Resources for Sage X3 Users

When you enter a date with a two-digit year in Sage X3 , the system determines the century based off of a “pivot year”. The default pivot year is 2029. This means that Sage X3 will interpret the year as follows: 00-29: Two-digit years from 00 through 29 are interpreted as 2000 through 2029 30-99: Two-digit years from 30 through 99 are interpreted as 1930 through 1999 The good news is that you can easily change the way two-digit years are interpreted by changing the Two-digit max year in Locale preferences. The two-digit max year is also known as the rollover date and, as you can imagine, was very popular topic around the changing of the millennium. UPPER AND LOWER BOUND You need to provide a pivot date to define the century used by default when the date is two digits. Only the upper bound is entered, the lower bound is calculated accordingly. EXAMPLE: If you enter 2050 for the upper bound: Any date with a year that has two digits less than or equal to 50 is in the [2000-2050] range Any date with a year that has two digits greater than between 51 and 99 is in the [1951-1999] range As long as you have no data in the system with two-digit years prior to 1950 it will then start “pivoting” on 2050.   Birthdays can be a problem because folks born in 1949 with a two-digit year entered would be displayed as 2049 but you can avoid this issue by using a 4-digit year anywhere that exists. For more information about changing the way two-digit years are interpreted in Sage X3, or for any other Sage X3 questions, please contact us. NOTE: Portions of the content for this blog post were originally posted on Sage City, September 16, 2022

It is not uncommon for a client to ask us if it is possible to restrict a user’s access to only certain reports in Sage X3 and nothing else. The short answer to this question is yes, it is possible. It takes a little while to configure but works well once set up. In this blog post, we will review the steps necessary to set up the process. NOTE: Much of the content of this blog post was originally posted on Sage City by Nick Brown, ERP Consultant at CPiO Limited, one of the UK’s leading Sage business partners. STEP 1: CREATE A NEW MENU ITEM Create a new menu item (Administration > Authoring > Menu item) for each customized report. In our example this is a customized version of the BALAGEHIST report: The menu item should be configured with a Link type of Function (classic) with the function name being AIMP~ followed by the report name. In this case the function is AIMP~YBALAGEHIST STEP 2: CREATE A NEW SET OF MENU SUBMODULES AND MODULES Create a new set of Menu submodules and Menu modules under Administration > Authoring > Pages. Menu submodule (with the new menu item(s) entered as the Content): Menu Module (with the new submodule entered as the Content): STEP 3: CREATE A NEW NAVIGATION PAGE Create a new Navigation page (Administration > Authoring > Pages) and add the new menu as the only item, removing all of the top-level menus if they exist: STEP 4: CREATE A NEW ROLE Create a new Role that uses the new Navigation Page and a new Group. STEP 5: CREATE A NEW USER MENU PROFILE Create a new User menu profile (Parameters > Users > User menu profile) and remove all functions, leaving only the Start menu: STEP 6: CREATE A USER FUNCTIONAL PROFILE Create a corresponding User functional profile and then click Profile and manually add the AIMP function: STEP 7: CONFIGURE YOUR NEW USER ACCOUNTS Configure your new user accounts to use the new Role, User menu profile and User functional profile created in the previous steps. When the user logs in they should then only see the customized report on the navigation menu and when accessing the function can only run the report specified against the menu item: For more information about limiting user access to specific reports in Sage X3, please contact us.

