A Big Opportunity for SMBs

According to Sage, this development is a direct response to the evolving needs of SMBs. The company’s “Small Business, Big Opportunity” report indicates that 85% of SMBs now view technology as critical to operational success. The upgraded Sage 50 aims to meet this demand by offering:

• Faster reporting via natural language AI searches
• AI-powered data extraction to automate purchase transactions and reduce errors
• Enhanced security features, including AI-driven fraud detection

Access to these new cloud-connected features, including Sage Copilot, will be managed through the unified Sage account login, promising a more secure and seamless user experience.

“Sage 50 has been the backbone of small business accounting for decades, and these new enhancements ensure it will remain a trusted tool for years to come,” said Neal Watkins, EVP, Accounting & HR, Sage. “We know many of our customers rely on it, and we’re committed to making it even better by integrating AI and automation to save them time, reduce manual work, and improve cash flow.”

Reaping Benefits with AI

The AI-powered Sage Copilot will proactively monitor financial data, offering actionable recommendations. For SMB users, this translates into tangible benefits like:

• Generating custom reports instantly
• Identifying trends
• Spotting anomalies
• Reducing administrative overhead

Commenting on the practical implications of this enhanced solution, David Harvey, Co-Founder of Seabass Vinyl and an early adopter, said: “We’re really excited about what Sage Copilot can do, especially in saving time on admin that takes us away from bigger priorities. Having those proactive insights will be a huge help as we scale.”

What This Means for ERP Insiders

Sage is doubling down on its focus on UK-based SMBs. The AI integration in Sage 50 augments a familiar system that UK-based businesses use. Key use cases directly address SMB pain points: automating tedious purchase data entry, simplifying report generation (a common bottleneck), and bolstering security without requiring deep IT expertise. For ERP consultants serving this segment, it highlights a trend of embedding AI to solve particular, practical challenges rather than offering broad, undefined AI capabilities. This approach eases adoption for traditionally less tech-forward SMBs.

AI democratization and SMB tech reliance. AI is no longer an enterprise-only play. Sage’s move exemplifies the democratization of AI, making sophisticated tools accessible within existing, trusted software. For ERP professionals, this means even smaller clients will increasingly expect AI-driven efficiencies in any new or upgraded system. The market demands intelligent automation that delivers clear ROI, particularly regarding time savings and error reduction.

With Sage 50, users are evolving with a known quantity. This approach minimizes disruption and leverages existing customer trust. This strategy suggests that for established software vendors, incrementally adding AI value to core products can be more successful than a rip-and-replace approach, especially when dealing with change-averse SMBs. The focus should be on how AI assists and augments human capabilities, making processes faster and decisions smarter, thus freeing up valuable owner/operator time for strategic tasks rather than administrative churn.

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This is where the Omnichannel Order Management System (OMS) comes into play.

It can help your business streamline operations, boost customer satisfaction, and stay competitive.

An omnichannel OMS integrates various sales channels—whether that’s in-store, mobile, online, or other platforms—into a single cohesive solution.

It helps businesses deliver a seamless customer experience, from order placement to fulfillment.

But how does it work, and why should your business consider implementing one?

This article dives into omnichannel order management, how it differs from the multi-channel approach, and its key features and benefits.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

What is omnichannel order management?

To understand omnichannel order management, we first need to define what “omnichannel” means.

The term refers to an integrated approach where all customer touchpoints work together to create a seamless experience.

This means your customers can browse, order, and receive products across any channel in a smooth and unified way.

In the context of order management, this approach is critical to meeting customer expectations and running a smooth operation.

An omnichannel OMS connects all your business sales channels and back-end systems to create a single, unified order- management process.

This system ensures that inventory, order data, and customer interactions are synchronized in real-time, no matter where or how the order is placed.

Whether your customer buys online and picks up in-store, orders from a mobile app, or purchases in-person, the omnichannel OMS is designed to make sure the right product is available and delivered quickly.

