their refusal to support technology such as Adobe Flash. This is probably irrelevant or uninteresting to most people – unless they rely heavily on a web site that makes use of Adobe Flash technology for displaying content or interacting with users.

Issue #2: The iPad is a closed environment where all applications must be approved by Apple

A closed operating environment is great for home users. It shields them from a lot of complexity and issues with rogue applications that could be attempting to steal data.

For business users though the inability to readily access third party applications that might expand upon Apple’s Safari web browser functionality – say to make it more compatible with all web sites – is troubling.

Apple has essentially stated they aren’t supporting Adobe Flash. While many web sites are working hard to redo their embedded content to avoid Flash – will corporate users want to be at the whim of what Apple states they will and won’t support?

Businesses need to be sure that the applications they require in the future can be loaded to their hardware. With the Apple iTunes policy there’s no way to be certain of that.

Issue #3: The lack of multi-tasking is presently a deal breaker

In my testing over the weekend I found that inability to easily read incoming emails while working in another application to be a deal breaker for business user.

Unless you want to be constantly closing and opening applications so that you can read email as it arrives you’ll probably soon tire of this limitation.

For home use I don’t believe this will be as much of an issue as for businesses where the volume of incoming email is greater and typically of more importance.

Apple is rumored to be working on releasing multi-tasking capabilities in a future revision of their operating system. However as it stands today you can’t multi-task within the iPad – and it’s an annoying problem that you won’t have with a laptop — which might cost less than a new iPad.

Summary

The iPad is a great device that, for now, is best suited for home use. It makes viewing online content much easier primarily because the screen is so much bigger than that of the iPhone or iPod Touch.

Battery life appears to be fully capable of achieving the promised 10 hour life – and then some. Integration with all the existing (over 100k) iPhone applications is wonderful although nearly all applications need to be updated to take advantage of the bigger screen.

Should you buy one?

Yes if you’re an iPhone or iPod Touch fan and would like to see the applications that you use on the iPhone/Touch on a bigger screen with more functionality.

No if you’re solely (or primarily) looking at replacing a laptop and you intend to do more than use iPhone type applications.

Until Apple is more open about accepting apps that they claim “duplicate” the functionality of the built-in programs you’d be better off buying a laptop that allows you to load any applications that are needed for your business.

Via: Apple iPad First Impressions

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: apple ipad, iphone, itunes, mac, Technology

posted on March 30, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

LinkedIn for BlackBerry 1.0 Connects

LinkedIn has just released version 1.0 of their new application for BlackBerry smartphones.

Users of the BlackBerry Tour, Curve and Bold can download the application from BlackBerry App World. Unfortunately there is not (yet) any support for the popular BlackBerry Storm though I suspect that will be added pretty quickly.

From the LinkedIn Blog:

LinkedIn for BlackBerry is a continuation of our efforts to help you leverage the power of your professional network anywhere, anytime. Now, you can walk into any interview, any customer engagement or client meeting with the ability to look up the details on over 60 million professionals worldwide, in real-time.

LinkedIn for BlackBerry includes a full, rich feature set designed to bring the most useful features of LinkedIn to your business smartphone. The application features six modules, each with a user experience designed from the ground up for BlackBerry devices:

* Network Updates. View and share crucial business intelligence and updates with your network. Perfect for those spare moments between meetings.
* Search. Search across over 60 million global professionals, and get the answer back in seconds. We’ve implemented a unified search across both your direct connections and the entire LinkedIn network.
* Connections. LinkedIn is your address book in the cloud. Get quick access to any of your connections to get their up-to-date profile information, and the ability to send them a message immediately.
* Invitations. Why wait to get back to your desk? Accept outstanding invitations immediately.
* Messages. Messaging is one of the reasons that BlackBerry owners love their devices, and we’ve worked hard to integrate your LinkedIn Inbox.
* Reconnect. You can’t leverage your network if you don’t build it. This module brings suggestions for new connections to you anytime. Now you can build your network from anywhere, in seconds.

While the interface of the BlackBerry LinkedIn application is not as pretty as that of the iPhone version – the deep integration to the BlackBerry inbox is a key feature.

When you receive emails from anyone you can quickly use the BlackBerry shortcut menu to lookup their LinkedIn profile – quite a handy feature for those of us who spend most of our time on the road.

For more information -

LinkedIn for BlackBerry Curve, Bold and Tour – Now Available

Connect:
Wayne Schulz on LinkedIn

Filed Under: BlackBerry, Sage 100 ERP, Smartphones Tagged With: blackberry, linkedin

posted on January 7, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Google Nexus One vs Droid : Pros and Cons

Google’s entry into the phone world – the Google Nexus One – is out. I’ve been testing it for the last day since FedEx dropped one on my doorstep. I paid $529 for an unlocked version which means that I am able to use it on my existing T-Mobile account simply by swapping the tiny SIM card that is inside my BlackBerry 9700.

What many people have been asking is whether the Google Nexus One is the best Android phone or whether the much advertised Droid might be a better choice.

Well since I own both phones I’ve taken a few minutes this morning to write up a pros and cons comparison between the two.

You can read my Google Nexus One vs Droid Pros and Cons on my gadget blog for the full details.

In a nutshell I like everything about the Google Nexus One – especially the speed. If you’re comfortable using T-Mobile as the carrier (which is the only carrier supporting the phone for now though Verizon is slated to provide service come Spring 2010) and if you’re a heavy Gmail user (which I am) then you’ll love Android and I think the Google Nexus One.

Based on my repeatedly poor experiences with the Droid voice quality – I don’t recommend you purchase a Droid.

If however you’re company is stoic in its use of Microsoft Exchange Server or you are not on Gmail (and don’t plan to be) then I think either the BlackBerry (for heavy emailers) or iPhone (for those with light email needs but strong desire for third party applications and music/video) are better choices.

Filed Under: BlackBerry, Smartphones Tagged With: droid, google nexus one, google smartphone, t-moble, verizon

posted on January 4, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Free Turbotax Business 2009

Intuit has a special free version of their Turbotax 2009 for Business. Although this version is only for businesses (it will NOT work for individuals or sole proprietors filing a “schedule C” on their 1040) it’s still a relatively hot deal considering Amazon sells the full version for $95.

Prior year data won’t automatically transfer (probably one of the reasons this is free) making this version primarily for new Turbotax users who would like to get a free fully functioning version to test on their current year data.

Free Turbotax Business 2009 via SlickDeals

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: free, turbotax 2009, turbotax business 2009

posted on January 3, 2010 by Wayne Schulz

Schulz Consulting MAS90 Newsletter Signup

Interested in tips, tricks and news about Sage MAS90 and MAS200 accounting software?

Sign up here for our twice monthly (first and fifteenth) MAS90 email newsletter. Each edition contains the latest MAS 90 and MAS 200 news as well as technology tips and tricks of interest to MAS90 users. There’s no advertising and you can unsubscribe from the email list yourself at any time.

The cost is free and we presently have over 2,000 members receiving the newsletter every month.

MAS 90 Newsletter Topics Include (but aren’t limited to):

Instructions on closing the year in MAS 90 and MAS 200
News of critical software patches
Links to whitepapers describing new features
Information about free web seminars
Reviews of different add-on solutions for MAS 90 and MAS 200
Technology tips – mobile phones, social media, web site links

Schulz Consulting MAS90 Newsletter Signup

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: mas200, newsletter, Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting, tips, tricks, updates

posted on December 18, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Wayne Schulz Named 2009 Sage Spirit Award Winner

When Paul Johnson (Executive Vice President – Sage Business Solutions) called me late last night my first instinct was to check the Schulz Consulting web site.

Usually when I get calls from executives at odd hours of the day (or weekend) it’s to “point out” something on the site that I’ve written earlier in the week. The conversation starts out with admiration for “that little blog you run” and the “support for those who blog”.

And oh, by the way, could you remove that item about __.

This happens about once per quarter, and truthfully except for that little mis-understanding about Sage MAS 200 SQL, Sage doesn’t call that much. It’s usually other publishers or consultants who catch their name in a Google Keyword Alert and confuse the term blog with free advertisement.

I quickly scanned for potential issues on the web site. Except for an innocent announcement about MAS90 payroll tax tables there didn’t seem to be anything that would warrant a late night call.

So I call Paul Johnson back.

I’m braced for questions about something on the site – though I’m unsure exactly what questions there could be.

Surprisingly I learned that I’d been awarded one of the two Sage Spirit Awards. This is a new award category that Sage created this year. It’s meant to honor those who don’t sell bazillions of dollars worth of Sage product but who perhaps still should be recognized at the annual Sage President Circle.

Paul was calling to tell me I was one of the winners. (I guess that stuff on TV where people show up with a big check on your doorstep and a bouquet of balloons isn’t how it all happens in real life).

Out of 140 people nominated (I did not nominate myself -honest), the Sage team narrowed the selection to two Sage Spirit Award Winners.

While admittedly stunned I’m thankful and grateful for the award.

The presentation is January 25-27 in Arizona where I’ll presumably take the stage wedged between the men and women who’ve sold millions and millions of dollars of Sage Software and I’ll gladly accept the Sage Spirit Award.

I can’t wait to give my acceptance speech.

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: sage, schulz consulting, spirit award, Wayne Schulz

posted on December 14, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

QuickBooks Payroll Alive And Well

This morning I received a somewhat confusing email from my local Paychex representative. The subject line of “QuickBooks May Be Discontinued” caught my attention.

There was no message in the body of the email, however, attached was a graphic (see below) that stated QuickPayroll was being discontinued.

Sensing that something wasn’t right and that there’s no way that QuickBooks was going to be discontinued I contacted Intuit for their feedback.

As it turns out the notification, sent by my local Paychex representative, was only partially correct.

QuickBooks Payroll is not being phased out.

An older low-end version product called QuickPayroll is being discontinued in favor of any of Intuit’s other three payroll processing options.

With over 1.2 million payroll customers there’s a slim chance that Intuit’s going to turn their back on the payroll market. In July of 2009 Intuit actually increased their presence in the payroll market with a $170 million acquisition of Paycycle which also brought 85,000 additional small business payrolls under their arm.

Here is Intuit’s response:

Discontinuation of QuickPayroll

As of December 31, 2009, Intuit will discontinue its stand-alone QuickPayroll, a very basic payroll service that did not require the use of QuickBooks. We have notified the QuickPayroll customers (http://payroll.intuit.com/support/kb/kbitem/1012532.html) and have provided them with two offerings so that customers can continue their payroll services with Intuit. With its advertising,

QuickBooks Basic and Enhanced Payroll – payroll services that link to QuickBooks desktop
Intuit QuickBooks Assisted Payroll – payroll service in which Intuit handles the tax forms and payments; payroll integrates with QuickBooks desktop
Intuit Online Payroll – cloud-computing payroll service that runs stand-alone or integrates with QuickBooks desktop and QuickBooks Online.

So rest assured that QuickBooks and QuickBooks Payroll are both alive and well. While we don’t offer services on the Intuit product we wanted to provide this update for any users who might have received the same type of email with mis-information about the status of QuickBooks Payroll.

A full comparison of each option:

http://payroll.intuit.com/compare/compare-quickbooks-payroll.jsp

Filed Under: Quickbooks Tagged With: Intuit, online, paychex, payroll, Quickbooks, quickpay

posted on December 3, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Verizon Droid and Eris Buy One Get One Free This Weekend

If you are in the market for a new smartphone keep an eye on your local Verizon store this weekend (December 4 to December 7). If rumors are true they’ll be having a BOGO (aka Buy One Get One Free) sale that will allow anyone purchasing either the Droid or Eris to also get a free device.

Update: The BOGO offer is only allowing a free Droid Eris and not a buy one Droid and get one Droid – you can only buy a Droid and get an Eris free.

Naturally they expect you to enter into a 2 year service agreement for each line. And data costs add $30 per smartphone to any family plan.

Still, this is not a bad overall deal. Presently the Verizon stores sell the Droid for $299 less a $100 rebate and the Eris is $199 less a $100 rebate.