Today’s blog post focuses on the STKRE (Purchase Receipt) Auto journal’s (GESGAU) lines 150 and 160 on 2022 R3 plus a couple Auto journal features. Just a reminder: Auto journals are located under Setup > Financials > Accounting interface. On the Formula tab for STKRE Amount, someone asked what table is PTD2?  It wasn’t in the Table dictionary. (The Table dictionary can be found under the Technical tab in the Online help center) Was it the table index? Was there a typo on Line 150 and Line 160? Typically, if we see a formula with [F:XXX], the “F” indicates a table and the “XXX” would be the table abbreviation. [M:XXX] indicate a screen with the abbreviation “XXX.” Line 150 [F:PTD2]LINAMT*V_COURSDEV Line 160: ar2([F:STJ]AMTDEV)+ar2([F:STJ]VARVAL)-([F:PTD2]LINAMT*V_COURSDEV)- ar2([F:SJV]DOOVEMAT+[F:SJV]DOOVESCO) PDT2 is not a table name abbreviation. It is the name of a temp table declared and called in the FUNSTKACC code. The FUNSTKACC opens the PRECEIPT table and creates the temp table PTD2. We can see FUNSTKACC referenced in the General tab, Processing field. While we are in the Auto journals, let’s take a look at the Lines again.  On each of the Formula lines, there is an Actions icon to the right. The drop-down menu contains Formula wizard, Message display, Variables, Parameters. We will explore Formula wizard and Message display. Selecting Formula wizard brings the formula from the line into the Wizard screen.  You can modify formulas or create new formulas in the Wizard. Beware, clicking Verify only checks your syntax. It does not verify that you have valid table or field names in your formula. If the syntax is faulty, it will come back with an “Illegal Character” message. When you click Ok, the Wizard brings over the formula to the Automatic journal Formula line unless there are illegal characters. The Illegal character must be corrected before Ok will populate the line. Closing with the X cancels any changes you made in the Wizard. Selecting Message display, returns the message linked to the “mess” Formula line. The mess(109,853,1) formula is translated to “Adjusted purchase order/invoice.” We can also find the mess(109,853,1) using the Calculator from the right list. Enter the formula and click enter to find the message behind the formula. Finally, these messages are stored in the Local menus under Development > Data and parameters > Tables. Our example is Chapter 853, Number 109 with Message Adjusted purchase order/invoice. For more information, check out the following offerings from Sage University or contact us: X3 – Sage X3 – A deep dive into Auto Journals  X3 – Sage X3 – Expert Workshop: Tailoring Automatic Journals NOTE: Content for the blog post was originally posted on Sage City by Pam Nightingale, September 26, 2022.

Sage recently released Sage X3 Version 12 2022 R3 with some nice new features and enhancements to existing features. In this blog post, we’ll review the capabilities delivered by some of the key new features & enhancements in this latest release. For a full description of all the new features and enhancements delivered with this release please refer to the What’s New section of the Sage X3 Online help center. NOTE: The content of this blog post was originally posted in the Sage X3 Online Help Center in August 2022. Finance In the VAT entities function (GESVATGRP), select the Enable VAT on payments checkbox to display the related fields in the VAT returns function (GESVFE). If this checkbox is not selected, the fields are hidden. Distribution Sage X3 Mobile Automation Purchase receipt transaction In the Purchase receipt transaction, you can search a product using the product supplier code or the supplier UPC code. Unlink an LPN You can now use the LPN unlinking transaction to unlink stock lines from a License plate number. Manufacturing Sage X3 Mobile Automation Time tracking For an improved user experience, a new Mobile Automation Time tracking transaction has been enhanced to track time for an unplanned operation. A Standard operation can also be selected as an unplanned operation. Material consumption enhancements The Mobile Automation material consumption functionality has been enhanced to only display lots and sublots available in stock when selecting lots and sublots for a component. Sage X3 Web Scheduling New sedApta version : 2022 This release introduces a new brand interface with a simpler installation package. For pre-installation recommendations please visit the Sage X3 Online help center. Platform To enhance your user experience, a number of add-ins have been delivered with the Sage X3 platform, including: Notification server Notifiction server screen enhancements hve been made, there are also new transport types for the notification server and workflow emails. File Uploads – Invalid Characters To improve accuracy and save time, an error displays when you upload files with invalid characters. API’s GraphQL API Enhancements have been made to the Sage X3 GraphQL schema to add various nodes and properties, find below. For more information and supporting materials, please click here. Attribute values for Finite scheduler Finite scheduler custom values Managing deletions for Finite scheduler Optimization matrices for Finite scheduler Setup matrix for Finite scheduler Setup time exception lines for Finite scheduler Work order link for Finite scheduler Time Entry Line (mutation) Sage X3 Automated Test Platform Enhancements have been made to the Sage X3 Automated Test Platform version 2.8.0 for your user experience, this contains: Screenshots on demand Platform installation and update using a new setup wizard to install and update the Sage X3 Automated Test Platform library Want to learn more? For more information, please visit the Sage X3 Online Help Center or download the Sage X3 What’s New 2022 R3 release guide.

