It’s not all that uncommon in the technology sector. Software companies periodically review their product portfolio to phase out older products for lots of reasons, sometimes due to strategic decisions, changes in the technological landscape, or even lack of profitability.

The ongoing rumors about Sage sunsetting its Sage 500 ERP product means they would discontinue support and updates for the software, leaving manufacturers where? Despite the rumors, if Sage officially states they won’t sunset Sage 500 ERP and that there will be “no forced migrations,” then you’ll be able to use the product for the foreseeable future– great news, right?

Look, we know it’s the understatement of the century that software migrations are tedious. Because when considering an ERP migration, you need to think about the costs, potential downtime through the migration, the learning curve for your employees, and the potential benefits in terms of efficiency, integration with other systems, and more.

Isn’t it wise for businesses to be proactive and forward-looking though? Even if Sage continues 500 ERP, there may be better solutions for your business in the long term. The technology landscape is constantly evolving and newer, more efficient solutions could be available.

Why Haven’t You Looked at Acumatica?

When comparing where you’ll go next, Acumatica Cloud ERP should be a strong contender for your next manufacturing ERP solution.

Acumatica’s modern architecture with integrated ERP and CRM functionalities has a pricing model based on system resources needed rather than per user. It is an appealing choice, particularly for growing manufacturing businesses that require scalability and flexibility.

Its capabilities for easy customization, solid integrations, and deployment versatility (on-premise or in the cloud) give it a substantial edge, especially as businesses become more digitally focused.

Acumatica is designed for small and medium-sized manufacturers who want a suite of fully integrated applications, including Financials, Distribution, Manufacturing, Project Accounting, and CRM.

While both Sage 500 and Acumatica offer comprehensive ERP solutions for manufacturing companies, there are several areas where Acumatica may have an edge due to its modern, cloud-based architecture and flexible pricing model.

Here’s a comparison showcasing Acumatica’s advantages over Sage 500:

Cloud-Based Solution: Acumatica’s true cloud architecture enables real-time access to data, anywhere and anytime. For manufacturing companies, you can track inventory, production, orders, and shipments whether you’re on the shop floor, at your desk, or on the go. In contrast, while Sage 500 can be hosted in the cloud, it is not a native cloud solution, and therefore, it may not offer the same level of accessibility and real-time data.

Fully Integrated System: Acumatica provides a fully integrated ERP and CRM solution for a one-two punch leading to significant efficiency gains. Data flows seamlessly between different parts of your business, from customer service and sales to production and shipping. And you know that Sage 500 developed on older architecture won’t have the same level of seamless integration between modules or with other software.

Modern and User-friendly Interface: Acumatica’s interface is known for its ease of use and intuitive design, which can lead to faster user adoption and increased productivity. On the other hand, given its older system architecture, Sage 500 likely can’t meet the user-friendly Acumatica experience.

Scalability and Pricing: Acumatica’s pricing model is based on system usage rather than per user, which can be particularly advantageous for growing businesses. You can add users without additional cost, encouraging collaboration and system adoption across your organization. As you already know, Sage 500 is priced per user, which can become cost-prohibitive as your business expands.

Customization and Extensibility: Acumatica is designed for easy customization. You can tailor it to fit your specific manufacturing processes, and it has a wide range of available add-ons. Plus, its API allows for integration with a host of other software, ensuring your ERP can adapt and evolve with your business. While Sage 500 offers customization, it may require more specialized knowledge or third-party help.

Future-Proof: Acumatica invests heavily in R&D and consistently upgrades and adds new features to its platform to keep up with industry trends and technology advancements. Sage 500, while still supported, may not see the same level of forward-looking development, potentially leaving its users behind as technology continues to evolve.

Industry-Specific Solutions: Acumatica’s Manufacturing is tailored to the specific needs of manufacturers, with features like BOM management, production management, MRP, product configurator, and advanced planning and scheduling. While Sage 500 offers comprehensive manufacturing modules, Acumatica’s dedicated suite of manufacturing solutions provides a more focused toolset.

That said, each business has unique needs and requirements, and it’s crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation before deciding. But in many cases, Acumatica’s modern, scalable, and fully integrated solution could be a compelling choice for manufacturing businesses looking to upgrade their ERP system.

The Intersection of Moving Forward and Staying Behind

Manufacturing companies relying on Sage 500 find themselves at a crossroads. While Sage has stated they won’t force migrations away from Sage 500, the platform’s future remains unclear.

Transitioning to a new ERP system like Acumatica is a substantial investment in time, resources, and capital, but the potential benefits can far outweigh these costs. Given the importance of an ERP system to the smooth operation of a business, it’s crucial not to wait until you’re forced to make a move.

Here’s why you want to consider a move to Acumatica sooner rather than later:

1. Avoiding the Last-Minute Rush: If Sage 500 reaches its end of life, businesses will scramble to migrate to a new ERP system. Starting the process now allows you to avoid the rush and plan your migration carefully, reducing the risks and disruptions to your business.
2. Taking Advantage of Modern Features: Acumatica offers many advanced features that are simply not available in Sage 500. The sooner you switch, the sooner you can start benefiting from these features, which can drive efficiency, cost savings, and competitive advantage.
3. Securing Business Continuity: Given the uncertainty around Sage 500, moving to Acumatica can provide peace of mind and ensure business continuity. Acumatica is a growing platform with solid prospects, and investing in it is a move toward stability.
4. Leveraging Scalability: With Acumatica’s resource-based pricing, growing businesses can add users without increasing costs. This scalability is a clear advantage for companies planning to expand or expecting fluctuating demand.
5. Future-Proofing Your Business: Moving to a modern, cloud-based ERP system like Acumatica helps future-proof your business, ensuring that you’re not left behind as new technologies and business practices evolve, and allows your business to be agile and responsive in a fast-paced, ever-changing manufacturing industry.
6. Leveraging Improved Integration: Acumatica’s seamless integration capabilities can streamline your operations, improve data flow, and reduce manual, error-prone data entry tasks. You can connect your ERP with other necessary software, increasing efficiency and better decision-making.

While migrating to a new ERP system is a significant undertaking, the potential benefits of moving to a platform like Acumatica can be substantial. If made proactively, it’s a strategic decision that can position your business for future success. As always, don’t forget to involve all key stakeholders in this decision and consult with our Acumatica ERP implementation expert to ensure a smooth transition.