Droid and Eris Buy One Get One

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: bogo, buy one, droid, eris, free, verizon

posted on November 16, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Wayne Schulz Launches Modeling Career in SCOTTEVEST / SeV Catalog

The current issue of the SCOTTEVEST Catalog features Wayne Schulz prominently modeling the Fleece 5.0 Jacket.

Well, ok, that’s a bit of a stretch. Technically Wayne IS in the catalog. But..

Wayne’s not featured. And while he is in the catalog (as a postage stamp image) he’s not exactly prominent.

…but you have to start somewhere, right?

SCOTTEVEST is a manufacturer of activewear jackets and clothing that feature lots of storage space for holding phones, MP3 players, and more. They asked for customers to submit pictures of themselves wearing their clothes. Wayne submitted a picture from a June 2009 trip to the Ridin Hy Dude Ranch which was used in the catalog.

To see Wayne riding Trigger – and modelining his SCOTTEVEST Fleece Jacket – flip to page 9 of the catalog below (upper right corner – second image down).

Catalog SeV09

SCOTTEVEST

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: scottevest, sev, Wayne Schulz

posted on November 1, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Google Wave Guide Is Available Online

Have you started to explore Google Wave?

Google Wave is a new web-based tool that is still in early testing. Ultimately it’s hoped that Wave will become an easy-to-use tool that enables collaboration between teams of people.

From the Google site:

Google Wave is an online tool for real-time communication and collaboration. A wave can be both a conversation and a document where people can discuss and work together using richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more. If you have spent any amount of time with Google Wave you’ll know that a big part of the initial experience is confusing.

Without any formal user guide to provide information on Google Wave’s unique collaboration features work – most users are initially left to wonder aloud “what do we do next”.

Gina Trapani and Adam Pash have created an online manual titled The Complete Guide to Google Wave. This free manual is available now. You will be able to purchase a PDF copy starting in November.

The Complete Guide To Google Wave

Chapter 1 – Meet Google Wave
Find out what Google Wave is and what problems it solves

Chapter 2 – Get Started With Wave
Set up your Wave account and create your first wave

Chapter 3 – Manage Your Wave Contacts
Find and add people and groups to collaborate with in Wave

Chapter 4 – Find and Organize Waves
Tag, file, search and filter waves

Chapter 5 – Dive Deeper into Wave
Add rich content to your waves like maps and photo slide shows

Chapter 6 – Master Wave’s Interface
Navigate Wave from the keyboard and customize your Wave interface

Chapter 7 – Wave Gadgets
Add interactive content to your waves with gadgets

Chapter 8 – Wave Bots
Automatically update the contents of your waves with bots

Appendix A – What Wave Can’t Do
It’s not just you. See what’s NOT working in the current version of Wave, and what features the Wave team has promised are coming.

Appendix B – Contribute to The Complete Guide to Google Wave
In the spirit of Google Wave, this guide is a collaborative effort. We need you (yes, you) to help revise and expand this guide as Wave evolves.

One observation is the manual itself is in an open sourced MediaWiki online format rather than being created in Google Wave itself – perhaps an indication of how far Google still has to go in order for Google Wave to be truly useful for group collaboration.

[The Complete Guide to Google Wave] via [Download Squad]

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: Google Wave, Wayne Schulz

posted on November 1, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Business Card Reader for iPhone is A Must Have – $5.99

If you’re like most people you have top desk drawer chock full of business cards that you’ve collected at conferences and other business meetings.

Of course you’ve collected them with the best intentions of manually entering them one-after-another into your computer – but somehow they sit unentered in that top drawer. Someday when you have extra time you’ll sit down and enter them all into your computer.

At last there’s a cheap and easy solution to automatically enter the information on most business cards to your computer.

If you have an iPhone 3GS there’s a new inexpensive software application called Business Card Reader from Shape Services that you should try.

business card reader shape services iphone.jpg

For only $5.99 you can download it to your iPhone 3GS (other versions are supported but because the 3GS has a higher resolution auto-focus camera this is the preferred model).

Use the application to take a picture of a business card.

Here’s a really lousy sample of a business card from a prospective client that I collected about a year ago. I took this picture with my iPhone 3GS in the dim light of my kitchen.

And unbelievably this $5.99 program transcribed the business card perfectly.

In this instance the contact phone, address and email were all exactly as they should have been – despite having been capture off a dimly lit photograph of a business card. Total time from image to transcription? About a minute.

Certainly in many instances you might have to tweak the final address if the program doesn’t read the information perfectly.

Total time from taking the image to having a new contact in my iPhone? About a minute.

Because I use Google Apps for my email and contact management I am also able to use the free iPhone GoogleSync program to automatically synchronize contacts off the iPhone directly to my Google Apps account.

The end result is a business card accurately scanned from any iPhone 3GS into your iPhone contact database. If you are synchronizing that data to Google Apps then the contact information will also synchronize in real time.

Recommended.
[Business Card Reader] (iTunes link)

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: iphone, Wayne Schulz

posted on October 31, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Sage Twitter List Live – easily follow MAS90, MAS200 and other Sage product discussions

Looking to keep up with what other Sage employees, consultants, end users and vendors are saying on Twitter?

Use our new free Twitter list that provides a concise timeline showing ~~only~~ mostly tweets that are relevant to people involved with Sage products.

This is not sponsored by, endorsed or affiliated with Sage.

Rather twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the author’s profile page and delivered to the author’s subscribers who are known as followers. Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends or, by default, allow open access. Users can send and receive tweets via the Twitter website, Short Message Service (SMS) or external applications. While the service itself costs nothing to use, accessing it through SMS may incur phone service provider fees.

One of the frustrating things about Twitter is that it can be difficult to find people to “follow”. Unless you’ve been using the service for a while you can easily become frustrated at trying to find people like:

Himanshu Palsule (twitter) –
Executive VP, Product Strategy/Marketing, Sage Business Solutions, and GM, Specialized Solutions

Bill Kizer (twitter) who worked in sales for years at Blytheco and is instrumental in starting and running the Sage LinkedIn Group.

Alok Tyagi (twitter) – VP of R&D for Sage Software North America

There are many more Sage related twitter feeds on our list. As of now the number of followed accounts is 83 and growing.

To easily follow and read the Twitter feeds of people most likely to be discussing Sage related topics, follow the link below.

Disclaimer About Twitter

Be aware- Twitter is an unfiltered stream of messages. While many of the users are affiliated with different companies – it’s a good idea to assume that their comments reflect their own personal thoughts and not necessarily those of their employer.

This is also not an official Sage feed. They do not endorse, recommend, follow, participate or provide any other approval of the messages or content.

If we’ve missed adding your name to the Sage Twitter list – leave a comment with your Twitter ID and affiliation and we will add your name to the Twitter list.

Sage Twitter List

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, Twitter Tagged With: lists, mas200, sage, Sage 100 ERP, social media, twitter

posted on October 14, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Schulz Consulting providing MAS 90 and MAS 200 support and collaboration via Google Wave

Schulz Consulting is now active on the new Google Wave service that’s presently in a limited preview release.

Google Wave is the next step beyond email. It allows for real time group conversations where every participant can view a complete history of the discussions. Simple email exchanges often omit large parts of conversations to anyone not on the email distribution list.

Future uses of Google Wave may involve collaborating on workarounds for software issues, real time seminars where participants can comment and add to the topics as well as technical support tracking where more than one company contact could have access to a complete history of the items that have been discussed.

Because Google Wave is in a limited testing preview you must first request an invitation from Google to participate (request).

If you are already on Google Wave you may connect to Wayne Schulz via wayneschulzct@googlewave.com

Filed Under: Google Wave, Knowledgebase, Sage 100 ERP Tagged With: Google Wave, knowledgebase, mas200, Sage 100 ERP, support, technical, wave, Wayne Schulz

posted on September 8, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

What’s new in MAS 90 3.50 through 4.2?

One question that we’ve heard time and time again as MAS 90 upgrades are released is “what’s new?”.

Often this can be a difficult list to remember – especially if the person asking is several release levels back on the software. It’s easy to remember what has been added from version 4.1 to 4.2 — but how about from 3.50 to 4.2?

If you’re curious about all the enhancements that Sage has made to MAS 90 and MAS 200 since version 3.5 then you may wish to review this handy list on their site.

A detailed list of every change is available on a release by release basis. The chronology starts at version 3.5 and extends to 4.2. There is no login required – simply click away at the link below.

What’s New in MAS 90 – Version 3.5 to 4.2

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting, Technical Documents Tagged With: mas200, mas90 4.3, release notes, Wayne Schulz

posted on September 7, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Sage MAS 90 Service Updates Now Quarterly

The last service update for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 version 4.3 was issued 6/29/09. According to several consultants who have contacted us – Sage has told them that service updates will be issued on a quarterly basis instead of monthly.

Service updates for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 are released for the most current version of the software only (currently 4.3) and contain a bundle of fixes which are self-installing and correct noted issues.

Users of older supported versions of MAS 90 (prior to the current level) will still need to load program fixes individually as the service update bundles will continue to only be released for the current levels.

Please consult with a competent Sage Business Partner prior to installing any service updates. These fixes contain program changes which could cause any enhancements (including Sage’s Extended Solutions) to stop working.

In general we recommend loading service updates for MAS 90 only if you (or your Sage Business Partner) are in the process of logging a support case with Sage or see that a program patch or service update fixes a specific issue that you are experiencing.

In all instances, we recommend you contact your Sage Business Partner for advise on when and how to load any service updates before trying to install them yourself.

Sage Service Updates – MAS 90 and MAS 200 Version 4.3

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: ct mas90, mas200 4.3, mas90 4.3, sage, sage business partner, service update, Wayne Schulz

posted on August 31, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

VAR 500 member Sysix Technologies closes following CEO’s suicide

Online site CRN (Computer Reseller News) is reporting today that one of the members of their VAR 500 list, Sysix Technologies, has closed following the July 2009 suicide death of CEO John Schaeffer. The company had been on CRN’s VAR 500 list since 2002 and was most recently ranked #286 on the 2009 VAR 500.

From the Sysix LinkedIn page:

For over 20 years, Sysix continues to be your single source provider of broad-based integrated business IT solutions. As a national provider of business technology from leading computer hardware and software manufacturers – we can help you to effectively manage your technology solution by combining industry leading products with innovative consulting services and flexible financing options to meet your technology needs, industry focus and budget requirements. via Sysix LinkedIN Company Page

Sysix’s LinkedIN page claimed revenues of over $94 million and 60 employees.

According to a Hoover’s entry:

Sysix Solutions helps firms get their IT act together. Operating through three units — Sysix Financial, Sysix Consulting, and Sysix Technologies — the company designs, leases, and installs IT systems. The value-added reseller carries products from Cisco, Datatel, Dell, EMC, Hitachi Data Systems, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, PlateSpin, PolyServe, Sun Microsystems, and VERITAS, among other vendors. Customers have included Dana, Goodrich, the Moody Bible Institute, Tenneco, and the law firm of Ungaretti & Harris. Founded in 1988, Sysix has offices across the US. CEO John Sheaffer is the majority shareholder.

CRN is reporting that Sysix closed at the end of July idling over 40 employees. This closing appears to have recently been finalized as noted in a story that CRN did on August 25, 2009.

Why So Little CRN Coverage Of A SuddenVAR 500 Closing?

Surprisingly there is not much (if any) follow-up coverage for the sudden closing of one of CRN’s own VAR 500.

In July 2009 when the MIS Group, Sage’s largest business partner, closed abruptly CRN followed up with several posts that spotlighted the type of problems that they felt were indicated by this sudden closing.

Sysix had been a member of CRN’s VAR 500 for the last consecutive 8 years. Yet aside from a story announcing the sudden demise of the firm, there’s very little (if anything) that I was able to find by searching the CRN site.

