CRM UK - the official blog of the CRM specialists at TSG

Don’t get caught out – online submissions of payroll information are becoming compulsory!

From April 2010 online submissions are a mandatory requirement from HMRC. And to ensure full compliance, a penalty will be imposed for any employer who does not meet the mandatory date for submission.

A helping hand from Sage

Sage Payroll 2010 has all the tools and features which will enable you to make internet submissions of payroll year end information. The software has a number of wizards which will take you through all pay and deductions you have made over the tax year. Sage Payroll also has an audit log which will help you keep track of all e-submissions.  Internet submissions will bring real benefits to your organisation as it will speed up the time it takes to process Payroll Year End enabling you to concentrate on more business critical activities.

Sage Payroll

Sage Payroll 2010 is one of the UK’s most popular payroll solutions. Specifically designed to improve business efficiency and give you full control of your payroll process and employee information. Sage payroll fully integrates with other modules in the Sage suites. So when used with Sage 50 or Sage 200 solutions, the software helps ensure that your accounts are kept fully up to date.

For more information about Sage Payroll please click here or contact Concentrix on 01509 410500 or email [email protected]

Concentrix is Exhibiting at Technology for Marketing and Advertising

After the success of last year’s event, Concentrix is exhibiting at Technology for Marketing and Advertising (TFM&A) again this year.

The exhibition is at Earls Court, London from 23rd February to 24th February 2010. We'll be showing our full range of CRM products and services, including Sage CRM and Microsoft Dynamics CRM, as well as FrontRange’s GoldMine Premium Edition.

Concentrix has many years experience with a wide range of CRM products and different CRM environments. As independent CRM specialists, we provide the best in breed CRM software and as a result we are able to take a product agnostic approach to supplying software. This enables us to ensure you get the solution which is right for your company. We’ll be more than happy to discuss any aspect of CRM, business management software, or any related issues you may be having. Above all, we’ll provide you with free, unbiased, high-quality advice.

If you can make it to Technology for Marketing and Advertising this year, it’s well worth a visit. And of course, please drop by our stand and have a chat! TFM&A is the UK’s only integrated marketing event and as a result they have created their own Perfect Mix Cocktail game, so why not have a go, you could win a Cocktail Masterclass!

If you’re not able to attend TFM&A, and would like help, advice or more information about Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Sage CRM or FrontRange’s GoldMine, contact Concentrix on 01509 410500 or email [email protected]. You can also use the Concentrix website to book a live, one-to-one online demo with one of our CRM experts.

We look forward to meeting you at TFM&A!

 

 

Sage is funding a second series of The Krypton Factor on ITV1

Anyone watch the Krypton Factor on ITV1? It’s sponsored by our largest supplier, Sage (UK) Ltd. Here's some more details:

Following the success of last year’s biggest Advertising Funded Programme deal, Sage continues its journey to identify, explore and celebrate the qualities that make people in business more likely to succeed.

Business software and services provider, Sage (UK) Limited, is testing the nation’s business skills with its Business Brains campaign, and the renewal of its partnership with ITV to fund a second series of The Krypton Factor, which has returned to ITV1. The first series, hosted by Ben Shephard in 2009, reached over 18 million viewers across its run and 500,000 enthusiasts challenged their business IQ on www.trainyourbusinessbrain.com,

“The Business Brains campaign has had an enormous impact on our business. In less than an year, we achieved a shift in brand perception and created a much stronger emotional connection with our customers and business partners. With so many people asking for the show to come back, we couldn't resist. It's a journey we haven't finished yet.” Explained Joanna Elliott, Head of Brand Marketing at Sage.

The Krypton Factor is made for ITV1 by ITV Studios’ entertainment department and was commissioned by John Kaye Cooper, ITV’s Controller of Entertainment who said: “We’re delighted that The Krypton Factor will return to ITV1. The partnership with Sage is an excellent model for advertiser funded programming and, with a challenging new Assault Course, and innovative brainteasing games in series two, the show continues to go from strength to strength.”

Claire Horton, Controller of Entertainment at ITV Studios said: “We’re delighted to be working with SAGE for a second series of The Krypton Factor on ITV 1. We have already been inundated with hopeful applicants who, amongst other rounds, will have to tackle the brand new specially designed assault course. This is going to be our biggest and best The Krypton Factor yet.”

 

New year, new start - come and have a chat with Concentrix!

It’s a new year and the perfect opportunity for a new start! To kick-start your year, why not come along to the next Customer Surgery on Wednesday 10th February 2010?

