warehouse worker using bar code scanner to analyze newly arrived goods for further placement in storage department, logistic working at warehouse.

Growing Your Business with Sage Software

by SageSage 200Sage Intacct
  • Sage, Sage 200, Sage Intacct

More so than ever before, businesses are reliant on software solutions to help them improve operational efficiency and support long-term growth plans. Whether you’re a start-up with ambitious goals or a small enterprise wanting to expand your offerings, the right software can have a significant impact on day-to-day operations, enabling you to focus your time and attention on other key aspects of your business.

Sage software has long been a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes. Known for its comprehensive capabilities, Sage offers a range of solutions that cater to the varied needs of different sectors, from distribution and retail to healthcare and hospitality. Sage provides the tools required to streamline processes, improve financial accuracy and foster better customer relationships, making it an essential asset for any business aiming to succeed in today’s competitive environment. Below we have explored how implementing the right Sage software solutions can help you grow your business in more detail. 

Why the Right Software is Essential for Business Success

The right business software does more than just automate manual and repetitive tasks, it enhances your organisation’s overall capability to perform and compete. Not to mention, it integrates seamlessly with existing systems, reducing downtime and learning curves, which further streamlines operations. Investing in the right software also provides critical data and insights which can lead to better decision-making, ultimately enabling your business to make the most of new opportunities and drive ongoing success.

In today’s competitive business landscape where efficiency and performance are not just goals but necessities for survival and growth, investing in the right tools can make a significant difference. For businesses of all sizes, this means choosing software that not only fits their current needs but also scales with them as they grow.

The Popularity and Versatility of Sage Software

Sage software is known for its versatility and adaptability, and it can benefit businesses across a wide range of industries. With a suite of solutions that cover everything from projects to supply chain and beyond, Sage software doesn’t just manage your finances. Implementing Sage software into day-to-day operations can give you full control and visibility over your business, so you always know what’s happening.

Whether you’re a small start-up or an established organisation, Sage has options that can be tailored to your specific challenges and complexities. From Sage 200 which helps small and medium-sized enterprises manage various aspects of their operations to Sage Intacct which is a powerful financial management solution, the Sage product range caters to all businesses. This flexibility is one of the many reasons why Sage is a top choice among businesses in Ireland and globally. Not to mention, with a selection of integrated apps available, with Sage software, you can make your business smarter, more efficient and cost-effective.

How Sage Software Supports Business Growth

Sage software is a useful tool that can support your business as it scales and evolves over time. It offers a vast range of features that improve operational efficiency, financial visibility and regulatory compliance, to name a few, ensuring every aspect of your business is optimised for success. Here’s how Sage can help your business grow;

  • Streamlined Operations

One of the main ways Sage software supports business growth is by streamlining operations. By automating routine tasks, Sage frees up your team’s time so they can focus on more important activities. This includes everything from automatic invoicing to managing inventory levels. With these processes streamlined, your business can operate much more efficiently and even reduce operating costs, enabling you to allocate resources to critical growth areas. Of course, automation reduces the likelihood of human error too, which in turn, boosts productivity and profitability.

  • Real-Time Financial Insights

Sage software provides real-time visibility into your financial data, which is crucial for making informed business decisions. With comprehensive reporting tools and dashboards, you can track your financial performance, monitor budgets and manage cash flow more effectively. This level of insight is vital for spotting trends, identifying potential issues before they become big problems, and making the most of opportunities that can drive growth. Enhanced financial insights also help with risk management by providing accurate data that supports strategic planning and decision-making.

  • Scalability

As businesses grow, their needs become more complex. Sage software is designed to grow with your business, handling increased data volumes, users and transactions. This scalability ensures that as your operations evolve, you don’t need to have a complete overhaul of your software and it remains efficient. Your Sage solution can adapt, adding new features and capabilities, saving time and money and ensuring you can continue to benefit from efficient software no matter the stage of your business growth. The modular design of Sage makes it a perfect fit for expanding business requirements.

