Technology in Practice

Segregation of duties is a fundamental principle of many regulatory mandates including the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act. Technology may make it simple for one person to do the job of many, but it also increases the risk of concentrating too much power in the hands of a single person. Maintaining tight internal control over technology-enabled processes requires effective division of duties. Organizations must be able to record the presence and enforcement of this division of duties to meet SOX Section 404 criteria. With the release of Sage X3 2021 R1 (Version 12.0.25), two new features have been introduced to help ensure compliance: Bank account management – Segregation of duty To manage segregation of duties and follow the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act security rules and best practices, two parameters control bank account entry authorization. These parameters are in the TRS chapter, AUZ group, and operate independently of one another. At the payment level for a given user: When BIDPAYENT – Authorize bank acct. no. entry is Yes, the user is authorized to enter a bank account in the Payment entry (GESPAY) or Payment proposals (PAYPROPAL) functions. At the business partner level for a given user: When BIDBPENT – Authorize bank acct. no. entry is Yes, the user is authorized to enter a bank account number for a business partner in the BPs (GESBPR), Customers (GESBPC), and Suppliers (GESBPS) functions. Note: These parameters are set to Yes by default. Select No to remove user authorization at one or both levels. Payment remittance approval – Segregation of duty At the payment type level, you can decide if payment approval is required to process a payment and create a bank file. Approval is authorized at the user level. A bank file can only be created for payments where no authorization is required or for approved payments for manual and automatic remittances. Outgoing payments can be approved at the payment level or the manual remittance level. At the remittance level, mass approvals or mass removal of unapproved payments is available. Payment approval versus payment type is controlled during the import/export process. To see the full release notes for Sage X3 2021 R1 (Version 12.0.25) please click here. For more information on segregation of duties or any other Sage X3 question, please contact us.

In this blog, we will show how to use the data templates of Sage X3 to update data in your system. In this example, we will be setting the 1099 flag on the supplier records included in the spreadsheet. When executing these kinds of operations in Sage X3, it is important to always test in a pilot or test folder before executing the steps in production. And always do a data backup before executing these imports in your production folder. We begin by creating a template to assist in updating the 1099 box. We have named the new template SUPPLIERS_1099. We take the existing SUPPLIERS template and delete all addresses and other repetitive info and add the FRM1099 and BOX1099 fields. Please note that the FRM1099 is referenced in a ref table 3601. For information on how to access field definitions in Sage X3, see the technical help section of the Online Help Center as referenced in this blog: How to Access the Sage X3 Online Help Center. Here is the screenshot of the template just created: The template is flagged as “update”, so it will overwrite the info for the files with no other modifications of the data not changed. After the template is created, go to Usage / Export, and run it as an Excel or CSV export: Upon execution of the export and making the necessary changes, you can save the field as delimited text: Please note that you will have to open the .csv file in Notepad++ or a similar editor and replace the “,” with semicolon “;” prior to importing the template. We can use Excel to edit the fields: Go back to Sage X3 and re-import the file: The file is now imported, here’s the log: As a final step, review the vendors to make sure that it all looks good: For more information on importing data to update fields in Sage X3, or for any other Sage X3 questions, please contact us.

In this video, we’ll focus on NetSuite‘s demand and supply planning capabilities. We begin by calculating item demand plans for four projection methods: linear regression, moving average, sales forecast and seasonal average. We then dive into supply planning parameters around lead time, safety stock, lot sizing method, supply type and demand source. Once parameters are set, we’ll create an item supply plan using inventory balances, forecasting and planned work orders. We’ll conclude by demonstrating how to automatically generate mass work orders. Contact Us if you have any questions or would like more information about NetSuite features and enhancements. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Visit our NetSuite Learning Center to take advantage of educational whitepapers, eBooks, webinars and to stay up to date on the latest in NetSuite best practices.

Many growing manufacturing businesses operate with fixed budgets and finite resources. Forced to put out daily fires, fulfill the most pressing customer requests and manage customer issues, managers don’t always have the time or energy to develop—and put into action—new strategies for growing profits. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a veteran business owner, there is always room for operational improvements. Fine-tuning your processes today will help your business run more smoothly and boost profitability. In this white paper explore six key strategies other manufacturers have used to improve their results, from top-line revenue to ecommerce to cost-cutting. It includes the top profit-building strategies that growing manufacturing businesses are using to improve business processes, gain market share and grow their bottom lines.