The Customer Surgery is a completely free of charge one to one meeting for existing customers. Our CRM, Accounts and Business Solutions specialists will be happy to answer any questions about your existing system, inform you of the latest software upgrades available or purely provide you with advice.

Date: Wednesday 10th February 2010

Location: Concentrix Ltd, 20 Granite Way, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7TZ

To book your place*, either email [email protected] or call 01509 410500 by Monday 1st February.

*Please note to attend the surgery you have to book a place first If you require any additional information please do not hesitate to contact Concentrix.

Business Intelligence for Sage 200

As a result of investment in CRM software or Accounts and ERP solutions, many decision makers believe that they know all there is to know about their business and their customers. However, although a company may have an accurate record of all this information, the real test is what they do with the data, how they interpret it and what they learn from it.

For some time, businesses have been focusing on planning for the future because it is the planning which will determine the future success of a business. As the saying goes, “If you don’t plan, you are planning to fail.” However, it is also important that businesses analyse trends. After all, it is by assessing what has happened in the past that enables you to prepare for the future. This is where Business Intelligence Software becomes important.

So what is Business Intelligence (BI) Software? 

Business Intelligence software is designed to report, analyse and present data. Essentially Business Intelligence helps organisations to uncover information which they would not otherwise have been aware of, enabling management to make informed business decisions quickly

Sage 200 Business Intelligence

The Sage 200 Business Intelligence tool provides a unified view of all your data, with complete management dashboards and analysis. Sage 200 BI makes manual, complicated, out of date spreadsheets a thing of the past as all reports are generated automatically and the data contained within them is pulled directly from your Sage 200 solution.

Sage Business Intelligence will increase the agility of your business as it will enable you to identify areas of high and low performance. In addition, it will enable you to analyse your data closely, giving you the ability to identify trends across your business

Sage 200 Business Intelligence will bring a number of benefits to your organisation including:

- Help you to work more intelligently

- It will provide cost-effective reporting and analysis

- Maximise your productivity and minimise costs

-Gain rapid return on investment

- Enable you to achieve a real competitive advantage

To find out more about Sage 200 Business Intelligence please click here, to arrange demonstration of the software please do not hesitate to contact Concentrix on 01509 410500 or email [email protected]

Timesheet software that works with your CRM, ERP or accounts system

Concentrix is now offering TimeControl Timesheet software to all its customers. After a few weeks trialling the product (we’ve thoroughly put it through its paces and implemented the software within one of our larger customer’s systems), feedback about the software has been excellent.

What it TimeControl?

Timecontrol is one of the world's most popular timesheet software applications. It’s a powerful, easy to use and flexible timesheet software package that Concentrix can link to your CRM, ERP, business management or accounts solution. It eliminates the need for paper-based timesheets, allowing users to quickly, easily and accurately enter their timesheet information into the system. TimeControl also brings together disparate or multiple timesheets into a single centralised source.

TimeControl timesheet software is developed by the Canadian company HMS software. Concentrix is an official UK vendor and reseller of TimeControl. We’ve added more information about the software to the Accounts and ERP add-on software section of our website, including some Timecontrol screenshots. Take a look and if you have any queries, please contact us.

Upgrade to Sage and receive 30% discount

Do you use accounting software?

Have you ever considered changing the software which you use?

Well, Concentrix is currently offering 30% discount for users who switch to Sage 200 from equivalent competitor software, making it a great time to make a fresh start!

So what is Sage 200?

Sage 200 is the next generation of Sage software. It’s a fully integrated business management solution which helps organisations improve each stage of their business process. What’s more, it’s been written from the ground up using the latest ‘.net’ technology – so it is robust, easy to use and ‘future proof’.

Sage 200, helps automate and bring together all the key processes in each area of your business: from marketing, sales and customer service, right through to finance, operations, projects and a whole range of other activities.

Sage 200 is the next generation of Sage software. It’s a fully integrated business management solution which helps organisations improve each stage of their business process. What’s more, it’s been written from the ground up using the latest '.net' technology, so is robust, easy to use and 'future proof'

Sage 200 is a genuine business-wide application. Rather than having to run separate, unconnected pieces of software to manage different areas of your company, Sage 200 enables your organisation to control all of its main business processes from within a single software suite.

Key Features of Sage 200

Sage 200 has a number of key features and benefits including:

- A powerful suite of business management software

- Specifically designed for mid-sized businesses

- Integrates your key business processes

- Helps improve efficiency, competitiveness and customer satisfaction

- Flexible, modular solution configured to your precise business requirements

About Concentrix

Concentrix is a Fully Accredited Sage Business Partner and won Sage CRM Partner of the year 2009, in addition, Concentrix and was included in the Sage Circle of Excellence.