Overproduction can be a major cause of waste in manufacturing. In this blog post, we will review how to block production tracking in Sage X3 from producing more than what is released on the work order.  We will also look at how to allow an overage percentage if needed.  This will help ensure that you can control the results of production tracking to eliminate users producing more than what was released.  This also helps control costs and material consumption. CONTROL TABLES The first step is to create new Control Tables under Setup > General Parameters > Control Tables You will need two control tables, one for the header info and one for the detailed lines.  This keeps users from being able to bypass the 1st entry and change the detail. Header Control Table: Expression:  VALEUR <= [F:MFG]RMNEXTQTY Detail Control Table: Expression: VALEUR <= [M:MTK2]UOMEXTQTY(nolign-1) ADC Control Table: Expression : VALEUR<=[M:XAPT]UOMCPLQTY The second step is to assign control tables to the screens. Production Reporting Screen (MTK2) Field:  QTESUIVITM Add Header Control Table in the Control Table Column   Field: UOMCPLQTY Add Detail Control Table in the Control Table Column ADC Production Reporting Screen (VXAPT) Field UOMCPLQTY Add ADC Control Table in the control Table Column     PRODUCTION TRACKING Enter Production Tracking. When entering the Tracked Qty: If you try to enter more than the remaining open quantity from the work order, you will get the following message: This also works on the detail line if you try to over produce: And on the ADC screen: OPTION FOR OVERAGE PERCENTAGE You can add an overage percentage if needed. If you use one Production Tracking per order: VALEUR <= [F:MFG]RMNEXTQTY * 1.05   (this would allow 5% over remaining QTY) If you use multiple Production Tracking per order: Header Expression VALEUR <= ([F:MFG]EXTQTY * 1.05) – [F:MFG]CPLQTY) EXTQTY = Released Qty CPLQTY = Completed Qty 1.05 is a 5% over allowance (set decimal to be percentage overage) Detail Expression VALEUR <= ([F:MFG]EXTQTY(nolign-1)*1.05) – [F:MFG]CPLQTY(nolign-1) NOTE: Both expressions need to be updated to eliminate the possibility of overproducing at the detail level.   OPTION FOR ADDING SITE ON ADC CONTROL: If you need to have the control for one site only, you can use the following formula: (([M:XAPT]FCY='<add site>’)&(VALEUR<=[M:XAPT]UOMCPLQTY))|([M:XAPT]FCY<>'<add site>’) For more information about blocking overproduction during production tracking, or for any other Sage X3 questions, please contact us.

