January 17, 2011

The Mother of All Business Strategy Questions

Posted by John Shaver under Business Strategy | Tags: , , |
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This week we are focusing the spotlight on a guest author, Ed Kless.  Ed is the Senior Director of Partner Development and Strategy for Sage North America.  He continues to be an invaluable mentor and friend.

Most business leaders are asking the wrong question when it comes to developing their business strategy.  Ed points out what we should really be asking ourselves.

Although the original audience for Ed’s article is the Sage partner community, I believe that every business can benefit from his insights into business strategy.

In my last workshop that I conducted for Sage partners on developing business strategy in small- and medium-sized businesses, I believe I have stumbled across the Mother of All Business Strategy Questions – MOASBQ.

Most strategy sessions begin with the following premise:  How much revenue do we need to make (in the time period for the plan) and how are we going to achieve it?

The MOASBQ shifts the question to:  How much value are we going to create for our customers (in the period) and how are we going to do that?

For the past 6 months I have been delivering these workshops all across the United States.  There is nothing like teaching a subject over a sustained period of time to help you clarify your thoughts.

I believe this is the case because of the number of times I have been challenged by the participants in these workshops.  So, to those of you who challenged me, thank you!

To read more of Ed’s articles, please visit his blog.

 

January 12, 2011

Sage Adds the Power of Microsoft SQL Server to its MAS 200 ERP Product

Posted by John Shaver under Technology, What's ahead for Sage and Sage Products? | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
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Sage began shipping the brand new MAS 200 SQL version 4.45 this past month.  By combining the flexibility and powerful customization capabilities of the MAS 200 Business Framework with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, Sage makes it even easier for a small- to medium-sized business to operate more effectively and efficiently.

Version 4.45 is optimized for SQL Server to offer scalability, easy integration with other applications and enhanced reporting services.  It takes advantage of SQL Server capabilities such as job scheduling, database maintenance plans and faster searches.  Integrations with other applications take place at the application level using Business Objects to ensure successful upgrades to new versions.

The Business Framework provides the ability, using standard scripting, to automatically change the available choices that are presented in MAS 200 or to automatically enter data.  For example, a script could automatically change the expiration date of a sales quote depending on the type of quote that is chosen for a particular customer.

For additional details, please click here for Sage’s Pre-Release Announcement for version 4.45.

 

December 31, 2010

Don’t Process That First Payroll For 2011 Just Yet!

Posted by Amy Shaver under Business Strategy, Technology | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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The procedures for processing your first MAS 90 or MAS 200 payroll in 2011 have changed due to the social security tax rate decrease that goes into effect on January 1, 2011.

The social security tax rate is being reduced from 6.2% to 4.2% for employees (the employer portion is still 6.2%) for 2011.  The social security tax wage base limit also remains unchanged at $106,800.  Both the employee and employer Medicare tax rates remain unchanged at 1.45%.  For more details, click here.  According to the IRS, employers technically have until January 31, 2011 to implement the new rate.  However, I doubt many employees will want to wait that long.  By using the procedures detailed below, you can start using the new tax tables on your first 2011 payroll.

In the past, MAS payroll users have simply copied their live payroll company to a backup company and closed the year in the live company to start processing payroll for the new year.  The new tax tables were not installed until after the W-2′s were printed.  The reason behind not installing the new tables until after W-2 printing is that MAS 90 and MAS 200 use global tax tables.  In other words, all companies within MAS share the same tax tables.  Installing the new tax tables before printing W-2′s would change the social security tax wage base limit for employees who exceeded the limit resulting in incorrect Social Security wages on the W-2′s.

Since the social security tax rate has changed, you can no longer wait to install the new tax tables.  Regina Gutcher, a Sage Customer Support Specialist, has outlined the steps for running a 2011 payroll before printing the 2010 W-2′s:

  1. Backup all payroll data.
  2. Create a new company code in Company Maintenance.
  3. In the new company, copy the Payroll, Common Information, General Ledger and Job Cost (if integrated) from your live company.
  4. Process payroll year-end for the live company.
  5. Install the 2011 tax tables.
  6. Process payroll for the live company for 2011.
  7. Before printing W-2′s, install the 2010 tax tables.
  8. Print the W-2′s from the new company created in step 3.
  9. Reinstall the 2011 tax tables.

If you need assistance with these steps, please contact either Amy (ashaver@ariestech.com) or John (jshaver@ariestech.com).