Concentrix provides a full range of services from system implementation to training, maintenance, support and hardware.

For more information about Sage 200 or to discuss switching to Sage, please contact Concentrix on 01509 410500 or email [email protected]

Microsoft Dynamics NAV and VAT Rate Changes - How to account for the increase in the standard rate of VAT in Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Here’s some important information from Concentrix Support on how to change VAT rates in Microsoft Dynamics NAV.

Please read this article and download and read the relevant Microsoft whitepaper (link below) thoroughly before taking any action.

From 1st January 2010, the UK standard rate of VAT will increase from 15% to 17.5%. The following are not affected by the change in VAT rate:

- Zero-rated goods, for example, basic food stuffs, children's clothing and children's footwear

- Goods and services subject to VAT at the reduced rate of 5%

Important

Concentrix is unable to advise which VAT rate you should apply in specific circumstances. If you are unsure, please confirm the correct VAT rate with HMRC either by phone or by consulting the relevant guidance on the HMRC website, http://www.hmrc.gov.uk

How to Change the VAT Rate in Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Microsoft Dynamics NAV provides a VAT rate change tool that allows you to perform VAT and general posting group conversions. This tool allows you to easily change VAT rates in order to maintain accurate VAT reporting. Before you can use the VAT rate change tool, you'll need to prepare your data for the VAT rate change, install the VAT rate change tool and then set it up. Microsoft has produced a whitepaper which details how to do this and change the VAT rate in Microsoft Dynamics NAV. This is applicable to Microsoft Dynamics NAV 5.0 SP1 and Microsoft Dynamics NAV 4.0 SP3.

Download Microsoft_Dynamics_NAV_Change_VAT_rates_Whitepaper

Further Help and Information

If you are a Concentrix customer with a current support contract and are experiencing any problems changing VAT rates in Microsoft Dynamics NAV, please contact the Concentrix support desk on 01509 410555 or email [email protected].

Sage Line 100 and VAT Changes - How to account for the increase in the standard rate of VAT in Sage Line 100, and Sage 50 Construct linked to Sage Line 100

Here’s some important information from Concentrix Support on how to change VAT rates in Sage Line 100 and Sage 50 Construct linked to Sage Line 100.

Please read each section of this article thoroughly before taking any action.

From 1st January 2010, the UK standard rate of VAT will increase from 15% to 17.5%. This article explains how this change affects Sage Line 100 and what you need to do. It also describes how to change the VAT rate in Sage 50 Construct linked to Line 100.

The following are not affected by the change in VAT rate:

-Zero-rated goods, for example, basic food stuffs, children's clothing and children's footwear.

-Goods and services subject to VAT at the reduced rate of 5%

Note: Concentrix is unable to advise which VAT rate you should apply in specific circumstances. If you are unsure, please confirm the correct VAT rate with HMRC either by phone or by consulting the relevant guidance on the HMRC website, http://www.hmrc.gov.uk.

To Change the VAT Rate in Sage Line 100

First, backup your data directory before implementing the VAT change. Also ensure that all sales and purchase postings are updated before proceeding.

To change the standard rate of VAT you will need to do the following:

-Accounting System Manager -System Parameters -Vat Rates

-Select the standard rate tax code and select, then edit the vat rate field and enter the rate of 17.5%. Also edit the EC Standard purchase ledger (PL) Code (Purchases, Goods and related Services ) to 17.5%.

To Credit an Invoice at the old Rate

To credit invoices at the old vat rate, create a new tax code at the old rate of VAT  as follows:

-Accounting System Manager -System Parameters -Vat Rates

-Move down to locate an empty field and enter in a relevant tax code number and description

-Tick the option for include in vat return

-Enter rate of 15%

-Ensure relevant Input/ Output Nominal Codes and also relevant cost centres

Please note that the EC purchase flag should not be selected.

Entering Late Suppliers Invoices/ Supplier Purchase Orders

If you receive an invoice from a supplier that you need to enter at the old rate of VAT, you must manually amend the VAT amount. To do this simply over type the VAT amount with the correct value on the Invoice / Order entry screen.

If you receive an order from a supplier that you need to enter at the old rate of VAT, ensure when entering the order that you select the relevant tax rate.

Create an Invoice at the New Rate of VAT

The invoice will post correctly at the rate 17.5% once the section "Change the VAT rate in Line 100."

