Windows 7 and Sage Master Builder

Twice now, important customers have upgraded machine operating systems to Windows 7 without checking with Sage Tech Support or us. Please note that Sage has not blessed Windows 7 for use with Sage Master Builder at this time. Sage is actively testing Windows 7 with Sage Master Builder, but has deferred an official blessing at the time of this posting. We have seen SMB run in a Windows 7 environment, but have also noted some unusual behaviors that may be attributable to the Windows 7 environment. If you don't mind being on the "bleeding edge," dive right in to Windows 7, but do so at your own peril.

As with Windows XP and Vista, do not use the Windows 7 Home products, as they are likely to present problems with networking. Instead, insist on Windows 7 Professional for your business workstations.

We will post updates on Windows 7 as they become available.

Some Sage Master Builder Users are preparing to blast out of the slump!

In the past year, a number of Sage Master Builder users have "hunkered down" and sought to cut overhead costs during the economic downturn. During this time, we counseled our clients to look for ways to use this time to streamline operations and optimize their use of existing resources, such as their investment in Sage Master Builder.

Recently, we have seen an increase in calls from users of Sage Master Builder looking for help in improving how they use the program. Some of the calls have been for:

• Improving estimating techniques and the integration of estimating with other areas of the program
• Improving purchasing processes, through use of the subcontracts and purchase orders modules
• Improving post completion job reviews (or job autopsies) to fine tune estimating and production processes and improve profitability

These users are positioning themselves to be more productive, effective and profitable as the economy improves and their business volumes grow!

Terminal Services is a reasonable solution for heavy hardware requirements

As noted earlier, Sage Master Builder Version 14 expects much stronger computing power than prior versions. A company may be faced with a significant investment to upgrading RAM and Processors on all the machines on which SMB Version 14 is to be run.

One alternative is to switch to using Windows Terminal Services. I'm not a technical network whiz, but in a nutshell, with Terminal Services, a single powerful server runs SMB for all users in the company. The users access the server over the network using more modest computers, sending keyboard and mouse commands to the server and receiving back display images from the server. All actual processing is done on the server and very little is expected of the remote computer's processor and resources.

Setting up a Terminal Services server is a bit complicated and requires a competent network consultant, but the return on this investment can make it worthwhile. Terminal Services Servers can be configured to permit workers outside the office, working from home, a field office trailer or a branch office, to access the power and information of Sage Master Builder just like workers in the main office.

SMB Version 14 wants more robust hardware!

Users of Sage Master Builder Version 14 are advised to upgrade their hardware and operating systems to avoid significant processing slowdowns.

Servers should be running 32 or 64 bit versions of

• Windows Server 2003,
• Windows Small Business Server 2003 with SP1 or newer,
• Windows XP Professional with SP2 or newer,
• Windows Server 2008, or
• Windows Small Business Server 2008

Servers should have 4 GB or more of RAM, 3.5 GB of free disk space, and an Intel Dual Core/Quad Core processor running at 2 GHz+ or its equivalent.

Workstations should be running 32 or 64 bit versions of

• Windows XP Professional with SP2 or newer, or
• Vista Business Edition

Workstations should have 2 GB or more of RAM for Windows XP Professional or 4 GB or more of RAM for Vista Business Edition, 3 GB of free disk space, and an Intel Dual Core/Quad Core processor running at 2 GHz+ or its equivalent.

The most significant change is the increased amount of RAM required. It is likely that systems that previously ran with lesser amounts of RAM and older processors, will continue to operate, but performance speeds may be unsatisfactory.

SMB Version 14 and Custom Reports

While we are excited about the impending release of Sage Master Builder Version 14 (see the earlier posts), there is apparently a minor challenge with some custom reports that would run without problems in earlier versions. The migration to a more robust and modern programming language has caused a few custom reports to not run properly.

If you have a "mission critical" custom report (either only run from menu 13-4, or run from a normal report printing window, but numbered lower than 21) you may need to have it adjusted to run properly with Version 14.

If you have such a "mission critical" custom report, and would like us to test it to ensure that you will not have any problems with the report after Version 14 is installed, please give us a call at 480-471-5305 or 602-357-0150 and we will be happy to test it for you on our pre-release copy of Sage Master Builder Version 14.

Sage Master Builder Version 14 and Subcontracts

Prior versions of Sage Master Builder have a Subcontract module to assist with the management of Subcontracts. Version 14 solves many of the concerns that users of prior versions have had about the module.

When processing a subcontractor’s invoice against an existing subcontract, users of earlier versions had to research approved change orders and prior invoices to ensure that the current invoice was correct and that the correct cost codes were being charged with the costs. This was often a frustrating problem, particularly with heavy users of the subcontract module.

Version 14 of Sage Master Builder takes giant strides to improve controls over subcontracts created with Version 14 and later versions. Unfortunately, subcontracts created with earlier versions do not get “converted” to the functionality of Version 14, do not have the same controls available, and will have to be handled using the processes developed for earlier versions of the program.

What’s so special about Version 14 and Subcontracts?

• When approved Subcontract Change Orders are created on the Budget and Sub Change Details tab in menu 6-4-1, the system will “post” the change order to the grid of the original Subcontract in menu 6-7-1. So, whenever one looks at a Subcontract Grid in 6-7-1, one can see both the details of the original Subcontract, and how that original Subcontract has been changed by approved Subcontract Change Orders.
• When a subcontractor’s invoice is entered in menu 4-2 against a Subcontract created with Version 14, the Accounts Payable Invoice grid is populated automatically with the lines that exist on the Subcontract grid. After adjusting the amounts in the grid to reflect the amount of the invoice being processed, the AP Invoice can be saved with Auto-Costing, and the job costs will be charged to the proper cost codes specified on the Subcontract grid. This also helps prevent processing invoices against Subcontract Change Orders that have not yet been approved, since they will not show up in the grid. The AP invoice amounts are then also “posted” to the corresponding lines of the Subcontract grid. Whenever one looks at a subcontract record and its grid, one can see immediately how much has been invoiced against each line item of the Subcontract.

We can arrange for an on-line demonstration of the new features if you want more insight into these enhancements. Just send an e-mail or call at your convenience.

MIS Group ceases operations – We’re still here!

We note today that MIS Group, the largest Sage Software business partner in the country, is closing its doors with an announcement on their website http://www.misgroupusa.com/. We are saddened that so many employees and business partners of MIS Group may be adversely affected. At the same time, we realize that many of their Sage Master Builder clients may be wondering where they can get the professional support services they need for implementation, training and report writing.

We are currently accepting new clients for Sage Master Builder consulting services. As Sage Master Builder Certified Consultants, we have the experience and expertise to quickly jump in and assist with virtually any Sage Master Builder problem. If you find yourself without a viable Sage Master Builder consultant, give us a call at 800-281-2675.