All while keeping your records and systems accurate and up-to-date.

Omnichannel versus multichannel order management

Omnichannel and multichannel order management systems are often confused.

It’s understandable, as both manage orders from various sales channels, but the key difference lies in how these channels are integrated.

Multichannel order management system

A multichannel order management system tends to product-focused.

It allows you to manage orders for products from various different sales channels, but each channel operates independently.

For example, an order placed online may be treated differently from an in-store purchase, meaning inventory and related data isn’t always shared across both channels.

This can lead to issues like stockouts or order fulfillment confusion when customers switch between channels.

Omnichannel order management

Omnichannel order management, on the other hand, is more customer-focused.

It integrates all channels into a unified system, allowing for real-time inventory visibility, seamless order routing, and a more consistent experience for customers.

An omnichannel approach means you can offer customers flexibility—like allowing them to order online and pick up in-store—while keeping your order and inventory information aligned.

In short, while a multichannel approach works in silos, omnichannel unifies them into a smooth, cohesive process.

This means that an omnichannel OMS is often a more efficient and customer-friendly option for modern businesses juggling many different sales channels.

Key features of an omnichannel order management system

An omnichannel OMS doesn’t just manage orders; it provides a full-featured platform designed to support the complexities of a multi-touchpoint world.

Here are some of the key features that make omnichannel order management solutions so effective:

Centralized inventory management across all channels

An omnichannel OMS allows you to centralize your inventory data so you can see in real-time what stock is available across all channels.

This eliminates the need to track inventory separately for online and in-store operations, which can often lead to stock discrepancies and missed sales opportunities.

With centralized inventory, you can avoid stockouts, make better restocking decisions, and ensure that customers can order from any channel without issue.

Real-time order tracking and fulfillment

Real-time order tracking is one of the standout features of an omnichannel OMS.

It allows you to monitor the status of every order—whether it’s in the process of being fulfilled, on its way to the customer, or ready for in-store pickup.

This transparency enables better communication with your customers.

It provides them with timely updates and helps minimize the number of customer service inquiries you receive related to order status.

Customer data integration for personalized experiences

With an omnichannel OMS, your customer data from various touchpoints is integrated into a single system.

This means you can deliver personalized experiences across all channels, boosting customer satisfaction and building loyalty.

For example, if a customer has previously bought a product using your website, your system can use that information to suggest similar products when they shop via a mobile app.

Seamless order routing between channels

One of the most powerful features of omnichannel order management solutions is their ability to route orders seamlessly between channels.

Say an online order needs to be fulfilled from a physical store, or a customer places an in-store order but wants it shipped.

No problem.

Your omnichannel OMS can intelligently route the order to the right location for fulfillment.

You’re meeting your customer’s needs while optimizing fulfillment efficiency by tapping into available inventory across all locations.

Flexibility in managing returns and exchanges across channels

Managing returns and exchanges can be a logistical challenge for businesses operating across multiple sales channels.

An omnichannel OMS simplifies this by allowing returns from any channel to be processed through any other channel.

For example, your customers can return an online purchase in-store or vice versa.

This streamlines the return process and improves customer satisfaction, as they have more options for returning or exchanging products.

Benefits of omnichannel order management

Adopting an omnichannel order management system can brings several key benefits to your business.

Below are some of the most significant advantages:

Improved customer experience

With an omnichannel OMS, your business can offer a more consistent, personalized, and convenient shopping experience.

Whether your customers shop online, in-store, or through a mobile app, they can expect seamless service across all touchpoints.

This consistency fosters brand loyalty, as your customers appreciate not having to jump through hoops to complete their purchase or return a product.

Increased operational efficiency

Another primary benefit of an omnichannel OMS is improved operational efficiency.

By centralizing inventory, streamlining order fulfillment, and automating many processes, your business can reduce the risk of human error and make better use of resources.

This means fewer stockouts, faster order processing, and a smoother experience for your customers as well as your staff.