While Sysix’s closing appears to only have been finalized recently the site notes that the doors were shut at the end of July 2009. Sage business partner MIS Group closed over the July 4th holiday weekend and CRN first posted on their demise here, then followed up with a scathing post on July 24, 2009 which compared MIS Group (not a VAR 500 member) to AIG.

Will there be a similar feature story from CRN on the sudden closing of one of their VAR 500 members?

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Uncategorized Tagged With: crn, sysix, var500

posted on August 18, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Bob Scott named Executive Editor of The Progressive Accountant

Bob Scott, former Editor in Chief of Accounting Technology, was today named as the new Editor of The Progressive Accountant.

According to the press release, Bob will oversee a portfolio of industry specific web sites, podcasts, email newsletters, Web seminars, live events, video and content/reviews. His primary responsibility will be to develop content for http://www.theprogressiveaccountant.com and the email newsletter of the same name.

Bob is well known within the ERP consulting industry for his wildly popular electronic newsletter called “Consulting Insights” which he penned while at Accounting Technology. This publication highlighted insider news and gossip of importance to mid-market VARS and technology companies. Bob also specialized in his coverage of nearly all the accounting software industry trade shows and user conferences.

It’s too early to tell whether the same focus will apply at The Progressive Accountant or whether the slant may become decidedly more consulting focused.

A new web site, http://www.bobscottsinsights.com appears to be in the process of going live. It carries the copyright notice of Progressive Media Group and may also host much of Bob’s newsletter content going forward.

Bob has also formed a Facebook group which he has been informally updating on a surprisingly regular basis with the type of content that used to appear in his email newsletters. (Access Bob Scott’s Facebook group here). The group is free to join though there is no telling if it will continue to be updated as Bob assumes his new responsibilities.

The press release is below with more details.

Industry Insider, Bob Scott, Joins Progressive Media Group’s Accounting Team as Executive Editor

Clifton, NJ – Progressive Media Group, Inc. (PMG) (http://www.pmgb2b.com) today announced that Bob Scott, has been named as the new Executive Editor of PMG’s, The Progressive Accountant and its portfolio of digital resources including industry-specific Web sites, email newsletters, Web seminars, live events, video, podcasts, and content/reviews.

Scott, previously Editor in Chief of the former Accounting Technology (SourceMedia), is an industry expert and authority on the use of technology in tax and public accounting practices and will serve as the chief content developer for the www.TheProgressiveAccountant.com website and The Progressive Accountant email newsletter. In addition to providing daily content, he will produce podcasts and Web seminars and will provide strategic guidance on developing video content for the tax and public accounting profession.

“In an era in which electronic communication has emerged as a preferred vehicle for delivering information, The Progressive Accountant is leading the way in delivering valuable knowledge to the members of the tax and accounting community,” Said Scott. ”I am proud to be part of The Progressive Accountant and its fresh approach.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Bob to the growing PMG team,” said Kurt Martin, Group Publisher of Progressive Media Group, Inc. “Having worked with Bob in the past, I am excited about the level of professionalism, authority and recognition he brings to The Progressive Accountant. Bob’s connections and respect in the sector will enable us to continue to serve the information needs of our subscribers and visitors in the tax and public accounting profession.”

Scott has provided information to the tax and accounting community since 1991, first as technology editor of Accounting Today, and from 1997 through 2009 as editor of its sister publication, Accounting Technology. He is known throughout the industry for his depth of knowledge and for his high journalistic standards. Scott has made frequent appearances as a speaker, moderator and panelist at events serving tax and accounting professionals. He has a strong background in computer journalism as an editor with two former trade publications, Computer+Software News and MIS Week and spent several years with weekly and daily newspapers in Morris County New Jersey prior to that. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in journalism, Bob is a native of Madison, Ind.

Scott will be reaching out to the subscribers and many of the vendors serving the tax and public accounting profession in the near future but he can be reached directly at bob.scott@pmgb2b.com.

via: The Progressive Accountant

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: bob scott, consulting insights, source media, the progressive accountant

posted on August 12, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

WordPress password reset flaw patched in 2.8.4

Yesterday my friend Robert Wood reset the administrative password on my site. Rather than be upset – I’m delighted. Robert was notifying me of a flaw in the WordPress software that allowed anyone to reset the administrative password of a blog.

While this did not provide access to the administrative account (the password reset was only sent out via email to the registered account holder) – it did expose a weakness. If someone also had access to the email account affiliated with the administrator they could potentially hijack this password reset and gain access to your WordPress site.

Version 2.8.4 of WordPress is available and I recommend you upgrade immediately.

WordPress via Robert Wood- DDF Consulting – Florida MAS 90 Consultant

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: administrator, ddf consulting, florida, password, robert wood, security, Wayne Schulz, wordpress

posted on August 4, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

What is SaaS, Cloud Computing, PaaS and IaaS?

There’s quite a bit of confusion around the definitions of cloud computing.

Some users and consultants use the term to mean any software program that isn’t stored and used directly on site.

Yet others have latched onto a whole laundry list of acronyms that more accurately describe different types of cloud computing.

For example:

SaaS – Software As A Service

Essentially based on the concept of renting application functionality from a service provider rather than buying, installing and running software yourself. Offerings within this range from services such as Salesforce.com at one end, delivering the equivalent of a complete application suite, to players like MessageLabs at the other, whose services are designed to complement your operational infrastructure.

PaaS – Platform As A Service

Platform as a service (PaaS), which is all about providing, a platform in the cloud, upon which applications can be developed and executed. Players like Google, again Salesforce.com (this time with Force.com), and Microsoft (with Azure) exist in this space. Facilities provided include things like database management, security, workflow management, application serving, and so on.

IaaS – Infrastructure As A Service

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS). The proposition here is the offering of compute power and storage space on demand.

The difference between this and the other two categories of cloud is that the software that executes is essentially yours. In practical terms, the model is based on the same principles of virtualisation that we are all familiar with in the context of server partitioning or flexible storage. Rather than running a virtual image on a partition existing on a physical server in your data centre, you spin it up on a virtual machine that you have created in the cloud. Virtual disks can be created in a similar manner, to deal with the storage side of things.

For more details about cloud computing as well as to read an argument about whether this type of computing poses a danger to Internet Service Providers – read the full story at The Register.

Filed Under: schulz consulting, Technology Tagged With: cloud computing, iaas, paas, saas, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 30, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

How to show country names on forms using older MAS 90 and MAS 200 versions

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.

Filed Under: Crystal Reports, Hidden Options, Knowledgebase, Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: country code, Crystal Reports, forms, how to, mas200, sage, Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 29, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Microsoft goes on permanent diet as result of sales slump – may relocate customer support to countries with cheaper labor

As a result of Microsoft’s latest 29% earnings decline (Microsoft Profit Falls 29% as Software Demand Wanes) which was reported July 23, 2009 the company’s Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddel has stated that frugality will be a new way of life.

Speaking to Bloomberg in an article dated July 29, 2009 the company’s finance chief further stated that “this is a new diet regime where you slim down and stay down” adding “this is not a crash diet where you stop eating for a couple of quarters”.

Microsoft is coming off their first ever revenue decrease since the company went public. Revenue fell 17% last quarter and missed the average estimate of analysts in a Bloomberg survey by more than $1 billion.

As part of the cost cutting the article stated that Microsoft may relocate some customer support to countries with cheaper labor. There was no indicate what impact, if any, these cost cutting measures would have on Microsoft research and development efforts.

Bloomberg via ERP Users

Filed Under: Sage software, Uncategorized Tagged With: microsoft, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 27, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Tango Marketing introduces Star Email Drip Marketing Program

Are you a Sage VAR representing Sage Accpac EES, Sage Abra, SageCRM, Sage MAS 90 EES, Sage MAS 500 or Sage Timberline and Sage Master Builder?

Tango Marketing introduces Star Email Drip Marketing

If you are looking for a way to keep in close touch with your customers and prospects but find it difficult to constantly think up with new topics for email marketing you may want to talk with the folks at Tango Marketing.

Sometimes it seems almost impossible to come up with fresh interesting topics for newsletters. Surely the first few articles are easy to write. By the 5th or 6th article most people begin to struggle for fresh content.

Tango Marketing offers a series of professionally designed and informational email marketing templates that help you do away with writer’s block.

The bundles of templates are pre-formatted for Switftpage Drip Marketing (email service) as well as eligible for Sage Co-op (60-70% of cost reimbursed depending upon available funds).

A wide range of topics is available to select from. Once you’ve selected your topic you can send the information via email as well as post it to your web site for future reference by your customers and prospects.

For more information give Joan Ciamaga (shown below when she visited CT on a recent trip) a call at (425) 673-5300 ext. 116. Joan is a Sage alumni who now works for Tango Marketing. You can email her at joan@tango-marketing.com.

Star Email Program Sage 2009

Here’s a list of Tango Marketing topics available:

Link: Tango Marketing

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: brian johnson, joan ciamaga, Sage 100 ERP, star email, tango marketing, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 22, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

BlackBerry 9550 (Storm2) Pre-Release Sneak Peek Video

Web site Crackberry.com have somehow obtained a pre-release version of the new BlackBerry Storm 2. This upgrade from the first touch screen BlackBerry Storm is expected to include Wi-Fi and also features a slightly redesigned from button layout.

Overall it appears that the operating system is largely the same and functionality of the BlackBerry touch screen is similar to the initial Storm. The device in this video is apparently a pre-release version so you can expect/hope that the screen lag during rotation is fixed by the time the device appears on Verizon in the next few months.

Update: The original video was pulled from YouTube – here’s another that I found online.

Filed Under: BlackBerry, Technology Tagged With: blackberry, storm 2, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 17, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

MAS90 Purchases Clearing report doesn’t foot in v4.3

$bad math purchases clearing.jpg$

Just heard about this issue on Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 and thought it may help someone in a similar situation.

MAS90 Purchases Clearing Won’t Foot

A client (version 4.3) reported to me that when the report did not tie to GL,
they manually added up the totals on the Purchases Clearing report. Their total
differs from the report total (and does balance to GL). I verified by exporting
the report to Excel and running a total. Sure enough, client is right.

Workaround

No KBA. Sage knows about it, but because it hasn’t verified by Engineering, it
is not available on the KnowledgeBase. Workaround is to run the Purchases
Clearing by Product Line report, which produces an accurate total.

via: Barbara Goldstein – Quanterasystems – San Jose California MAS 90 Reseller

Filed Under: Knowledgebase, Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting Tagged With: california, mas200 4.3, mas90 4.3, purchases clearing, quantera systems, sage, san jose, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 16, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

New York City Subway App for iPhone 3GS uses compass to show nearest subway

Here’s a cool new upcoming application for iPhone 3GS users. Unfortunately it won’t work on older versions of the iPhone because the application itself makes use of the compass feature that is only available in the latest iPhone model.

You’re probably familiar with Google Maps and how the service can overlay a street view (photographs) of the area that you’re mapping. I’ve found this service to be insanely useful for determining if I’m booking an inexpensive hotel. Prior to finalizing my hotel reservations at a rate that seems “too good to be true” – I use Google Street View to scout the area and see whether it looks safe or if it’s in a ghetto.

Now there’s a new application soon to arrive for iPhone 3GS that lets you display a real time map of New York City subway locations. The key is that as you turn the map changes to display the direction that you’re facing.

In order to do this the programmers have made use of the iPhone 3GS’s built-in compass to orient the screen display so that it shows only what is in front of the direction you’re facing. Check out the preview video below.

Via: Wired

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: iphone 3gs, new york city, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 15, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

IM+ introduces speech recognition to BlackBerry All-in-One Messenger client

A new speech recognition feature is being tested in the BlackBerry version of Shape Service’s IM+ All-in-One Instant Messenger. This handy IM client also supports push services so that you can save your BlackBerry battery by closing out of the program while still remaining available for chat. A free 7 day trial is available which also supports AIM/iChat, MSN/Windows LIve Messenger, Yahoo!, ICQ, Jabber, Google Talk, MySpaceIM, Facebook, Skype and Twitter.

