Posted by Nicole Senecal on Mon, Jun 29, 2009 @ 03:12 PM
In May Sage released a great white paper on the future of Accpac ERP. I have attached it so everyone can check it out. Enjoy!
The Future of Sage Accpac White Paper
Posted by Jan Senecal on Thu, Jun 25, 2009 @ 10:05 AM
I touch so many people that are in a quandary, they know
they need a new system and just don’t know where to start the process. Immediately they will get on Google and start
the process we all use when we research.
Type in a few key words and see what happens…OMG.
I just typed Software and behold I got 1,910,000 hits for
software, even Google has software to
download. I put in Business Software and
I get 970,000 hits (now I am getting some where). Next step lets try Accounting
Software 34,700,000…. No, this is not going to work. Who has the time to shift through all this?
Next I call a friend, what are you using? How do you like it? What’s it cost? Tell me the real story! Who set it up? Do you still need all the excel spread
sheets? After I get off the phone I
realize they don’t have the same type of business and it just won’t work for
me. Now what, do I need a
consultant. How much is that? Where do I find that? Back to Google.
I was a Controller and CFO for over 25 years and for some
reason the IT stuff used to land in my plate because I was responsible for accounting
and administration functions. Looking
for new software it was tough; you have so many things on your plate that looking,
testing, and researching for the right software can be a real burden.
I wish I had a consultant like me back in those days. Strange statement but 6 years ago I started
my second career with a Value Added Reseller (VAR); that’s what we used to call
them. Now we are called Partners, the
channel and business partners but we are the people who sell it, install it and
support those intimidating business and accounting solutions. There really are
three types of software for business these days; the “Mom and Pop”, “Mid Market”,
and the “Big Guy” solutions. The “Mom
and Pop” stuff you can buy off the shelf and some can install it and get it
running properly. With some luck and real understanding of their business and
accounting they can make it work. I have
seen that over the years, but at some point they outgrow their “Mom and Pop”
solution and need something more robust.
Next, the Mid Market
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Software with lots of bells and
whistles. This would be for the 10-150+
users with lots of requirements. I never
really understood the ERP tag, Enterprise was appropriate because it starts the
all encompassing, Accounting, Inventory, Payroll, CRM, EDI, Web integration,
Marketing, MRP, MSP and the rest. All
linked together and functioning as one system not fractured. Wow this is good….
Then we have the Big Boys with huge price tags more than 90%
of the companies in America can’t afford.
Give me a fortune 500 and I will show you the heavy weights. That is a whole different story.
I play in the mid Market and I love what I do. My client lists include Power Plants to Fast
Food restaurants, from Manufacturing to Distribution and last but not least Service
Companies.
Stay tuned! More to come!
Posted by Nicole Senecal on Mon, Jun 22, 2009 @ 12:09 PM
I assist Sage is collecting payment for Software Assurance from our customers, which is harder then it might seem. Even though I feel renewing your software assurance is a vital part of keeping your business current its a huge payment that always seems to be unexpected. Most of our clients have to pay thousands of dollars each year to stay on the current version of Sage Accpac and CRM; which can be a big hit.
So my question is; would it be more convenient to pay for Software Assurance on a Monthly basses as apposed to one yearly payment?
Posted by Nicole Senecal on Thu, Jun 18, 2009 @ 11:27 AM
This is a common question I get from Clients when I call to remind them that it is time to renew their Software Assurance. Software Assurance is a type of maintenance plan that allows Accpac Customers to run the latest version and services packs for Sage Accpac ERP without having to pay for the upgrade price when moving to the next version or applying the latest service pack. A common misconception is that labor is included in Software Assurance; SA is a contract strictly concerning Sage and your Accpac Software. It does not cover any labor for upgrading or installing the latest service packs.
There are a few other benefits to renewing your Software Assurance that most customers are not aware of. When renewing your S.A. you will receive one free Anytime Learning Training Session and a 25% discount off Anytime Learning Subscription packages. Anytime learning is product training on Sage Accpac core modules and is available on-demand. You also have access to view your online account information where you can view your product information, participate in product- specific forums, or join a user group where you can interact with other Accpac Users to discuss ways to better utilize and expand your software.
Unfortunately there are late fee and penalties if you choose not to renew on time. These fees will include a one-time flat rate fee charge of 15% (based on annual maintenance fee) charged to these who renew within the late renewal period and the service plan contract will be backdated to the original expiry date. If your service lapsed more than 90 days then clients must pay both the reinstatement back (lapsed) fees. These fees will include a 25% late fee for each year to the maximum of two years (based on the annual maintenance fee), plus lapsed time, and one year forward. Late fees are capped at two years back. The maximum a client will pay to get back on the plan, regardless of the number of years they have lapsed service, is 63% of the Service Level Plan, which includes one year of maintenance paid in advance. If you choose not to renew on time, it can be very costly and that is why Answers urges our customers to renew their S.A. on time every year. And please keep in mind that keeping your system up to date is investing in your business.