The Credit Crunch Crisis has badly hit most of the UK companies. In these tough times, businesses are looking for ways and means to conserve cash.

Cutting down unnecessary cost, tight control of expenses and regular monitoring of inventory items are some of the important measures that organisations can adopt to remain in business during these tough times.

Of course, this requires the availability of key accounting information in a timely manner, for the decision makers to act accordingly.

To better equip the Sage 50 Accounts customers to address these issues, Microsap, (www.microsap.co.uk) a leading software services company and a Sage development partner, has launched a unique and effective solution – The Credit Crunch Module for Sage.

The Credit Crunch Module sits on top of Sage 50 Accounts software and uses the already available data to provide a thorough and meaningful analysis of expenses and possibly locked-up inventory assets.

The Credit Crunch Module, at present, provides two functions:

Expense Analysis

Expense Analysis uses the categorized headings already defined in Sage 50 Accounts to provide a thorough analysis of all the expenses. The various options for comparison include

• Current Month v/s Last Month
• Current Quarter v/s Previous Quarter
• Current Half Year v/s Previous Half Year
• Current Half Year v/s Previous Year same Period
• Current Year to Date v/s Previous Year to Date

The advantages of the Expense Analysis include:

• On Demand availability for real-time comparison of Expenses
• Accounting system being the primary source, data integrity and correctness is ensured
• Graphical representation for quick analysis

ABC Analysis

ABC analysis is the method of classifying items involved in a decision situation on the basis of their relative importance. The classification may be on the basis of monetary value, availability of resources, variations in lead-time, part criticality to the running of a facility, new customer parts unique to that product, and others

• “A” – items are the highest priority, the tightest control, frequent deliveries, close follow-up, and accurate records. Planning and Scheduling these parts utilize MRP (Material Requirements Planning), DRP (Distribution Requirements Planning, or EOQ (Economic Order Quantity) or other lot sizing techniques such as Lot for Lot. 10 % of the “A” items volume accounts for 70% of the total inventory value
• “B” – items are the priority when low or out of stock. Normal control is used and good records are maintained. EOQ and other lot sizing methods can be used effectively with these items. “B” items account for 20% of the total inventory value, and 20% of the inventory volume.
• “C” – items are the lowest priority, simplest method of control. Min/Max used for ordering. These parts are usually expensed, as there are no records for them. These parts represent 10% of the total value, and 70% of the volume

The advantages include

• The analysis can be carried out based on either the Rate, or the Value or the Quantity of inventory items
• You can define your own criteria for ABC analysis
• Choose the range for each of the type of groupings

Microsap along with its group company Winjit Technologies, have proven expertise in developing high end software solutions, especially for Finance and Accounting. The solutions developed are not only of the highest quality that add value to the customers but also have a huge cost advantage. Unlike any software technology company, Microsap has a robust global delivery centres that collaborate the best of the resources across the world in an optimum way without compromising on the quality.

About Microsap UK (www.microsap.co.uk)

Microsap Limited is a global software consulting and software services company established to offer services to Software Product companies (ISVs) and End-user organizations, primarily in small and medium size sector. Working closely with its customers, Microsap delivers technology solutions tailored to meet their business challenges. Microsap operates ISO certified development centres in India with its group company Winjit Technologies (www.winjit.com).  Over the past few years, it has successfully executed a number of engagements with customers in the UK , Europe, Africa and Australia .

Leveraging its technology expertise and its knowledge of business processes, Microsap has enabled its customers to create far greater value out of their investment in ERP software. With its excellent knowledge of Accounting and Finance processes and good understanding of SAGE and SAGE family products, Microsap has devised a number of innovative solutions for SAGE users. Microsap has become a Sage Development Partner in 2006 to help this cause.

