Technology in Practice

Like any successful multimedia company, Vcom IMC needs powerful business management software and a reliable technology partner to help power its operations – and for over a decade, Net at Work has played that role. When Vcom IMC was outgrowing their Sage 500 ERP solution, Net at Work consulted with the Vcom team about its best options going forward and Sage X3 emerged a clear successor. Vcom IMC is a multimedia corporation whose well-known brands, including HamiltonBuhl, Comprehensive Cable and Alltec Screens, address diverse audio-visual, lighting, digital signage and connectivity needs. The company originally implemented Sage 500 as its ERP solution, engaging Net at Work as its technology partner. Sage 500 worked well for a long time, but with the growth Vcom IMC was experiencing, the solution ultimately reached the end of its useful life for the company. It was time for a new system and after consulting with Net at Work and evaluating Sage X3, Vcom IMC agreed that moving from Sage 500 to Sage X3 would be their best option to help achieve their business needs and objectives. Net at Work’s consulting team spearheaded the conversion process, assisting in the migration of essential product, customer, supplier and general ledger data from Sage 500 to Sage X3. With multiple brand divisions all operating under Sage X3, Vcom IMC now enjoys Sage X3’s sophisticated multicompany and multidivision capabilities, and workflows within Sage X3 are easily configurable to fit Vcom IMC’s unique processes. With the help of Net at Work and the Sage X3 solution, Vcom IMC is digitally transforming its operations. Net at Work also helped vet and implement multiple third-party and Sage Endorsed applications that are proving invaluable, including Sage Sales Tax, along with solutions for credit card processing via their sister company Swype, EDI and shipping carrier integration. To learn more on how Net at Work & Sage X3 can support your organization, read the full Vcom IMC success story below.

It has been over 35 years since an HR and Payroll software called Abracadabra was released. Over three decades that product grew and evolved through DOS and Windows versions culminating in Sage Abra Suite, the leading on-premise HRMS solution for small and medium size businesses for over 20 years. Sage Abra was built on the popular Visual FoxPro software from Microsoft. All good things, however, must come to an end. Microsoft ceased support for Visual FoxPro over ten years ago. This Spring, Sage announced the end of life for Abra Suite. The final quarterly update will be released in less than 12 months now, October 2020. Technical support will continue only through the final quarter of 2020. All support will end on December 28, 2020. [blogpromo type=’webinar’ link=’https://www.netatwork.com/resource/migrate-sql-sage-hrms-version/’ btntext=’Watch Now’ iconlabel=’On-Demand Webinar’] Why Now Is the Time to Migrate from Sage Abra Suite [/blogpromo] It is imperative that users of Abra Suite plan for their migration to a new product prior to the end of April, 2020. Depending on the modules involved (HR, Payroll, Employee Self Service and others), migration from Abra Suite can take anywhere from a week to up to 14 weeks for a full migration with payroll. Net at Work has tools and processes at their disposal that can make the Sage Abra migration to a new product as smooth as possible, but consultant scheduling is already taking place for 2020 and the available time for new projects is filling up quickly. [blogpromo type=’webinar’ link=’https://www.netatwork.com/resource/how-to-select-the-best-human-capital-management-system-hcm/’ btntext=’Watch Now’ iconlabel=’On-Demand Webinar’] How to Select the Best Human Capital Management System [/blogpromo] Many Abra Suite users want to maintain an on-premise solution and migrating to Sage HRMS is a great option. Building on the success of Abra Suite, but utilizing updated Microsoft SQL server technology, Sage HRMS offers a robust on-premise solution. Designed on the ‘best-of-breed’ model, Sage HRMS gives users the flexibility to add modules for specific purposes: HR, payroll, paid time off, data analytics, recruiting, training management, time and attendance and many others. The migration from Abra Suite is also an opportunity to embrace a cloud-based, all-in-one HRMS solution. Net at Work has several options for users moving to the cloud. Many of our clients have had success with Criterion Human Capital Management, a leading HCM solution. Criterion is a complete solution built on a hyper-secure cloud platform with a single database structure and a rich employee/manager self-service experience. Whatever solution you are considering, the time to act is now. Contact us to schedule a Needs Analysis, including our Sage Abra Suite Analysis Report – a comprehensive listing of your current configuration.

