Which Accounts Software to replace old Sage Line 100 software?

[NealB]

We need to replace our extremely old DOS based (yes really!) accounts software Sage Line 100 as the Purchase Ledger module crashed on me this morning and I can't rectify it (it's not supported anymore as it's so old). We were using the Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, Cash Book and Nominal Ledger modules.

So I have to find replacement accounts software that will allow:

i. Allow Importing of sales invoices (we use a different software package for all order processing. It produces a file containing information that was imported into Sage Line 100. This 3rd party software can be easily modified to generate a different format file to be imported into the new software). Ideally I would prefer the new accounts software to allow importing as a standard feature rather than have to employ a software developer, but will have to if thats the only option.

ii. Allow foreign currencies on Sales invoices and Purchase invoices.

iii. Allow 2 companies to be set up and run.

Does anyone know if Xero, Clear Books, Free Agent or Sage provide all these requirements ?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

Why don't you take a look at Sage 50c as you are familiar with the operation of Sage software products.

Sage 50c covers all your requirements apart from not being true cloud based.

https://www.sage.com/en-gb/shop/sage50c/

 

[johndon68]

as you are familiar with the operation of Sage software products.

DOS Sage Line 100 is as about as far away from Sage 50 in terms of operation as you are likely to get. Moving to it would be no easier for the OP than moving to any of the other products they mention...

John

 

[johndon68]

ii. Allow foreign currencies on Sales invoices and Purchase invoices.

Picking up on this one in particular, whilst Sage 50 does allow for foreign currency invoices, you can only pay those invoices from a bank account that has the same currency. Whilst I was very familiar with it at one time, it has been a VERY long time since I used Sage 100 but I recall that you could pay a US Dollar Invoice from a Sterling bank account - Sage 50 cannot do this.

John

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

I am sure you can export files from 100 into Excel and then save file as CSV file. Then can import standing data into 50.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Whilst sage does not support line 100 I would imagine there are plenty of sage local distributors who could assist and also make the transfer to say 50 as part of there sale to you

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

We need to replace our extremely old DOS based (yes really!) accounts software Sage Line 100 as the Purchase Ledger module crashed on me this morning and I can't rectify it (it's not supported anymore as it's so old). We were using the Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, Cash Book and Nominal Ledger modules.

So I have to find replacement accounts software that will allow:

i. Allow Importing of sales invoices (we use a different software package for all order processing. It produces a file containing information that was imported into Sage Line 100. This 3rd party software can be easily modified to generate a different format file to be imported into the new software). Ideally I would prefer the new accounts software to allow importing as a standard feature rather than have to employ a software developer, but will have to if thats the only option.

ii. Allow foreign currencies on Sales invoices and Purchase invoices.

iii. Allow 2 companies to be set up and run.

Does anyone know if Xero, Clear Books, Free Agent or Sage provide all these requirements ?

Thanks in advance for any help.

I'm an accountant and use and recommend FreeAgent.

To answer your questions -

i. Yes but only if you use a 3rd party integration such as AutoEntry or Fabio. If you are changing accounts software now I'd spend some time looking at invoicing with whatever system you use to save running two systems.

ii. Yes

iii Yes if you have two licences - bear in mind you get FreeAgent free if you bank with Natwest, RBS or Mettle

 

[NealB]

Thank you all for your replies.

I could probably forgo the foreign currency requirement as we only have a handful of transactions each year. I guess I could just convert and post as sterling as our bank account are sterling.

The main requirement is being able to import sales invoice data as the 3rd party order processing and invoicing software we use is too ingrained into our business to stop using.

 

[SERC1204]

I've used Sage 50 with imports for sales (and purchase) invoices from another system on several occasions - either with a direct link between the two or by using an imported file such as CSV.

Where there was a direct link it worked quite smoothly, this depends of course on capability of the other system. The problem with importing using an extracted file was that if an invoice had multiple lines (e.g. for separate nominal coding) each line was created as a separate invoice - one invoice with five lines becomes five completely separate invoices! Apparently there was a way around this, but involved using a third party software - Sage 50 can't keep up with the times. Also, keep in mind the overall functionality of Sage 50 is more basic than Sage 100 and is quite frankly the same software it was 20 years ago!

