Sage is a business management software suite that is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses manage their operations more effectively. The suite includes several software tools, such as Sage Accounting and Sage Business Cloud, that are designed to handle various aspects of business management, including accounting, payroll, human resources, customer management, inventory management, and more. These tools are cloud-based, which means that they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them ideal for businesses that have employees who work remotely or who need to access information from different locations.
Sage Accounting is a popular software tool that is designed to help businesses manage their finances more efficiently. It includes features like invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting that are designed to help businesses stay on top of their finances and make informed decisions. Sage Business Cloud, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive suite of software tools that includes accounting as well as other tools for managing various aspects of business operations, such as HR and payroll management, CRM, project management, and more.
The purpose of this review is to evaluate the software tools offered by Sage and provide an honest assessment of their features, functionality, pricing, customer support, integration, customization, security, and privacy. By the end of this review, readers should have a better understanding of whether Sage is a good software tool for their businesses and whether it offers good value for its cost.
Features and Functionality
Sage offers a wide range of software tools designed to manage various aspects of business operations, making it a comprehensive solution for small and medium-sized businesses. Some of the main features and functionalities of Sage’s software tools include:
- Accounting: Sage Accounting is a cloud-based accounting software that allows businesses to manage their finances more efficiently. It includes features like invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting, all of which are designed to help businesses stay on top of their finances and make informed decisions.
- Payroll: Sage offers payroll software that allows businesses to manage their payroll more easily, including tracking employee hours, calculating taxes and deductions, and processing payroll payments.
- Human resources: Sage’s HR software includes features like employee data management, benefits administration, and compliance tracking, which helps businesses stay compliant with legal requirements and manage their workforce more effectively.
- Customer management: Sage’s CRM software allows businesses to manage their customer relationships more effectively, including tracking sales leads, managing customer interactions, and analyzing customer data to identify trends and opportunities.
- Inventory management: Sage’s inventory management software helps businesses manage their inventory levels more effectively, including tracking stock levels, managing purchase orders, and analyzing inventory data to identify trends and opportunities.
- Project management: Sage’s project management software allows businesses to manage their projects more effectively, including tracking project milestones, managing project budgets, and assigning tasks to team members.
Overall, Sage’s software tools are designed to be comprehensive and user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces that make it easy to manage different aspects of business operations from a single platform. The software tools are also scalable, allowing businesses to add new features and functionalities as they grow and their needs change.
Customer Support and Service
Sage offers various customer support options to ensure that its users can get help whenever they need it. The company provides phone, email, and live chat support to its customers, which means that users can choose the method of communication that works best for them. The customer support team is knowledgeable and responsive, and they can answer any questions that users may have about the software tools.
Sage also provides a comprehensive knowledge base that users can access to get answers to common questions and troubleshoot issues. The knowledge base includes a variety of resources, such as tutorials, videos, and user guides, which are designed to help users learn how to use the software tools more effectively.
In addition to phone, email, and live chat support, Sage also offers training and consulting services to its users. These services are designed to help businesses get the most out of their software tools by providing personalized training and support. Sage’s training and consulting services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each business, which means that users can get the help they need to achieve their specific goals.
Sage’s customer support and service options are comprehensive and designed to help users get the most out of their software tools. The company’s responsive and knowledgeable support team, along with its training and consulting services, make it easy for users to get help whenever they need it.
Pros and Cons
Sage offers several benefits and drawbacks that businesses should consider before deciding whether to use its software tools. Here are some of the main pros and cons:
Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of software tools: Sage offers a wide range of software tools designed to manage various aspects of business operations, making it a comprehensive solution for small and medium-sized businesses.
- User-friendly interfaces: Sage’s software tools are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces that make it easy for users to manage different aspects of business operations from a single platform.
- Scalability: Sage’s software tools are scalable, allowing businesses to add new features and functionalities as they grow and their needs change.
- Cloud-based: Sage’s software tools are cloud-based, which means that they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them ideal for businesses with employees who work remotely or who need to access information from different locations.
- Customer support: Sage offers phone, email, and live chat support, as well as a comprehensive knowledge base, training, and consulting services, which means that users can get the help they need whenever they need it.
Cons:
- Cost: Sage’s software tools can be expensive, especially for small businesses that may not need all the features and functionalities offered.
- Complexity: Some users may find Sage’s software tools to be too complex, especially if they are not familiar with accounting or other business management software.
- Limited customization: While Sage’s software tools are customizable, some users may find that they are not as customizable as they would like.
- Integration: Some users may find that Sage’s software tools do not integrate well with other software tools that they use, which can be a problem if they need to manage different aspects of their business operations from multiple platforms.