  • Compliance and Security

In today’s strict regulatory environment, compliance and security are paramount to business success. Sage software helps ensure all aspects of your organisation adhere to the latest legal regulations and standards, whether it’s GDPR in Europe or other local compliance requirements. With robust security features in place, Sage also protects sensitive data, giving you and your customers peace of mind. This commitment to compliance and security also helps build trust with stakeholders, which is an essential factor for not just business growth but also long-term sustainability.

  • Integrated Apps

As touched on above, Sage can benefit from a range of integrated apps that maximise the benefits of the software, further enhancing its value. These apps extend the functionality of Sage solutions, allowing for unique customisation based on your specific business needs. Whether it’s barcoding and warehouse management or document management, the integration of additional applications ensures every aspect of your business is functioning optimally. This capability makes Sage more than just smart software, but a comprehensive business management solution.

Implementing Sage Software into Operations

All in all, when growing your business, Sage has a range of options and choices available that can support you from a small start-up to a large enterprise. With the help of an experienced Sage partner, you can ensure you’re implementing the right Sage products for your unique needs and benefiting from everything that Sage software has to offer.

Our team at Envisage has vast experience when it comes to recommending the right solution for our customers. We work with an array of businesses and take the time to get to know and understand our customers’ needs. We can recommend Sage solutions to not only improve operations but future-proof your business and we ensure each project delivers consistent results.

With its versatility, scalability and comprehensive suite of features, it’s easy to see why Sage is a popular choice for businesses in Ireland. Get in touch with us today to discuss your specific requirements. You can rest assured that we have the most experienced Sage technical team in Ireland and you will be in very capable hands when you turn to Envisage.

About the Author

Picture of Ivan Darmody

Ivan Darmody

Ivan is a customer-centric self-starter with a passion for technology. With extensive sales experience in various industries, he has focused on problem-solving customers’ requirements and providing the best solutions to streamline their processes while maximising potential utilising both direct and indirect sales channels.

Enhancing Business Efficiency with Sage 200 Features

A Sage Guide for Accountants and Consultants

by FinanceHomeSage 200Services
Enhancing Business Efficiency with Sage 200 Features
  • Finance, Home, Sage 200, Services

The digital age has revolutionised the way businesses operate, but it isn’t always easy to know which type of software can be used to improve efficiency and performance. As an accountant or consultant, you may find yourself in a position where you notice your clients would benefit from upgrading their current accounting applications to something more advanced. However, you might not know what modern software to recommend.

Sage accounting software can benefit businesses of all sizes and it’s worth exploring in more detail, regardless of who your client is, the size of their business or what industry they operate in. Our teams at Envisage and Pimbrook are working together once again to provide advisory services to accountants and consultants so they can match their clients with the best Sage solutions, helping them to overcome the challenges they’re currently facing.

Below we have explored Sage software solutions in more detail and touched on the importance of choosing the right Sage partner to guide you towards the best products for your clients.

An Overview of Sage 50, Sage 200 and Sage Intacct

The Sage product range caters to businesses of various sizes, industries and complexities. While Sage 50 is an ideal fit for small businesses, Sage 200 is often better suited to medium-sized businesses. On the other hand, Sage Intacct is the go-to choice for advanced financial management and accounting needs.

There is always a next step within the Sage product portfolio too. So, clients can start small and move up the range as they scale up and expand their operations. Here is an overview of the Sage software offerings:

Sage 50

Sage 50 is the ideal product for smaller businesses, giving a complete view of finances and inventory. It includes financial management tools, such as invoicing, billing and inventory management, and can simplify day-to-day operations for accounts departments. With a user-friendly interface, Sage 50 software is also ideal for businesses with in-house bookkeepers or accountants who need to simplify basic processes such as invoicing and financial management along with more complex business accounting tasks. The financial reporting and forecasting capabilities can be tailored to business-specific needs, and will support cash flow management too.

