If you’re looking to improve your business systems and software, you’ll know there is a lot of choice out there. One of the most popular options is Sage 200. Whilst there is a lot of talk in the business world about this powerful business solution, you might still be a little unsure about exactly what it offers.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Sage 200.
What is Sage 200?
Sage 200 is a robust ERP system that enables your company to cover all of its important functions within one piece of software. These functions include (but are not limited to) things like supply chain management, order management, inventory management and core accounting processes. By managing all of these processes in one central location, organizations can gain key insights into their performance, reduce their operational costs through streamlining their processes, and maintain better accuracy around company data.
How many customers does Sage have?
As you would expect from a company providing industry-leading ERP software, Sage has a lot of happy customers. Current estimates put this at around 6.1 million businesses globally, and growing all the time. Sage have worked with businesses in a wide range of industries for many years now, and have constantly updated and improved their software to meet the changing needs of businesses in an increasingly digital world.
What is the difference between Sage 50 and Sage 200?
In simple terms, Sage 50 is designed for smaller businesses – typically those with up to 50 users and who handle around 1.5 million transactions per annum. Sage 200 is designed for companies with up to 200 users, and who handle a greater number of transactions per year. As you would expect, Sage 200 also comes with extra features that you do not get in Sage 50 (like multiple warehouses, CRM tools, advanced customisation and advanced reporting functionality).
For more in-depth analysis about the differences between Sage 50 and Sage 200, please read our article Explained – Sage 50 Cloud vs Sage 200 Cloud.
Is Sage 200 cloud based?
Sage 200 Standard is a cloud-based software package. As with other cloud based packages, this makes it easy for users to access the software from any device with an internet connection, at any time and from anywhere. This accessibility makes cloud-based ERP software like Sage 200 Standard extremely attractive to a wide variety of businesses, including manufacturing, construction and warehousing and distribution to name just a few.
Sage 200 Professional is not cloud-based however, which brings us onto the next question!
What is the difference between Sage 200 Standard and Professional?
This powerful business software comes in two versions – Sage 200 Standard and Sage 200 Professional, but what is the difference between them? Sage 200 Standard is an out-the-box ERP that will work for many businesses. It’s completely cloud-based, with no option to host it on-premise. It comes with everything you need to effectively manage core business processes, but with no real option for additional or bespoke functionality.
Sage 200 Professional is an on-premise ERP solution, hosted on servers. It is however cloud-connected, and increasingly, Sage customers are choosing to digitally transform their businesses by hosting Sage 200 on cloud-platforms like Microsoft Azure.
Sage 200 Professional also enables businesses greater scope for customisation, through the ability of adding additional Sage modules, or modules developed by Sage approved developers. This is why Sage 200 Professional has become extremely popular with businesses with industry specific needs.
For a more in-depth comparison, you can read our article Sage 200 – Standard Vs Professional Compared.
What is Sage 200 CRM?
The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module for Sage 200 Professional is one of the most popular extras amongst businesses. This enables you to gain a true 360-degree picture of your customers, and helps you engage with them more effectively. From showing customer lifetime value to identifying purchase habits, highlighting potential prospects to automating marketing processes, CRM is a very effective tool to have on your side.
What is Sage 200 Manufacturing?
Sage 200 for Manufacturing is a set of additional modules tailored to the specific needs of manufacturing companies. Although the original Sage Manufacturing module was retired in 2020, there has been a new suite of Sicon Manufacturing modules released for Sage 200 Professional, which offer increased functionality.
Individual modules in this suite (such as Material Planning or Capacity Planning) help manufacturing companies streamline their workflow and work more efficiently. Here are some of the many benefits of Sage 200 for Manufacturing;
- Increased manufacturing efficiency.
- Greater end to end visibility of stock and processes.
- Streamlined processes mean a reduction in costs.
- Better shop floor management as resources are better planned.
- Increased productivities as processes are refined.
- Reduction in delivery lead time to the customer.
- Improved customer relationship due to improved service levels.
- Strict monitoring means issues are identified and resolved quickly.
- Greater control over each step of the manufacturing process.
- Improvements in the quality of the end product.
You can read more about Sage 200 for Manufacturing in our informative article Why Choose Sage 200 for Construction Companies?
What is Sage 200 Construction?
Construction firms face a host of challenges unique to their industry, making Sage 200 an attractive choice with its specific modules tailored to the construction industry, and also developed by long-time Sage development partner Sicon. These include:
- Project costing and management modules keep projects on track & profitable.
- CIS and CITB deductions for sub-contractors are completely automated.
- Applications & valuations streamline accuracy and timescale of payment processing.
- Retention ledger accurately records all payment retentions & release dates.
- Links construction sites to back offices when hosted in the cloud.
You can read more about Sage 200 for Construction in our informative article Why Choose Sage 200 for Construction Companies?
Is Sage 200 MTD compliant?
Sage 200 is fully Maxing Tax Digital (MTD) compliant. It’s important that businesses register for MTD with HMRC before setting up MTD in Sage 200, but once that’s out of the way, it’s extremely easy to implement within the software.
Any business owner knows that MTD is something they can’t avoid. This makes choosing business/accounting software which is MTD compliant like a priority, as HMRC continues to roll the initiative out to more businesses.
How much does Sage 200 cost?
Sage 200 Standard comes with a free 30-day trial initially. It is then priced at £261.50 per month. Sage 200 Professional is priced at £280.00 per month. Any additional users/modules will naturally incur additional cost. It is key to note that the software is now only available on a SaaS basis, meaning it is offered on a subscription basis.
For a full guide on Sage 200 costs, please visit our Sage 200 Pricing Page.
If you found this guide helpful and want to read more helpful guides, tips and FAQs you can visit our Sage Guides Page.
Why choose Eventura to deliver your Sage 200 Project?
As Sage Partners, Eventura has helped countless businesses implement successful Sage 200 projects, on time and within budgets. Our team of expert business analysts, developers, consultants, technicians and support staff will help you identify all of your business requirements, and design a Sage 200 solution that works on every level.
If you would like to speak to one of our Sage 200 experts to discuss your Sage 200 project, you can request a free call back here.