In this video we discuss best practices for setting up filters in the system as well as properly attaching files within Acumatica. These strategies can help optimize your day to day workflow and ensure that you are looking at the data that is most important for that task. Contact Us if you have any questions or would like more information about Acumatica features and enhancements. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

In this blog post we’ll take a closer look at signNow for NetSuite. With signNow, an eSignature solution, you can send contracts, purchase orders and have sales quotes be signed electronically. With the signNow Netsuite integration, you can automate data entry and easily collect in-person signatures without leaving your NetSuite account. Streamline Your Workflow With a Complete E-Signature Solution How it Works Build E-Signature Workflows Create and send quotes, orders and NDAs for signature to multiple parties in any order without leaving NetSuite. Collect Signatures In-Person Allow clients or colleagues to sign your documents in-person using a smartphone or tablet. Enable Data Binding Complete a document with data from NetSuite records or populate Netsuite record fields with new data from a completed document. Benefits Accelerate Your Business with Digital Workflows Reduce Your Time to Revenue Save time closing deals by getting your sales quotes signed in-person on the spot using a smartphone or tablet. Automate Data Entry Set up fields to be populated with NetSuite data or place Netsuite data on your contracts automatically. Customize Quotes and Purchase Orders Prepare business documents for signing by adding fillable fields. Make them conditional or required. Track Document Changes Track all edits and e-signatures with timestamps for every change made in a document. Manage Business Operations with Ease Set expiration dates and automatic reminders to ensure all your templates are signed and submitted on time. Ensure Data Security Verify the signers’ IP addresses with audit trail and set two-factor authentication for stronger data protection. Watch a Quick Demo Video: .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Visit our NetSuite Learning Center to take advantage of educational whitepapers, eBooks, webinars and to stay up to date on the latest in NetSuite best practices.

A food recall is every Food & Beverage processor and distributor’s biggest threat to profitability. But it doesn’t have to spell disaster for your business – as long as your team is prepared. Pairing your needs with the right technology platform will help safeguard daily operations as well as mitigate damages to your reputation and bottom line in the event of a recall. Watch this on-demand web event to find out how Sage X3, purpose built for the food and beverage industry, addresses: Traceability: identify and stop contaminants before they taint the supply chain Compliance: track, report, and set parameters that ensure compliance at all times Crisis Management: easily develop, maintain, and execute crisis preparedness plans Access the On-Demand Session Here For more information on managing food recalls with Sage X3, please contact us.

Are your auditors requesting SOC1 compliance reports for Sage X3? Sage Software has released information regarding SSAE 16 and SOC compliance reports via Sage Knowledgebase article 22901.  Because Sage X3 is not a multi-tenant application hosted by the publisher, it is not appropriate for Sage to provide a SOC1 report for Sage X3 under the SSAE certification guidelines (NOTE: Sage Intacct DOES provide a SOC1 report because clients are hosted by Sage on a multi-tenant cloud with Intacct.) Does Statement of Auditing Standards SSAE 16 certification apply to Sage products? Summary Does Statement of Auditing Standards SSAE 16 certification apply to Sage products Does Sage provide an SOC1 report Resolution **SSAE 16 effectively replaced SAS 70 as the standard for reporting on service organizations** SOC1 Report (Service Organization Controls Report) is under the SSAE-18 standards. SSAE-18 supersedes SSAE 16. Because Sage products are provided as packaged software solutions rather than as services, SSAE 16 certification does not apply. The Statement on Auditing Standards SSAE 16, Service Organizations, is an auditing standard that was issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The intent of the standard is to provide a guideline to ensure that adequate controls are in place over service organizations and service providers. SSAE 16 applies when financial statements are audited only if the organization obtains services from another organization. Sage accounting and specialized solutions (such as Sage X3, Sage 100, Sage 500, Sage FAS, Sage 300, Sage Pro, and Sage Business Vision) are provided as packaged software solutions rather than as services. Organizations that use Sage accounting solutions are always in full control of their data – from establishing access, entering information, and producing reports. While organizations may provide data or reports to Sage for specific projects (for example, professional service engagements), no data is ever automatically sent outside of the organization’s control. Under no circumstances is Sage represented as a service provider for retrieving, analyzing, and reporting on any organization’s information. Additional information For more information regarding a SOC1 report, please visit: https://www.ssae-16.com/soc-1/ or contact us.

