Sage Software Inc. — Sage MAS 90/200 ERP

From the Sept. 2007 Review of Mid-Range Accounting Systems

Sage MAS 90 and 200 ERP is an accounting and financial product that provides flexibility and customization to mid-sized businesses. Sage MAS 90 and 200 offers excellent accounting functionality, along with numerous business tools that provide in-depth business analysis, e-commerce capability, and an extensive suite of modules from which to choose.

Ease of Use/Transaction Entry — 5 Stars
After installing Sage MAS 90, a “Manage Your System” screen appears that offers the option to create and manage companies, create and maintain users, and define users and security levels. Once the initial company information is entered, the data files will need to be activated in order to use the program. This is easily accomplished by simply clicking on the checkbox next to the appropriate module. Sage MAS 90 contains numerous setup wizards to assist with initial data entry.

The drop-down menu at the top of the screen provides access to installed modules along with various system functions such as transaction entry, reports, budget information, system setup and utility access, and custom reports and payroll. Data-entry screens contain lookup and list options; plus, they’re intuitive with a logical order. The Journal Comment section allows enough space to provide details about each transaction. Also available is an option to copy information from another journal entry or allocation. The Library Master file is where company, role and user data is entered and maintained. The dashboard can be easily customized by using the Dashboard Selection Wizard.

Modules & Notable Features — 5 Stars
Sage MAS 90 and 200 offers a solid selection of modules including GL, AR, AP, Inventory Management, Sales Order, Purchase Order, Fixed Assets, the new Return Merchandise Authorization module, and Bar Code and Bank Reconciliation modules.

Version 4.2 of Sage MAS 90 and 200 includes numerous system enhancements such as improved AP workflow, the addition of the Fixed Assets module, and the addition of the Business Insights Explorer, which provides instant answers to business inquiries and offers in-depth analysis of current business strengths and weaknesses. Grid-Entry screens can now be found throughout the entire Sage MAS 90 and 200 accounting suite. And Sage MAS 90 and 200 now integrates with three CRM products, allowing customers the chance to choose the product that best suits their needs. The e-Business Manager allows for the set up and maintenance of a real-time e-Commerce System that integrates with the Sage MAS 90 and 200 Inventory Management module. And the Sales Tax module automates rate research and calculation, along with tax reporting and return processing.

Integration/Import/Export — 5 Stars
Sage MAS 90 and 200 modules integrate seamlessly. Those looking to upgrade from MAS 90 to MAS 200 need not worry about data integration, as system data is interchangeable. As previously noted, Sage MAS 90 now also integrates with three CRM programs: ACT! by Sage, Sage CRM, and Sage SalesLogix. Sage Extended Solutions is a series of system enhancements and add-ons that have been developed and tested by Sage Software, including Payroll Direct Deposits, multiple user-defined fields, and the Document Management function featuring the Paperless Office Suite.

Sage MAS 90 and 200 supports ASCII, *.CSV, Excel and XML file formats for both data import and export. In addition, data files can be exported to Word or PDF file formats. Plus, the Visual Integrator allows easy import or export to or from any ODBC-compliant file source.

Reporting — 5 Stars
Sage MAS 90 and 200 reporting options are excellent with numerous standard reports available that can be modified to suit a business’ needs. For more customized reporting options, Crystal Reports is included. Other reporting options include the Business Insights Reporter, which produces professionally formatted reports that analyze vital business data. FRx Desktop is a graphical report writer that allows extensive report formatting and customization. Users can now create and save personalized settings for all system reports. All reports can be viewed, printed or exported to Word, Excel and PDF file formats.

The new Business Insights Explorer (BIE) module is an intuitive Outlook-style inquiry and analysis application that helps optimize daily decision making and is included with every new Sage MAS 90 and 200 ERP system. A streamlined grid interface spans multiple data elements in one view, and users can choose between 11 views such as customers, payments, invoices and sales orders. The grid can be easily manipulated through a drag-and-drop interface as well as by filtering the information. Changes can then be saved for future use and shared with peers. Users can also launch Sage MAS 90 and 200 tasks directly from within BIE. Context is automatically passed to the task, which saves additional keystrokes and mouse clicks. A simple right-click on the grid also provides export capabilities to Microsoft Office that will, for example, transform current data into an Excel pivot table or create a quick mail-merge template using the filtered view. BIE also exports data to Word, Access and XML.

Support/Training/Help System — 5 Stars
Sage MAS 90 and 200 offers several support options, including Gold and Silver support plans that both offer unlimited telephone and
e-mail support. A Subscription Plan is also available and offers software upgrades as they are released. All plans offer access to the Sage Know-ledgebase. Training is available through Sage Software University. Classroom and online training is available, as well. The Help function in Sage MAS 90 and 200 is thorough and will answer many of the questions users may have.

Relative Value — 5 Stars
Sage MAS 90 and 200 is an excellent modular system, ideal for those looking for a strong financial product that can suit the small to midsize business today as well as leave room for tomorrow’s expansion. Smaller businesses may be more comfortable with MAS 90, with the ability to upgrade to MAS 200 if necessary. Cost varies widely for MAS 90 and 200, but will run approximately $12,000 to $30,000, depending on the number of modules and users purchased.

2007 Overall Rating: 5 Stars