IM+ Version 8.1.0 with Speech Recognition

Filed Under: Smartphones, Technology, Twitter Tagged With: blackberry, shape services, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 15, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Google Voice applications for BlackBerry and Android phones due today

Google is scheduled to release a pair of native applications today for BlackBerry and Android phone users that will make working with Google Voice much easer.

Google Voice lets users assign a single number to all of their phones. The service also integrate voice mail, text messages and voice mail transcription.

Download: http://m.google.com/voice – via CNET

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: android, blackberry bold best buy, google voice

posted on July 14, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

If you can get me back up and running extremely quickly I want to pay nothing (fallacy of the quick support question)

Whether you’re receiving phone support from Schulz Consulting, another consultant or Sage – I believe the worst thing you can do is cancel your MAS90 or MAS 200 phone support contract and pray nothing goes wrong.

I’ll take our own support plan as an example.

Enrollment in an unlimited phone and remote support plan costs you $2,800 per year.

That’s about $250 per month.

We don’t offer pay as you go telephone/remote support (read below for the primary reason).

Shortly we believe you will also have trouble finding a competent consultant who provides support on a pay as you go plan (see below for reason).

The most common argument that we hear against paying for a support plan is the old standby:

We don’t call that much

Ok. I’ll buy that.

When you DO call – how fast do you ~~want~~ expect the response?

Is it helpful that the person can also log in immediately to control your desktop and make changes (with your permission)?

Is one, two or even three day response time acceptable? That’s our estimate of the average “pay as you go” response time.

That’s one, two or three days of your staff staring at blank computer screens. Your staff sitting idle not able to process any computer transactions.

Most consulting firms (Schulz included) reserve their fastest response times for those customers enrolled in a prepaid plan. The reasoning for this is simply – they reserve this time for the clients who’ve prepaid and have indicated a future need for services.

The other common argument we hear against support is:

That was a quick question – don’t bill me

I’m paraphrasing the above but when we used to offer hourly telephone support (which we don’t any longer because all of our clients are on prepaid fixed cost plans) a huge number of clients would call expecting that if their question could be answered quickly that they would not receive a bill.

How insane is that logic?

Let me rephrase the logic of the quick question from a consultant’s perspective:

“If you can get me back up and running extremely quickly I want to pay you nothing”

Just this morning I received a call from a former support customer. Their normal internal staff person who supports their MAS 90 is out sick. They have 5 people unable to process any transactions until a MAS 90 issue is corrected.

Guess why they had cancelled support?

Correct! — they hardly ever needed to call.

Now the owner’s in a situation where his entire staff has to stop working until they can get a MAS 90 error condition corrected.

We are increasingly seeing these types of support issues where a company has cancelled their support due to perceived lack of need.

Guess what they’re discovering?

It’s only a lack of need — until you need it.

At a future point – they suddenly have a need again. And they’re stuck waiting in line for a consultant who offers lower priority hourly support.

We urge you – think twice before giving up your support. If having MAS 90 or MAS 200 shut down in the middle of the day would be a hardship for your company – then you need to be on a support plan with a qualified consulting firm. It’s important to establish these relationships ahead of time because shortly as the market contracts you will see more consulting firms that do not accept “quick question” type support for which they ultimately won’t be compensated.

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: mas200, Sage 100 ERP

posted on July 9, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Quicken for Mac announced for February 2010 – pre-orders start October 2009

Intuit in a blog posting today announced the long awaited Quicken for Mac would be available for pre-order in October 2009 with final delivery scheduled for February 2010.

First due out in 2008 as Quicken Financial Life for Mac, the software release schedule has gradually slipped. Intuit spent the time working with beta testers and when they found areas that needed improvement rather than release the Mac product they continued to refine it.

Feedback from Mac customers led us to rethink our approach to developing Quicken for Mac. We went back to the drawing board and are making changes to everything from what the program does to how it looks. We spent extra time building a reconcile mode for the new register, a robust Windows-to-Mac transfer function for new Mac users (and existing customers running Quicken on a Windows virtual machine), and redesigned the experience to make it look and feel like a native Mac application should.

We understand our loyal Mac customers are disappointed that the product won’t be in stores until after the first of the year. For that, we apologize. We think taking our time to get it right will be well worth it and will make Mac customers even more excited when they use the new Quicken for Mac early next year.

Intuit

Filed Under: Quickbooks Tagged With: Intuit, mac, quicken, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 8, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Sage is # 3 and Microsoft #7 Enterprise Application Vendor according to recent AMR Research Report

Picture 1-128.png

According to a report ranking Enterprise Application Vendors by Revenue released today by AMR Research, Sage is ranked # 3 behind SAP (#1) and Oracle (#2) in terms of revenue. Microsoft ranked at #7 with $1.308 B of revenues and Salesforce rounds out the top 10 with a little over $1 Billion in revenues.

The full listing is below:

1. SAP ($15.801B)
2. Oracle ($8.559B)
3. Sage Group ($2.408B)
4. Infor ($2.208B)
5. Dassault Systemes ($1.958B)
6. Siemens PLM ($1.405B)
7. Microsoft ($1.308B)
8. Cadence ($1.038B)
9. PTC ($1.037B)
10. salesforce.com ($1.023B)

AMR Research Report Ranks Top 50 Enterprise Application Vendors by Revenue

SAP, Oracle, Sage Group, Infor, and Dassault Systemes Are the Top 5

BOSTON, July 8 /PRNewswire/ — AMR Research, the leading research firm focused on the global supply chain and its supporting technologies, released a report today that sizes the global enterprise applications market. The report lists the top 50 global enterprise application vendors by 2008 revenue. SAP is at the top of the list with $15.8B in application revenue, with Oracle, Sage Group, Infor, and Dassault Systemes completing the top 5.

The top of the list of enterprise application vendors includes:

The complete of the top 50 enterprise applications vendors is available on AMR Research’s website.

Interestingly, Oracle’s acquisition of Sun, and Java, could wreak havoc on enterprise applications vendors in the future. AMR Research estimates over 60% of enterprise software vendors have applications that rely on Java, including many Oracle competitors, large and small. Of the 50 largest enterprise application companies, 33 offer applications that rely on Java. These companies represent over $38.5 billion, or 77% of the top 50′s 2008 revenue.

“Given the weak macro economic backdrop, the enterprise applications market had a surprisingly solid year in 2008. 2009, however, will be a whole different story,” said Dennis Gaughan, vice president at AMR Research. “Not only will vendors be impacted by the fragile economy, but 33 out of the top 50 vendors will have to reevaluate their commitment to the Java programming language.”

Methodology

To be included in AMR Research’s study, vendors must develop and sell application software products, provide implementation services, and provide software applications in at least one of the following segments: enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, sourcing and procurement (supply management), product lifecycle management, human capital management, and customer relationship management.

Please visit www.amrresearch.com for a full copy of “The Global Enterprise Market Sizing Report, 2008-2013.” If you are a member of the media and are interested in learning more about the report, please contact amrresearch@famapr.com.

About AMR Research:

AMR Research is the world’s leading independent research firm focused on the global supply chain and its supporting technologies. Founded in 1986 and privately held, AMR Research provides subscription advisory services and peer networking opportunities to supply chain, sustainability, and IT executives in the consumer products, life sciences, manufacturing, and retail sectors. To learn more the company’s research and services, visit www.amrresearch.com.

Press Contact:
Kevin Reilly
amrresearch@famapr.com
617-758-4153

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, Technology Tagged With: amr research, microsoft, sage, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 8, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Google Chrome to become operating system by second half of 2010

Yesterday Google dropped a bomb that many people have been expecting for quite some time. For several years we’ve been talking and reading about how a web browser might eventually become an operating system. I remember hearing this initially discussed when Netscape became popular and started to take on Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. Until recently the thought of browser as OS has largely remained a distant but ever more believable dream. The dream may become reality if Google has their way.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: google chrome, google chrome os, microsoft, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 7, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

MIS Group client base under attack on Twitter

Social Media to the rescue!

In prior years we might have seen firms take out expensive Google Adwords to solicit the clients of a failed competitor. Right now we’re seeing the free social media service Twitter being used by competitors seeking to woo clients of the former Sage Business Partner of The Year The MIS Group.

As you may know, MIS Group suddenly shut their doors on July 6, 2009 leaving their clients and employees to fend for themselves. There was no advance notice given of this shutdown and many of the clients are enrolled in MIS Group support and maintenance plans which they rely on to keep their businesses running.

Here’s a small sample of a few Tweets I noticed openly advertising for MIS Group clients.

New York based Net@Work chimes in:

As well as Microsoft reseller Simcrest out of Texas:

West Reading, PA Keystone Software Solutions:

CRM VAR Harris Technology – Houston Texas

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Technology, Twitter Tagged With: mas200, mis group, Sage 100 ERP, twitter, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 7, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Minimum wage slated to rise to $7.25 on July 24, 2009

On July 24, 2009 the federal minimum wage rate is slated to rise from the present $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour.

The rate is established by the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) which establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments. Covered nonexempt workers are entitled to a minimum wage of not less than $6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008; and $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. Overtime pay at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay is required after 40 hours of work in a workweek.

Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is generally entitled to the higher minimum wage. In all instances you are advised to consult with a business advisor prior to determine what rules apply to your company.

US Department of Labor via Karen Smart at Smart e-Solutions

Update for Connecticut Employers

This just appeared in my email inbox from my friend Corrine Nadolny who represents Paychex in Connecticut:

Good Morning

Of course Connecticut’s minimum wage is higher $8.00 , waitress minimum wage is $5.52 and $7.12 for bartenders.

Hope all is well!

Corrine

Corrine Nadolny
Paychex
55 Capital Blvd., Suite 302
Rocky Hill, Ct 06067
Office (860)257-0677 Ext. 25012
Fax (866)784-5725
cnadolny@paychex.com

As always – consult your tax or accounting professional prior to taking any action. We are not in the business of providing tax advice and any information given is for general knowledge only and not with the intent of having any person rely on the information for making tax decisions. Tax rates and rules change often – be sure to check with your tax advisor prior to implementing any information you find on the Internet.

Filed Under: schulz consulting Tagged With: minimum wage, sage, Wayne Schulz

posted on July 3, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Why I use, love and adore Gmail

People look at me funny when I tell them that our entire office runs off Google Apps for Domain. That means we don’t have any Microsoft Office deployed on local workstations. All of our documents and spreadsheets are prepared in Google Docs which means we have no software to load or configure on local workstations in the office.

It also means that when we’re out of the office we can access our documents from ANY Internet connected computer.

We also use GMAIL for all of our email. It’s much less hassle to maintain than a separate Exchange Server (which we’ve done in the past and found to be a huge waste of time and resources for very little benefit).

This morning I received an autoresponder email from one of our email subscribers who is apparently without access to any email for several days due to an internal server problem…. And I am again reminded of exactly why I love GMAIL. It’s the lack of these types of problems that keep me convinced that outsourcing email is the wisest move we’ve ever made.

Filed Under: schulz consulting, Technology Tagged With: gmail, Wayne Schulz

posted on June 24, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Outgrowing Sage MAS 90? – Microsoft Doesn’t Seem To Know What To Do Except Slash Pricing

Outgrown MAS 90, but Microsoft can’t really say why.

Below is a review from Paul Ziliak of the Microsoft Web Seminar titled “Outgrowing MAS 90/200 and What to Do About It”.

Paul is a Sage Business Partner and has agreed to allow us to re-post his review of the above seminar. Obviously neither Paul or myself are independent with respect to these opinions as we both represent Sage Software as Business Partners. Therefore use the below feedback in combination with your own research to draw the appropriate conclusion that is right for your company situation. We recommend consulting with a competent business advisor prior to making any decisions on accounting software purchase or implementation.

Paul’s posting is below:

I thought his insights were interesting because I’d received several reports that Microsoft is sponsoring “independent” web seminar that claim to give information on what to do when you outgrow MAS 90 or MAS 200.

I attended a webcast today called “How to Know Your Customers Have Outgrown MAS 90/200 and What to Do About It” presented by The CPA Technology Advisor.

