What is Sage X3?

Sage X3 is an award-winning, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) accounting software designed for product-centric businesses with complex multi-national operations. It will scale with your company, accommodating growth and complexity. A versatile web-based solution, used by mid-sized to large businesses, is most popular with manufacturers and distributors who require a comprehensive and adaptable solution that improves control, efficiency and visibility.  

Key features of Sage X3

• One single system to manage core operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth.
• Fast automation for quality control, streamlined processing across finance, sales, CRM, warehouse management, manufacturing, purchasing and inventory.  
• Supports complex global businesses with multi-currency, multi-company, and multi-legislation for traceability, compliance and efficiency.  
• Allows you to maintain detailed records of suppliers, enabling you to optimise your processes, inventory levels and reduce costs.
• Provides access to tools and intuitive, business-critical data to help you understand your customers, provide better experiences and overall improve customer service.  
• Centralisation of your production data and flexible reporting helps to improve communication, quality and consistency across your departments. 
• Improve control and monitoring, with full visibility and detail to identify overstocking.  
• Integrates seamlessly with third-party add-ons and services to enhance productivity and shorten the sales cycle.  
• Customisation which adapts to your business needs and your role. Allowing you to reduce errors, manage risks and keep your cost of ownership down.  
• Cloud or on-premise options to fit with your business.   
  
  

Who is Sage X3 for?  

Sage X3 is ideal for a business looking to digitise across multiple departments, operating in complex environments and often needing to manage global operations. Ideal for manufacturing and distribution organisations, business services and agricultural industries that require multi-dimensional reporting, improved traceability and access to real-time insights for improved planning.   

• Process manufacturing: Chemicals, Food and Beverage, Nutraceuticals, Pharmaceuticals. 
• Discrete manufacturing: High Tech, Industrial Equipment, Fabricated Metal, Electrical appliances, Rubber and Plastics, Furniture.
• Distribution: Wholesale Trade, Warehousing and Logistics.
• Business Services: Consulting, Engineering, Equipment Rental, Maintenance and Repair, Construction.  
• Agriculture: Fruit and Vegetable, Flour Mills, Winemaking, Dairy and Meat, Livestock, Co-ops, Seed-to-Sale.   
  
  

Sage X3 integration 

Sage X3 is designed with integration in mind, and there are tools and resources available to facilitate the process. Functionality can be extended through various third-party add-ons, catering to specific business needs. However, it is advised to consider compatibility, functionality and support, when evaluating which add-on would be best for your business.   

Key integration categories and examples include:   

• Process Manufacturing: Sage X3 Procession extends the capabilities of the core Sage X3 ERP to meet the unique demands of industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Learn more.  
• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Solutions can allow for seamless data integration between Sage X3 and CRM. Helping to improve customer relationship management. 
• Travel and Expenses: Emburse Professional, is a cloud-based travel and expense management solution that simplifies invoice processing, so you can close your books faster. The features include automated expense report creation, mobile receipt capture, and seamless integrations to streamline expense management. We can also link Sage X3 to other expense packages easily.  

• V1 Document Management a valuable certified partner for Electronic Document Management (EDM). EDM will create, store, authorise, deliver and manage key business documents in and out of the Sage X3 solution digitally. Purchase Invoice Automation (PIA), streamlines the invoice process using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and makes it more efficient. For AP Automation, Yooz, can automate your P2P process in real-time, offering fast automation Sage X3 users.  

• Warehouse Management: Datalinx Warehouse Manager: allows the operatives in the warehouse to be wirelessly connected to Sage via dedicated Warehouse Manager screens and utilise the latest mobile devices within their site environment. 
• Business Intelligence (BI): Sage Enterprise Intelligence (SEI) and other BI tools offer advanced reporting and analytics, providing insights for informed decision-making. Learn more about Business Intelligence from CPiO. 
• Shipping and Transportation Management: Add-ons like those that integrate with carriers to help streamline shipping processes. Add-ons like; Pacejet help to optimize shipping processes, provide real-time carrier connectivity, and improve shipping accuracy. 
• Budgeting and Planning: Add-ons that enhance budgeting and planning capabilities, allowing for more in-depth financial analysis. 
• Field Service Management: Praxedo is a world-class cloud-based field service management software, a proven solution which empowers service companies to increase productivity, streamline processes and improve customer satisfaction. 
• eCommerce Platforms: Intellisell: an eCommerce integration platform for Sage X3 users to help you to connect your end-to-end business processes, automate many labour-intensive activities and better manage third party relationships. 
• CPiO also offers a wide range of developed integrations to connect industry-specific software to Sage X3. We have a development practice that can help you drive data through your specialist solutions to improve flow and visibility. 

