2012 Review of Sage Software – Sage Fixed Assets 2013

Sage Software – Sage Fixed Assets 2013 (formerly Sage FAS Fixed Assets)
800-368-2405
www.SageFixedAssets2013.com

From the Dec. 2012 review of fixed asset management systems.

Best Fit: Any organization, including U.S. and Canadian businesses, as well as U.S. government and non-profit entities, with large asset bases and complex management and reporting requirements. The system can also be used by professional firms providing asset management services for such entities.

Strengths

• Support for most asset types and disposal needs
• A single framework for U.S., Canadian, Government, and Nonprofit organizations
• Program offers great customization and help features
• Excellent reporting capabilities and output formats
• Optional barcode scanning for physical audits/inventory

Potential Limitations

• Limited direct integration with tax systems, but export options can offer data transfer functions

Last year, Sage Software completely redesigned their Sage FAS Fixed Assets line of asset management systems, and this year, the program’s name has changed from Sage FAS Fixed Assets to Sage Fixed Assets. It is available to support both U.S. and Canadian businesses, as well as governmental entities and non-profits, and has four primary modules for Depreciation, Tracking, Planning and Reporting.

Basic System Functions: 5 Stars

The four modules of Sage Fixed Assets 2013 are designed to meet the varying accounting and reporting requirements of organizations. This review focuses on the U.S. business version, which can be used as a stand-along desktop program or networked for any number of firm or business users. Users can almost completely customize the program interface to meet their role and preferences, with drag and drop functions making it easy to reposition toolbars, screens and report layouts. Security access is available at the client and task level.

During initial program setup, the system offers wizards that help create companies and assets, with templates and copy functions that also can speed these processes. After installation, the program’s initial screen offers panels for accessing user guides, how-tos, productivity tips and other support resources, as well as links to the IRS, FASB and state agencies. The program’s primary navigation menus at the top offer access to various Views, client lists, reporting and system settings. A vertical, positionable menu also offers access to common tasks, such as adding or importing assets, calculating depreciation, disposals, transfers, creating groups and various customization options.

On client selection screens, information is displayed only by company name, after selecting a client, the screen opens into the master asset list for that client. Presented in spreadsheet view, this list includes sortable, filterable and searchable summary data for assets and asset groups, with location, department, class, cost, replacement values, serial numbers and extensive other information, including GL expense, asset and accumulated depreciation accounts. Users can customize the data columns to show the information of greatest interest to them.

The Assets Snapshot offer an excellent graphical view of asset activity, depreciation and other information, which users can view specific to each book, by date placed in service, by investment of remaining life or other options. Within individual asset detail screens, users can view all books side by side, with tabs giving access to transaction histories, notes and images.

Sage Fixed Assets 2013 can be used to manage any number of assets for any number of companies, including those with multiple subsidiary units, departments, cost centers, geographic locations or other complexities. Any number of licensed users can work within the program at the same time.

Core Asset Management Features: 5 Stars