Always keen on building long-term partnerships, we work closely with our customers and help them to:

• Stay ahead of the competition by early deployment of their software
• Retain all important business knowledge
• Reduce the impact of changes through process driven approach
• Create a satisfied customer base through reliable, quality software
• Leverage our offshore engagement models to optimize the development budgets

Credit Crunch Module for Sage 50 Accounts can be downloaded here

For more details, contact

Microsap Limited
Asmec centre, Eagle house,
The Ring, Bracknell ,
Berkshire RG12 1HB
United Kingdom
Phone: 01344 382 060
Fax:    01344 303 192
Email: sales@microsap.co.uk

Click here for more details

MAS 90 Utility:

Beginning with version 4.1 of Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 the customer master file  holds detailed monthly sales totals. In prior versions this data was only retained for one period using a PTD designation. This new level of detail is helpful to companies who are asking “what sales volume did my customer have last year during the month of February”.

This new feature works exceptionally well except that when MAS90 converts data it will lump most of the totals together in prior years to the last fiscal period. Instead of separating out the historical detail it creates lump sums for conversions. Moving forward the details are tracked apprpriately.

Thankfully Randy Marion at Martin and Associates came up with what must be the worlds most helpful utility. His software does one thing. It recalculates prior history for both customers and vendors and places those totals into the correct monthly column on the respective master file.

As with any recalc process, it is advisable to create a backup prior to execution of this utility. Additionally, it is advisable, but not mandatory, to rebuild the keys of the following list of files for EACH company prior to execution. An exception to this rebuild recommendation is if this data is freshly or recently converted from any version with legacy (.SOA) file structure.

The utility is simple to install and use. Move on program file into the SOA folder, execute it by logging into MAS 90, running Syzcon and run
“arapfxv2”. It’s that easy. I’ve done this dozens of times with clients. Never an error message. The utility runs smoothly each and every time.

This utility is must have that can be used by resellers during an upgrade to correctly display various sales and purchase history for data acquired prior to version 4.10 or 4.2 in Sage MAS 90 or 200 ERP. This tool recalculates data in Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable to correctly reflect Sales and Purchase istory. This is accomplished by scanning all the appropriate history files and accumulating the various totals in the proper fiscal periods and years.

The newest version of the company’s award-winning construction management software, offering anarray of features designed to improve system security and businessproductivity. SageTimberline Office offers integrated financial, operations and estimating software and provides the most sophisticated level of functionality in theSage Software portfolio of construction solutions.

Sage Timberline Office 9.5 includes many new sophisticated features to helpconstruction firms streamline operations and boost their bottom line,brings enhanced security and adds Microsoft Vista compatibility.Additionally, this version includes integration with a broad selection ofcomplementary products offered by Sage Construction and Real EstateDevelopment Partners.

It is a significant upgradeand has features that can help our customers focus on business productivityto improve profits, which is especially important in our current economy.

Security Features:

The security enhancements added to this latest version of Sage TimberlineOffice will assist users in complying with government standards such asthose mandated by the Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) Act and will also help securedata and the integrity of the system.

Flexibility and user friendly:

Sage Timberline Office Version 9.5 also includes many customer-drivenenhancements that give users more flexibility. Vital business information can be entered once then flow seamlessly between different departments in a company, streamlining workflow, reducing the chance for error andincreasing productivity. New reporting features, such as Field Reports,give easy access to real-time information enabling quick response tochanging job conditions.

Products:

The group’s products include traditional back office applications for accounting, payroll and human resources functions, and front office applications including customer relationship management and payment processing services.

The group provides customized software and service applications to specific industries, which include health care, food distribution, transport, manufacturing, real estate, construction, accountancy practices, not-for-profit organizations, and retail.

Location:

The group primarily operates in the US. It is headquartered in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the UK and employs 13,900 people.

Financials:

The group recorded revenues of £1,157.6 million during the fiscal year ended September 2007, an increase of 23.7% over 2006. The increase in revenue was due to strong organic growth and a significant contribution from 2006 acquisitions. The operating profit of the group was £254 million during fiscal year 2007, an increase of 8.1% over 2006. The net profit was £154 million in fiscal year 2007, an increase of 0.7% over 2006.