Sage 200

Sage 200 suits growing, medium-sized businesses and there are two options to choose from; Sage 200 Standard or Sage 200 Professional. This solution can support various business processes and help to manage both customers and suppliers. With detailed reporting and analytics, it has the capability to handle more complex financial structures, and Sage 200 software can be integrated with a host of integrated applications. It’s ideal for driving efficiencies through automation and can simplify day-to-day operations.

For businesses that need a scalable solution, Sage 200 is an excellent choice. It can support more users, transactions, internal departments and warehouses, and can be tailor-made to meet specific needs.

Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is the latest cloud-based Sage accounting software. It’s a powerful financial management solution that’s suited to medium to large organisations. Sage Intacct provides real-time financial and operational insights, and has impressive functionality. With multi-entity and multi-currency support, it’s ideal for businesses operating both globally and locally. Although it offers best-in-class accounting functionality, it has a simple and modern interface making it straightforward to use and can streamline manual processes.

This solution is perfect for organisations that are looking for a modern and agile solution to help accelerate their growth. Sage Intacct is trusted by financial professionals from a range of industries to drive their successes.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Sage Partner

Choosing the right Sage product for a client’s unique needs is just the first step. To truly harness the power of Sage software, it’s crucial to find the best partner. A Sage Partner can help turn complex scenarios into simple solutions.

Sage Software Knowledge – An experienced Sage partner will have the skills and knowledge to recommend the right software to transform day-to-day operations. They can support you in your conversations with clients and ensure you’re making the best suggestions. They will stay up-to-date with the world of software, so you don’t have to.

Customised Implementation – Every business is unique and a credible partner will ensure that a Sage solution is tailored to your client’s specific needs. They offer efficient and hassle-free implementation services to remove the stress associated with introducing new software. Regardless of how big the project may be, it will be handled by an expert team and support will be provided every step of the way.

Software Training – To maximise the benefits of any Sage software, the accounting team needs to know how to use it effectively. A good partner will provide comprehensive training sessions to your clients and their employees, answering any questions to ensure they’re making the most of the available functionalities.

Ongoing Support – A dependable Sage Partner won’t just assist with the initial setup but they will provide ongoing support, ensuring smooth operations and timely updates. They can make using Sage software solutions an enjoyable experience and will be on hand to help whenever may be required. They can provide advice as a business grows too, ensuring their software remains suitable for their everyday needs.

Searching for a Sage Partner in Ireland?

Ultimately, Sage offers a spectrum of products that are designed to meet diverse business needs. By understanding the basics about each product and partnering with a reputable Sage Partner, accountants and consultants can equip their clients with the tools they need for success. Should you require any guidance in selecting the best Sage solutions for your clients, our team at Envisage and our partner Pimbrook is here to assist you.

Envisage and Pimbrook have worked in collaboration for several years to ensure that clients’ are accurately matched to the right Sage products. Our expert Sage consultants work with like-minded accountants and consultants to achieve the common goal of delivering the best possible solutions for their clients. You can rely on both Envisage and Pimbrook to deliver a high-quality project, and ensure that your clients have a positive experience throughout.

Sign up for this interactive panel-style webinar, where you’ll learn:

– Advice and Best Practices for Advising Clients on Finance/ERP systems
– Use Case Scenarios
– The Distinguishing Features of the Sage Product Range

The Cash Stock Dilemma

7 Ways to Overcome the Cash Stock Dilemma with Sage 200

by Barcoding & Warehouse ManagementHealthcareSage 200Sage 200 DistributionWholesale Distribution
The Cash Stock Dilemma
  • Barcoding & Warehouse Management, Healthcare, Sage 200, Sage 200 Distribution, Wholesale Distribution

As an Award-Winning Sage Partner and expert in the field of distribution, we thought we’d share our thoughts on the cash/stock dilemma, which is something that many warehouse and distribution businesses struggle with, and this is often because they don’t have the right software to manage all the requirements they have. Critically, it’s about the left hand knowing what the right hand is doing. It’s about keeping all departments in tune with each other, so that the warning signs appear before reaching full impact.