Work-Life balance is a difficult item to achieve as one sometimes struggles between having enough time for personal interests while being able to advance in their career. Today, the work-life balance is evolving and changing as it means different things to different people, but it revolves around the mix of business and personal life that’s right for each individual. Personal Life can include time with family and friends, time alone resting, hobbies, exercising and for some, even work.  Achieving a good work-life balance can be challenging and may take time for an individual to define what works for them. Because work-life balance is different for each individual, there is no formula or “one-size fits all”. It seems that the biggest variable to attaining a work-life balance is efficiently.  Someone who works hard does not always translate to someone working efficiently.  If you give the same task to 2 different people, the one who works efficiently will perform the task in a shorter time. It has been proven that a work-life balance will increase productivity.  So ironically, working efficiently and being productive leads to a better work-life balance which comes full circle as a work-life balance leads to being more productive at work. The more efficient and productive you are at work, the easier it is for you to go home at a reasonable time. Other variables to help achieve a work-life balance: Unplug Limit “Time Wasters” Change Life Schedule Exercise Learn how to let go of things Establish boundaries at work and stick to them Prioritize your time Although not always easy to do in a social setting like an office, to achieve a work-life balance, one must be more efficient at work and be able to accomplish tasks when you are work.  To be productive at work, you should try to eliminate: Social Media Speaking to co-workers at length Stress I personally can say it took me a long time to understand what a work-life balance actually is.  But once I was able to prioritize my tasks and give myself timelines for long-term tasks, it helped me establish goals and items I needed to perform my job.  Although it is important to eliminate “time wasters”, it is just as important to take regular breaks throughout the day to refresh your mind. I also learned that it’s okay to be selfish with my time.  By being selfish with my time, I was able to be better with my job goals and work better with my peers as well as be a better person to people in my personal life. I’m not sure we can get Pixar to do a movie, but I guess it’s the “Circle of Adult Life”… productivity leads to achieving a work-life balance which leads to working efficiently which also leads to alleviating stress and allowing me to enjoy my personal time. Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.

Net at Work has designed the Mexican Fiscal Enhancement specifically for Sage X3 in their home country and have at least one subsidiary in Mexico. This custom programming streamlines the process of converting currency while dealing with two disparate tax systems. Most importantly, it makes it easier to be compliant with the requirements set forth by the Mexican Tax Authority. It does so by taking into account the most important aspects of the laws, allowing companies to utilize Sage X3 ERP for their operations in Mexico. Sage X3 Functionalities of the Mexican Fiscal Enhancement include: Retentions Value-added Tax Management Electronic Invoicing Electronic Accounting Pedimentos Traceability DIOT Reporting ISR Reporting Retentions A portion of payments to specific types of vendors – typically sales tax, value-added tax, or both – is frequently withheld in compliance with local Mexican Fiscal Enhancement, and the retention can be recognized at the time of the vendor’s invoice or at the time of payment. This can get confusing for the business responsible for paying the taxes on behalf of the vendor, which is you. The Mexican Fiscal Enhancement reduces the confusion and handles these withholdings by configuring vendors and retention codes and issuing required certificates and reports. Value-added Tax Management Mexican law requires withholding and reporting the value-added tax collected from a customer or issued to a vendor at the time of full or partial payment. Electronic Invoicing Companies that invoice more than 250,000 pesos are required to generate electronic documents for invoices, credit memos, and debit memos. The electronic invoicing feature of the Mexican Fiscal Enhancement satisfies the mandatory requirements set forth by the Mexican Tax Authority. In addition, integration with a third party Authorized Certification Provider fulfills the mandatory part of the process in which they sign the documents digitally to ensure authenticity and integrity. Electronic Accounting Companies in Mexico are now required to maintain electronic accounting records and submit them to the Mexican Tax Authority on a regular basis. This Mexican Fiscal Enhancement supports the creation and delivery of the five reports required – Chart of Accounts, GL Trial Balance, GL Transactions, GL Transactions with Specific Details, and AP Voucher Details from Supplier Electronic Invoices. Pedimentos Traceability A pedimento is a form that Mexican importers use for international trade. It is considered proof that goods have been imported legally and that taxes have been paid. It also includes information about the goods, including description, quantity, classification, origin, value, weight, and size. The Mexican government offers tax benefits to companies that import goods temporarily. The ERP user must control and manage information regarding those goods in order to receive the benefits. The Mexican Fiscal Enhancement custom programming handles this by capturing all of the information and organizing it; it can also trace the life cycle of the imported goods by matching the item receipt with pedimento information and sorting it by serial/lot number. DIOT Reporting This required report provides a company’s purchasing and sales activities with third parties. A specific file format is required and must be uploaded to the Tax Authority web portal. ISR Reporting An ISR report calculates the period income by deducting corresponding expenses minus losses pro-rated from prior years. It also manages a variety of rules, such as the monthly sales tax based on income payments. Staying compliant with the Mexican Tax Authority while being headquartered in another country isn’t easy. With the Sage X3 Mexican Fiscal Enhancement, created by Net at Work, however, it can be easier. The custom program allows you to obtain the tax information required by the Mexican Tax Office and provides reporting and calculations for the necessary taxes. It also compiles information into the reports necessary to meet the Mexican government’s strict tax regulations. And to make this software enhancement even more useful, we’re already planning future enhancements, including a Mexican business word pack and IMMEX and Annex 24 Compliance for Inventory Control. Our Mexican Fiscal Enhancement custom-programmed for Sage X3 has met with a lot of success – companies in Spain, France, and Canada are already using it. To learn about using it for your business, contact us today.