 

November 30, 2010

Sage MAS 90 and 200 Year End Updates

Posted by Amy Shaver under Technology, What's ahead for Sage and Sage Products? | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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It’s almost that time of year again!  The Sage MAS 90 and 200 Quarter 1 2011 Tax Table Update (TTU) and Interim Release Download (IRD) are expected to be released after December 17, 2010.  In addition, Sage will update the TTU as necessary through January 2011 with IRS-mandated changes, if any.  All of the program changes in the IRD will also be included in the Version 4.4 Product Update 4 and the Version 4.3 Service Update 21.  These two updates are expected to be available the week of December 27, 2010.  Please note, if you install Product Update 4 or Service Update 21 instead of the IRD you will also need to install the Quarter 1 2011 Tax Table Update before processing your first payroll for 2011.

Below are some tips to Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Do I need to download the 2010 Interim Release Download (IRD):  The IRD is required for if you process 1099′s and use the 1099-INT or 1099-DIV form.  There are no changes to the Form 1099-MISC.   The IRD is required for Payroll customers running Versions 3.73, 3.74, 4.0, 4.05, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4.  The IRD is required for customers who are using Electronic Reporting for 1099 or W-2 filings.
  2. Do I need to download the 2010 IRD if I’m using the Federal and State eFilingand Reporting feature:  You will still need to apply the IRD if you choose to use Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200Federal and State eFiling and Reporting.
  3. I used the Magnetic Media module in previous years.  Are there any changes?:  Yes.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not accept W-2 information from employers on any type of magnetic media. Instead, they require electronic filing of W-2 information.  Sage MAS 90 or 200 versions 4.0, 4.05, and 4.10, and Sage MAS 200 for SQL versions 3.73 and 3.74 Magnetic Media module and SageERP MAS 90 and 200 versions 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 Electronic Reporting module will allow you to create a MMREF-1 (EFW2) format file for uploading to the SSA’swebsite (www.ssa.gov/employer).  The MMREF-1 file is formatted to the SSA’s Electronic Filing and Magnetic Media Reporting specifications provided the applicable IRD has been downloaded and properly installed on your system.  Some states may still accept magnetic media filings; please check the informationyour state has provided to you for their policies.  If your state accepts magnetic media filings and uses the Federal MMREF-1 format, you can use the Electronic Reporting module to create the media for your state filing.
  4. I’m supposed to electronically file my W-2s in the EFW2 format, so why does Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 show a MMREF-1 format?  The Social Security Administration has replaced all references to MMREF-1with a new acronym “EFW2″.  There is no need for concern, because even though your Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 software will still reflect the historical MMREF-1 acronym, the file format is the same as EFW2 and will be accepted by the Social Security Administration.
  5. For companies who must print 1099 forms, what are the changes this year?  There are no new changes to 1099-MISC Form reporting in 2010.  Form1099 –DIV has form alignment changes for versions 4.20, 4.30, 4.40 and 4.45. With Form 1099-INT, a new box, Box 10, has been added to the forms and will be available in Vendor Maintenance in the grid to enter the CUSIP number.
  6. I have an Extended Solutions enhancement. Will I need to update it after installing the 2010 IRD?  If you own a Sage ERP MAS 90 or 200 Extended Solutions title you may need to update it because of 2010 year-end changes.   Please contact Aries to review which Extended Solutions titles may need to be updated after installing the IRD.
  7. Does the IRD contain changes to Payroll to support the Qualified Employee reporting as allowed by the HIRE Act?  Yes.  Customers running one of the supported versions of Payroll must have previously installed the Q2 2010 Payroll Update before installing the 2010 Year End IRD.  The Year End IRD includes additional changes to report Code CC in Box 12.  A 2010 W-2 HIRE Act Instruction Document will be displayed at the end of the installation of the IRD.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions!

 

July 22, 2010

Updated: Sage MAS 90/200 Product Roadmap

Posted by Amy Shaver under Technology, What's ahead for Sage and Sage Products? | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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On July 21, Sage issued an updated roadmap describing added features and details about upcoming versions.  These roadmaps are published and updated on a regular basis to provide a guide for upcoming versions of Sage MAS 90/200.

The next release for Sage MAS 90/200 will be Sage MAS Intelligence at the end of August.  Sage MAS Intelligence (SMI) is a financial reporting replacement for FRx (which is being discontinued by Microsoft as of December 31, 2010).  SMI is an Excel-based tool that provides pre-defined financial reports, access to all MAS modules (not just GL), user-level security and consolidation of multiple companies.