I didn’t see anything in this presentation to suggest that Microsoft GP offers any more than MAS 90 / 200 in terms of functionality, reporting, or technology unless your IT department will accept Microsoft and only Microsoft, or if your system needs to scale to hundreds of users.

Almost nothing was offered telling me ‘How to Know’ and the primary thing I learned about ‘What to do’ is that Microsoft is planning an aggressive pricing promotion in the next 90 to 120 days geared toward moving MAS 90 users. Fair enough. But a lot can be gained by offering a substantial list of identifiers as to whether you’ve outgrown MAS 90. I’ll suggest a few:

* Others in your industry have advantages over you because of technology
* Your users have more technology sophistication than the software can deliver.
* Specifically identifiable functionality does not exist in your system. This gap should be verified inside and outside your organization. The cost of the gap should be measurable.

The webcast’s main presenter was Darren Root of Root & Associates, LLC. He was accompanied by Randy Johnston of K2 Enterprises. The premise of the presentation (which qualified for CPE credit) was that the venerable Sage MAS 90/MAS 200 product lines may have fallen behind Microsoft GP in areas of Functionality, Reporting and BI, Scalability, Limited Ability to Integrate, Low Employee Productivity, and Outdated Technology Due to Limited Research and Development.

I did not record the webcast, but I do not recall any mention of ‘Low Employee Productivity’ beyond its appearance in an early slide. Interestingly, for most of the general examples of software capabilities Mr. Root described the Sage and Microsoft offerings as being comparable.

The webcast offered almost not one specific functional shortfall of MAS 90/MAS 200. And one technology-specific deficiency – the lack of a MAS 90/200 SQL version – was refuted by the presenter himself who acknowledged the forthcoming release (presumed with version 4.40).

Nearly 50% of the audience responded as having zero MAS customers (the webcast was geared toward CPAs with MAS customers), so the audience was perfect for Microsoft to have a webcast dismissing MAS 90/200 without objection.

I note that despite being billed as an educational event there was no Q&A before, during or after the event in spite of the presence of a ‘Type Questions for Moderator’ box during the entire hour long event.

The event offered early access to a white paper at http://www.accountingsoftwareworld.com/whitepaperGP.pdf but my attempts to obtain the whitepaper bombed out Adobe, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome.

While extolling the power of SQL server technology as one of the identifiable differentiators between MAS 90/ 200 and Microsoft GP, Mr. Root did not mention the perhaps the best path that Sage users could take – to Sage MAS 500. This is especially notable considering Mr. Root’s 5 star (out of 5 possible) review of Sage MAS 500 in the December 2007 article in none other than the CPA Technology Advisor. You can find that review here.
http://www.cpatechnologyadvisor.com/print/The-CPA-Technology-Advisor/2007-Review-of-High-End-Accounting-Systems/1$1821

No one is buying systems just to have the technology. Companies are making changes to support strategic initiatives within their organizations. Sage MAS 90 / 200 users who have identified new system needs SHOULD consider what Microsoft has to offer, but don’t overlook what your Sage partner may be able to do to enhance your MAS 90 / 200 solution, or migrate you to MAS 500.

The above post is courtesy Paul Ziliak President, Chicago Office of MicroAccounting Solutions.

Paul is responsible for the Chicago operations. A CPA, Paul has been helping Chicago companies maximize their MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500 systems since 1992. Paul spent a number of years directing the IT consulting practice for BDO Seidman, LP.Paul’s firm represents the Sage product line. Reprinted here by permission of the author.

Corrections, clarifications or any additional information should be left in the comments section.

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting Tagged With: chicago, dynamics, mas200, microaccounting, microsoft, sage, Sage 100 ERP, Wayne Schulz

posted on June 10, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Facebook personalized user names available Saturday 12am

Starting this Saturday June 13, 2009 at 12:01 am you can claim your own personalized Facebook user name.

Previously you were only able to use a lengthy and difficult to remember URL such as http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=531173044 instead of an easier to remember URL such as http://www.facebook.com/myname.

These addresses will be issued on a first come and first served basis. Once you claim your new Facebook address you cannot change it or assign it to anyone else.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: facebook, Wayne Schulz

posted on June 5, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Bumper patch of MS Security updates due Tuesday June 9, 2009

On Tuesday June 9, 2009 Microsoft is planning to release a big set of security patches for Windows. There will be ten updates – six of which will address critical system flaws either in the operating system or a Microsoft application.

The patch count is as follows:

Internet Explorer and various Windows components – Five
Microsoft Office Components – Three
Windows – Two

Expect your systems to need a reboot after the patches are applied. More information on what’s not in the pack can be read from Microsoft’s site here.

via Register

Filed Under: schulz consulting, Technology Tagged With: microsoft, Technology, Wayne Schulz, windows

posted on June 4, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

New iPhone pre-announced by Walt Mossberg

So far as I’m aware there has not been any official announcement of a next generation iPhone from Apple. And, don’t panic, I know the graphic in the image above is of the new Palm Pre – and not an iPhone. The graphic is part of Walt Mossberg’s just released Palm Pre review.

Sure, there’s tons of speculation. And there’s a new rumor that seems to pop up each week (see this graphic for a nice compilation of rumors).

But until now there wasn’t anything “super authoritative” to indicate that a new iPhone “for sure” would be announced by Apple on Monday at their WWDC event.

That is until Walt Mossberg of the WSJ published his Palm Pre review. In the review he clearly states (twice) that a “new iPhone to be unveiled next week”. He does not make any indication when the new iPhone might ship.

Interesting to note that he didn’t say “iphone – S” (plural) as some have speculated.

WSJ

Filed Under: Smartphones, Technology Tagged With: apple, iphone

posted on June 2, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Google Local now lets you measure how often your business appears in Google Map and Local search results

Google is trying to get more businesses to claim their local listing profile on Google Local. This is the result that appears when a web visitor searches for your name on Google Maps.

Starting today those businesses with a listing will also have access to free dashboard that provides feedback on the numbers of web visitors that view a company’s local listing. This obviously will help Google sell ads or upgrades at some future point. However for new it helps business owners to review exactly how powerful (or not) their Google Maps search results are.

Since the listing itself is free there’s not reason not to head over and setup your own Google Profile for business. In addition to the mundane street address and phone number you also have the opportunity to upload photos and YouTube videos (which I recommend because they will set you apart from your competitors). Some custom fields can be added which provide additional frequently asked questions that are not in the boilerplate Google listing profile.

schulz consulting google local listing.jpg

Google Local via TechCrunch

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: Google local, search, seo, Wayne Schulz

posted on June 2, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Paperless Office file list for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200

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.

Publish at Scribd or explore others: How-to-Guides & Manu consulting wayne schulz

Filed Under: Add Ons, Productivity, Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: "sage mas90", accounting software, paperless office, sage mas200, schulz consulting, Wayne Schulz

posted on June 1, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Accupos for Sage MAS 90 recorded demo

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.

Accupos Demo

Filed Under: Add Ons, MAS 90 Add Ons, Master Developers, Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: accupos, cash register, mas200, point of sale, Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting, Wayne Schulz

posted on June 1, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

QuickBooks Pro 2009 – $59.99 Today (June 1, 2009) Only

Today only (June 1, 2009) grab a copy of QuickBooks Pro (full version) for only $59.99 at Staples.com. This is an online deal only and is not available in store (though you may order online and have it shipped to your store). Staples offers free local shipping.

The pricing is about half of the QuickBooks normal street price which seems to fluctuate between $119 and $130.

If you’re using an older version of QuickBooks this represents an excellent opportunity to come current. Remember that Intuit periodically requires anyone using Payroll to be on their latest supported version and has recently stopped supporting QuickBooks 2006 which means that anyone using that version who wants to continue using payroll MUST upgrade. This deal is the lowest price that I’ve seen.

Staples via ERP Users

Filed Under: Quickbooks Tagged With: deals, quickbooks pro, staples, Wayne Schulz

posted on May 28, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Sleeter Group QuickBooks Conference November 9-12 Registration Open

sleeter group.jpg

If QuickBooks Consulting is your forte – then be sure you register for the Sleeter Group’s annual conference (November 9-12, 2009 in Florida) which has just started early registration.

I attended the conference last year and found it to be extremely helpful in learning more about a product that we compete often against.

You may ask why we would attend a QuickBooks conference for a product that we don’t represent

The answer is simple. No one product can offer a solution that fits every business. Where our solution isn’t the right fit – we often (and regularly) recommend other possible solutions for our prospective clients to investigate. Having a good solid knowledge of the marketplace is what sets Schulz Consulting (in our humble opinion) apart from competitors who might be focussed on only moving boxes of software.

Three Days of Intense QuickBooks Training and Networking

The Sleeter Conference features multiple tracks of QuickBooks learning sessions which are offered on a variety of topics including report writing, add-ons, upgrades, new features, etc.

Each day begins with a keynote address that sets the stage for the day’s events. Intuit addresses the group and can be expected to give a road map and overall discussion about the newer features coming in any expected upgrades.

What I liked the best about the conference was not the Intuit keynotes but rather the impromptu demonstrations given by the technical support managers from Intuit. These informal demos contained loads of information, were totally live, totally interactive and didn’t contain one boring Powerpoint!

Doug Sleeter and his group also offer a great collection of training materials and users guides that any QuickBooks consultant will find helpful.

Highly recommend.

Links:

posted on May 27, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Palm Pre User Guide Online

The Palm Pre User Guide has been posted online for those who just can’t wait for the official release on June 6, 2009.

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Non-fiction theory iphone

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: palm pre, sprint, user guide

posted on May 6, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

CPA Exam Review Software for iPhone now available

Are you a CPA candidate looking for a portable study solution for the CPA Exam? CPAMasterMobile Business 2009 is now available for $1.99 in the iTunes App Store. This application focusses on the business section of the CPA exam in what the developer say’s is a user friendly format that presents exam questions in multiple choice format that tracks your scores and progress.

If you’ve got an iPhone or iPod Touch then look no further than the iTunes App Store. Appearing now are two applications – CPA Regulation and CPA Business. Both feature practice exams that can be taken again and again. As someone who passed the CPA exam largely as a result of repeatedly taking practice exams I can vouch for the effectiveness of this method.

While drilling on old exams won’t teach you new topics, it is an invaluable way to build confidence and measure your readiness for the test. At only $1.99 I’d head to the App Store now and download one or both of these.

CPA Regulation (iTunes)
CPA Business (iTunes)

Filed Under: Smartphones, Technology Tagged With: cpa review, iphone, Wayne Schulz

posted on May 4, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

MAS 90 LinkedIn Group Now Active

There is now a LinkedIn group for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 users and consultants to network and exchange ideas.

This unofficial group (it is neither sponsored by Sage or affiliated/endorsed by them) serves as a place for users of MAS 90 and MAS 200 to gather and get connected.

LinkedIn allows you to connect to other members across the country and exchange ideas as well as post your own thoughts to the discussion board. There is also an area to post jobs related items (either looking for a job or seeking someone for a position).

If you’re new to the concept of Social Media and perhaps a little unsure of its benefits, then LinkedIn is a great way to get started. LinkedIn is largely accepted as a business version of Facebook where companies encourage employees to create new contacts and network.

There is no charge to join LinkedIn and just about any topic is open for discussion.

DISCLAIMER: Just in case you missed it in the article above, this MAS90 LinkedIn group is not affiliated, endorsed, sponsored, or monitored by Sage in any way. The group is an independent use of the LinkedIn site to facilitate ease of MAS 90 or MAS 200 user/consultant communication.

Sage offers their own (excellent) Sage MAS Community Forums which provide direct feedback on product technical issues. Their Community forums ARE monitored by Sage and if you have a technical issue that you’d like to address directly to Sage are the most appropriate forum.

Naturally we strongly recommend that any issues first be discussed with your Sage Business Partner.