If you’re still running Windows 7 or Windows 8, you could be vulnerable to a range of risks. That’s because Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 way back in January 2015, and its extended support will end in January 2020. Additionally, Microsoft discontinued mainstream support for Windows 8 in January 2018, and will end extended support in January 2023. What does this mean? While you can still use Windows 7 and Windows 8 after support ends, you won’t receive any further security or functionality updates. This will leave you vulnerable to a wide range of risks including cybersecurity attacks and hardware inefficiencies. However, the solution is simple: upgrade to Windows 10 to secure all the extra security features and functionality that comes with the new operating software. If you delay this upgrade for much longer, you’re leaving yourself open to the following risks: 1. Hardware Slowdowns Windows 7 and 8 are both several years old. To be honest, that may as well be decades in the fast-moving tech industry. Neither is designed to run on the latest hardware, which may cause system slowdowns and even crashes. It’s like dropping a Ferrari engine into a lawnmower and hoping for the best. 2. Bug Battles Bugs are a fact of life for every operating system, and they can cause a wide range of functionality issues. As part of its extended support, Microsoft works to identify bugs provides Windows users with regular fixes via downloadable updates. The end of extended support means no more bug fixes, so you’re on your own with any problems that arise. 3. Hacker Attacks Hacking techniques are evolving incredibly quickly, and keeping hackers out of your system requires constant security updates. Again, Microsoft provides these security updates as part of its extended support service. Once this ends, your operating system won’t receive any further security updates, and you’ll be left unprotected against new hacks and exploits. 4. Software Incompatibility Not all new software is backwards compatible. As your operating system ages, the chance that new software or apps you download will not be able to run on it will only increase. Software developers pay close attention to operating system specs, and often design new software to take advantage of the extra processing capability of more advanced operating systems like Windows 10. As much as you love Windows 7 or 8, you can’t sit back and ignore the inevitable. Upgrading to Windows 10 will ensure you get the best out of your hardware, have access to bug fixes, are protected from hacker attacks and enjoy full compatibility with the latest software and apps.