We’ve summarized 7 considerations for this cash/stock dilemma below. If you’d like to read more on this topic, why not download our Cash Stock Dilemma e-book and learn more about how Sage 200 can help address these critical challenges?

1. Inventory Levels and Forecasting

Balancing stock levels can be tricky. On the one hand, overstocking means you’ll be tying up cash in stock that doesn’t turn quickly and it can prevent you from investing this cash elsewhere. On the other hand, understocking means you may lose business due to insufficient stock levels and miss out on future orders due to customers going elsewhere. Understocking can result in you having to pay higher prices to source from an alternative supplier to fulfil orders too.

2. Courier Tracking

When distributors don’t have all the dots joined up with their couriers, it can lead to time-consuming, messy and inefficient processes. It also makes it more difficult to keep customers up-to-date with expected delivery information which can result in dissatisfaction and cause customers to take their business elsewhere, impacting your bottom line. The last mile delivery optimisation is crucial and the more integrated your courier process is, the more efficient your operation will be with a noticeable reduction in customer queries regarding delivery times and dates.

3. Pre-Allocations and Prioritisation

Many distributors will create purchase orders and then when the stock comes in, their system will allocate items based on the sales order date. However, this isn’t always the most efficient way to do things and it can cause problems. Getting this bit right and having a pre-allocation system in place can help keep your bottom line healthy.

4. Container Management

The uncertainty that comes from not being able to track containers, compare provisional dates with actual dates and automatically update all purchase orders, will have a direct impact on the customer experience.

5. Procurement

From our experience, many distribution organisations operate ad-hoc/semi-automated procurement processes. For example, items can be purchased without proper item codes (e.g. miscellaneous), goods can come in be placed in the wrong location such as an aisle, shelf, bin or even warehouse, and inspections that should be carried out systematically can be somewhat hit-and-miss. Purchase authorisation rules can often be loose or sometimes even too rigid and cumbersome resulting in productivity losses. Continuing to operate like this can result in many problems.

As procurement is a critical piece of the of the distribution/supply chain puzzle, it’s important that this it’s managed correctly.

6. Sales Orders

Similar to the procurement process, managing the sales order process is critical. The secret is having a process that is both seamless and efficient, where the sales/administrative operative has all the relevant information right in front of them. Mistakes made at the sales order entry stage will be carried through to procurement, despatch, finance and customer service, so a reduction in errors will have a positive impact on the bottom line.

It’s about having access to the right data at the right time. Simple things like accessing historical orders, copy lines, view back orders etc, can cut down on unproductive time and will reduce the margin for error.

7. Warehouse Management

The right software can make it easy for warehouse managers to manage everything from picking and despatching orders to writing off damaged stock and transferring stock in the warehouse. The tools available to them will make their day-to-day responsibilities much easier and they can ensure that nothing important is being overlooked. Having fully integrated processes and access to real-time stock updates can enable quicker and more accurate stock picking, resulting in fewer returns, as well as quicker and more accurate stock receipting, resulting in better stock accuracy.

The right system to fit your distribution business

We’d love to share our e-book with you on this very topic. In this e-book, we discuss these challenges as well as ways that our Sage 200 Warehouse Management system can help overcome them.

We pride ourselves on helping customers by recommending software that makes it easier for them to do business.

Transforming Business Operations with Sage 200 to Overcome Inefficiencies

Key Challenges for SMB Distributors

by Barcoding & Warehouse ManagementHealthcareSage 200Sage 200 DistributionWholesale Distribution
Transforming Business Operations with Sage 200 to Overcome Inefficiencies
  • Barcoding & Warehouse Management, Healthcare, Sage 200, Sage 200 Distribution, Wholesale Distribution

SMB distribution businesses are an essential part of the business landscape, providing an extensive range of products and services to organisations in the small and medium business (SMB) sector. Distributors are a reliable and cost-effective resource for growing businesses, helping them to reduce their costs and increase their efficiency whilst meeting the needs of their customers and delivering a reliable service.