Sage 200 Project Accounting is the first module to be introduced from the Sage 200 suite, which provides businesses with integrated software for every part of their business, from accounting and finance through to Payroll and CRM. It has been designed to link seamlessly with the other software within the suite so that there is no need for users to re-key any information.

David Pinches, Head of Product Management and R&D, Sage (UK) Limited Mid-Market Division comments: “This launch follows on from the announcements we made in November at Connections regarding our intention to move away from offering individual products and to reshape our portfolio into suites of integrated business management software.

Benefits of Sage 200 Project Accounting allow businesses to do the following:

• Change the terminology used in the software to suit their needs
• Set up simple or more detailed project structures to suit their business and the way it works
• Track profitability of projects with customised project structures, flexible cost transactions, drill down analysis and accounts integration
• Automate invoicing processes and set up billing schedules to ensure accuracy with flexible billing options, including billing a fixed cost, quantity or by percentage complete on a project
• View sort and filter customisable reports and enquiries to see billings to date, revenue per project, change orders, and other project-related information

The new U.S. payroll module includes expanded capabilities, like support for step rates and variable pay plans, to further support the payroll processing needs of U.S.-based businesses and organizations in such specific industries and categories as unions, manufacturing, government, and others. New veteran tracking capabilities help government agencies hiring veterans as federal contractors to comply with new reporting requirements, while new online recruitment functionality can help employers fill open positions more quickly.

 Payroll Processing:

The new Sage Abra Payroll (U.S.) 8.4 module includes:

–  user-controlled HR/payroll data sharing

–  added functionality for accruals, shift differentials, and overtime

    calculations

–  support for variable pay plans, such as sales commissions, draws, and

    piece-rate production

–  support for step rates; and

–  an extended set of pay frequencies.

 Veteran Reporting

Sage Abra HRMS includes new functionality for the tracking of veteran reporting categories to accommodate the required annual reporting for federal contractors on or after December 1,2003. A new VETS-100A form implements certain provisions of the Jobs for Veterans Act (JVA) and raises the VETS-100 reporting threshold from $25,000 to $100,000. Veteran reporting categories were also revised to match JVA changes.

 Online Recruiting

 Sage Abra delivers tightly integrated functionality across HR, payroll, benefits, training, and attendance, with rich reporting and analysis, and a Web workforce portal  with employee self-service, company communications, benefits enrollment, recruitment and more.

The product line features support for multiple databases, with versions 8.x of Sage Abra HRMS supporting Microsoft SQL Server, and versions 7.x of Sage Abra Suite supporting Visual FoxPro. Customers also have the option to run Sage Abra HRMS or SageAbra Suite either as a turn-key hardware/software solution or in a hosted environment.

1. Functionality, not complexity

Looking for less complexity does not mean that you need less functionality. Sage ERP X3 provides your company with deep and broad first-class functionality, while remaining simple to implement and to use. Put together a list of your key requirements and look what systems are able to support them all within a simple, integrated design. Of course, you can simply consider looking at Sage ERP X3!

2. Integration, not interfaced

Software integration does not mean just applications that work together. It also means that they exchange real-time information, share a common database and user interface and, more importantly, they evolve together. Many ERP systems are hiding functional gaps by offering a ‘modular design’, which often requires custom interfaces and complex maintenance. Only Sage ERP X3 gives you both rich and fully-integrated functionality in all areas of your business for accounting and financial management, purchasing, inventory, sales, customer relationship management AND manufacturing.

3. Scalability, not add-ons

Evolution means the ability for your ERP system to grow with your business, without requiring costly upgrades or module add-ons. Sage ERP X3′s integrated design provides your company with all the functions it needs now and in the future at no additional license charge. You can simply activate the functions as you need them. It’s all there from the beginning. It is also a flexible system that can be easily parameterized to fit your organization’s changes, scaling from 5 to more than 350 users. You can rely on Sage ERP X3 to help you grow!

