This decision also dictates the level of expertise you need from Sage 200 consultants.
In this article, we discuss the differences between the two software solutions and the importance of finding consultants with the right skills for each version.
Sage 200 standard vs. Sage 200 professional
When you’re looking at Sage 200, you have two main options to consider: Sage 200 Standard and Sage 200 Professional. Each version serves different business needs and scales, from the smaller end of the spectrum to those on the path of rapid growth.
Sage 200 standard
- Who it’s for: Small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable, cloud-based system.
- What it offers: This version keeps things simple yet effective. You get to manage your business finances and operations online. This includes keeping an eye on your stock, processing sales orders, and handling purchase orders. It’s a plug-and-play solution that grows with your entire business, making it perfect for those who want to get up and running quickly without a lot of fuss.
- Benefits:
- Easy to set up and access from anywhere, thanks to its cloud-based nature.
- Simplifies essential business processes, making it easier to manage your day-to-day operations.
- Scalable, meaning it can grow alongside your business without the need for a major system overhaul.
Sage 200 professional
- Who it’s for: Medium-sized businesses or those experiencing growth and need a system that can keep up.
- What it offers: This version takes everything the Standard has and adds layers of complexity and customization. You get advanced tools for business intelligence, which help you make informed decisions. There’s also project accounting to keep track of your finances on a project-by-project basis and a comprehensive suite for managing your supply chain. With its foundation on a powerful Microsoft SQL database, it supports more detailed and complex business processes, including specialized manufacturing and integration with Sage CRM.
- Benefits:
- Offers a deeper level of customization to fit your specific business needs, making it a good fit for businesses with unique processes or those in specialized industries.
- Supports more complex operations, including detailed manufacturing processes and extensive supply chain management, thanks to its robust database.
- Can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud, giving you flexibility in how you set up and access your system.
Choosing between Sage 200 Standard and Sage 200 Professional depends on your business size, growth trajectory, and the complexity of your operations.
If you’re looking for simplicity and ease of use, the Standard version is likely your best bet.
On the other hand, if your business demands more advanced features and customization, the Professional version will serve you better.
Consultants for Sage 200 Standard implementation
When you’re setting up Sage 200 Standard for your business, working with the right consultants can make a big difference. You need experts who know their way around cloud-based ERP solutions.
These professionals should have a strong background in managing stock, processing orders, and handling the financial side of things. Their expertise is key to making the most of Sage 200, ensuring your operations run smoothly, your customer service shines, and your sales and finance teams are on top of their game.
Here’s what to look for in consultants:
- Expertise in cloud-based systems: They should be comfortable working in the cloud, setting up systems that are accessible and efficient.
- Knowledge of order and stock management: Your consultant needs to understand how to keep your inventory in check and your orders flowing smoothly. This includes a deep understanding of sales order processing, ensuring that customer orders are managed effectively from start to finish.
- Financial operations savvy: A good grasp of the financial functionalities within Sage 200 is important. They should help you streamline your financial processes, from invoicing to reporting.
- Training and support: Beyond setup, find someone who can train your team and offer support as you get used to the new system. This ensures your team can fully leverage Sage 200 Standard to its fullest potential.
Consultants for Sage 200 Professional implementation
For businesses implementing Sage 200 Professional, the stakes are higher, and the system’s complexity requires a consultant with a broader and more nuanced skill set. Sage 200 Professional is not just about managing your current needs but also about anticipating future growth and challenges. Here’s what you should look for in consultants for this advanced system:
- Advanced customization skills: Sage 200 Professional offers a wide range of customization options to fit the unique processes of your business. You need a consultant who can tailor the system to meet your specific requirements, whether it’s custom workflows, specialized reporting, or integrating unique business logic.
- Expertise in business intelligence and analytics: With Sage 200 Professional, you have powerful tools at your disposal for analyzing your business data. Your consultant should help you set up and make the most of these tools, turning data into actionable insights that can drive your business forward.
- Experience with complex project accounting: Managing the finances of individual projects can get complicated. Look for consultants who have a strong background in project accounting within Sage 200 Professional, ensuring you can track project costs, revenues, and profitability accurately.
- Deep understanding of supply chain complexities: If your business involves a supply chain, you’ll want a consultant who knows how to optimize these processes within Sage 200 Professional. This includes managing purchase order processing, inventory forecasting, and supplier relationships.