Although they play such a key role in the success of small and medium businesses, distributors face many challenges to remain successful and competitive. Both external and internal challenges impact the day-to-day operations of SMB distributors, and being aware of these common challenges can help them to better prepare and manage their business.

Below we have explored just a few of the most common external and internal challenges SMB distributors are facing in 2023. For a more detailed review of these challenges, download our free e-book on this topic.

When it comes to external factors, there are a multitude of challenges that can crop up out of the blue. We’ve seen how new threats can come stem from nowhere without much notice. We’ve had a few years of global challenges with knock on affects for distributors from economic downturns to energy crisis to technological advancements, and unfortunately, things that are outside of SMB distributors’ control can have a big impact on their bottom line.

E-Commerce

Changes in the way consumers shop are having an impact on SMB distribution businesses. Advancements in technology and the increase in e-commerce websites gives manufacturers the option to ship directly to consumers, sometimes even taking the distributors and retailers completely out of the equation. Changes in consumer demand can also impact SMB distributors. We’ve also seen shifts in customer demands over the past few years. Remaining agile and relevant is fundamental for any distribution business.

Knowledge of your Consumer

There was a time when businesses knew their competitors inside out. They knew everything about them and knew how to compete against them. Today, the landscape moves so quickly, that new competitors can spring out of anywhere. Competitors don’t necessarily need to be built on the same model as more established businesses, in fact newer competitors are more than likely built with technology and agility at its core. New entrants will prompt distributors to raise their game and force, with less focus on price and more focus on customer service, reputation and availability of product.

Internal Challenges

From an internal perspective, challenges can present themselves from many different angles including staffing (shortages and skill-set alignment) and systems and processes. While we can’t control all the external challenges, we do have control over the internal challenges such as cash flow and profitability.

KPI’s

Having up-to-date insights and clearly being able to see what’s happening with your finances is paramount. Yet, many SMB distributors don’t have sufficient data to run their business.

Planning and Forecasting

Data is a hot topic now. It’s essentially about knowing instantly what’s going on in your business, removing the guesswork. It’s about forecasting and planning with as much precision as possible. It’s about knowing what to order and when (based on accurate data) to avoid cash flow or customer service headaches. It’s about spotting potential issues and mitigating these issues before they become a real problem.

Cash Flow

Miscalculation of the cost of goods sold is also a big issue for distribution businesses. This can lead to overpayment of taxes and shrinking profitability, and having a good overview of cash flow is imperative. Some distribution businesses are not able to determine profit by item either, which is crucial to ongoing success. And finally, the practice of ad-hoc pricing is far too common, putting margins at risk, where price bands or customer-specific pricing isn’t being set.

Overcoming Challenges with Sage Small Business Software

Environmental concerns, cybersecurity risks, regulatory requirements and technology are all high up on the agenda for many distribution companies. Navigating through these challenges requires flexibility, accurate data and a proactive approach, helping to turn these challenges into opportunities.

Here at Envisage, Award Winning Sage Partner with expertise in Sage 200, we help businesses implement intelligent, powerful and game-changing Sage software solutions, and we can help you to overcome the challenges that your distribution business may be facing. Should you have any questions about how Sage 200 software can propel your distribution business to the next level, contact our experts.

Using Sage 200 to Overcome Common Inefficiencies

Using Sage 200 to Overcome Common Inefficiencies

by Sage 200

Over time, it isn’t uncommon for businesses to find themselves in a situation where they’re using several different software solutions to manage everyday operations. Many will implement new software as and when their needs change, particularly during times of growth, resulting in an overly complicated and inefficient way of working.

If you have separate software solutions in place to manage things like your accounting, supply chain and customer relationships, you would likely benefit from upgrading to one all-encompassing system. However, the up-front cost of a new system can be off-putting so many will try to convince themselves that they’re coping just fine with their current software and that their inefficiencies aren’t holding them back.