- Limited mobile app: Sage’s mobile app is limited in functionality compared to the desktop version, which can be a drawback for businesses that rely heavily on mobile devices for their operations.
Integration and Customization
Sage offers integration and customization options for its software tools, but the level of integration and customization depends on the specific software tool and the user’s needs. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to integration and customization with Sage’s software tools:
Integration
Sage’s software tools offer some integration capabilities, allowing users to connect with other software tools they use. For example, Sage offers integration with popular software tools like Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and Shopify. However, the level of integration varies depending on the specific software tool, and some users may find that the integration capabilities are limited. Businesses that rely heavily on third-party software tools should carefully evaluate whether Sage’s software tools integrate well with their existing software stack before committing to the software.
Customization
Sage’s software tools are customizable to some extent, allowing users to tailor the software to meet their specific needs. For example, users can customize the user interface, create custom reports, and set up custom workflows. However, the level of customization varies depending on the specific software tool, and some users may find that the customization options are limited. Businesses that need a high degree of customization should carefully evaluate whether Sage’s software tools offer the level of customization they require.
Security and Privacy
Sage places a high priority on security and privacy, and takes several measures to ensure that its users’ data is protected. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to security and privacy with Sage’s software tools:
Data Encryption
Sage’s software tools use data encryption to protect users’ data while it is in transit and at rest. This means that all data sent between the user’s device and Sage’s servers, as well as all data stored on Sage’s servers, is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
Access Controls
Sage’s software tools have strict access controls in place to ensure that only authorized users can access the data. Users can set up different levels of access for different users, and can use two-factor authentication to further protect their data.
Regular Backups
Sage’s software tools automatically create regular backups of users’ data, ensuring that it can be quickly and easily restored in case of data loss or corruption.
Compliance
Sage is committed to compliance with industry standards and regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This means that Sage’s software tools are designed to meet strict security and privacy standards, helping businesses to comply with regulatory requirements.
Third-Party Audits
Sage regularly conducts third-party security audits to ensure that its software tools are secure and meet industry standards.
Overall, Sage takes security and privacy seriously and has implemented several measures to protect users’ data. While no system is completely foolproof, businesses can feel confident that Sage’s software tools are designed with security and privacy in mind, and that the company is committed to compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Third-Party Integrations
Sage’s accounting and business management software tools offer integration with some popular third-party software tools, such as Microsoft Office and Salesforce. However, businesses may need to use additional software that does not integrate directly with Sage. In such cases, businesses may need to use a third-party integration tool to connect their software stack.
Third-party integration tools, such as Zapier or Workato, can help businesses connect their software tools and automate workflows. For example, a business may use a third-party integration tool to connect their e-commerce platform with Sage’s accounting software, allowing sales data to be automatically recorded in the accounting system.
While third-party integration tools can be a useful solution, businesses should carefully evaluate the costs and potential risks associated with using these tools. Some third-party integration tools may require a subscription fee, and businesses should ensure that the tool is compatible with their existing software stack and meets their security and privacy requirements.
In addition, businesses should carefully evaluate the reliability and support options offered by the third-party integration tool. If the integration tool fails or experiences an issue, it could have a significant impact on the business’s operations. Therefore, businesses should consider working with a reputable integration provider with a strong track record of reliability and customer support.
Learning Curve
As with any new software tool, there is a learning curve associated with Sage’s accounting and business management software. Some users may find the software difficult to learn, especially if they are not familiar with accounting principles or software tools in general.
To address this issue, Sage offers a range of training resources to help users get up to speed with their software tools. These resources include online courses, webinars, and live training sessions, which can be accessed through Sage University. In addition, Sage offers a range of support options, such as live chat, phone support, and an online community forum, where users can ask questions and get help from other users.
Sage’s training resources are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, with courses tailored to different skill levels and learning styles. For example, Sage offers self-paced courses that users can take at their own pace, as well as instructor-led courses that provide hands-on training and feedback.
However, some users may still find the software tools difficult to learn, especially if they are not familiar with accounting principles or have limited experience with software tools. In such cases, businesses may need to invest additional time and resources to train their employees or hire outside consultants to help them get up to speed.
Reporting Capabilities
The software tools offer a variety of standard reports, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, as well as customizable reports that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a business. Customizable reports allow businesses to choose the data fields, filters, and other parameters that are most relevant to their operations, providing them with greater insight into their financial performance.
In addition to standard and customizable reports, Sage’s software tools also offer dashboards that provide an at-a-glance view of key financial metrics, such as revenue, expenses, and profit margins. Dashboards allow users to quickly assess their financial performance and identify trends or areas for improvement.