With an omnichannel system in place, you can optimize your fulfillment operations, cut down on waste, and improve resource allocation.

Higher sales and customer retention

Offering customers flexible options for order fulfillment, such as buying online and pick up in-store, makes the shopping process more convenient and can help drive higher sales.

Customers are more likely to return to your business if you offer a fast, reliable service across multiple channels.

An omnichannel OMS can help you achieve this.

If implemented and managed well, it will empower your business to meet customer expectations about delivery times, real-time stock availability, and the flexibility to shop in whatever way suits them best.

Real-time insights and better decision-making

An omnichannel order management solution integrates with other business systems and collects data from across all sales channels.

It gives you real-time insights into your customers’ preferences, order trends, and inventory performance.

With access to this information, you can make better decisions in relation to stock levels, marketing strategies, and sales forecasting.

This data-driven approach will also help your business stay agile and responsive to changes in customer behavior or market conditions.

How an omnichannel OMS improves operational efficiency

The efficiencies gained from implementing an omnichannel OMS go beyond just customer experience—there are significant operational benefits that can help improve your business’ overall bottom line.

Reduces manual workload

Updating inventory, processing orders, and checking stock levels manually can be very time-consuming and lead to human error.

With omnichannel order management, many of these tasks are automated.

For instance, when an online order is placed, the system will automatically update inventory levels immediately, preventing overselling.

Similarly, order routing can be automated, directing orders to the most optimal fulfillment location, whether it’s a warehouse or a retail store.

Streamlines inventory management

An omnichannel OMS makes managing inventory across multiple channels easier.

The system provides a centralized view of your inventory, minimizing the risk of stockouts and making sure inventory levels are reflected accurately across all channels.

It also makes it easier to track stock movement.

This, in turn, will help you elevate your restocking strategies and make sure that high-demand products are always available.

Integrates seamlessly with other systems

Effective omnichannel order management solutions integrate seamlessly with other enterprise software, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

This integration allows for better coordination between sales, inventory, and customer data, leading to more efficient and accurate operations.

It makes sure that information flows smoothly across your various departments, eliminating silos and paving the way for a more cohesive business operation.

How to choose the right omnichannel OMS for your business

Selecting the right omnichannel OMS will help your business handle its order management needs more effectively.

Important factors to consider

Business size

Larger businesses with more complex needs will want to consider an advanced solution with robust customization options.

Smaller businesses, on the other hand, might benefit from a simpler system.

Sales channels

Consider the channels you currently use (e.g., online, in-store, mobile) and make sure the omnichannel order management solutions you’re looking at support integration across all of them.

Ease of integration

You’ll want a system that integrates well with other software solutions, like your ERP or CRM.

The OMS you choose should offer strong integration capabilities or work well with APIs that can link your existing systems.

Key features to prioritize

Scalability

The OMS you choose should be able to scale with your business as it grows and adapt as your operations expand or shift priorities.

Real-time inventory management

Accurate, up-to-date inventory data is crucial to keeping your stock levels healthy and empowering you to deliver fast order fulfillment.

Reporting capabilities

Look for a system with strong reporting tools that offer easily digestible, actionable insights into sales trends, inventory performance, and customer behavior.

Common challenges and how to overcome them

As you’ve seen, there are many benefits to investing in an efficient omnichannel OMS, but there are also challenges to consider when implementing it:

Overcoming initial setup complexities

Implementing an omnichannel OMS can be complicated, especially for businesses with complex order management needs and existing software.

Proper planning and a phased implementation approach should ease the transition.

You can also help make the setup as smooth as possible by working with an experienced OMS vendor and appointing a dedicated project team.

Overcoming resistance to change

Some of your employees may resist new technology and change, especially if they are accustomed to manual processes.

As part of your implementation strategy, make sure you give your team the training they need on the new system.

You can also encourage adoption and boost staff morale by opting for a user-friendly system and clearly showcasing its benefits.

