Sage Software, Inc. — Sage Accpac 200 ERP

From the Sept. 2008 Review of Mid-Range Accounting Systems

Sage Accpac 200 ERP from Sage Software is an accounting and financial management product designed for companies looking to upgrade to a more sophisticated product. Always striving to bring fresh and updated functionality, Sage Accpac 200 ERP’s latest release (Version 5.5) offers numerous module updates as well as several key new general features and better integration options.

Ease of Use/Transaction Entry – 5 Stars
The Sage Accpac 200 ERP desktop houses access to all installed product modules and links to the homepage, support and training options. Modules can be accessed from the drop-down menu bar at the top of the screen or through the Tasks area to the left. Files and applications can easily be added to the tasks area by simply clicking on the feature and choosing the items to which the user wants to link.

Program navigation is easy, and new users will benefit from the Setup Wizard, which will help simplify program set up as well as entering new company information. Data-entry screens are also easily navigated with intuitive functions like arrows and lookup options. The Explorer-style menu and full customization capability make it easy to create an interface with which the user will be comfortable. Transactions are entered using a batch system, with posted and deleted batches easily displayed for reference. Upon installation, all system applications will need to be activated prior to use.

Modules & Notable Features – 5 Stars
Sage Accpac 200 ERP offers the following modules: GL, GL Consolidations, Multicurrency, Intercompany Transactions, Transaction Analysis and Optional Field Creator, Purchase Order, AP, AR, Order Entry, National Accounts Management, Return Material Authorization, Inventory Control, Project and Job Costing, U.S. & Canadian Payroll, and System Manager. The vendor also offers a variety of industry-specific modules such as CRM and Contact Management, HR Management, e-Commerce & e-Marketing, and Warehouse Management.

As previously noted, the new Version 5.5 includes better integration with other Sage Software products; new AP, AR and Sales Analysis Dashboards that allow snapshot views of a business’ financial status; improved multicurrency options; and the ability to create job quotes for small projects. Integration with the Sage Software family of products is one of Sage Accpac 200 ERP’s most notable features. The product offers a lot of flexibility and can be deployed using the standard desktop network, via a web-browser or both. A hosted version is also available at www.sageaccpaconline.com.

Extremely scalable, Sage Accpac 200 ERP offers numerous add-ons and will integrate with a long list of products listed on the vendor’s website. The product is available in three versions: Sage Accpac 100 ERP, 200 ERP and 500 ERP. Screens are consistent throughout all three versions, so upgrading is a painless process.

Integration/Import/Export – 5 Stars
Flexibility is extremely important when purchasing a new product, and Sage Accpac 200 ERP certainly fits the bill, offering a wide variety of versions, including the ability to run on Pervasive SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, Linux and Oracle. As previously noted, numerous industry-specific add-on modules are available, including specialized e-Commerce, Human Resources, business intelligence (BI), fixed asset management, and CRM products. Data can be easily imported or exported using a variety of file formats, including Word, Excel, PDF, HTML, ODBC and *.CSV.