Good day, We are using Sage 100 to do accounting. This provides an accounting history that can report a loss after it happens. We need a proactive management tool to report progress in the middle of a job. For example, we would like to see time and materials to date. We want to report this information in a specific format, and we want the process to be push-button simple. Phone support advised me that the built-in report writer is too basic to accomplish the format I described. I am exploring our options, including: Switch to Sage 300. Buy Crystal Reports. Buy a customization from a Sage business partner. Learn how to customize Sage 100 and do an in-house customization. In-house development may be plausible because the Job Cost Journal already includes the required information. We only need to reorganize it in the desired format. I could write a VBA macro to reformat the Excel spreadsheet, but the challenge is to make the whole process push-button simple. Is Sage 100 the right tool for the job? Can anyone recommend methods or 3rd party software to get on the spot job costs from Sage 100 and track the progress of a project? Thank you for your time, Ben

Suggestions for on the spot job costs and a proactive management tool

Posted By Ben Collver over 8 years ago

Good day,

We are using Sage 100 to do accounting. This provides an accounting history that can report a loss after it happens. We need a proactive management tool to report progress in the middle of a job. For example, we would like to see time and materials to date. We want to report this information in a specific format, and we want the process to be push-button simple. Phone support advised me that the built-in report writer is too basic to accomplish the format I described. I am exploring our options, including:

Switch to Sage 300.
Buy Crystal Reports.
Buy a customization from a Sage business partner.
Learn how to customize Sage 100 and do an in-house customization.

In-house development may be plausible because the Job Cost Journal already includes the required information. We only need to reorganize it in the desired format. I could write a VBA macro to reformat the Excel spreadsheet, but the challenge is to make the whole process push-button simple.

Is Sage 100 the right tool for the job? Can anyone recommend methods or 3rd party software to get on the spot job costs from Sage 100 and track the progress of a project?

Thank you for your time,

Ben

0 Kevin M over 8 years ago

Sage 100 comes with a two seat license for Crystal Reports.
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0 BigLouie over 8 years ago

From what you describe it sounds as if all you really need is a really good Crystal Reports designer. As mentioned you receive two (2) designer licenses. Plus Sage 100 is very easy to customize. You can add User Defined Tables and Fields plus attach scripts. I would think a good reseller with resources such as DSD should be able to help you get what you need.
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0 neophyte over 8 years ago in reply to BigLouie

The Job Masterfile Maintenance/Inquiry has a Job Status tab that will show you current status of a job without the need to push a button at all. It is probably not in the format you want. and to get further detail you would need to click on the cost code button.

Sounds like you want the information in an Excel format. In that case I would use Sage Intelligence create a container using relevant JC data and then use that container to generate the report template that can be run many times in the future from the report viewer at the push of a button.

Just like that automagically...
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0 Ben Collver over 8 years ago in reply to BigLouie

Thank you for your answer. Clarification: We are using Sage 100 Contractor, formerly known as Master Builder. Did I post in the wrong forum? Do you know whether Sage 100 Contractor also comes with Crystal Reports designer licenses?
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0 neophyte over 8 years ago in reply to Ben Collver

Oh, that changes things. I think you might be in the wrong Forum. I think you might need the CRE- Construction & Real Estate".

I am pretty sure SAGE 100Contractor does not comes with Crystal reports. They have their own report writer built into the system. You can probably create the report with their report writer... although I do not think it is very robust from my experience.

But if you can get a report to a point where it pulls the data that you need and then macro it in Excel then that might be your best bet from a minimal cost perspective.
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0 Derek Vink over 8 years ago in reply to neophyte

Moving this post to the Sage 100 Contractor forum in the Sage Construction and Real Estate Support Group.

Thanks,
Derek
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0 Micah McCracken over 7 years ago in reply to Derek Vink

Have you looked at Liberty Reports?
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