If you can demonstrate that the new software is going to make your team members’ lives easier in the long run, they’re more likely to get on board.

Final thoughts

As businesses strive to meet the evolving demands of today’s connected customers, an omnichannel order management system can prove an essential tool for success.

If your business deals with multiple sales channels and you want to stay competitive in an increasingly customer-centric market, investing in powerful order management software is a smart move.

It will elevate your operational efficiency and give you the tools you need to offer your customers the seamless, personalized experiences they expect.

With the right omnichannel order management system, you can deliver a better, more flexible customer experience while boosting your bottom line.

Learn more with Sage.

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If you’re a finance leader aiming to improve efficiency, boost accuracy, and strengthen your company’s financial strategy, it’s time to explore expense management automation.

This blog guides you to understanding the core concepts, benefits, and implementation strategies for automated expense reporting and tracking.

Whether leading a growing startup or overseeing a larger finance department, you’ll find actionable insights to help update and streamline your expense management workflows.

Here’s what we cover:

Understanding expense management automation

Before exploring the features and benefits of automation, it’s important to start with the basics: what is expense management automation?

Expense management automation uses software tools to handle the entire process of submitting, approving, reimbursing, and tracking business expenses—without manual work.

These systems replace spreadsheets, paper receipts, and email chains with streamlined, cloud-based platforms that manage everything more efficiently.

Key features of expense management automation

1. Smart receipt scanning: AI-powered tools, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR), automatically extract key details—such as dates, amounts, and vendor names—from receipts. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and makes sure you achieve greater accuracy from the start.

2. Automatic policy checks: your company expense policies are enforced automatically, with non-compliant submissions flagged in real time. This reduces oversight needs and helps maintain consistency across teams.

3. Real-time insights: interactive dashboards provide clear, up-to-date visualizations of expenses by category, department, or individual, helping your finance team stay informed and proactive.

4. Streamlined approvals: automated workflows send expense reports to the appropriate approvers based on pre-set rules, improving turnaround time and reducing back-and-forth communication.

5. Quick expense capture: users can upload receipts on the go using a mobile app, with the system automatically generating expense reports. This simplifies the process for your employees and increases on-time submissions.

6. Seamless system integration: the platform connects with your existing accounting, payroll, and ERP systems, ensuring all expense data flows smoothly across your financial infrastructure.

Benefits of automated expense management

Switching to automated expense management transforms how your organization manages spending. Here are the key benefits it brings to your business operations:

1. Enhanced compliance

Automated tools reduce the risk of policy violations by applying consistent rules and flagging any outliers. This helps prevent errors and ensures accountability across departments.

2. Improved operational efficiency

By removing repetitive manual tasks, automation lightens the workload for finance teams and speeds up the reporting cycle. Everyone—from employees to approvers—saves time and energy.

3. Smarter, data-driven decisions

With timely, accurate insights into where and how money is being spent, you can make more informed budgeting decisions and uncover opportunities for cost savings.

4. Actionable financial insights

Automation provides clean, up-to-date data without the need for end-of-month spreadsheets. This gives you the visibility needed to make informed decisions on the fly and keep financial strategies aligned with business goals.

5. Cost-saving opportunities

Analyzing spending patterns across teams, vendors, and categories can reveal inefficiencies—such as frequent out-of-policy submissions or unusually high travel costs. These insights help you implement cost-control measures or renegotiate vendor agreements.

6. More accurate budgeting and forecasting

Historical expense data uncovers trends that improve forecasting and budget accuracy. With access to real-time updates, your finance team can adjust plans proactively, ensuring resources are allocated wisely and overspending is minimized.

7. Better employee experience

When expenses are easy to submit and reimbursements are fast, employees are more likely to comply and feel valued. This fosters a more positive workplace and encourages consistent reporting habits.

8. Greater accessibility

Cloud-based expense management platforms offer intuitive dashboards and mobile access, allowing your team members to submit expenses anytime, anywhere. This benefit is especially valuable for remote teams and traveling staff, ensuring timely submissions and improved adoption across the organization.