On September 7, 2022, Sage sent out an email informing users of Sage Enterprise Intelligence (SEI) that a security vulnerability was identified during testing of SEI. Note: The security vulnerability does not affect customers using SEI’s latest releases (version 2022 R1 and beyond). What Security Vulnerability Was Identified? The Nectari team recently discovered that existing SEI users, with expertise in coding, could potentially make an update providing them with unauthorized access to additional data in SEI. Nectari has issued a hotfix which is available for SEI version 9.5 and above. Note: Per our conversation with Nectari, while Net at Work is recommending scheduling this hotfix with your team, there is no critical need to do so. What Should You Do Next? Per your organization’s security policy and its process to address vulnerabilities, we encourage you to reach out to Net at Work’s helpdesk and/or your Project Manager/Team Manager/SEI Consultant to further assist you with answering additional questions and scheduling the installation of the hotfix/patch for your specific version of SEI. Note: Customers who are currently implementing a new version of SEI (2022 R1 and beyond) or upgrading SEI are not affected by the security vulnerability. If you are not LIVE with SEI you may choose to install/update to the latest version released on August 31, 2022 (2022 R1.2) How Will Net At Work Assist? In coming days Net at Work’s Account Managers, Team Managers, and/or Project Managers will reach out to affected customers and schedule the installation of the hotfix/patch. What Are Your Options? As an SEI Customer, you have 2 options: Option 1: Upgrade SEI to the latest version released on August 31st, 2022 (2022 R1.2) Option 2: Install the hotfix/patch for versions 9.5 and above (2021 R1.x, 2021 R2.x). Note: Net at Work is recommending to upgrade for customers using version 9.5.x. How Much Downtime Should You Expect? Option 1 : The upgrade is a small project. Please reach out to your Team Manager or Account Manager for an estimate of downtime. On average, we anticipate the upgrade to take 4 to 8 hours of work. However, for a select few, it may take longer based on the current installation configuration and the security requirements of your organization. Option 2: The hotfix requires about 2 hours to install for most customers. Again, for a select few, it may take longer based on the current installation configuration and the security requirements of your organization. Should you have any additional question regarding the recently identified security vulnerability for SEI, please contact your Account Manager directly or you can complete our Contact Us form to have the team reach out to you.

Distribution is such an important part of the chemical industry, but we don’t often get to hear from the people who make this vital link possible. In a recent episode of The Chemical Show, the leading podcast in the chemical industry, Terry Hill, the CEO of Barentz, talks about a variety of things that are transforming this particular side of the industry right now. Sitting down with Victoria Meyer, Terry compares what the industry was like when he started and how it has changed and evolved over the years. He pays particular attention to the cultural shift and the adoption of digital technology that is accelerating change and innovation in the space. Tune in and learn a lot of things from this insightful conversation with an industry veteran. Watch the episode here: .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%; } Read the full interview here. About The Chemical Show The Chemical Show is the leading podcast in the chemical industry. It features interviews with chemical industry executives covering key trends and topics including leadership, supply chain, sustainability, customer experience, and digitization. Since launching in April 2021, it has quickly become the go-to podcast for the chemical industry, where listeners gain insights and leaders share their latest news. About Victoria Meyer Victoria Meyer is a B2B Strategy and Marketing Expert and founder of Progressio Global. She advises chemical executives on creating value through market-focused strategies and execution. Victoria has over 25 years leadership experience at global companies including Shell and Clariant. She harnesses that experience to maximize insights with her guests on The Chemical Show. About Terry Hill Terry Hill joined Maroon Group as CEO in 2019 after he has served the Board of Directors since 2017. Terry previously spent 30 years with Univar, where he fulfilled various global leadership roles during his tenure. He has also held leadership roles within the National Association of Chemical Distributors, serving on the Board of Directors. Terry also serves as Board President of the Chemical Educational Foundation and has served on the board for several years. Terry also serves on the board of Blue Pallet. Terry graduated from Texas Tech University with a Microbiology / Chemistry degree. For more information about how Sage X3 with Chem at Work can help you address your chemical industry challenges, please contact us.

The all-new Sage Enterprise Intelligence (SEI) Web Workbook allows users to benefit from the familiar functionalities of Excel and the advanced reporting and analytic capabilities of SEI. Optimized for Where You Work Access your workbooks on any device without opening a second application. You can view your workbooks from your mobile phone and Mac computer and get all your analysis and reporting done in one place – SEI. Create your report, add images, export copies to Excel, or share with colleagues while maintaining your layout and user permissions. See the SEI Web Workbook in Action In this short video, we show how the SEI Web Workbook can be used to create a dynamic Gantt Chart to show one example of what you can build with this new feature. Here, the data is coming from the Sage X3 Project Management module but you can pull data from any source (on-prem or cloud). Additional Resources • SEI Web Workbook Feature Sheet • Introducing the Web Workbook How-To Video For more information on SEI’s new Web Workbook, please contact us.