Sage announced the release of Sage 300 / Sage 300cloud 2020 in August 2019. In this post, we will review the highlights of Sage 300 2020 and take a closer look at what’s new in the latest version release. Among the key features are improvements to the CRM integration, classic screens and enhancements to the web screen experience so users can do more, and with fewer barriers to productivity. Improvements to Sage 300cloud Web Screens The 2020 release includes the option to install Sage 300cloud web screens: modernized versions of Sage 300 screens that can be used in a web browser. Web screens run in parallel with the classic Sage 300 desktop screens, so you don’t have to choose between desktop or web. Everyone in your company can use the interface that best suits their needs, while working seamlessly with a single shared set of organization data.   Watch On-Demand Webinar Now: Should I Update My Sage 300 to Version 2020? Watch Now Here’s a brief overview of what’s new in Sage 300cloud 2020 web screens: New Payroll Employee Timecards web screen. The Payroll Employee Timecards screen is now available in web screens, allowing the entering and managing of employee timecards. Run Sage 300cloud in Multiple Browser Tabs. Users can now run Sage 300cloud in more than one browser tabs or windows at the same time. Improved support for French and Spanish languages. Spanish and French characters can now be entered in all fields in web screens. (Previously, this was not supported by some fields) Improvements to Sage 300 2020 Classic Screens This Sage 300 release includes the following new features and enhancements in Sage 300 classic screens: Improved Help. Sage has updated Sage 300 help to make it easier for you to find important information and instructions Search results are more relevant and include topic excerpts to help you find what you’re looking for. Also, you can now use internet search engines to find information in the help. Help topics are more readable, and the help has a fresh, modern look and feel. The new help can be viewed in a browser on any device with internet access, even if you don’t have Sage 300 open. See web screens users on the Current Users screen. You can now see who is signed into web screens. Improvements in Sage 300 2020 to CRM Integration When an order entry transaction that is linked to a CRM opportunity is created or changed, a corresponding communication record is automatically created in Sage CRM. This feature works whether you create or change the transaction in Sage 300 or Sage CRM. To learn more about Sage 300 version 2020, contact us here.

Easier to use, faster to deploy, more frequent upgrades — at this point, the benefits of cloud-based HCM software are well-known to HR managers. But how does HR turn these perks into savings for a company? To get buy-in for your next HCM project, it’s crucial to provide hard evidence of savings. Cost and Time Saved Through Automation We all know that automation saves time and money. But how exactly? Automating various human resources tasks via cloud HCM technology targets two main time- and money-consuming aspects. First is eliminating errors. Removing manual entry into multiple systems ensures fewer clerical errors and time saved in data correction. For example, often managers request missing or overtime hours reports and a cloud HCM can provide real-time answers and reduce errors by verifying the hours worked. But the second benefit is saving time. A cloud HCM software can save significant time in generating reports, sending alerts and notifications, and allowing managers and employees to proactively obtain specific benefits, policies and more information without consulting HR. Technology Savings An obvious point to begin with from a technology perspective is the lower initial cost of cloud HCM compared to on-premises applications, where investments in servers and consultants’ fees can accumulate quickly. In addition, on-premise systems require ongoing maintenance and patching; utility cost to power and cool servers; and off-premise backup and recovery.  On average, on-premise systems required operating system upgrades every five years – and the staff to support them. Reliable high-speed Internet access is the only critical technology requirement for cloud HCMs.  Cloud HCM systems are device and browser ‘agnostic’.  This means that current devices and web browsers – Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox – can all deliver an excellent users experience.   Watch Recorded Webinar: Measuring The Savings of a Cloud HR System Watch Now Cloud HCMs Are Easier to Maintain Cloud HCMs cost is also lower on and ongoing basis due to the ability of users to configure the system themselves. For most cloud systems,  set up is about configuration, not customization.  Since users are configuring up front, they have lower ongoing costs to manage and support the application, because they can make changes with less expensive resources. I don’t have to bring consultants in every time I need to change a rule. Cloud HCM’s shorter implementation time – four to five months on average – serves productivity and keeps morale high by reducing the time users spend getting up to speed on HCMs projects on top of performing their regular duties. Faster deployments also have a material impact on company’s bottom line. Faster time to value means faster payback, which means lower risk because the company  can then afford to reinvest that money somewhere else In addition, cloud HCM systems  are designed to help companies take advantage of new technologies like social and mobile, and for end users, they offer greater flexibility and accessibility. Move to Cloud HCM has Tax Benefits The effect of the accounting change from a capital expense – capex- to operating expense – opex – should not be underestimated. This plays a vital part in assessing the effectiveness of cloud.  A company investing in an on-premises server will pay more in taxes than a company investing an equal amount in cloud HCM software, assuming the same corporate tax rate. That this is due to the former investment’s classification as a capital expenditure and the latter as an operational one. CFOs are looking at more and more often as a way to manage Capex vs. Opex and take advantage of the tax benefits of using cloud. Obstacles to Success Understanding these important measures of savings, HR professionals need to be aware of potential obstacles and how to overcome them. Culture – Some obstacles will be within your corporate culture. You must reconceptualize the way the business runs in order to realize the potential of cloud.  Understanding your company culture and building change management into your project is crucial for success. Politics – Often a political problem that arises with cloud is division over the extent to which it should be adopted, with conflict often between the data center chief and whoever is advocating for cloud.  Buy-in and cooperation from all stakeholders is critical to the success of a cloud HCMs implementation. Expectations – Many organizations will start out thinking immediately in terms of complex systems and functionality.  Cloud HCM projects are ongoing, building on the success of the previous step.  Educating users what to expect – and when- in the project is vital. Execution – Managing the transition can be tricky. Partnering with organizations like Net at Work to guide and manage the project means a greater chance of success.  Rely on the experts. Technical difficulties – Dedicating yourself to the cloud will avoid technical issues, particularly when you need to integrate with your on-premise system.  Selecting all-in-one solutions minimizes the issues that arise when cloud and on-premise elements must be combined.   However, HCM systems are only one part of a company’s technology solution.  Experience with integration is key to project success. For more information on how a cloud HCM system can save your company, contact your Net at Work Account Executive or contact us at info@netatwork.com

