Sage 100

Got a lead from Sage. User is a meat distributor (cases) using Sage 100. It looks like they could start using Sage 100 but the blurb below regarding compatibility with iPad or Smartphone technology has me concerted. What is the state of the mobile aps with Sage? Doesn't xKzero have a mobile app? Thoughts please!!! ""As soon as they find the right product they will go with it. Not paying for Oracle. He has been calling his meat vendors seeing what they run, velocity and Great Plains. They have a server onsite. Hoping to have something that is compatible with Ipad or smart phone

The remote sales order runs on IPad and is currently shipping. Have 2 clients who have purchased. xKZero's is probably more flexible. Scanco has several solutions available on practically EVERYTHING - android, ipad, windows, etc.

I'm guessing they are referring to Vicinity http://www.vicinitymanufacturing.com/ which is a food industry vertical that integrates with 3 of the Dynamics Products. Just be careful you aren't going down a vertical situation as that's a hard one to win

Do you know what they are hoping to accomplish with the ipads and smartphones? It's been awhile since I played with it, and it's a bit pricey, but I believe bly:Mobile is still kicking... (http://www.blytheco.com/blymobile/)

@JeffSchwenk, you were at the ITA conference and heard Bob Anderson of Gardner speak on Monday morning. The request listed by the prospect is going to be more and more common in the future. @SteveIwanowski's question is most relevant; what do they want to accomplish. I'm guessing mobile sales, report consumption (read: dynamic dash boards), and CRM capabilities. On mobile sales, you can use a remote desktop app on an iPad. That will work but it is a poor substitute for a mobile app written for the form factor in use. xkZero has a mobile app that covers the iOS community but that leaves a lot of Android devices in the cold. (There are 4 or 5 android devices in use for every iOS in the world) As far as I know, the Sage mobile sales and service apps remain in beta testing right now.

No, haven't reached out to them yet to begin the qualification in earnest. Basically, they buy trailer loads of prepackaged meat, then have route sales to distribute to restaurants. Just wanted some background on Sage's offerings before placing the call. As long as their aren't processing the meat, I think the distribution power of Sage 100 will work. And if it suffices, then the price point ""should"" be lower than the GP vertical.

Thanks, I just remember the senior partner who wanted another eight years of same ol, same ol before retiring..... I am sure a lot of things will come out in the discovery process when I do connect up. They are currently using Sage 50 so it will boil down to what is on their wish list, how much is in their bank account and how well can I as a reseller create efficiencies for them to justify changing their processes so they can afford the new software.

I cringe when I read ""as soon as they find the right product they will go with it"". If you follow-up and inquire whether they've created any criteria around what ""the right product"" will look like there's almost always a ""deer in the headlight"" stare. Poor lead qualifiers get all excited when they hear these magic ""will buy when find right product"". To me it's the sign of a poorly qualified lead.

Jeff - we can be a resource. iSales 100 may be an option, but our newest product, xkzero Mobility, manages routes, deliveries, route sales, returns and more.

The issue to be concerned with is catch weight with a meat distributor. Make sure they only buy and sell and don't have to store 2 units of measure for each item. Meat may come in a case of 10 steaks with an average weight of 10lbs (but never actually 10 lbs). If they sell by the unit and each one has a different weight you will likely lose to a product that can do 2 units of measure.

If catch weight comes into the conversation contact Gary Willett @ ICS - Innovative Consulting Services. He has an enhancement to SAGE 100 ERP that addresses catch weight and other issues related to Food Distribution. His web site is: www.innovativeconsultingservices.net

Catch weight is the driving factor here. Prospect needs to know how many cases he actually has in stock. They might drop off 10 cases of product that weigh 389 lbs. He would bill out in a lot # fashion (each box being a lot number). @MichaelMcDonald - do you have any experience with ICS's product? Does anyone else?? In a sense, lot tracking would work, but that is a helluva lot of data entry...... Prospect wants to decide quickly, but haste may make waste!!

Check with @JohnHoyt - I think he's used this ICS enhancement a couple of times, if not more.

Contacted Sharon Wong on the islands. Her husband has been using the Catch Weight from ICS for over 8 years now. They are happy with it, but like job ops and other complex enhancements, seems to require a LOT of TLC to get it started. Will have to think about a site visit in the next month or so..........

Oh what a shame @JeffSchwenk having to travel to the islands just for work...:)

A dirty business but if it must be done, I will do it to sell the deal...