In addition, the new roadmap outlines the proposed Product Updates for MAS 90/200.  Product Update 2 was released on July 14.  Future product updates are slated for September 2010, December 2010 and March 2011.  In addition, Version 4.45 is scheduled for release in October 2010.  Version 4.45 will provide Microsoft SQL Server 2008 support (new license customers only) and enhancements will be made to the payroll, sales order, purchase order and accounts receivable modules.

Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200 Roadmap – July 2010

 

June 30, 2010

Sage MAS 90 and 200 Product Update 2

Posted by John Shaver under What's ahead for Sage and Sage Products? | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
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By mid-July, Sage will make Product Update 2 available for version 4.4 of Sage MAS 90 and 200.  Any customers who are on a current plan with their Sage maintenance agreement are eligible to receive the update.

In an effort to provide additional features and benefits on a more timely basis than the traditional once-a-year upgrade, Sage is releasing Product Updates on a quarterly schedule.  Each of these Product Updates will include both customer-requested features and select additions from the Extended Solutions catalog.

The modules that are enhanced in this Product Update are Accounts Payable, Bank Reconciliation and Paperless Office.  In addition a new utility is being added that will assist with identifying any data issues prior to the installation of the Product Update.

Accounts Payable:

  • ACH Electronic Payments.  Reduce operating costs and lessen the risk of lost or stolen checks by paying your vendors electronically.

Bank Reconciliation:

  • Automatically reconcile checks.  Use an electronic file downloaded from your financial institution to automatically mark checks as cleared.
  • Positive Pay export.  As a way to combat check fraud, many financial institutions are now requiring and/or offering lower bank charges for customers who implement a Positive Pay system.  The Positive Pay Wizard generates an electronic file containing key information about your checks.  That file is transmitted to the bank for use in comparing with the physical checks that are presented for payment against your account.
  • In check, deposit and adjustment entry, the comment field has been expanded to 2,048 characters.
  • Tighter controls over Bank Reconciliation adjusting entries.  You can specify which users are allowed to access and make adjust balance entries.
  • Enter checks, deposits and adjustments on-the-fly without leaving the Reconcile Bank screen.
  • Utility to recalculate the totals of all outstanding check, deposit and adjustment entries that have not been marked as cleared.

Paperless Office:

  • If you pay your vendors using the new ACH Electronic Payments for Accounts Payable, the Paperless Office module will create, electronically send and retain PDF copies of checks, extended stubs and remittance advices to your vendors.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

 

May 13, 2010

Incentives to Hire The Unemployed

Posted by Amy Shaver under Business Strategy | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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The HIRE Act (Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment), enacted March 18, 2010, is a plan to create jobs by providing a temporary tax break to companies that hire workers who were previously unemployed or worked part time.  Two new tax benefits are available to employers:

  1. The payroll tax exemption.  The first benefit provides employers with an exemption from the employer’s 6.2 percent share of social security tax on wages paid to qualifying employees.  This benefit would be effective for wages paid from March 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010.
  2. The new hire retention credit.   Businesses will also be eligible for a general business tax credit of 6.2 percent of wages paid to the qualified employee (employee must be retained for at least a year), up to a maximum credit of $1,000.

Visit the IRS website for more detailed information and check with your tax adviser on whether the new HIRE act applies to your company.

 

May 11, 2010

Potentially Costly New 1099 Regulation Slipped into Healthcare Bill

Posted by Amy Shaver under Business Strategy, Technology | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Section 9006 of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka ObamaCare) mandates that after December 31, 2011 all companies will have to issue 1099 tax forms not just to contract workers but to any individual or corporation from which they buy more than $600 in goods or services in a tax year.  Chris Edwards of The Cato Institute published an insightful article entitled Costly IRS Mandate Slipped Into Health Bill about the new regulations.

The bottom line could be that this change may radically alter the nature of 1099 filing and require businesses to issue millions of 1099 documents each year.  The two key changes are:

  • 1099′s would be used to track payments not only for services but also for tangible goods.
  • Businesses would be required to issue 1099′s not only to individuals and partnerships but also to corporations.  This list could include items such as a new computer purchase from Apple, airline tickets for next year’s conference, monthly office rent and phone bills.  Almost every vendor for every business would become a 1099 vendor.

The full impact of this new regulation won’t be known until the IRS issues its regulations.  That will probably happen sometime next year.  We will continue to update this blog as more details are made public.