Sage’s reporting capabilities are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, with intuitive interfaces and simple navigation. Users can easily generate reports and dashboards with just a few clicks, and the software tools offer a range of exporting and sharing options, such as PDF, Excel, or email, to make it easy to distribute reports to stakeholders.
Cloud-Based Options
Sage offers cloud-based options for its accounting and business management software tools, allowing businesses to access their financial data and manage their operations from anywhere with an internet connection.
The cloud-based options offer a range of benefits, including increased flexibility, scalability, and security. With cloud-based options, businesses no longer need to invest in expensive hardware or maintain their own IT infrastructure, as the software tools are hosted and maintained by Sage. This can save businesses time and money, and allow them to focus on their core operations.
In addition to increased flexibility and scalability, cloud-based options also offer enhanced security features, such as encrypted data transmission and storage, regular backups, and multi-factor authentication. This can help businesses protect their financial data and prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.
Sage’s cloud-based options for its accounting and business management software tools offer businesses a range of benefits, including increased flexibility, scalability, security, and automatic updates and maintenance. Businesses should carefully evaluate their needs and budget when choosing between cloud-based and on-premise options to ensure they choose the option that best meets their needs.
Sage pricing
Sage offers a range of pricing options for its accounting and business management software tools, with flexible plans to meet the needs and budget of businesses of all sizes. Here is a breakdown of Sage’s accounting pricing options:
Accounting Start
- This plan is available for FREE for the first three months, allowing businesses to test out the software without any commitment or upfront cost.
- After the free trial period, the standard price for this plan is £12 per month.
- By choosing the Accounting Start plan, businesses can save £36 for the first year of usage.
Accounting Standard
- The Accounting Standard plan is also available for FREE for the first three months.
- The standard price for this plan is £26 per month.
- By choosing the Accounting Standard plan, businesses can save £78 for the first year of usage.
Accounting Plus
- The Accounting Plus plan is available for FREE for the first three months, and the standard price is £33 per month.
- However, by choosing this plan, businesses can save £99 for the first year of usage.
- Moreover, with the Accounting Plus plan, businesses can access additional features and functionality compared to the Accounting Start and Standard plans.
- It is also worth noting that there are no long-term contracts or commitments required, and businesses can cancel or upgrade their plan at any time without incurring any hidden fees.
Overall, Sage’s pricing options for its accounting and business management software tools offer businesses a range of flexible plans to meet their needs and budget. By choosing one of these plans, businesses can save money while accessing powerful features and functionality to manage their finances and operations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sage offers a range of accounting and business management software tools that can help businesses of all sizes to manage their finances, streamline their operations, and make informed decisions. The software tools are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, and offer a wide range of features and functionality to meet the needs of businesses in different industries.
One of the key strengths of Sage’s software tools is their flexibility, with customization options available to tailor the software to meet the specific needs of the business. Additionally, the software tools are designed to be scalable, meaning that businesses can start with a smaller package and upgrade as their needs change over time.
Sage’s customer support and service are also noteworthy, with a range of support options available to users. From live chat and phone support to online resources and a community forum, Sage provides multiple ways for users to get help when they need it.
However, businesses should also consider some potential drawbacks of Sage’s software tools, such as the high cost and potential for complexity. Some users may find that the software tools are more expensive than other options on the market, and may require a significant investment of time and effort to learn how to use them effectively.
Overall, Sage’s accounting and business management software tools are a solid choice for businesses looking for a flexible, customizable solution with strong customer support and service. Businesses should carefully evaluate the features and functionality, pricing, and support options before committing to the software.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sage used for in accounting?
Sage is an accounting software tool used by businesses to manage their financial operations. It offers a range of features and functionality to help businesses track their income and expenses, manage their cash flow, and generate financial reports. Here are some of the key ways that Sage is used in accounting:
- Bookkeeping: Sage allows businesses to manage their books and records, including transactions, invoices, payments, and bank reconciliations.
- Financial reporting: Sage enables businesses to generate a range of financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and more. These reports help businesses track their financial performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
- Accounts payable and receivable: Sage helps businesses manage their accounts payable (i.e., bills owed to vendors) and accounts receivable (i.e., payments owed by customers), including tracking due dates, payments, and outstanding balances.
- Budgeting and forecasting: Sage offers budgeting and forecasting features that allow businesses to plan for future expenses and revenue, helping them make informed decisions about their financial resources.
- Payroll management: Sage offers payroll management features, including tracking employee hours, generating paychecks, and managing payroll taxes and withholdings.