I know Xero can deal with imports (either directly or via a file import) but haven't used it with such.

Are you looking to buy directly or through a reseller? A reseller can work with you to spec out what you need and how it can integrate with your existing system.

 

[johndon68]

With regards to importing invoices, the invoicing module in Sage 50 (where you produce invoices to send to clients) does not support file import and would require a third party add on to do so.

The import facility in Sage only allows the importing of invoices directly to the ledgers so you get the financial information but not an actual printable/email invoice.

John

 

[NealB]

Thanks SERC1204. I only need to import basic sales invoice data, e.g. Date, Invoice No, Net, VAT, Total, Settlement Discount. I don't need to import any lines of the invoice so hopefully the issue you describe won't be a problem for me.

I've just found a Sage50 add-on called 'Adept Sage 50 Sales Invoice CSV' which seems like it will do the job.

I haven't really considered if I will use a reseller or buy direct. I know a reseller who used to provide us with support on our Line 100 package many years ago, so may give them a call and see what advice/service they can provide.

I have searched for Xero and importing but haven't found anything yet. Will keep googling....

 

[NealB]

With regards to importing invoices, the invoicing module in Sage 50 (where you produce invoices to send to clients) does not support file import and would require a third party add on to do so.

The import facility in Sage only allows the importing of invoices directly to the ledgers so you get the financial information but not an actual printable/email invoice.

John

Thanks John. Our 3rd party software is used to produce and send the invoices. So importing to Sage just for ledgers is all that is required.

 

[SERC1204]

I have searched for Xero and importing but haven't found anything yet. Will keep googling....

Xero is capable of importing, I believe CSV is the method.

In my experience with IT, using a reseller/vendor/support partner can really make a difference between having a system that "does the job" vs. a systems that does the job you really need it to do in a way you need to do it.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

...

I have searched for Xero and importing but haven't found anything yet. Will keep googling....

@Spur Support Services uses Xero and may be able to help

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

https://central.xero.com/s/article/Import-data-in-to-Xero

 

[The Byre]

Most of these new £5-a-month online programmes are crippleware - they can't do various things such as stock control, foreign currencies, PAYE, each is crippled in a different way! You have to get the full version which usually costs about £25 a month.

GnuCash is free and its only drawback is that it is single-input only, so not useable for a multi-checkout shop. https://www.gnucash.org/features.phtml

 

[NealB]

Thanks 'UK Contractor Accountant' for the xero link. Not sure it will allow me to import the invoice data I need.

 

[NealB]

I plumped for Sage 50 as already being a Sage user, thought the change might be easier. Time will tell if I made the right decision!

So I am now in the process of trying to set up Sage 50. I have managed to import all the customers but now need to set up their opening balances.

Rather than use Sage's opening balance option which requires you to manually enter each and every outstanding invoice and credit, I thought I would use Sage's import 'Audit trail' option, as I can easily generate a CSV file from our old Line 100 system with all the outstanding invoices and credits. However doing it this way, the CSV template requires NET and VAT amounts, which ends up with Sage 50 posting transactions to the Sales VAT nominal? Doing it the manual way only requires a gross amount for each invoice and credit and so wont post to the VAT nominal.

Before starting the labourious job of manually entering O/B for each customer I wonder if one of you knowledgable guys could advise please?

Many thanks.

 

[johndon68]

However doing it this way, the CSV template requires NET and VAT amounts, which ends up with Sage 50 posting transactions to the Sales VAT nominal? Doing it the manual way only requires a gross amount for each invoice and credit and so wont post to the VAT nominal.

Before starting the labourious job of manually entering O/B for each customer I wonder if one of you knowledgable guys could advise please?

Many thanks.

In the file, set the net value to 0 and the Tax Code to T9 - this replicates what Sage does when you enter the value manually.