From paper to digital: Modernizing your expense management process

Still relying on printed receipts, stapled reports, and overflowing filing cabinets? If so, it’s time to modernize your process and go paperless.

Here’s how traditional and automated expense management compare:

Traditional expense management

• Employees print and complete physical forms.

• Paper receipts are attached manually.

• Reports are submitted to managers for handwritten approval.

• The finance team enters data into spreadsheets by hand.

• Errors and discrepancies are caught during reconciliation.

Automated expense management

• Employees snap a photo and upload receipts via a mobile app.

• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology fills in report details automatically
  Approvals are routed digitally—no paperwork needed.

• Expense data flows directly into your accounting system in real time.

Implementing automated expense tracking

While expense reporting focuses on capturing and reimbursing costs, automated expense tracking is all about continuously monitoring spending. These systems track expenditures in real time, giving you clear visibility and enabling more proactive financial management.

With this real-time insight, you can manage cash flow more effectively, identify unusual spending patterns early, and stay on top of your budget.

Key considerations for choosing a tracking solution

• Integration capabilities: make sure your expense tracking software integrates smoothly with your existing accounting systems and ERP tools.

• User accessibility: a complex or outdated interface can hinder adoption. Choose platforms that offer intuitive dashboards, mobile apps, and easy navigation to support widespread use across the organization.

• Customization: your business has unique needs. Make sure to choose a solution that allows you to configure rules, workflows, and reporting structures based on your policies and needs.

Ultimately, the right solution should act like an extension of your finance team—working behind the scenes while giving you total control and transparency.

Strategic steps to implement expense management automation

Rolling out a new system can feel overwhelming, but the following strategy will help ensure a smooth transition and long-term success.

Step 1: Assess current processes

Begin by identifying pain points in your current expense management workflow. Are employees submitting reports late? Is reconciliation taking too long? Are policy violations common? These insights will help shape your automation goals.

Step 2: Define clear objectives

What do you want to achieve with automation? Your goals might include:

• Reducing expense report processing time by 50%.

• Improving policy compliance rates.

• Increasing visibility into department-level spending.

Setting clear KPIs allows you to track progress and measure the return on your investment.

Step 3: Select the right software

No single solution works for every business. Evaluate software options based on features, integration capabilities, scalability, and customer support to find the best fit for your organization.

Step 4: Develop a rollout plan

Implement the new system in phases. Start with a pilot program in one department to gather feedback and fine-tune the process before expanding to the whole company.

Step 5: Train stakeholders

Successful adoption depends on proper training. Provide clear resources, live webinars, and hands-on workshops to ensure all users—from employees to approvers—feel confident and supported.

Additional factors to look for when choosing expense management software

Beyond features and benefits, the success of your automation strategy also depends on choosing a solution that fits your organization’s specific needs. Here are four key factors to consider:

1. User-friendly interface

Ease of use is essential for widespread adoption. Look for software with clean, intuitive design, mobile functionality, and simple navigation. When the platform is easy to use, employees are more likely to submit expenses on time, and finance teams can work more efficiently.

2. Customizability and Scalability

Your business is unique, and your expense solution should be too. Choose software that allows you to customize policies, approval workflows, and reporting formats. It should also scale with your business as it grows—supporting more users, departments, and complex organizational needs over time.

3. Robust security and data privacy

Financial data is sensitive, so make sure the software follows industry-standard security protocols. Look for features like data encryption, role-based access controls, regular audits, and compliance with regulations.

4. Responsive customer support

No matter how intuitive the system is, questions and issues can arise. Reliable customer support—through live chat, phone, email, or a dedicated account manager—can make a big difference in your team’s experience and ensure a smooth onboarding process.

Final thoughts

Today’s finance leaders need strategic solutions that can keep up with rapid change and growing complexity. Embracing automated expense reporting and tracking is a powerful step in that direction.