What is the difference between Sage and QuickBooks?
Sage and QuickBooks are both popular accounting software tools used by businesses to manage their financial operations. While they share many similarities, there are also some key differences between the two. Here are some of the main differences between Sage and QuickBooks:
- User interface: Sage and QuickBooks have different user interfaces. Sage has a more traditional look and feel, with a focus on navigation menus and forms. QuickBooks, on the other hand, has a more modern and intuitive interface, with a dashboard that provides an overview of key financial metrics.
- Features: Sage and QuickBooks offer similar features and functionality, but there are some differences. For example, Sage offers more robust inventory management features, while QuickBooks has more advanced project management features.
- Customization: Sage offers more customization options than QuickBooks, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs. However, this can also make Sage more complex and time-consuming to set up and use.
- Pricing: Sage and QuickBooks have different pricing structures. Sage offers a range of plans with different pricing tiers, while QuickBooks offers three different plans with fixed pricing.
- Customer support: Sage and QuickBooks offer different levels of customer support. Sage offers phone and email support, as well as a knowledge base and community forum. QuickBooks offers phone, email, and chat support, as well as a large knowledge base and community forum.
Overall, both Sage and QuickBooks are powerful accounting software tools that can help businesses manage their financial operations efficiently and effectively. The choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and budget of the business.
Is Sage similar to Xero?
Yes, Sage and Xero are similar accounting software tools used by businesses to manage their financial operations. They share many similarities in terms of features and functionality, but there are also some key differences between the two. Here are some of the main similarities and differences between Sage and Xero:
Similarities:
- Cloud-based: Both Sage and Xero are cloud-based accounting software tools, meaning that they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Bookkeeping: Sage and Xero allow businesses to manage their books and records, including transactions, invoices, payments, and bank reconciliations.
- Financial reporting: Both Sage and Xero offer a range of financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and more.
- Accounts payable and receivable: Sage and Xero help businesses manage their accounts payable and accounts receivable, including tracking due dates, payments, and outstanding balances.
- Payroll management: Both Sage and Xero offer payroll management features, including tracking employee hours, generating paychecks, and managing payroll taxes and withholdings.
Differences:
- Pricing: Sage and Xero have different pricing structures. Sage offers a range of plans with different pricing tiers, while Xero offers three different plans with fixed pricing.
- User interface: Sage has a more traditional look and feel, with a focus on navigation menus and forms. Xero has a more modern and intuitive interface, with a dashboard that provides an overview of key financial metrics.
- Customization: Sage offers more customization options than Xero, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs. However, this can also make Sage more complex and time-consuming to set up and use.
- Third-party integrations: Xero has a wider range of third-party integrations than Sage, making it easier to connect with other software tools that the business may be using.
Is Sage accounting easy?
Sage accounting can be easy or difficult to use, depending on the user’s experience with accounting software and their level of familiarity with the Sage interface. Like any software tool, there is a learning curve associated with using Sage accounting, but once the user becomes familiar with the interface and functionality, it can be relatively easy to use.
One of the advantages of Sage accounting is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to navigate and find the features that the user needs. The software also offers a range of support resources, including user guides, tutorials, and a help center, which can help new users get up to speed quickly.
However, some users may find certain aspects of Sage accounting challenging or complex, particularly if they are new to accounting or have little experience with accounting software in general. For example, some of the more advanced features, such as budgeting, forecasting, and custom reporting, may require a higher level of expertise to use effectively.
Is Sage a CRM or ERP?
Sage’s CRM software is designed to help businesses manage their customer interactions and relationships, including sales, marketing, and customer support. Sage CRM features include lead and opportunity management, marketing automation, customer service and support, and analytics and reporting.
Sage’s ERP software, on the other hand, is designed to help businesses manage their core operations and processes, such as finance and accounting, inventory management, supply chain management, and production planning. Sage ERP features vary depending on the specific product, but typically include modules for finance, manufacturing, distribution, and project management.
How long does it take to learn Sage?
The time it takes to learn Sage will depend on several factors, including the user’s familiarity with accounting software and their experience with similar tools. Some users may be able to learn the basics of Sage accounting relatively quickly, while others may require more time and training to become proficient.
In general, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to become comfortable with the basic features and functionality of Sage accounting. This would involve tasks such as setting up a company file, creating and managing invoices, recording transactions, and generating reports.
To become more proficient in Sage and to master its more advanced features, such as budgeting, forecasting, and custom reporting, it may take several months or even years of regular use and training. This would involve gaining a deeper understanding of accounting principles and practices, as well as becoming familiar with the software’s more complex features and options.