Link: MAS 90 and MAS 200 Users and Consultants – LinkedIn

Link: Sage MAS Community Forums – Most Recent Messages

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting, Technology Tagged With: linkedin, mas200, Sage 100 ERP, Wayne Schulz

posted on May 2, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Seesmic updates their Twitter client to include Facebook integration

It can be confusing enough to understand exactly how Twitter and Facebook work without also having to use their sometimes painfully slow web interface.

Thankfully there are a number of third party software programs available that let you manage your Twitter and Facebook accounts (view, post) from the desktop without ever having to log into the web.

Seesmic Desktop is one such standalone program and the developers have just added Facebook integration to what is already a great desktop Twitter client. I love Seesmic because it runs on Adobe Air which means the same program can be used on either Windows or Mac. The interface is nice and clean and free of a lot of icons that perform features I might never use.

The real power of Twitter is in search. And the Seesmic Desktop allows you to create as many searches as you like and save all of them off to the side. You can optionally open separate windows for each search and view the results as they update in real time. This type of monitoring is helpful for when you might want to monitor Twitter feeds for your company name, product or other important topics.

Sadly missing from Seesmic is any type of Twitscoop integration. This handy site shows the top trending topics in Twitter and is remarkably accurate at picking up on breaking news. While you can “Like” friends Facebook posts – you’ll have to wait for a future release to comment on them.

Seesmic Desktop is still a preview which means that it’s undergoing further testing before full release. To download a copy, follow the link below.

Seesmic Desktop Preview

Filed Under: Productivity, schulz consulting, Technology Tagged With: facebook, seesmic desktop, Wayne Schulz

posted on May 1, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Intacct and Netsuite – My SAAS thoughts from IT Alliance Spring 2009

After the great presentation given by both Netsuite and Intacct, I was asked to give some feedback on the area of SAAS (software as a service) and highlight some of the topics covered in the presenation.

Here’s a brief YouTube video that the IT Alliance took of me during the conference which contains my thoughts:

Filed Under: Consultants, schulz consulting Tagged With: intacct, it alliance, netsuite, saas, Wayne Schulz

posted on May 1, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

MAS 90 for iPhone type solution announced by third party developer Blytheco and bMobile

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

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures & Catalogs iphone MAS90

Filed Under: Add Ons, Master Developers, Sage 100 ERP, Smartphones Tagged With: iphone, Sage 100 ERP, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 30, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

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

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

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting, Service Updates, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: default printer, Sage 100 ERP, service update, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 30, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

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.

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).

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.

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting, Service Updates Tagged With: direct deposit, payroll, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 28, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Imagenet from Mitek offered by NCR to enable remote deposits by smartphone

Imagine being able to use an ordinary cell phone to photographs a check. Then without doing anything more complex than sending the photo via software loaded to your phone (Most phones with at least a 2 megapixel cameral including iPhone and BlackBerry Bold will be supported ) that check is deposited right to your bank account.

There’s no waiting in line. No more embarrasment of producing that driver’s license photo that makes you look like a crazed maniac.

NCR is the company behind this technology. They’ve partnered with Mitek system to create this mobile solution that’s perfect for anyone needing to directly deposit small numbers of checks.

“NCR selected the Mobile Deposit product to extend the number of deposit choices our
customers can use with our self service suite of remote capture solutions,” said Michael O’Laughlin, vice president and general manager, NCR Financial Services Solutions. “Mitek
Systems application will provide the first mobile phone deposit option for our customers, which is a strategic benefit to banks who are looking to attract young consumers and small
business owners who conduct much of their business on the road.”
Mitek Systems ImageNet Mobile Deposit is the first and only application that allows banks to
accept check deposits from merchants and mobile professionals via camera-equipped cell phones. Mobile Deposit is easily downloaded to most mobile phones equipped with a two-
megapixel camera including the Apple iPhoneTM and BlackBerry BoldTM. Mobile Deposit is available to financial institutions or mobile banking software vendors looking to add remote
deposit capture to their mobile banking platform.

via: Mitek Systems via Gizmodo

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting, Smartphones, Technology Tagged With: direct deposit, imagenet, mitek, ncr, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 28, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Wayne Schulz Bores IT Alliance To Tears

Update: This was a test post created during the To Blog or Not To Blog – An In Depth Look At the Why’s And The Wow’s of Blogging.

In a session today on Blogging, Wayne Schulz of Schulz consulting left a room of 20 people completely cured of insomnia!

Topics discussed were how to Blog, How to select stories and the top mistakes not to make.

Here’s the slide deck:

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Presentations & Spre Internet & Technolog

My very condensed notes from IT Alliance:

1. Background of Wayne Schulz – Schulz Consulting, LLC
- How started – geardiary.com blogger for about 1.5 year
- Why use blogging (search, credibility, developer yourself as an authority, save time in the sales process, develop qualified leads)

2. Comparison to other methods
- Email (overloaded and less effective than ever – people delete fast)
- Cold calls (plummeting response rates)
- Referrals (the best way to connect to prospects)
- Direct Mail (see cold calls above)

3. What is blogging software
- WordPress – http://www.wordpress.org (free download)
- Blogger – http://www.blogger.com

4. Why blog
- So customers, prospects, potential employees can find you
- Create searchable content
- Provide customer value – creates a reason for them to return to your site
- Re-use the content in your email newsletters (I use and recommend Constant Contact)!!
- Demonstrate uniqueness to prospects – differentiates you from the competition
- Get inbound links from others

5. Tips
- Rather than send an lengthy email or make a lengthy forum post – blog it
- Avoid the three killers: Politics, Religion, Sex (open a personal blog if you feel the urge)
- Be consistent and write at least daily
- If you find it interesting chances are someone else will
- If you think “should I write about this” – you probably should
- The best articles are those you aren’t sure about initially
- Use a pre-built theme
- Measure site traffic (I use Statcounter.com)
- Chose your story titles wisely – keyword rich, tag them, categorize them
- Find links in – Technorati
- Google Reader

6. Finding topics to write about
- RSS (set up Google Reader)
- Email exchanges with colleagues (groups.google.com is a great way to get your friends together)
- Articles online (re-blog)
- Articles on other sites (re-blog with a link back)
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Press releases
- Experiences you’ve had at a client working with products (good and bad)
- Google news alerts

IMPORTANT: Be cautious with what you write and remember that your goal is to have your content show in search results. Expect companies to find stories that you’ve written (both positive and negative). Think before you push the “publish” button because you can’t easily take back something that’s been indexed in Google or other search engines.

7. Tips about wordpress
- Write offline (I use Marsedit on MAC - Ed Kless swears by Windows Live Writer)
- Use plug ins (wordpress.org)
– Connect your blog to an RSS feed (use Twitterfeed) to Twitter and FB
- Use images – people like pictures (Flickr is a great free tool that will let you email in photos)
- Use a custom theme (check Studiopress for a wide assortment of modifiable themes about $60 ea)
- Be consistent in your layout
- Spell check
- Keep the focus on the client (think benefit)

8. Demonstration of WordPress
- Create an article

Questions? Use the comment area below and I’ll be happy to answer to update the article as needed.

9. Integrating your web site
- Twitterfeed
- Facebook
- Friendfeed

Follow Wayne Schulz on Twitter or Facebook or LinkedIn

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting Tagged With: accounting, it alliance, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 26, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

IT Alliance invites Wayne Schulz to speak at April 2009 conference

The IT Alliance (ITA) has invited Wayne Schulz to speak and lead a workshop session April 28 at their 2009 conference being held in Atlanta Georgia.

The IT Alliance is a group of Value-Added Resellers (VARs), CPAs, Specialty Technology Consultants, Chief Information/Technology Officers, and Developers/Providers of Technology Products and Services (Vendors)

ITA is the only national organization where these constituencies come together as equals. Their members believe success comes through the sharing of the knowledge and experiences our different disciplines bring to the profession. They do this by active networking, this website www.italliance.com, surveys, newsletters, and biannual retreats. ITA is a place where independent thinking and alternative points of view are openly promoted and respected.

IT Alliance scope includes:

Hardware, Network Services, Security, Project Management, Business Management (CIO and Consulting), Systems Design and Implementation, Skills Education, and Certification.

Wayne’s session “To blog or not to blog” will cover the ways that organizations can use easy and inexpensive tools to publish content on their website that is helpful to site visitors.

IT Alliance Atlanta 2009 Agenda:

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures & Catalogs consulting atlanta

Link: ITAlliance
Additional Info: Corporate Blogs: It’s The PageRank, Stupid

Filed Under: Consultants, schulz consulting Tagged With: atlanta, blogging, consulting, it alliance, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 24, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Kick them when they’re down – aka Why It’s A Great Time To Buy ERP

Mark Chinsky of Clients First has a good article up that points out the time to buy any ERP (accounting software) is now.

That is, of course, assuming you actually need some.

Among the points Mark makes:

Prices are lower than what they were during the good times
Companies actually value (and pay attention to) your business rather than trying in vain to juggle many different projects and allocating resources only to the biggest jobs
Projects being completed under budget and on time (what a concept!)

How can you take advantage of this downtrodden economy?

If you’re an existing Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 user – consider upgrading to Sage Extended Enterprise Edition. Some users (depending upon when you bought) are eligible for massive savings on maintenance. Read more about the Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 EES deals here.
Purchase consulting time in blocks. Many consultants (us included) are not open to discounting rates on short term projects (typically requiring much more skill). However for long term projects of 40 hours or more – most consultants will sell you a discounted block of prepaid hours (the key word is prepaid). We sell 40 hour blocks at about a 25% savings provided that the hours are prepaid. Check with your local Sage Business Partner to see if they do to.
Take advantage of MAS 90 and MAS 200 promotions. These come out quarterly. A good Sage Business Partner can separate the perpetual promotions (those running every quarter despite the warning that they expire) from the truly great deals.

via: Clients First

Filed Under: Consultants, Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting Tagged With: mas200, promotions, Sage 100 ERP

posted on April 23, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Sage Insights 2009 Tip: You Do Have A Better Web Strategy Than THIS – Right?

Is buying expensive Google Adwords your only web strategy?

I probably should keep my mouth shut and let the competition keep wasting their money.

It’s sad to see companies so lost in a lack of any web strategy that their only apparent online plan is to finance a bunch of random Google AdWords hoping that a big lead randomly lands in their lap.

If you’ve ever tried to sell to a raw Web lead then you know they are almost always using you for a discount, third bid or free advice can be some of the least qualified (and most expensive) types of potential customers.

Of course, done right, a web lead doesn’t have to be difficult to close. Many of them can turn into a $50,000 project. The key is to know the right way to market on the web so as to attract the quality leads – and repel the discount seekers, quick question askers and tire kickers.

Let me ask you this first – because maybe I’m making some incorrect assumptions…

You do have a better strategy than buying Google AdWords – or waiting for someone like a software publisher to deliver free leads to you. Right?

There’s nothing wrong with Google Adwords. They’re a great way to supplement an online strategy.

There’s also nothing wrong with free leads from a software publisher (assuming you can get them). These supplement any marketing strategy quite well.

Notice I’ve used the word “supplement”. It means “in addition to”

What’s your strategy online?

Have you developed any of the new tactics that people are talking about?

Twitter
Facebook
Friendfeed
Social Media Sites
Blogging

Or are you still talking with those in your office about how you “don’t get” some of these new tools?

How most of these new uncomfortable marketing tactics are huge wastes of time. You haven’t tried any of them for more than a day – but you’re pretty sure that they’re a waste of time.

Here’s another question.

How are TRADITIONAL marketing efforts such as: Direct Mail, Telemarketing, Lead Buying (Findaccountingsoftware, et al) working for you?

If you have not become involved in other methods of marketing (many of them free) and you are located in the Connecticut area – then I advise and hope that you stay home from the Insights 2009 conference. Insights is expensive and there’s no big announcements expected. The economy is crappy. Stay home and plug away at a more productive marketing activity like telemarketing because if you just put more effort (and a lot more money) into these old school tactics you’ll surely turn better results. If that doesn’t work just buy AdWords against my company name on Google.