The calculation of MRP starting stock – the quantity of the product in stock at the start of the MRP process – differs depending on whether the product is non-versioned, versioned, or project related. In this blog, originally posted on Sage City Community by Shawna Lapp in April 2020, we will review how Sage X3 calculates starting stock for each. The available stock is: initialized to the quantity of stock available at the start of the MRP process (starting stock) increased by the incoming supply (i.e., work orders, purchase orders, etc., throughout the MRP process) decreased by the outgoing demands (i.e., sales orders, material requirements, safety stock requirements, etc., throughout the MRP process) The MRP process covers a period of time. This time period is divided into ‘buckets’ (these can be days, weeks, and/or months). If the available stock falls below zero by the end of each bucket (i.e., the demands outstrip the supply), then a suggestion is generated in order to make up the shortfall. In the diagram above, the starting stock = 0 (i.e., there is zero quantity of the product in stock at the start of the MRP process). In the diagram below, the starting stock = 15 (i.e., there are 15 units of the product in stock at the start of the MRP process).   Non-versioned product The value of starting stock is built according to particular requirement parameters. These parameters are “Deduct allocations”, “Rejected stock”, and “Quality control stock” (all found under Starting stock). This refers to physical stock (not Rejected or under Quality Control). If enabled, then starting stock incorporates the following quantities (taken from the table Product-site totals – visible to the user via the Product-site Stock tab): [row][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Stock (added):[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Internal ‘A’ Dock ‘A’ Subcon ‘A[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][/row] [row][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Allocations (subtracted):[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Int. allocated ‘A’ (detail allocations) Global allocated Alloc. subcon. ‘A’[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][/row] This refers to rejected stock. If enabled, then starting stock incorporates the following quantities (taken from the table Product-site totals – visible to the user via the Product-site Stock tab): [row][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Stock (added):[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Internal ‘R’ Dock ‘R’ Sub-con. stock ‘R’[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][/row] [row][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Allocations (subtracted):[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Int. allocated ‘R’ Alloc. subcon. ‘R’[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][/row] This refers to stock under quality control. If set to “Yes in starting stock”, then starting stock incorporates the following quantities (taken from the Product-site totals table – visible to the user via the Product-site Stock tab): [row][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Stock (added):[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Internal ‘Q’ Dock ‘Q’ Subcon. ‘Q’[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][/row] [row][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Allocations (subtracted):[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Int. allocated ‘Q’ Alloc. subcon. ‘Q’[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][/row] If set to “Yes at date end control”, then starting stock is determined as follows (quantities taken from the Stock table where the status is ‘Q’). If there is no Quality analysis request or the Quality analysis request end date <= MRP start date, then add/subtract the following Stock quantities: [row][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Stock (added):[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Active quantity STK[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][/row] [row][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Allocations (subtracted):[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column]Cumul active quantity allocated STK Act qty in process[/one_fourth_column][one_fourth_column][/one_fourth_column][/row] If there is a Quality analysis request and its end date <= MRP end date and > MRP start date, then generate a ‘supply’ transaction (MRP working table – along with all other supply and demand transactions) with a date corresponding to the end date of the Quality analysis request (i.e., when this stock passes QA, and becomes active, then it can be used in MRP at that point.) See the diagram below. Versioned product MRP treats versioned product versions as distinct products. Every incoming supply and outgoing demand must reference a particular product version (a sales order, for example, that has no product version specified is assigned a version by MRP). Similarly starting stock is calculated for each product version as follows: For each product version where Flow = Stock, and Status = Active, link the Versions table and the Major version statuses table. For each stock entry where Location category <> Customer (i.e., not on Loan), link the Stock table and the Lot numbers table – versions are associated with lots. If any of the following rules are met then add Active quantity STK and subtract Total allocated STK: Stock status = ‘A’ Stock status = ‘R’ and Rejected stock is þ Stock status = ‘Q’ and Quality control stock is Yes in starting stock Stock status = ‘Q’ and Quality control stock is Yes at date end control and there is no Quality analysis request or the Quality analysis request end date <= MRP start date Otherwise, if the stock status = ‘Q’, and Quality control stock is ‘Yes at date end control’, and there is a Quality analysis request and its end date <= MRP end date and > MRP start date, then generate a ‘supply’ transaction (MRP working table – along with all other supply and demand transactions) with a date corresponding to the end date of the Quality analysis request (i.e., when this stock passes QA, and becomes active, then it can be used in MRP at that point.) See the diagram below. Project related Supply and demands for a particular product/project are processed separately by MRP. Starting stock must also be calculated (and applied) per project as follows: Determine the projects from all the supply and demands to be processed. For each project (process project related stock): Calculate the available project related starting stock (quantities taken from the Stock table) If any of the following rules are met then add Active quantity STK and subtract: Cumulative quantity allocated Stock status = ‘A’ Stock status = ‘R’ and Rejected stock is checked Stock status = ‘Q’ and Quality control stock is Yes in starting stock Note: this applies to both versioned and non-versioned products. Note: the allocations recorded in the Stock table are for Detail allocations only. Apportion the available project related starting stock across this project’s demands beginning with the earliest. This available starting stock offsets the demand’s requirement when processed by MRP. Process non-project related stock: Calculate the available non-project related starting stock – similar to (1) above. Any global allocations are also applied here reducing the available non-project related starting stock Apportion the available non-project related starting stock across all demands (project and non-project) – if the “Stock for project” flag is enabled (Product-site > Planning); and across non-project related demands – if the “Stock for project” flag is not enabled.