The truth is, your software will have a direct impact on your ability to grow into a thriving business. Using Sage 200 to overcome common inefficiencies can transform your operations and enable you to run a faster, more connected business. Below we have listed some of the most common inefficiencies faced by small and medium-sized businesses, and looked into how Sage 200 can help you to overcome them.

The Problem – You’re Struggling to Find Key Data

Growing Business: Navigating Data Challenges Efficiently

As your business grows and you open new locations or start expanding into new markets, the quantity of data you have can become overwhelming. Finding key data hidden amongst an abundance of information can feel like an impossible task when you’re using outdated systems that aren’t really designed for growing businesses.

The time it takes to track down the data you need, whether this is details of a specific order or figures from a supplier, can cause a whole host of problems. In fast-paced environments, so much can happen while you’re still trying to collate data too, resulting in you having to search for new data to try and handle any issues caused by your inability to pinpoint key information.

 

The Solution – Anytime Data Access with Sage 200

Anytime Data Access with Sage 200

Sage 200 is designed to provide businesses with the data they need, whenever and wherever they need it. Regardless of what you’re searching for, a few clicks on your new business management system is all it takes to find the data you need. You can access, gather and review your data on the road, as well as in the office, so you are fully prepared for whatever your working day may entail. You will never feel like you’re left in the dark again.

 

The Problem – You’re Missing out on Good Opportunities

Challenges in Business Agility and Decision-making for Scalability.

And the challenges are not solely restricted to internal housekeeping. When you’re using several different systems to operate your business, this will have an impact on your agility. It will be harder for you to access the information you need to make business decisions and adapt to changing circumstances. While you’re searching for the insights you need, you can miss out on opportunities to boost sales or remain competitive.

As your business scales up, it becomes even more difficult to keep track of the insights you need to make informed decisions about your products and services. Regardless of what industry you operate in, remaining agile is crucial if you want to be able to meet customer demand and increase your profitability.

 

The Solution – Real-Time Reporting with Sage 200

Real-Time Reporting with Sage 200

Upgrading to a comprehensive system, like Sage 200, enables you to easily access a range of insights that can be used to make cost-effective decisions. You will be able to create and gather accurate reporting, giving you the insights you need into various aspects of your business. The detailed analysis Sage 200 software provides prevents the need for additional tools as well, so you can quickly make decisions about business opportunities.

 

The Problem – You’re Wasting Time and Resources Every Day

Optimize Workflow: Update Your Outdated Software

If you’re still using the same software that you implemented when you first started your business, there’s a high chance that simple tasks are taking much longer than they should be. Having to manually complete tasks that could be automated will be slowing your team down and preventing them from using their time wisely.

Not only can manual tasks be time-consuming, but they’re also error-prone, especially when they’re carried out repeatedly and all employees do things slightly differently. Staying compliant and up to date with new legislation can be challenging when you’re doing things manually too, putting you at risk of fines and reputational damage.

 

The Solution – Automation with Sage 200 Software

Automation with Sage 200 Software - Envisage

Sage 200 has a wide range of useful features that can help to improve efficiency. This business management solution is designed to meet the needs of various industries, enabling you to make better use of your resources. You can also automate several complex processes, enhancing productivity and ensuring everyone does things the same way. Using only one piece of software enables better communication across all areas of your business too, streamlining processes and reducing the risk of compliance problems.

 

Want to Speak to a Sage 200 Partner in Ireland?

Overcoming common inefficiencies becomes even more important as your business grows and if you’re using lots of software solutions to manage everyday operations, it’s worth considering upgrading to Sage 200. It’s fair to say that this all-encompassing software solution can transform the way your business operates and it’s a worthwhile investment.

 As an award winning Sage business partner in Dublin, you can rely on us to help you find creative and flexible solutions to your unique requirements. We pride ourselves on working in partnership with businesses to revolutionise what they do and how they do it, and we can introduce you to some game-changing Sage solutions.

Why not download our e-Book with further insights on this topic?

Switching to Sage 200

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