For those NOT in Connecticut – the choice is yours.

If you’re interested in some of the new marketing methods (many totally free) that people are using to get business – be sure to attend Beyond The Hype – Social Media Marketing for B2B on Wednesday May 13 from 1:30 to 3:oo pm.

Here’s the Agenda:

The way to reach business decision makers is migrating from traditional marketing efforts to the Web. More and more consumers are researching their next purchases online using search engines and social media sites. This session will explore how you can use social media to grow traffic to your Web site, make real connections, and join the conversations already happening on social networking sites. Find out which social media sites work best for business, how to develop a strategy for success, how to measure your campaign’s effectiveness, and where this rapidly evolving medium may be taking us next.

I’m planning on attending to answer questions that may come up during the session from a Sage Business Partner point of view. Note that I’m not leading this session – but after it’s over I plan to stick around and answer any questions. Unless of course you’re from Connecticut.

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: "insights 2009", blogging, facebook, gen38, hall media, insights09, mas200, nashville, sage, Sage 100 ERP, sage business partner, Sage software, social media, twitter, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 22, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Consulting Insights Editor Bob Scott announces his departure from Accounting Technology as SourceMedia consolidates their publications

SourceMedia today combined their three accounting publications which unfortunately means the departure of three long time editors, including Bob Scott who oversaw the popular Accounting Technology magazine.

Bob is equally well known for his wildly popular electronic newsletter called “Consulting Insights”. This publication highlights insider news and gossip of importance to mid-market VARS and technology companies. Bob also specializes in his coverage of nearly all the accounting software industry trade shows and user conferences.

While it remains to be seen whether the newsletter retains the same title, it appears virtually certain Bob will continue to pen the newsletter, move it to the web – or possibly both.

In an email sent this afternoon, Bob announced that his last day will be May 22, 2009 and describes the changes as:

The wheels roll on and SourceMedia has decided to combine its three publications into Accounting Today (combine seems a curious word).

That means that there are some departures from SM and the accounting publishing world, including Jeff Stimpson of the former Practical Accountant, Stuart Kahan, of the former (I think CPA Wealth Provider) and me from the soon-to-be former Accounting Technology.

Glad I scheduled the 25th anniversary issue for June instead of July when it really is.

My plans are to remain in this market and it’s simply an issue of whether the company is willing to let me have the Consulting Insights name or whether I have to put out a newsletter, probably starting in June, under a different moniker.

I always thought it was likely this would happen, just a matter of when somebody decided three accounting pubs wasn’t a good idea. Probably time to do something with that URL I’ve been paying for for years

Filed Under: schulz consulting Tagged With: accounting technology, bob scott, consulting insights

posted on April 22, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Extended Solutions for MAS90 and MAS200

Have you ever wished that your existing MAS 90 or MAS 200 software had just a little more functionality? Some good examples of functionality tweaks that our clients have requested would include:

Multi-company transaction processing
ACH processing for Accounts Payable (wireless transfers)
Payroll Direct Deposit
Custom pricing within Inventory
Unlimited history

There are literally thousands of inexpensive enhancements that are already written for your MAS90 system. These install as if regular MAS 90 programs and each year when MAS 90 is upgrade – so are your enhancements.

We recommend that you always first browse the Sage Extended Solutions (catalog example below) prior to hiring anyone to customize MAS90. Even though some of the items available as add-ons for MAS 90 or MAS 200 will appear expensive at first – we think you’ll ultimately save money long term.

You can review the entire list of Sage Extended Solutions or browse down for a sample listing.

Mas90 Enhancements and customizations

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures & Catalogs consulting MAS90

Filed Under: MAS 90 Add Ons, Master Developers, Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting Tagged With: "sage extended enterprise", customizations, extended solutions, mas200, programming, Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 21, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

MAS 90 Custom Programming – DSD Business Systems

We often receive inquiries about special custom programming jobs. Long ago it became apparent to us that customizing the software code of Sage MAS 90 or 200 was best left to the professionals.

For this reason Schulz Consulting does not perform any custom programming. We make referrals to experts that know how to modify AND maintain their custom code.

The problem is that many of the professionals that write customized code have long exited the business for any number of reasons. Most found it difficult to make a profit in an environment where they were often expected to constantly enhance their product with minimal or no compensation.

The one company that we’ve consistently recommended to our clients is DSD Associates in San Diego California.

There’s one reason. Actually two.

The first reason is that DSD Associates have been around for 25 years. They’re arguably one of the most talented and experienced custom programming houses that develops for Sage MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500. We’ve often marveled at their detailed programming specifications and the ability to support their solutions.

The main reason that we continue to recommend DSD Associates is they have no problem telling us when we’re nuts!

Often we’ve called Jon Reiter or Doug Deane to talk about a programming project. If our requirements are so off the wall expensive or complex – they talk us right down from going forward with a project that may be doomed for failure. Simply put DSD Associates looks out for their customers first — even ahead of making a quick buck by quoting a software project.

This is rare in today’s environment.

We just received this list of reasons that DSD Business Systems thinks that you should use their services. And it’s actually a pretty good list so we are reprinting it in its entirety here:

Top 10 reasons to use DSD Business Systems

1.DSD wrote the original Extended M/D Utilities, *merge and CodeZilla. These are important MAS 90 /200 programming utilities that many of the most widely known Sage MAS developers use when they write customizations or enhancements.

2.All of our custom programming projects are bid on a fixed price basis. No programming is started until you have reviewed and approved a detailed written specification. There are never any surprises at the end of the project.

3.DSD advises and assists Sage’s development staff in making MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500 a programmer-friendly environment. We are Sage’s expert source.

4.We provide the lowest cost and most efficient, non-invasive programming modifications that will exactly meet your end-user’s needs. It is not uncommon for us to tell a reseller that a customization can be achieved with no programming via the Customizer, Visual Integrator or Crystal Reports. If we know of a customization that we’ve done in the past that is exactly, or close to, what you need, we’ll use it. If we know of another developer who has an off-the-shelf enhancement, we’ll let you know that too.

5.When third party software developers need to integrate their products with Sage MAS 90, MAS 200 or MAS 500, do you know who they call? They call us. If the publishers of Avatax and ImageLink use DSD for their MAS programming, then you should too.

6.When we write an enhancement, or make MAS customizations, we write them in ways that are upgrade-friendly, friendly to other developers’ enhancements, and very easy to install. There are many MAS developers who make it impossible to combine their enhancements or customizations with other developers’.

7.When we write an enhancement or modification, we rarely, if ever, change the original MAS files, or the original programs. That way, if you no longer need a modification sometime in the future, removing the customization or enhancement is an easy process, and does not require a time-consuming conversion process.

8.Your project is always looked at by at least three DSD staff members. DSD never allows programming to be final-tested by the programmer. All of our enhancements and customizations are rigorously tested by our QA staff in order to burn the programs in before your end-user installs them.

9.When there’s a bug, we jump on it. It is fixed almost immediately. Fixing bugs when a user finds one takes priority over any other activity in our Programming Department.

10.DSD staff has decades of MAS programming, Internet-programming, database programming and Unix experience. We’ve seen it all and done it all. We can help you with virtually anything you need, including integrations to third party software, integrations to third party hardware devices, integration with a website database, etc.

via: DSD Business Systems

Filed Under: Consultants, Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting Tagged With: accounting software, dsd business systems, enhancements, erp, mas200, modifications, programming, sage, Sage 100 ERP, Sage 500 ERP, sage north america

posted on April 21, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Sage Webcast – MAS 90 and MAS 200 Extended Enterprise – Register Now

You may now register for a free demo of the Sage Extended Enterprise Suite (both live and pre-recorded are available) directly from our web site.

Extended Enteprise Suite is the latest offering from Sage. It combines Sage MAS 90 or 200 (version 4.3) with SageCRM and SageFAS. These three components are fully integrated to give accounting plus CRM plus fixed asset processing.

While the functionality of the suite is impressive – what’s even moreso is the lower annual maintenance costs. Sage offers two plans which are signficantly lower in ongoing maintenance than what the modules would cost as a standalone.

Sage Extended Enterprise Suite Components

Library Master
Business Insights
Paperless Office
General Ledger
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Bank Reconciliation
Fixed Assets
FRx Desktop – 1 User
Crystal Reports Designer – 2 user
Inventory Management
Sales Order
Purchase Order
Return Merchandise Authoization
Credit Card Processing by Sage
Bill of Materials
Customer Relationship Management
Custom Office
Visual Integrator

What does Sage EES for MAS 90 or MAS 200 cost?

New product (this is product only – scroll down for maintenance which is additional on the initial sale and is an annually recurring fee):

Sage Extended Enterprise for MAS 90 (max 20 users)

* 1 to 5 users – $ 2,250 each
* 6 to 10 users – $ 2,025 each
* 11 to 15 users – $ 1,823 each
* 16 to 20 users $ 1,640 each

Over 20 users = must use MAS 200

Sage Extended Enterprise for MAS 200

* 1 to 5 users $ 2,500 each
* 6 to 10 users $ 2,250 each
* 11 to 15 users $ 2,025 each
* 16 to 20 users $ 1,823 each
* 21 to 25 users $ 1,640 each
* 26 to 30 users $ 1,476 each
* 31 to 35 users $ 1,329 each
* 36 to 40 users $ 1,196 each
* 41 to 45 users $ 1,076 each
* 46 to 50 users $ 969 each
* 51+ users $ 872 each

Required Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 EES Software Maintenance

EES Maintenance Option #1 – Basic

* 19% of SLP – paid on initial purchase and as recurring fee
* Covers all modules and components (CRM, FAS)
* Includes 3 phone support incidents from Sage

EES Maintenance Option #2 Gold Plus

* Covers all modules and components (CRM,FAS)
* Includes unlimited phone support from Sage
* 25% per year

Maintenance is required in order to obtain any Sage Support, receive future product enhancements, purchase additional users or modules.

Are there upgrade options from regular/standard MAS 90 or MAS 200?

Generally the upgrade options are as follows:

If you have owned Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 since PRIOR to 10/1/2003 then your upgrade fee is:

$ 500 per user (min 5) for MAS 90 to MAS 90 or MAS 200 to MAS 200

$ 1,000 per user for MAS 90 to MAS 200 (min 5)

plus

$ 150 per user maintenance (paid on first year and subsequent years)

If you purchased MAS 90 or MAS 200 AFTER 10/1/03 then the fee is:

$ 500 per user (min 5) for MAS 90 to MAS 90 or MAS 200 to MAS 200

$ 1,000 per user for MAS 90 to MAS 200 (min 5)

plus

Normal maintenance (19% or 25%) as computed on full SLP

Standard Disclaimer Applies Here:

The information on this page is provided as-is. We make every attempt to keep pricing and technical information up-to-date. We however cannot be responsible for changes (either pricing or technical requirements) that are not reflected on this page. The technical informaiton from Sage (product literature, documentation, supported platforms, etc) always take precedence and supersede anything on this page. Consult with your Sage Business Partner prior to making any purchasing decisions. The Sage Extended Enterprise Suite is only capable of the features and functionality described in the manufactufer’s literature and those claims are their own and not those of Schulz Consulting.

Link: Register For A Free Sage EES MAS90 and MAS 200 Demo

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: ees, extended enterprise, mas200, sage, Sage 100 ERP, webcast

posted on April 18, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Sage Insights Attendees – take your mom to the prom – only $149/night (EXPIRED)

gi_oprylandbmp [UPDATE 4-20-2009: This deal is dead and no longer available] Are you headed to the Sage Insights 2009 conference which is being held at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville May 11-14, 2009?

If so, and you were planning on being at the hotel early on May 10, be sure you ask for the “Take your mom to the prom” rate.

The hotel is advertising a special rate of $149 per night ($37 per night cheaper than the Insights room rate of $186). This promotion appears to be limited to May 10 – so you probably cannot get the rate for the duration of the conference.