4. Web-native, not web-enabled

Web-native means that your system can be accessed the same way in both client/server and Web mode. Some ERP software systems may offer a customized web connection to dedicated functions, but few can provide your company with the ability to operate the system locally or through the web in the exact same fashion. Think of the advantage you could have with this advanced communicative architecture when expanding your business over multiple sites, or considering developing relationships with premier suppliers, partners or customers!

5. Multi-country by design

Global trade requires global tools. Not only is Sage ERP X3 available in eight languages and legislations – including China – allowing users to access the system in their own language wherever they are, but country-specific parameters, such as legal and market requirements, are centralized to offer a single global solution. Sage ERP X3 makes it easy to share common data and processes between different foreign sites or subsidiaries, while respecting their own specific usages and business rules. More than 1,900 companies worldwide are using Sage ERP X3 in more than 5,000 sites.

6. Low cost of ownership

With functionality and ease of use, cost of ownership might be among your first selection criteria. And of course, all ERP vendors claim to provide their customers with the best possible return on investment. But when it comes to the total cost of YOUR project, the cost might not be as low as you thought, as your company certainly will require more services to customize its solution! We built Sage ERP X3 to dramatically reduce the time of implementation and customization, while providing most of the advanced features you need as a standard, because reducing the cost from the implementation on is the best way to guarantee a faster return on investment!

7. Commitment to success, not loyalty programs

How much time have you spent arguing to get some support from well-known software vendors? As a fully-owned subsidiary of the Sage Group and its North American arm for the Sage ERP X3 operations, Adonix offers you the best of two worlds: a reactive mid-sized organization committed to our US customers’ success, backed by a world leading business software provider and its first-class R&D centers.

 Each customer matters to us, and our team of consultants and engineers is dedicated to making your business a success story!

Timeslips is the recognized standard in time and billing software among service-based professionals including lawyers, accountants and thousands of other professional services firms in many industries. It provides time-tracking tools and reporting that help increase profitability, and billing tools that can help minimize costs and improve a company’s bottom line.

“Timeslips helps to minimize the pain that can sometimes be involved in getting paid for services rendered, because it helps professionals track time and stay on top of the billing process with alerts, filters and some of the best timekeeper reporting on the market,” said Sam Hunter, Sage Software senior vice president and general manager, Business Management Division. “Timeslips is a comprehensive solution, and with each new release we add more powerful functionality while making it easier for businesses to use and incorporate into their time and billing management process. In addition, the improvements made to this version’s training features help customers get their solution up and running even more quickly so they can get back to the business of serving their clients.”

The new features and enhancements to Timeslips 2009 offer improvements across the entire time and billing process to make it even easier to use and allow professionals more flexibility and control over the product. Timeslips 2009 includes:

-- Streamlined Billing -- Enhancements to the Billing Assistant further streamline navigation, and customizable buttons activate user-defined billing procedures that reduce the number of steps required to complete routine tasks. For more billing insight, Timeslips now provides additional information about interest and hold charges associated with clients. -- A New Timekeeper Report -- Timeslips further expands its available reports with the new Timekeeper Contributions and Collections report, which enables businesses to track work in process, billed time, paid bills, and write-offs for each timekeeper. The report also allows for deeper reviews of the details behind the values with drill-downs to the client level. -- New Reporting Capabilities -- User-defined reporting capabilities have been strengthened with more report fields. The new fields allow firms to include information such as billing rates, overdue balances, last payment details and fee allocation percentages on user-defined reports. The new calculated report fields enable businesses to create formulas similar to those in Excel® in their user-designed reports. -- Simpler Client and Payment Entry Processes -- Timeslips 2009 now offers the option to auto-fill transactions with a client's current balance, automatically run conflict of interest checks during the client entry process, and the ability to hide inactive references.

Timeslips 2009 also offers several improvements to the Help and Support areas to make it even easier for businesses to get started using the solution, or for long-time users to learn how to use the new features.