Existing Sales & Purchase Orders

Existing sales and purchases orders entered into the system can be viewed using the Screen Enquiries option. Caution should be used when selecting to Amend Order once you followed the section "Change the VAT rate in Line 100".

Re-printing invoices & Backup

All invoices re-printed after changing the VAT rate to 17.5% will print at that rate even if the invoice was originally printed at the 15%. As a workaround we would suggest taking a backup of the data prior to changing the rate and use this backup to access the data via a new company to reprint any historical invoices.

Unposted Invoices through Sales Order Processing (SOP)

Any invoices printed but not posted before you followed the section "Change the VAT rate in Line 100", will be posted at the new rate.

Unposted Invoices through Invoicing

It is advisable to print and post invoices prior to following the section "Change the VAT rate in Line 100."

How to Change the Vat Rate in Sage 50 Construct with Sage Line 100

Follow the procedure to Change the VAT Rate in Sage Line 100 above. Sage 50 Construct will pick up the VAT rate automatically from this.

Entering Late Subcontractor or Supplier Invoice:

If you enter either of the above and they are to be invoiced at the old rate of 15% you will need to create a new VAT code.

To Credit a SubContractor or Supplier Invoice at the old VAT rate:

There may be occasions when you need to credit invoices at the old VAT rate. If you need to do this, you should create a new tax code at the old rate of VAT - follow the procedure to change the VAT rate in Sage Line 100 and then run the procedure for Load Accounts.

Further Help and Information

If you are a Concentrix customer with a current support contract and are experiencing any problems changing VAT rates in Sage Line 100 or Sage 50 Construct linked to Sage Line 100, please contact the Concentrix support desk on 01509 410555 or email [email protected].

Sage 50 and VAT Changes - How to account for the increase in the standard rate of VAT in Sage 50 Construct linked to Sage 50 Accounts, and Sage 50 Manufacturing linked to Sage 50 Accounts

Here’s some important information from Concentrix Support on how to change VAT rates in Sage 50 Construct linked to Sage 50 Accounts, and Sage 50 Manufacturing linked to Sage 50 Accounts.

Please read each section of this article thoroughly before taking any action.

From 1st January 2010, the UK standard rate of VAT will increase from 15% to 17.5%. This article explains how this change affects Sage 50 Construct linked to Sage 50 Accounts, and Sage 50 Manufacturing linked to Sage 50 Accounts and what you need to do.

The following are not affected by the change in VAT rate:

-Zero-rated goods, for example, basic food stuffs, children's clothing and children's footwear

-Goods and services subject to VAT at the reduced rate of 5%

Note Concentrix is unable to advise which VAT rate you should apply in specific circumstances. If you are unsure, please confirm the correct VAT rate with HMRC either by phone or by consulting the relevant guidance on the HMRC website, http://www.hmrc.gov.uk. 

How to Change the VAT Rate in Sage 50 Construct v11.0.0 Upwards with Sage Line 50

First, change the standard rate of VAT in your accounting package according to the program's instructions –  visit the Sage website page Sage 50 Legislation Changes for information on how to do this.  

After making the change in your accounts, log directly into Construct and run Utilities > Load Accounts. Note: If you cannot see Utilities on your menu, go to Tools > Users and change the TreeMenu by selecting 'Construct' from the drop-down list.

How to Change the VAT Rate in Sage 50 Construct v10.0.0 and Below with Sage Line 50

For users of Sage Construct version earlier than v 11.0.0, follow advice for Standard VAT of VAT rate in your accounts program but do not run 'Load Accounts'. Construct will pick up the VAT rate automatically from the accounts program.

Entering Late Subcontractor or Supplier Invoice:

If you enter either of the above and they are to be invoiced at the old rate of 15% you will need to create a new VAT code. Please follow the advice at Sage 50 Legislation Changes and then run the procedure for Load Accounts.

To Credit a Subcontractor or Supplier Invoice at the old VAT rate:

There may be occasions when you need to credit invoices at the old VAT rate. If you need to do this, you should create a new tax code at the old rate of VAT - see the Sage 50 Legislation Changes page and then run the procedure for Load Accounts.

How to Change the VAT Rate in Sage 50 Manufacturing with Sage Line 50

No settings need to be altered within Sage 50 Manufacturing. You will need to change the standard rate of VAT in your accounting package according to the program's instructions - see the Sage 50 Legislation Changes page for advice.

Further Help and Information

If you are a Concentrix customer with a current support contract and are experiencing any problems changing VAT rates in Sage 50 Construct or Sage 50 Manufacturing, please contact the Concentrix support desk on 01509 410555 or email [email protected].