Seamless migration to Sage X3:

There are many business reasons to move away from a legacy platform. To summarise, the usability, intelligence, mobility, profitability and compliance advantages are endless with Sage X3.  

Any older ERP system that is no longer supported, or that does not have the capabilities a company requires, could be a system that a company migrates from. 

When you are ready to migrate to a new platform, CPiO can support you with the upgrade process. With 35 years of experience and an expert team of Sage qualified consultants, CPiO can ensure a smooth transition. If you are looking to upgrade from Sage, QuickBooks or another ERP platform we have the following advice:  

• Migrating from Sage 50, 200, 300, 500 or 1000  

Sage 50, 200, 300 or 500 users are increasingly facing common challenges as the size of their company grows the software is showing many limitations which is hindering productivity.  

As Sage 1000 has reached its retirement, many users are transitioning to a new Sage software. Alternatively, you may be experiencing issues with your current ERP software as your enterprise is growing and you are opening new sites globally.  

• Migrating from QuickBooks to Sage X3 

QuickBooks is positioned for small businesses that require basic accounting functionality, whilst Sage X3 is a comprehensive ERP system, as we have explored the benefits above. Migrating to Sage X3 from QuickBooks requires preparation, and you need a Sage ERP partner to be able to execute the process with accurate project management. However, it will be worth the long-term benefits of migrating.  

Implementing Sage X3   

CPiO has proven experience in taking existing and new customers through the transition and migration process. We provide thorough planning, data preparation, clear communication and comprehensive training for your team. It is important to consider the expertise of the Sage partner, and their ability to tailor your requirements to Sage X3 and overall provide minimal disruption to your business through the transition journey.  

We create a full project plan, which includes consultancy and project management days, where milestones are signed off during each stage.  

Depending on the users' requirements it might look something like this:   

1. Business scoping and process review: includes change management process and project plan. This involves the CPiO specialists presenting Sage X3 overview and scoping sessions. Description of Target Solution, gap analysis, and data migration plan.
2. Installation of the software: Environment setup and review, sign off on customer reviewed pre-requisites, fully installed solution on the destination server. 
3. Build: Pilot build/configuration and demonstrate that CPiO has understood the requirements of the system.  

4. Training of the in-house team: training to key stakeholders (users in your finance, distribution and manufacturing departments). Showing visual processes and dashboards, data migration assistance sessions, if required (SEI reports), document management. 
5. Set up of the pilot system: produce test plans, perform User Acceptance Testing (UAT), UAT assistance.  

5. Pilot workshop to the customer project team: Client to complete data migration import/export templates and test scripts.
6. Super user workshops: key stakeholders to validate the setup and workflows.  
7. UAT support: we conduct user acceptance testing to ensure Sage X3 is fully optimised for your business before going live. 

Once live, CPiO will provide users with installation guides, user manuals and go-live assistance. This is to ensure Sage X3 delivers the expected benefits to your organisation and maximizes the value of your new ERP system.   

Sage X3 Support

All of CPiO's support consultants are Sage accredited and renowned for their quick and accurate resolution of support issues. CPiO offers friendly, professional support, training, and consultancy that can cover many areas, such as business process re-engineering and software configuration, as well as advice on how we can integrate your software with other applications. 

CPiO's specialist Sage X3 team has technical skills in a range of manufacturing and distribution industries and understands many other sectors to provide solutions tailored to your unique requirements. Read some of the successful Sage X3 implementations in the case studies area of our website, and discover how CPiO has resolved customers' challenges. 

Once a customer goes live, they can reach CPiO's support team via telephone, online via the customer portal, live chat, or email. We also provide customers with a dedicated account manager who is part of the discovery process, onboarding, training, and implementation process from the start. Building a strong customer relationship is key. 

