Sage 200

National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec)

Blyth, Northumberland

The problem

Narec had been using Sage 50, with a Microsoft Access database for timesheet recording, purchase ordering processing and a basic project costing system.

Tony notes, "As the organisation grew, both systems began to struggle to meet our requirements."

How Sage 200 Suite (Commercials and Project Accounting) helped

Today, the core finance team at Narec are heavy users of Sage 200 for tasks such as processing purchase orders, invoices and payments. The new system allows  much quicker month end close out, and it’s easier to identify issues and errors regarding purchase order processing
and timesheets.

Timescales for producing reports have also shortened dramatically, giving managers improved control of the business.

The solution is also widely used by non-finance staff to raise purchase requisitions, receive goods and enter their timesheets. Every one of Narec’s 103 employees has to complete hourly timesheets, so that time can be allocated to the right project. Staff working remotely can enter their timesheets over the web, which simplifies administration, increases accuracy and ensures there is no time lag in recording the data.

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"Management reporting is a real strength of Sage 200. Whereas it used to take two days to interrogate the Microsoft Access database and compile a report, Sage 200 has cut this down to just half a day."

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Focus Pharmaceuticals

Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire

The problem

Focus Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a fast-growing independent company. As the business grew rapidly, they were looking for a bigger, more dynamic software solution.

One of their key aims was to be able to tailor a system to their requirements. They also needed a robust audit trail for tracking a product or batch from beginning to end.

This is essential in the pharmaceuticals industry in case a batch needs to be recalled through the supply chain.

How Sage 200 Suite (Commercials) helped

Focus Pharmaceuticals was introduced to Sage Business Partner Diazone Computer Services (DCS) Ltd, who recommended an upgrade to Sage 200 Commercials. This gave Focus Pharmaceuticals the increased power and traceability they needed.

With support from DCS, Sage 200 Commercials was implemented for six users on a Windows 2003 Server, with a Microsoft SQL Server database.

Richard was happy with how responsive DCS were during the planning and implementation phases.

"They cleaned up our previous system, so that we were in good shape to make a fast, effective transition. Their consultants are extremely professional, knowledgeable and efficient throughout in resolving any issues."

"As a direct result of the transition, our processes are easier and we have the full traceability and batch tracking of our products required to pass the MHRA audit. This has proved a fundamental pillar of our subsequent business growth. It's normally something for which you would have to buy an Oracle or SAP product, but Sage 200 does it all for us."

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