2012 Review of Sage Software – Sage Fixed Assets 2013

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

Sage Fixed Assets 2013 can support up to seven books per asset, and has predesigned books for federal, state, AMT, ACE and internal, plus the ability to add two custom books. The predesigned books can be customized as needed. The system includes comprehensive calculations for more than 50 depreciation methods, including standard and customizable options for MACRS 150 and 200 percent, ACRS, straight and modified straight line, various declining balance methods, years’ digits and the ability to create completely custom methods. In total, the system includes more than 300,000 tax and GAAP rules.

The program also supports all asset types, including multi-part and in-progress, and asset classes that include regular, farm, Indian reservation, Indian farm and government properties. Assets can be acquired and disposed of individually or by mass action, and additional options allow for partial disposals, like-kind exchanges, transfers, partial transfers, consolidations or subsidiary units, groups, or different total entities. The program’s global edit function lets users make changes across asset groups or all assets of a company.

Sage Fixed Assets 2013 includes a full time audit trail, detailed asset histories, and has an Audit Advisor tool that provides diagnostics of asset treatments to verify compliance with new regulations and rules. This is helpful with disposals and transfers with the 168 allowance, Sec. 179 limits, MACRS methods, light trucks and vans, less than 100 percent business use and other treatments. For asset audits, an inventory process map includes step-by-step guidance, and the optional Sage Fixed Asset Tracking module offers additional tools, including automated tracking and reconciliation, and integrated barcode scanning technology for electronically performing physical asset audits.

Reporting: 5 Stars
Sage Fixed Assets 2013 provides exceptional reporting options, with a report center that provides a tabbed screen with the ability to create custom favorites lists. Users can perform batch reporting, create completely custom reports or can use and tailor any of the existing library of standard options, which include depreciation expenses, summaries and adjustments, period close summaries, acquisition and disposal activity, asset basis, property tax, GL postings and projections. A built-in report writer provides total customization and output to Excel, CSV, PDF, HTML and Crystal Reports formats. The program can print forms 3468, 4255, 4562, 4626 and 4797, and supports FASB 109, GASB 34 and GASB 35.

Import/Export/Integration: 4.5 Stars
Sage Fixed Assets 2013 provides direct integration with Sage 50 (formerly Peachtree), and imports and posts to the GL of Sage 100 ERP (formerly Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200) and Sage 300 ERP (formerly Sage ERP Accpac), and the Custom Import Helper can help pull in data from Excel spreadsheets and ASCII files. The fixed asset system also offers a similar export utility that guides users through the process of selecting asset data to export into CSV format, which can be imported by most financial and tax systems.

Help/Support: 4.75 Stars
Sage Fixed Assets 2013 offers a traditional help index, as well as right click menus, built-in user guides, report and depreciation guides, as well as the Assistance Center. This home screen shows tips and how-tos on asset management processes, running depreciation and generating reports, and the screen also offers links to various external sources and to Sage’s online support site. The support website includes a knowledgebase, product documentation, information on barcoding, training options, whitepapers, and access to an online user community. Live phone and online technical support available via subscription.

Summary & Pricing

Sage Fixed Assets 2013 offers exceptional customization options throughout the user experience, and provides comprehensive capabilities for managing asset accounting and depreciation strategies for any size business entity, government entity or non-profit. Pricing starts at $1570 for Sage Fixed Assets 2013. A monthly payment option is also available at $79 per month for an annual contract.

2012 Overall Rating: 4.75 Stars