John

 

[NealB]

Thanks John. Can I just check:

Sage's OB tool posts OB value to 'net' field with T9 tax code and tax value is 0.

Can I ask why you say to set 'net' field to 0 and put the transaction value in the tax field instead?

Sages posts CR to Suspense 9998. To replicate this I have set the nominal field in the CSV to 9998.

Many thanks.

 

[johndon68]

Sorry that was a typo, you set the VAT in the file to be zero.

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

Do you use Vat Cash Accounting Scheme?

 

[johndon68]

Do you use Vat Cash Accounting Scheme?

If the OP has come from Sage Line 100 then is unlikely as Line 100 did not support VAT Cash Accounting.

John

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

If the OP has come from Sage Line 100 then is unlikely as Line 100 did not support VAT Cash Accounting.

John

well you learn something every day.!

Only ever came across Sage Line 100 once in the dim and distant past so never rally bothered to learn it.

 

[johndon68]

well you learn something every day.!

Only ever came across Sage Line 100 once in the dim and distant past so never rally bothered to learn it.

People occasionally asked but we never had it work with VAT Cash Accounting on the basis that the size of company likely to use 100 was unlikely to be the scheme.

John

 

[NealB]

Thank you.

 

[Deleted member 338108]

We need to replace our extremely old DOS based (yes really!) accounts software Sage Line 100 as the Purchase Ledger module crashed on me this morning and I can't rectify it (it's not supported anymore as it's so old). We were using the Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, Cash Book and Nominal Ledger modules.

So I have to find replacement accounts software that will allow:

i. Allow Importing of sales invoices (we use a different software package for all order processing. It produces a file containing information that was imported into Sage Line 100. This 3rd party software can be easily modified to generate a different format file to be imported into the new software). Ideally I would prefer the new accounts software to allow importing as a standard feature rather than have to employ a software developer, but will have to if thats the only option.

ii. Allow foreign currencies on Sales invoices and Purchase invoices.

iii. Allow 2 companies to be set up and run.

Does anyone know if Xero, Clear Books, Free Agent or Sage provide all these requirements ?

Thanks in advance for any help.

What is the old version of Sage Line 100? I have just finished fixing an issue with a DOS customer who had v5.40b and an apparent PL crash which in fact was a problem handling dates. PM me if interested.

 

[johndon68]

What is the old version of Sage Line 100? I have just finished fixing an issue with a DOS customer who had v5.40b and an apparent PL crash which in fact was a problem handling dates. PM me if interested.

The OP said earlier in the thread that he has already made the move from 100 to Sage 50...

 

[Deleted member 338108]

The OP said earlier in the thread that he has already made the move from 100 to Sage 50...

Yes - sorry - I had missed that post in the thread. It would have been also relevant to NealB that newer software would satisfy electronic VAT submissions (which an old Line100 would not), but Line100 does provide foreign currency revaluations and (cos its an old version) it's likely that he had purchased it outright and thus would not cost him anything in annual license fees.

 

[NealB]

Thanks @HelpDeskManager but yes, I have moved us to Sage 50. It was about time we got into the 21st century. You're right, it was purchased outright many years ago so was not costing us anything in licence fees. Oh well.

 

[Spreadsheet Accountant]

Maybe a spreadsheet? But i am biased.

 

[Sheila Harris]

We need to replace our extremely old DOS based (yes really!) accounts software Sage Line 100 as the Purchase Ledger module crashed on me this morning and I can't rectify it (it's not supported anymore as it's so old). We were using the Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, Cash Book and Nominal Ledger modules.

So I have to find replacement accounts software that will allow:

i. Allow Importing of sales invoices (we use a different software package for all order processing. It produces a file containing information that was imported into Sage Line 100. This 3rd party software can be easily modified to generate a different format file to be imported into the new software). Ideally I would prefer the new accounts software to allow importing as a standard feature rather than have to employ a software developer, but will have to if thats the only option.

ii. Allow foreign currencies on Sales invoices and Purchase invoices.

iii. Allow 2 companies to be set up and run.

