Sage ERP X3 Version 6.5 – What’s New in the Latest Product Update

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The newest version of Sage ERP X3 has just been released and is now available. Workflow and efficiency improvements have been added in many modules, and features that were previously offered as add-ons have been incorporated into the core product. Sage X3 Integration with two CRM options is added and Sage Intelligence—Financial Reporting For Sage ERP X3 also is enhanced with Report Distribution and Reporting Tree capabilities. An enhanced Electronic Document Management and Electronic Document Delivery system allows you to manage all documents related to customers and vendors, whether they originate from inside or outside of Sage ERP X3.

There is so much in this release that we could not do it justice in one post. Here we review the usability and workflow enhancements in the core accounting and distribution modules. In our next post we will highlight the new Electronic Document Delivery System and fixed asset improvements. Look for information regarding Sage Intelligence—Financial Reporting enhancements, CRM software integration, and the Sage ERP X3 shipping solution in future posts.

Sales Process Improvements

Several sales process improvements are included in the Version 6.5 release. They include enhancements for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable terms discounts and order holds. Version 6.5 also adds the ability to apply restrictions by state, and adds enhancements to Postal Codes.

Sales Order Manual Hold

Improve visibility into the reason that a Sales Order is on hold using the new user-defined Reason Codes, such as Late Payer. The Hold Reason also allows you to designate if stock can be allocated to an order that is placed on hold. Depending on the security settings, some users are able to intercede and override the system settings.

Pricing And Restrictions By State Code

An enhancement in Version 6.5 automatically applies state restrictions for certain goods such as alcohol and firearms, and accommodates for age restrictions. Food and beverage businesses now can establish the appropriate restrictions, and be confident that Sage ERP X3 automatically will apply and use them appropriately for each state.

Accounts Payable And Accounts Receivable Terms Discounts

With Sage ERP X3 6.5, you will be able to apply early payment terms discounts, such as 2% 10 Net 30, to both the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable modules using a specified date range, or set an option to always apply the discount. This enhancement will be available in Patch 21, expected to be available within two to three weeks of the release of Version 6.5.

Postal Code Enhancements

With Sage X3 version 6.5 you will be able to import postal code lists and correct existing codes. To improve accuracy and save data entry time, when postal codes are keyed in on the screen, new Autocorrect and Auto-Fill features automatically will apply the correct City and State information. Also included is the option to use the extended ZIP + 4 postal code, allowing you to reduce postage costs for bulk mail.

Product Record Enhancements

Sage ERP X3 Version 6.5 provides new functionality to increase the available information for items stocked or sold. With this version, you have the ability to add an unlimited amount of notes for each product. You can specify where the notes are displayed for user viewing, and record effective and expiration dates for the notes. Using note categorization, you also can designate which users may view a particular note. For example, notes could be added by the materials management group to communicate important information on product availability, and your marketing group can add promotional text or information about complementary products or potential substitutes. You can create notes that pop-up in Order Entry for a seasonal item that is on sale for a specific period.

Also included in this release is the ability to add links to URLs that provide additional information regarding the item, such as an image or photo, available options, and details such as material safety data sheets.

Three-Way Product Matching

The new Three Way Matching feature gives you control over the amount and percentage (units or dollars) that receipts and invoices can deviate from their original purchase order. Settings allow you to be as precise as desired. Also added is the ability to optionally display warnings or completely block processing when values fall outside of the set tolerances.

Sales Tax Reports

Enhancements in Sage ERP X3 Version 6.5 streamline the process of collecting and paying taxes due. The enhancements also help you more efficiently deal with the complexities faced when selling from multiple locations or online shopping carts, and the enhancements conveniently generate a sales tax summary or detail report.

1099 Processing Enhancements

The IRS Form 1099 and 1096 processing enhancements in Version 6.5 help simplify compliance with requirements to report non-employee and subcontractor payments. These new features will track supplier payments designated as 1099 reportable, and export the 1099 and 1096 data to Microsoft Excel® which can be used with a third-party vendor for automatic eFiling.

Phased Release

Several of the exciting new capabilities for Sage ERP X3 will be available shortly after the primary release of the core product line. These include:

  • Sage X3 ERP Integration with two Customer Relationship Management Systems. Sage ERP X3 customers will have the choice of deploying Sage CRM or Sage SalesLogix in order to more effectively manage the sales pipeline and increase customer satisfaction. The two CRM systems are expected to be available in January 2013.
  • Sage ERP X3 Shipping. Also planned for release in the Q1 2013 time frame is a new Connected Service, the Sage ERP X3 Shipping solution which helps you efficiently and cost-effectively manage the delivery of goods to customers.

The new capabilities in Sage ERP X3 Version 6.5 can create greater efficiencies in your organization. Contact our Sage ERP X3 partner team to plan your upgrade to Sage ERP X3 verison 6.5, or learn more about how ERP X3 can benefit your company.