Whether you’re managing a lean finance team or overseeing large-scale operations, automation gives you the tools to focus on what matters most—driving growth and making informed business decisions.

Ready to simplify your expense process? Explore our time and expense management software to see how it can help your team save time, reduce errors, and make smarter financial decisions.

Learn more with Sage.

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“This partnership brings together Sage’s industry-leading construction financial management solution and decades of innovation in construction technology with Tractics’ expertise in field, fleet, and project operations to deliver the best in accounting and operations software,” said Julie Adams, Senior Vice President, Construction and Real Estate, Sage. “Together, we provide the heavy civil market with a powerful and data-rich platform to seamlessly manage their entire business from the field to the office.”

Sage Intacct Construction focuses on delivering the accounting backbone U.S. businesses need to remain competitive, while Tractics delivers a solution for office, field, fleet, and project operations. The integration includes:

• Centralized, wide visibility into construction operations, in a single platform
• Field apps for foremen and crew so timesheets are updated in real time
• Access to critical data for fleet managers, dispatchers, and back-office staff to simplify operations and keep teams working in sync
• Customizable financial reporting and dashboards
• Anytime, anywhere access to real-time project data
• Dimensional general ledger and multi-entity consolidation
• Automated WIP management

“Tractics was created by contractors for contractors. Drawing on years of hands-on field experience, the platform empowers heavy civil contractors with the tools they need to run their businesses more efficiently. This partnership with Sage enables us to offer our customers even more robust cloud solutions,” said Tyler VanWinkle, CEO, Tractics. “By integrating our platforms, we’re helping businesses to streamline their entire operations which also means simplifying their accounting. This helps bridge the gap between technology and everyday construction business needs so that we’re providing solutions to make our contractor’s lives easier.”

What this means for ERP Insiders

Tractics complements Sage Field Operations in the construction market. Tractics and Sage Field Operations are both construction management platforms, each tailored to specific sectors within the construction industry. Tractics specializes in serving heavy civil contractors, offering tools designed to manage the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects. Whereas Sage Field Operations caters primarily to specialty contractors such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and similar trades, focusing on service management and field operations. Tractics provides tools for managing project costs, documents, and processes from bid to completion, enhancing communication and reducing risk. It also offers mobile and tablet applications for real-time collaboration among crew members, foremen, and supervisors, facilitating efficient task and time entry. And it includes features for scheduling equipment moves, monitoring equipment utilization, and gathering real-time driving insights to optimize resource allocation. On the other hand, Sage Field Operations enables management of work orders, scheduling, and dispatching, with real-time data accessibility to improve service delivery. It provides technicians with mobile access to job details, schedules, and site information, allowing for time tracking, work order management, and on-site data capture. And it seamlessly integrates with Sage’s accounting and construction software, such as Sage 100 Contractor, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, and Sage Intacct Construction, ensuring consistent data flow between field operations and financial systems.

Heavy civil contracting seeing groundswell of innovation. The construction technology sector is experiencing significant growth, with substantial investments fueling innovation. The median deal size and post-money valuation in the industry have more than doubled since 2017, indicating a robust market expansion. This influx of capital supports the development of advanced tools and platforms tailored to the unique needs of heavy civil construction. There’s a growing demand for interoperable solutions that can seamlessly integrate various aspects of construction management. Companies are seeking platforms that address multiple use cases, reducing the need for disparate systems and fostering a more cohesive operational environment. This trend is leading to the development of comprehensive platforms that cater to diverse project needs. And of course, AI is playing a pivotal role in transforming construction management. AI-powered tools are being utilized for predictive analytics, safety management, and risk assessment. For instance, AI-driven cameras and sensors can detect unsafe behaviors on-site, alerting supervisors in real-time. A notable example includes a large U.S.-based heavy civil contractor that reduced recorded incidents by 28% and cut lost time by 35% using AI technology.