Does anyone know if Xero, Clear Books, Free Agent or Sage provide all these requirements ?

Thanks in advance for any help.

I think you'll find that Xero has it all - I've been using it while working with my largest client, who gives me a link to log-in and do all I need. It's by far the best system I've used and really easy to work with

 

[johndon68]

I think you'll find that Xero has it all - I've been using it while working with my largest client, who gives me a link to log-in and do all I need. It's by far the best system I've used and really easy to work with

And if you read the thread, you'll find that the OP said earlier that he has already made the move from 100 to Sage 50...

 

[The Byre]

Maybe a spreadsheet? But i am biased.

People used spreadsheets for ages until these cloud-based nonsense schemes came along.

 

[Scott Bridgwater]

Hi Neal,

Sage 200 Professional would be the natural upgrade path as this is the evolved successor to Line 100. A qualified Sage Business Partner can work with you to migrate your existing data.

There are critical issues appearing within Line 100 this month, with arithmetic overflow errors preventing processesing for most customers still using Line 100

 

[johndon68]

Hi Neal,

Sage 200 Professional would be the natural upgrade path as this is the evolved successor to Line 100. A qualified Sage Business Partner can work with you to migrate your existing data.

There are critical issues appearing within Line 100 this month, with arithmetic overflow errors preventing processesing for most customers still using Line 100:
centurysoftware[.co.uk]/critical-sage-line-100-arithmetic-overflow-error-affects-all-line-100-sites/

The OP said, back on 2nd March, that they had made the move from 100 to Sage 50...

The date issue with 100 will kill it dead now and it is a bit of a problem for anyone still using 100 as it is a show stopper that has come along pretty much without warning. Sage did say last week that were looking to do a fix but then said on Monday that they weren't.

I left Sage 17 years ago and, even then, I was one of only a handful of people there that knew the Retrieve language that 100 is written in, I suspect that they wouldn't have the people available to attempt a fix these days.

John

 

[Deleted member 338108]

We need to replace our extremely old DOS based (yes really!) accounts software Sage Line 100 as the Purchase Ledger module crashed on me this morning and I can't rectify it (it's not supported anymore as it's so old). We were using the Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, Cash Book and Nominal Ledger modules.

So I have to find replacement accounts software that will allow:

i. Allow Importing of sales invoices (we use a different software package for all order processing. It produces a file containing information that was imported into Sage Line 100. This 3rd party software can be easily modified to generate a different format file to be imported into the new software). Ideally I would prefer the new accounts software to allow importing as a standard feature rather than have to employ a software developer, but will have to if thats the only option.

ii. Allow foreign currencies on Sales invoices and Purchase invoices.

iii. Allow 2 companies to be set up and run.

Does anyone know if Xero, Clear Books, Free Agent or Sage provide all these requirements ?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Dependent on which specific error you have encountered, there are work-arounds that could keep you going in the short term. Post screen-shots of errors to get free initial advice from a retired 75-year-old Sage consultant, trained by Sky Software!

 

[johndon68]

Dependent on which specific error you have encountered, there are work-arounds that could keep you going in the short term. Post screen-shots of errors to get free initial advice from a retired 75-year-old Sage consultant, trained by Sky Software!

The OP no longer uses Line 100, in this very thread he said back on March 2nd that he'd made the move to Sage 50. In fact this was mentioned back in July when you posted in this very thread...

 

[Deleted member 338108]

The OP no longer uses Line 100, in this very thread he said back on March 2nd that he'd made the move to Sage 50. In fact this was mentioned back in July when you posted in this very thread...

I only got notified of a reply on this thread today, so there's still people watching it and the work-arounds still exist. I've resolved one personally, and set another reseller along the short-term paths to keep accounts up-to-date while they are choosing and moving to the next step.

 

[johndon68]

I only got notified of a reply on this thread today,

That's because someone posted today and brought it back from the dead (with a link to their own website which I see was removed by a Moderator)

I see that there is a suggestion today that Sage are looking at releasing the source code for Sage 100 to business partners to come up with their own solutions to the current show stopping issues with dates.