The Cato Institute was founded in 1977 by Edward H. Crane, and is a highly-respected non-profit public policy research foundation headquartered in Washington, D.C.  For more information, visit www.cato.org.

 

May 7, 2010

Sage Insights Session – GEN24 – ROWE for Small Businesses: Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It

Posted by John Shaver under Business Strategy | Tags: , , , , , |
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Sage is holding their annual partner conference, Insights, in Denver, CO in May. Becky Krause, Director of Human Resources for Sage, and I are presenting a session at the conference entitled ROWE for Small Businesses: Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It (GEN24) on Wednesday, May 19th at 8:00am.

Although this conference is only available to Sage partners, I will be posting a recording of our recent Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE) webinar to this blog. Everyone is invited to view that recording.

Becky has invited the Sage partners who have registered for this session to comment on this article to encourage the sharing of ideas, opinions and questions about ROWE. Our goal is to make the session a collaborative one and to make sure we cover the topics of the most interest to the group. Here is the abstract from the Insights website:

Learn why works sucks for you and your employees and how to fix it. Just ROWE! Creating a Results-Only Work Environment frees your workforce from traditional corporate shackles to focus on and deliver strong business results. Attend this session to learn how to transform your culture from one that measures contribution by the number of hours worked to one that measures performance by the business results achieved. Do you know ROWE? Attend this session to understand why the ROI for your business cannot be ignored.

Since this session is an interactive one, we are encouraging dialog about why and how ROWE is the future for all knowledge workers. We will also talk about the concept that knowledge workers are volunteers. Meaning that all of us “employ” volunteers.

In order to prepare for this session, we recommend that you read Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It by Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson. If you would like to learn more about the concept of the knowledge worker, we recommend that you read The Firm of The Future by Ron Baker. And attend Ed Kless’ Insights sessions on Wednesday, May 19th from 1:30pm to 5:30pm (GEN52)

Please let us know what your thoughts, ideas and opinions about ROWE. And if there are some other topics you would like to talk about, please feel free to let us know in the comments section.

 

April 30, 2010

Sage Insights Session – GEN43 Using Google Apps for Project Management and Customer Collaboration

Posted by John Shaver under Business Strategy | Tags: , , , , , |
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Sage is holding their annual partner conference, Insights, in Denver, CO in May.  I am presenting a session at the conference entitled Using Google Apps for Project Management and Customer Collaboration (GEN43) on Monday, May 17th at 2:30pm.

Although this conference is only available to Sage partners, I will be conducting a webinar on this subject later in May.  Everyone is invited to attend that webinar.  We will be sending out the details (date, time and GoToWebinar invitation) via our newsletter, blog and Facebook fan page.  The webinar will include an introduction to Google Apps, how it can dramatically reduce your IT costs, how it has changed our company and why cloud-based apps are the wave of the future.

I have invited the Sage partners who have registered for this session to comment on this article to encourage the sharing of ideas, opinions and questions about Google Apps (and cloud computing in general).  My goal is to make the session a collaborative one and to make sure we cover the topics of the most interest to the group.  Here is the abstract from the Insights website:

Google Apps are a low-cost, easy-to-use and effective tool for managing projects of all sizes.  With Google Apps you can manage e-mail, documents, spreadsheets, presentations and collaborate with customers and colleagues.

So far, my proposed agenda is to cover these topics:

  • What exactly are Google Apps and why should I care?
  • A brief look at what’s involved in implementing Google Apps.
  • How have Google Apps impacted our company?
  • How have Google Apps impacted our interactions with our customers?
  • How we are using Google Sites (a component of Google Apps) for project management.
  • What is the future of cloud-based applications?
  • How will the cloud affect our businesses and our customers’ businesses?

My intention is to make this session as interactive as possible.  The apps themselves are not complex and I am pretty sure none of us wants to go through a long demo of exactly how to create a document or a spreadsheet.  So, I am emphasizing how Google Apps in particular are changing our world.

Dialog about the project management aspects of Google Apps is also a main component of the session.  I believe that every project (no matter the size or complexity) can be managed through Google Sites using the tools from the Sage Consulting Academy.  And I will be going through real-world examples of how we are using those tools.

To date, there are 31 people signed up!  I am really looking forward to hearing from many different perspectives within the Sage community.  Partners who work with pretty much every Sage product (I think the only exceptions may be Timeberline and MasterBuilder) are attending this session.

Please let me know what you think about the proposed agenda and if there are some other topics you would like to talk about.

 

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