In this post we we’ll illustrate how to view a newly created Sage Enterprise Intelligence (SEI) dashboard on a direct landing page inside your Sage X3. Here are the steps to follow: Steps 1.) Open up the Report/Dashboard that you want to embed in SEI 2.) In the right bar panel, Select ‘Sharing’ -> ‘View External Link’ 3.) Copy the entire external link: 4.) Go into Sage X3 to create Menu item for this link: Administration -> Authoring -> Pages -> Menu Items 5.) Create New Menu Item: 6.) Enter in the following fields, the one’s with the * are required: Code: Custom field Title: Custom field Link Type: External link URL: Paste in the external link from step 3 7.) Hit Save in the top right corner 8.) Add the gadget to the landing page using the ‘+’ icon 9.) Select Web -> No Module -> No Category -> SEI Example (Use the one that you defined) -> Ok *You can define categories in the menu item, for better management 10.) Done SEI Embedded in Sage X3 Our Sage X3 team has been doing more and more work recently on embedding Sage Enterprise Intelligence widgets inside Sage X3. Some samples that we built for our demo images are shown below. Let us know if this of interest to you and we’ll connect you with our expert. In this example embedded in the customer screen, each widget automatically filters to the customer record for context-sensitive data.

As email phishing tactics continue to increase in sophistication, fraudulent emails are looking more and more legitimate making it difficult for the average user to tell whether an email message is fraudulent or real. In this post we offer tips to help protect yourself against cybercriminals who may claim to be a business or person you recognize in order to scam you into releasing private information and/or funds. 1. The “From” Email Address Doesn’t Look Right You might recognize the first part of the email address but pay attention to the tail end after the “@” symbol, as it might be off by a letter or may include a number in the usual domain. 2. Requests for Personal Information Most legitimate businesses have a policy that they do not ask you for your personal information through email. Be very suspicious of a message that asks for personal information even if it might look legitimate. 3. Asking to Send Money to Cover Expenses Sooner or later, phishing artists will likely ask for money to cover expenses, taxes, fees, or something similar. If that happens, you can bet that it’s a scam. 4. Check All URLs and Links Carefully Place your mouse over the links and see if the destination matches where the email implies you will be taken. Any webpage where you enter personal information should have a URL with https://. The “s” stands for secure. 5. Overly Generic Content and Greetings Watch out for general greetings like “Dear Customer.” Cyber criminals will send emails in bulk, so non-personal greetings can be a red flag. 6. Poor Spelling and Grammar Notice misspellings, incorrect grammar, and odd phrasing. This might be a deliberate attempt to try to bypass spam filters. 7. Pay Attention to Suspicious Attachments Alarm bells should be ringing if you receive an email from a company out of the blue that contains an attachment, especially if it relates to something unexpected. 8. Look for Urgent Wording or Demanding Actions To increase the number of responses, people try to create a sense of urgency so that you immediately respond without thinking. Examples include “You’ve won! Click here to redeem prize,” or “We have your browser history pay now or we are telling your boss.” All it takes is one untrained employee being fooled by cybercriminals that will steal critical data or request a fraudulent payment that can crumble a business. It’s crucial that employees are trained and educated on the most common phishing email red flags in order to help businesses avoid major cyber security pitfalls. Contact us to learn more.