Construction market served well by industry-tailored ERP offerings. The top ten construction ERP providers, including the three noted below, own a combined market share of about 46%. Sage Group is recognized as a major player in the construction ERP software industry, providing solutions that cater to various aspects of construction management. Sage’s construction ERP solutions, such as Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (formerly Timberline), are widely adopted by construction firms to manage project costs, streamline operations, and enhance financial reporting. The software’s features and industry-specific functionalities have solidified Sage’s position as a trusted ERP provider in the construction sector. But Sage is not alone. Oracle is another solid option in the construction management software market, offering ERP solutions that integrate various construction processes. Oracle’s Construction and Engineering Cloud provides comprehensive project lifecycle management solutions, enabling construction companies to plan, build, and operate projects efficiently. The platform’s ability to connect teams and processes through a unified cloud service demonstrates Oracle’s leadership in delivering scalable ERP solutions for the construction industry. And then there’s Procore Technologies, which offers platforms that facilitate project management and collaboration. Procore’s construction management software provides tools for project management, quality and safety, and financials, all within a unified platform. Its user-friendly interface and focus on improving project efficiency have made it a popular choice among construction professionals.

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CEO Steve Hare attributed the success to the acquisition of new customers and existing ones investing in more products and services. North America became the fastest-growing region where the company’s Intacct business saw robust demand from the non-profit, construction and real estate sectors.

The CEO said: “Our high pace of innovation continues, as we enhance existing products and expand key cloud solutions throughout our markets. The Sage Network platform is enabling us to accelerate the delivery of new services, and we’ve made good progress with Sage Copilot, our generative AI-based digital assistant, now available with selected products across our portfolio.”

Discussing the larger business environment, Hare added: “Small and mid-sized businesses remain resilient, despite the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and they continue to choose Sage to help them become more productive and efficient. Building on our progress to date, we look forward to delivering further sustainable growth in the year ahead.”

Sage’s underlying total revenue for the year increased by 9 percent to £2,332m, reflecting the strength of its subscription-based recurring revenue model. Its underlying operating profit also increased by 21 percent to £529m, driving a strong margin increase of 220 basis points to 22.7 percent, with cost management supporting ongoing investment.

In the first half of the fiscal year to 31 March 2023, Sage’s underlying annualized recurring revenue soared from £1.8bn to £2.1bn, with underlying total revenue increasing from £989m to £1bn.

Looking ahead into the prospects of the company, Sage shared that it is entering FY25 with good momentum driven by consistent strategic execution. “Looking ahead, we expect organic total revenue growth in FY25 to be 9 percent or above. Operating margins are expected to trend upwards in FY25 and beyond, as we focus on efficiently scaling the group”. 

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According to the spokespersons, this acquisition reinforces Sage’s commitment to supporting SMBs and users will now be able to effectively track portfolios, budgets, opportunities, contacts, team collaboration, calendar tasks, video calls and performance in a comprehensive, AI-enhanced mobile solution.

Already part of the Sage partner ecosystem, ForceManager is a global company that operates in Europe, the UK and North and South America. ForceManager will continue to be available as a standalone solution for both Sage and non-Sage customers.

“ForceManager’s high-level technology, available in several Sage solutions in Spain and the UK, together with the talent of colleagues joining Sage, confirms our strategy of delivering sustainable and efficient growth for businesses through innovation and investment in AI,” said José Luis Martín Zabala, managing director of Sage Iberia.

Oscar Maciá, CEO of ForceManager, also commented on the announcement: “When we launched ForceManager, we recognized the immense value of integrating sales processes with companies’ transactional systems and unifying management platforms. This level of integration is crucial to driving business productivity. 

“Now, joining forces with Sage […] presents an incredible opportunity to empower millions of SMBs to increase sales and achieve greater business success.”

Among other news, Sage has acquired New York-based technology firm Anvyl. According to the announcement, the latter’s focus on the $20bn supply chain software sector will augment Sage’s capabilities, allowing it to cost-effectively deliver supply chain execution (SCE) and provide SMBs with visibility from purchase order creation to warehouse delivery.