New study by Sage reveals advances in technology and innovation (72%) as the biggest driver of Circular Economy (CE) strategies in manufacturing and distribution. A new study by Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), reveals the significant hurdles faced by manufacturers and distributors shifting to a sustainable Circular Economy business strategy, despite widespread acknowledgement of the many benefits it will deliver. “The State of the Circular Economy” report shows the industry is paying greater attention to the need for, and benefits of, the Circular Economy (CE). It comes in response to the growing importance of sustainable business practices to over 60% of employees, customers, shareholders, and supply chain partners alike. CE is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, regenerating natural systems, and supporting environmental sustainability. 84% of senior leaders say building and implementing a CE strategy is now part of their role, with 32% stating it is central to their duties. Rob Sinfield, Head of Business Unit, Sage X3 and Sage Intacct Manufacturing, said: “Sustainability is increasingly becoming a non-negotiable for modern manufacturers and distributors. While business goals remain front of mind, the industry equally recognizes the importance of environmental drivers, with energy-efficiency and helping the environment as key motivations for pursuing a sustainability strategy. “As a result, 43% of North American organizations and 32% of organizations worldwide adopting circular economy strategies are already reaping the rewards – from greater profitability and productivity to improved resource usage and an enhanced brand reputation. Better yet, a further 32% of organizations globally believe they will achieve benefits within the next three years.” Manufacturers and distributors see new technology and innovations (72%) as a key enabler to adopting CE and sustainability strategies, and concerns arising from inaction such as damaged brand perceptions (46%) and reduced long-term profitability (46%) are consolidating the need for investment. The promise of technology and innovation Digital transformation is fundamental to delivering a CE strategy. The research found manufacturers and distributors ranked cloud applications (74%), data analytics (68%), and automation (67%) as the most important technologies for running a business more sustainably. Cloud applications and infrastructure is impacting nearly every aspect of modern manufacturing already. The cloud enables manufacturers to develop products more effectively and support sustainable practices such as 3D printing. Data analytics for predictive intelligence is helping businesses to refine their product development, optimize supply chains, and monitor equipment to increase resource efficiency. Automation boosts productivity by speeding up workflows and reducing human error. It also provides valuable data-driven insights that can be analyzed to improve production performance and sustainability. However, the industry has more to do when it comes to technology adoption. Despite 61% citing cloud apps as helpful in collecting, analyzing, and reporting on their CE capabilities, public cloud usage is far from universal among manufacturers and distributors. In fact, only a minority of respondents say they use public cloud for core apps such as supply chain (39%), CRM (38%), business intelligence (35%), human resources management (34%), ERP (32%) and payroll (29%). Overcoming the barriers to sustainable transformation Organizations want to take advantage of the opportunities presented by becoming more sustainable, such as improved reputation (50%), increased energy efficiency (47%), increased business resiliency (46%) and a reduced impact on the environment (46%). But despite recognizing the many advantages, global manufacturers and distributors are struggling to realize the full benefits. Navigating a turbulent external market, with its own immediate challenges of rising costs (72%), supply chain disruptions (71%) and changing customer demands (68%), is taking up valuable resources that leaders could otherwise invest in future-proofing their business. Furthermore, two-thirds (67%) of manufacturers and distributors still need to transform their business operations in order to shift to CE. 64% of those companies say transformation is a significant barrier and is hindering their pursuit of greater sustainability. Finding people with the right expertise (71%) is the biggest challenge, along with cost and budget limitations (68%) and updating technology integrations and processes (68%). Tech expert Isaac Sacolick, President and Founder of StarCIO, said: “Organizations can overcome these barriers with innovative thinking. Recruiting from a wider talent pool to bring data and analytics skillsets into the fold will help manufacturers and distributors see the bigger picture – what can I solve today, how can I become more sustainable tomorrow, and where do I want to be in 10 years. “With greater data insights at their fingertips, organizations will be able to identify the most suited use cases for automation and transformative technologies to enhance their cost efficiency and free up time to focus on the pressing need for a circular economy and sustainability strategy.” Download the full report here. For more information about the technologies behind the circular economy, please contact us. Note: Content for the blog post was originally posted on Sage’s website on August 8, 2022.