What is Sage 200?
Sage 200 is a piece of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software used by thousands of businesses around the world. It centralises key business processes, allowing them to be managed with greater efficiency through increased automation. Data is stored in one central database, increasing accuracy and allowing businesses to carry out real-time reporting and analysis. The software is offered as a cloud-based, on-premise or hybrid solution.
Who uses Sage 200?
Sage 200 is used by a wide range of industries because it solves universal business challenges. There are also additional modules available to overcome challenges in the following industries;
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Warehousing
- Distribution
- Retail
- Wholesale
- Healthcare
- Financial Services
- Education
- Non-Profits
Does Sage 200 have a free trial?
Sage 200 Standard offers a 30 day free trial but there isn’t a free trial for Sage 200 Professional. This is because the Professional Edition is highly customisable so its functionality can vary depending on which extra modules are added. The Standard Edition is an out-of-the-box cloud-based ERP solution that offers the same functionality for all users. This means letting people trial the software is possible.
To get your free Sage 200 Standard trial, you will first need to create a free Sage Account. You’ll then be emailed your Sage ID which you can use to activate your free trial. Your trial Sage 200 software will be loaded up with demonstration data allowing you to explore what the software can do.
You can sign up for a Sage account and get access to your free trial of Sage 200 Standard here.
Although there is no free trial available for Sage 200 Professional, there is the option for a free demo.
What is a Sage 200 demo?
Sage 200 demos are offered by Sage Business Partners who are resellers of the software, and who usually go on to help their customers implement Sage 200 in their business. Demos can be held in person or online. During the demo, you will be shown the core features and functionality of the software, including common business workflows such as;
- Quote
- Sales Order
- Purchase Order
- Fulfilment
- Invoicing
- Reporting
If your business has any unique or industry specific requirements, these are usually discussed in advance and the demo can be tailored to show you the core functionality of the software plus the additional features you might need. For example, if you’re a manufacturer you might want to be shown things like;
- Bill of Materials
- Works Order Processing
- Projects
- Estimating and Capacity Planning
- Resource Planning
- Material Planning
- Labour Recording
A Sage 200 demo should aim to educate you about the capabilities of the software and how they can overcome your business challenges. It’s not a training session on how to use the software, that will come later through training.
When choosing new business software you need to understand exactly what you’re signing up for. There could be a large upfront investment or an ongoing subscription cost. Either way you need to see what the software can do for you and your business before you commit to purchasing it.
During your Sage 200 demo, it’s important to ask questions. The demo is a great starting point to see how your current business processes could be improved or automated by the new software. Ideally, get people from different areas of your business involved as they will all have different requirements from the software.
If you would like a free Sage 200 Demo, you can request one here.
How to buy Sage 200?
There are two ways to buy Sage 200. You can purchase the software from Sage themselves, or you can buy it from a Sage Business Partner who is approved by Sage to sell it. The Sage Business Partner will purchase the software licence or subscription from the vendor, and help you configure and implement the solution to suit your business requirements.
Both are good options. When buying from Sage, you benefit from their extensive knowledge of the software (after all they developed it). When buying from a Sage Business Partner, you’ll benefit equally from their extensive knowledge, and their track record of implementing the solution for other customers. You might also find working closely with a Sage Business Partner offers a more personal experience. By choosing a local Sage 200 Business Partner you will also benefit from more face to face meetings.
How much does Sage 200 cost?
The cost of Sage 200 depends on which version you take, how many users you require and if you need any additional modules. As a guide, Sage 200 Standard with 3 users costs £261.50 a month. Additional users are charged at £15.75 per month. Sage 200 Professional starts at £275 per month, with additional users charged at £46 per month and an additional cost for extra modules.
The subscription can be paid monthly or annually, and requires a 12 month minimum contract. If additional users or modules are added during that period, the subscription cost will be increased.
For a more detailed look at Sage 200 pricing, including some example packages, please take a look at our Sage 200 Pricing Guide.
Get a Free Sage 200 Demo
With two decades of Sage deployments under our belt, we are experts in delivering robust Sage 200 solutions that are meticulously designed to suit your specific business needs. We take a full 360-degree view of your business, help you identify all of your requirements and create a personalised Sage 200 demo that will help you understand what the software can do for your business.
We have particular expertise in helping industries such as manufacturing, construction and warehousing and distribution, where we have helped create bespoke solutions that tackle industry specific needs.
Our team of expert business analysts, developers, consultants, technicians and support staff will guide you through your Sage 200 project from conception, through to deployment and ongoing support.
If you would like to speak with one of our experts and arrange a free Sage 200 demo, you can request a free call back here.