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Mark Hickman, managing director, North America, Sage, said that the acquisition aligned with the company’s strategy to expand beyond the financial sector and provide a broad range of tools to various businesses.

“By integrating Anvyl’s technology with Sage’s solutions, we’re enabling businesses to connect with multiple buyers and suppliers, optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer service – helping them stay competitive in the rapidly growing supply chain execution market,” he said.

According to Sage, Anvyl’s software that covers the entire supply chain will allow it cost-effectively deliver supply chain execution (SCE), providing SMBs with visibility from purchase order creation to warehouse delivery.

“Sage’s acquisition allows Anvyl to deliver world-class supply chain technology to the market, helping operational and production teams save time and manage their supply chain more efficiently,” Rodney Manzo chief executive officer and founder of Anvyl said.

Anvyl’s supply chain solution combines intelligent purchase order management with a broad supplier network. It will now be delivered through Sage’s platform of products and services meant to connect business ecosystems, especially for SMBs.

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navigate the myriad ERP solutions, many companies or CFOs hire ERP selection consultants for their expertise, often paying $20,000-$100,000 in the middle market for help in picking the right system for their needs.

However, these consultants, like any other professionals, are susceptible to biases that influence the outcome of the selection process. Some are so biased they act as essentially paid spokespeople for a particular vendor.

In this blog, we will explore 5 biases that can arise in ERP selection consultants and the impact they can have on the decision-making process.

1. Vendor affiliations create a conflict of interest: ERP selection consultants often have established relationships with specific vendors or resellers. These relationships can create a bias towards recommending those vendors, even if they may not be the best fit for the organization’s needs. Consultants often receive financial incentives or perks from vendors, consciously or subconsciously affecting their recommendations.

Most common is the same ERP selection consultant being paid to implement the software that is chosen, adding many thousands of dollars of revenue for themselves if a particular vendor is chosen over another.

It is important for organizations to be aware of these affiliations and question the motives behind consultant recommendations.

2. Preconceived notions about industry standards: ERP selection consultants may have preconceived notions about industry standards and best practices. While experience and expertise are valuable, rigid adherence to industry norms can lead to overlooking alternative solutions that could be a better fit for a particular organization.

It is essential for consultants to remain open-minded and consider diverse options to ensure the selection process is unbiased.

3. Confirmation bias: All people, including ERP selection consultants, may develop a bias towards confirming their initial beliefs or assumptions. This bias can hinder the exploration of alternative options and limit the range of choices presented to the organization.

Organizations should require consultants to share what percentage of their entire client base chose each available ERP solution on the market. If they always recommend the same solution, what are you paying for?

4. Limited knowledge or experience: ERP selection consultants may lack comprehensive knowledge or experience across a wide range of ERP systems. Requests from consultants who are new to a particular industry or unfamiliar with best-in-class cloud functionality available. This limitation can lead to biases favoring solutions they are more familiar with or have previously implemented.

Organizations should ensure that consultants possess a deep understanding of various ERP systems and have experience working with a diverse range of clients.

5. Overemphasis on Technical Features: ERP selection consultants often focus heavily on technical features and functionalities while neglecting the importance of the organization’s unique requirements and strategic goals. This bias can result in a mismatch between the selected ERP system and the organization’s specific needs.

Consultants should prioritize understanding the organization’s business processes and aligning the selection criteria with the strategic objectives.

Final thoughts
Selecting the right ERP system is crucial for the success of any organization, and ERP selection consultants can provide valuable guidance throughout the process. However, it is important to recognize that both deliberate and unconscious biases can influence their recommendations.

Organizations must approach the selection process with skepticism, actively questioning and challenging the recommendations provided.

By fostering open communication, encouraging diverse perspectives, and ensuring consultants consider a broad range of options, you can mitigate biases and make informed decisions that align with your unique requirements.

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