For $149 per night (plus resort fee of $15/night) you get:

One-night room accommodations including a FREE* upgrade to Atrium Garden view ($65 value)
Admission to the Mom Prom for mother and son(s) from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Admission to the My Heart Belongs To Daddy Dance for father and daughter(s) from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Admission to the Family Affair Dance for the entire family from 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Each party includes DJ, dance contests, refreshments and lots of fun!
One souvenir photo per room
Continental family breakfast on Mother’s Day with a special gift for Mom
Corsages and boutonnières will be available for purchase

If you call and are able to get the rate for more than May 10, 2009 – be sure to leave a comment!

Via: The Mom Prom and The Family Affair

Filed Under: Sage software, schulz consulting Tagged With: "insights 2009", gaylord nashville, mothers day, sage, travel deal

posted on April 15, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Sage North America Awards Schulz Consulting Customer Excellence 2008 Award

sage-customer-excellence-2008 Sage North America today awarded Schulz Consulting with a Customer Excellence Award for exceeding the measured Net Promoter average ratings of all Sage Business Partners.

This annual award is given to partners who receive exceptional net promoter scores from their customers.

A net promoter score is the result of Sage asking the question “would you recommend the services of Schulz Consulting to a friend or trusted business colleague”. In order to gather data for this survey, Sage North America sent an email inquiry to all of Schulz Consulting’s clients asking them to rate their satisfaction with Schulz.

We are happy to report that our net promoter score was not only good but it scored nearly four times the industry average and higher than the average of all other Sage Business Partners.

For more information you can read the press release issued today – Schulz Consulting Awared Customer Excellence 2008 By Sage North America.

Filed Under: Sage 100 ERP, schulz consulting Tagged With: consultant, ct, ma, mas200, net promoter, ny, ri, sage, Sage 100 ERP, sage north america, sales, support

posted on April 8, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Seesmic releases Seesmic Desktop Twitter client

If you’ve caught the Twitter bug then you already know all about Twitter. It’s a short messaging service where users send up to 140 character messages telling their friends – and the world – what it is they’re doing.

The reason that Twitter has caught on so quickly is that it’s simple to use, free, and many celebrities and public figures have started to recognize the public relations value of sending out quick promo messages.

To use Twitter you can sign into their web site here. This works pretty well generally but you are limited in a lot of ways by the web interface. For example you cannot easily paste links, photos or search for keywords that people are Twittering about.

In order to do some of the more advanced things such as search and paste photos you need to use a standalone Twitter client. The two most popular ones are Tweetdeck and Twhirl.

Both of these programs automate the sending of receiving of Twitter messages (called tweets). They add features such as automatically shortening links you post within messages, supporting multiple Twitter accounts, saved searches, and real time updates.

Just last night Seesmic (who is the publisher of Twhirl) released a Seesmic Desktop client which expands upon their Twhirl program in several ways.

Seesmic Desktop (shown above) – Visit Seesmic for more information and download link

What’s interesting about Seesmic Desktop is the interface is much cleaner and easier to read than their similar Twhirl product. You also can create multiple windows that expand off the right side of the screen (very similar to how Tweetdeck works). You can just as easily remove those extra screens if you prefer working in a narrow view as the screen above shows.

What’s missing?

There’s presently no support for trending twitter topics and I’ve had trouble copying URLs into the message bar and having the program auto-shorten them for me. Integration to Facebook is a feature that is missing but promised for a future release. Seesmic’s Twhirl product includes integration to Friendfeed while this client does not — and it seems such integration may never be included

Seesmic Desktop runs on Adobe Air which means you can be either a MAC or PC and runs this program with the exact same feature set.

Link: Seesmic Desktop

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: seesmic, seesmic desktop, social media, tweetdeck, twhirl, twitter, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 8, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

RoboForm Password Manager $10.40 off through 4/15/09

RoboForm is one of the best password manager for Windows that I’ve ever used. It creates a template for each of your web site logins which securely stores your user login and password.When you return to the site instead of remembering a site specific login and password you access RoboForm on your web browser tool bar and the login and password are supplied for you.

All the data is encrypted and you need a master password to use a login for the first time each session (this prevents someone from sitting down at your computer and accessing your logings).

This is a great tool to combat phishing as well. Phishing is when a hacker sends an email or other misleading message and tries to trick you into supplying your login/password for a web site. If you rely on RoboForm then those login credentials are only supplied at a verified site.

RoboForm – $10.40 off through 4/15/09

MAS90

Filed Under: schulz consulting, Technology Tagged With: password manager, roboform, utilities, Wayne Schulz

posted on April 7, 2009 by Wayne Schulz

Why software sales tiers are outdated, dangerous and should be abolished immediately

used-car-salesman Sales tiers are the filthiest secret in the software industry.

In case you’re not familiar with how these tiers work, essentially a tier is a sales quota established by a software company. Pretty much all software companies have these. It’s the way they “incent” their channel partners (aka resellers) to sell more.

If a consulting firm sells $ x of software per measurement period – they earn a corresponding commission on each sale.

The more software a consulting firm sells per measurement period (typically a rolling quarterly computation) the higher the commission rate for subsequent periods.

The problem with a sales based tier structure? Resellers earn this reward whether the sale produces a happy customer or not. It becomes tempting to push deals that don’t fit just so that sales volume can increase to maintain a commission structure. Do you see why sales tiers potentially do nothing but hurt the customer, the vendor and ultimately the reseller?

In the struggle to make a certain dollar volume of sales during a measurement period, software resellers are pushed to take on deals that may not be good fits for customers. Sometimes these deals are sold without any services so that the customer flounders trying to install the software and either abandons the product or leaves to find a reseller better qualified to help.

The key problem is reward is linked to one action – selling – and NOT customer satisfaction

Tier is not linked to customer satisfaction. That’s why it’s an outdated tool in an era when everyone who needs accounting software has it.

Within the last six months I’ve noticed a disturbing trend of users who’ve “lost” their original reseller and are looking for someone else to assist with the installation of their software.

The story is usually the same. Customer buys software at quarter end for a fantastic big bargain discount. Consultant eagerly bundles together not only software but three or four add-ons they claim will integrate perfectly and do exactly what customer wants.

Fast forward six months and I start receiving the emails (below is an actual email). While this particular user describes an experience with an add-on product – it’s typical of ones that I’ve received (several times per month). As you read – ask yourself why a consultant would sell a complex software program they could not install?:

Dear Wayne,

I have been a subscriber of yours for quite a while and have found your newsletters informative and entertaining.

We are a large service center that provides service to retail equipment for numerous different product lines. For example, we would service the paint equipment at your local Home Depot, Lowes or your local hardware store, or register belts at the nearby Wal-Mart. We are located in approximately xx states and are closing in on xx technicians to provide this service. As you can imagine, our volume of service calls is quite substantial. We have been a MAS90 user since approximately xxxx. We began with 3.71 and have just upgraded to 4.2 this past summer. In late xxxx, we added the xxxxx module from [removed] to the MAS90 to help in managing our service calls. Currently, we are at a crossroads with our customer needs. Many of our larger customers would like equipment repair reports and online status of their placed service calls. At the current time, we are beginning to build our customer’s equipment file under the [xxxx] module.

Our current reseller is not necessarily equipped to provide specialized help in obtaining what we need. We would like to find someone that knows Automated Service inside and out, and would also take the time to understand our needs to give us direction, input and guidance in obtaining it. Do you know of any consultants in our local area that would be able to help us?

I would appreciate any suggestions or help that you may be able to provide.

Thank you,

Here’s my proposed solution to the tier problem (which plagues all software companies)

Get rid of tier based on sales goals – and instead reward maintenance renewal rates which are the true measure of satisfaction

You can take all the surveys in the world. Run infinite focus groups. Get bunches of your top resellers together to have fancy dinners and play golf serve on advisory boards.

There’s only one statistic that matters, is easily measured and all parties have an equal control over (software vendor, reseller and customer).

That statistic that matters is whether the end user customer renews their maintenance for another year.

Period. Done. Stop Reading. End of Story

Maintenance renewal is a vote of confidence. It’s the customer saying “I approve”, “I’m happy”, “The software met my needs”.

This is a win win for customers – because they’re using a solution that’s working efficiently and was sold to them by a reseller who made damn sure the solution would work – or they wouldn’t sell it. Under my proposed model a reseller wouldn’t sell a solution that was less than a great fit. Because if the customer were unhappy (didn’t renew maintenance) – the reseller’s commission structure would be significantly impacted.

Doesn’t that sound like a little saner way to do business?

Reward a sales channel for creating satisfied customers!

Wait – wouldn’t software companies lose out because of all the sales resellers wouldn’t make?

Not necessarily. As I stated earlier – the lions share of of a software company’s revenue is made these days from RECURRING SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE.

Therefore – this method of rewarding resellers for satisfied customers is a long term win win for software companies who see a much more predictable maintenance revenue stream.

What about resellers? This is a win win for VARS/Consultants/Resellers who no longer must push bad deals through hustle to meet some arbitrary tier goal by some arbitrary quarter.

The dirty secret of reselling that most people don’t talk about is how small the profit can be on an initial sale. Back out the now enormous overhead of prospecting, lead generation and proposals – and you’ve be surprised how little a reseller makes selling a new system. Many systems are actually loss leaders against future consulting work.

So where’s the profit for the reseller? In the recurring revenue. In the happy customer who renews maintenance and engages the reseller for projects and upgrades year after year after year…

Am I starting to at least make a little sense here?

By measuring the percentage of clients who renew ongoing maintenance plans you get a rough idea of customer satisfaction. Require VARS (aka consultants, business partners, resellers) to maintain a 90% renewal rate or drop their commission rate drastically.

This will have several side effects (all positive for the customer).

Resellers will spend more time up front making sure that the software is the right solution for a customer.
Bad resellers who have a steady stream of dissatisfied clients will be driven out of business.
Resellers will no longer sell deals that don’t fit. They won’t want to have a customer come on board that ultimately leaves because that may negatively impact their future commission percent.
Resellers will pay more attention to those add-on solutions they sell but “never get around to installing”. You’ll see less add-ons sold unless they’re truly needed and the reseller has experience enough with them to know they can be successfully implemented.

Sage takes the right first step and holds tier at current levels

Kudos to Sage who sent the following email to their partners announcing what I hope will be the start of a trend:

From: Sage Team
Date: Monday, Apr 6, 2009 12:39 pm
Subject: Good News! Product Tier Protection Announcement
To:

Sage North America

Good News! Product Tier Protection Announcement

Dear Valued Partner,

In recognition of the current market conditions, we have changed the April 1 tier measurement period, to be a “move up” only calculation for your product tier. This means that your product tier will not move down and can only move up. Partners who reach a higher product tier hurdle will enjoy the benefits of a higher product margin. This will protect your product tier until the next move up and move down measurement period that will take place on October 1. Note that this does not apply to maintenance and support margins.
We understand the current market conditions are making it more difficult to close new business. However, it is critical that we continue to focus on adding new customers to the family. New customer acquisition is key to the long term success for both our partners and for Sage. As a result, we are protecting your product margin as a way to thank you for your ongoing partnership and to encourage and reward you for focusing on closing new customer sales.

Please feel free to call on the Sage sales team who stand ready to assist you with any of your prospects.
Again, we appreciate your commitment and support. I look forward to seeing you at the Insights conference next month. If you haven’t done so already, please visit the Insights Web site to register and get the latest updates.

Best regards,
Jodi Uecker-Rust, President
Business Management Division
Sage

Sage’s move to hold tier steady is a move in the right direction. Hopefully by late 2009 or 2010 will see the elimination of sales based tiers from all accounting software companies and an adoption of a more customer focused measurement of renewal percentages.

Removing sales oriented goals forces everyone to focus not on moving a box of software but on establishing long term relationships.

P.S.: Congrats to Jodi Uecker-Rust on dropping the “Interim” title and her promotion to President of Sage BMD!

Filed Under: schulz consulting Tagged With: erp, mas200, Rants and Raves, Sage 100 ERP, tier, var, Wayne Schulz

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