- Integration expertise: Sage 200 Professional often needs to work hand-in-hand with other systems, such as CRM, e-commerce platforms, or custom applications. Find a consultant skilled in integrating Sage 200 with other software, ensuring seamless data flow across your business.
- Strategic planning for growth: Choose a consultant who not only understands how to implement Sage 200 Professional today but also has the foresight to plan for your business’s future needs. This strategic approach ensures your investment in Sage 200 Professional continues to pay dividends as your business evolves.
- Ongoing support and training: Finally, ensure your consultant offers comprehensive training for your team and ongoing support. As your business grows and your needs change, you’ll want a consultant who can continue to provide guidance and support, helping you adapt and make the most of Sage 200 Professional.
Selecting the right consultant for Sage 200 Professional is about finding a partner who can support your business’s complexity and ambitions. With the right expertise, your consultant will not only help you implement Sage 200 Professional but also ensure it becomes a cornerstone of your business strategy.
Should you hire Sage 200 Professional consultants for Sage 200 Standard implementation?
When considering an upgrade to Sage 200 Standard, you might wonder if it’s beneficial to hire consultants with Sage 200 Professional expertise.
Let’s break down the key points to consider:
Advantages:
- Expert insight: Professional consultants bring a wealth of knowledge that can be valuable even for Standard implementations. They can offer insights into best practices and advanced features that you might be able to leverage within the Standard version’s framework.
- Future planning: If you’re planning to grow and eventually upgrade to Professional, these consultants can set up your Standard version in a way that makes the transition smoother.
- Problem solving: Professional consultants are likely to have encountered a wide range of issues and challenges, equipping them with the problem-solving skills to tackle unexpected hurdles during your Standard upgrade.
Considerations:
- Cost: Consultants specialized in Sage 200 Professional might come with higher fees due to their advanced expertise. It’s important to evaluate if the potential benefits justify the extra cost.
- Relevance: Make sure the advanced skills of Professional consultants are relevant to your Standard upgrade. There’s a risk of overcomplicating your system with unnecessary features or customizations that don’t align with your needs.
If your upgrade or implementation project involves straightforward use of Sage 200 Standard without the need for advanced customization or integration, a consultant specialized in Sage 200 Standard might be the better choice. They can offer:
- Focused expertise: Sage 200 Standard consultants are likely more specialized in the nuances and best practices of the Standard version, ensuring a smooth implementation or upgrade that’s closely aligned with the software’s intended use.
- Cost-effectiveness: Consultants with a focus on Sage 200 Standard may have more competitive rates compared to those who specialize in the Professional version, offering a more budget-friendly option.
- Simplicity: A Standard consultant is likely to recommend solutions that are easy to maintain, avoiding unnecessary complexity in your system.
Looking for the ideal Sage 200 consultants?
Implementing or upgrading a Sage 200 system is a critical task that demands specific expertise and experience. Whether it’s Sage 200 Standard or Professional, finding the right consultants who can navigate the complexities of this software can be a daunting and time-consuming process.
Since 2007, we’ve been specializing in connecting businesses with top IT talent, including experts in Sage 200. Our service stands out for its efficiency and effectiveness in pairing the right consultants with the right projects.
When you choose us for your Sage 200 consulting needs, here’s what you benefit from:
Quick matching: Your time is valuable, and we’re committed to finding you the perfect Sage 200 consultants promptly.
Quality assurance: We pride ourselves on the caliber of our professionals. Discover more about our selection process.
Personalized service: We recognize that every Sage 200 project has its unique challenges and requirements. That’s why we focus on finding consultants who align with your specific project needs.
Reach out to us today, and let us quickly connect you with the Sage 200 experts you need to make your project a success.
Conclusion
The decision between Sage 200 standard and Sage 200 professional significantly influences the consulting expertise a company requires. While Sage 200 standard consultants focus on streamlining essential financial and operational processes, Sage 200 Professional demands a broader range of expertise to exploit its advanced features for business growth and efficiency.
Selecting suitable consultants ensures a successful Sage 200 implementation tailored to a company’s specific needs, whether opting for the standard or professional version. This process simplifies maximizing a company’s investment in the Sage 200 system, facilitating access to a diverse pool of professionals.