Key benefits of Sage X3 

• Increased scalability to future-proof solutions for your expanding business.  
• Advanced Manufacturing and Distribution Functionality, with comprehensive features tailored to the needs of your industry. 
• Improved Global Business Management to facilitate seamless management of international operations.  
• Enhanced Reporting and Analytics for improved visibility into key performance indicators supporting data-driven decision-making, trends and opportunities for improvement. 
• Modern and Intuitive User Interface: improves user adoption, productivity, and accessibility.  
• Streamlined Business Processes: Sage X3 helps automate workflows, eliminate data silos, and improve overall efficiency.  
• Automation of tasks streamlined workflows and improved collaboration: empower employees to be more efficient and productive.
• Sophisticated inventory management features: reduce carrying costs, prevent stockouts, and improve customer service. 
• Enhanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM): providing a holistic view of customer interactions and helps improve customer satisfaction. 
• The high degree of flexibility and customisation options to adapt to unique operational processes. 
• Cloud and on-premise deployment, choose the model that best suits their IT infrastructure, security requirements, and budget.
• Robust security features and helps businesses comply with various industry regulations and standards.
• Integrates with other business applications, ensuring seamless data flow across your IT ecosystem.  
  
  

What do customers love about Sage X3?   

"We have chosen Sage X3 because of the development functionality and the ability to integrate and manage all of our complex business processes...and we've found a long-term partner that can facilitate our plans for rapid growth." Kirsty Farrand Head of Finance at Switchee.  

"Since approaching CPiO, we have seen the huge benefits of Sage X3 and hosting support. CPiO’s consultancy team has a great ability to explain to our finance team all the capabilities that Sage X3 can offer us. By working with CPiO, we understand more about our software as a full system and the possibilities available in the accounting and manufacturing modules." Sean Stokes, Operations Manager at Amelia Knight.   

Comparing Sage X3 to other applications 

Sage 200 vs Sage X3: Key Differences  

• Multi-company and international management: Sage X3 excels in managing intricate structures with multiple companies and subsidiaries. Sage 200 is less suitable for organisations with complex multi-entity structures or require global fiscal and legislative compliance.

• Advanced functionality: Sage X3 offers a comprehensive suite of functionalities, from production planning and control, and shop floor management to robust quality control measures. Sage 200 focuses on core functionalities, for less complex manufacturing environments. Learn more via this article.  

• Target company: Larger businesses in multiple countries typically choose Sage X3. If you have over 50 employees and more than £10m turnover, Sage X3 would again be most preferred. Sage 200 is designed for 10-200 employees and less than £50 million turnover. Learn more by reading this comparison blog.   

Sage 1000 vs Sage X3: Key Differences 

• Support and Future Proofing: Due to the end of life of Sage 1000, Sage X3 is the better option for the long term.  Whilst CPiO has committed to support Sage 1000 clients in the medium term, operational costs may rise and there are higher security risks associated with a solution that is not being maintained by the author. Security concerns can be mitigated by considering a move into a private cloud environment such as CPIO Cloud. 

• Manufacturing Management: Sage X3 is designed for businesses with complex manufacturing and distribution needs, perfect if your industry is operating within this field. Sage 1000 is a strong manufacturing solution but is no longer supported. 

• Solid, Modern Platform: Sage X3 uses more modern technology offering better integration possibilities. Real-time data, analytics and visibility from any digital device.   

Sage Intacct vs Sage X3: Key Differences 

• Size of company: Sage Intacct targets small to medium-sized organisations (SMEs) with between 10 and 500 employees. Sage X3 works in a similar market space but is best positioned with product-centric organisations with a global presence.

• Key industries: Both ERP financial management software options are aligned for financial, professional and manufacturing industries. However Sage Intacct is best fit for; healthcare, not-for-profit, and SaaS. Sage X3 is more aligned for companies who operate in the chemicals, distribution, food & beverage, and manufacturing (high tech, industrial, medical, and metal fabrication) industries.  

• Deployment: Sage Intacct is a cloud-based SaaS only application, with no option for an on-premise version. With Sage X3 you can choose to run your solution in the cloud, either in your own data centre or through CPiO, via the CPiO Cloud. 
  
  

Is Sage X3 right for you? 

In summary, Sage X3 offers a comprehensive suite of features and benefits that can help mid-sized to large businesses achieve greater efficiency, scalability, and control over their operations, ultimately driving growth and profitability. If you are transitioning from a Sage platform currently, we advise you to read the CPiO transition guide to learn more about how easy it is to migrate to Sage X3 with the help of a CPiO specialist.