In a major step towards boosting operational effectiveness and fostering innovation for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Sage has unveiled a range of enhancements in its strategic alliance with Microsoft. These updates are set to incorporate advanced technologies into solutions tailored to meet the changing requirements of SMEs.
“Our collaboration with Microsoft is designed to equip SMEs with the necessary tools for success in the digital era. These updates introduce innovative methods to enhance customer operations and boost efficiency,” explained Amaya Souarez, Executive Vice President, Cloud Services & Operations at Sage. “This partnership is about leveraging our combined strengths. It demonstrates our collective commitment to driving innovation, supporting expansion, and providing the most current solutions to the dynamic needs of the business sector.”
A crucial addition to the platform is the ‘Sage Instant Analysis’. This feature makes use of the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to deliver in-depth, practical financial insights for small to medium-sized businesses. It’s integrated into Sage Active, allowing for quick retrieval of financial information from the product’s various components. It provides users with a straightforward way to understand their business’s financial status, including evaluations of balance sheets, cash flows, working capital, and net profit.
This tool does more than just automate tasks; it employs complex prompt engineering models and techniques, enhancing the process of data collection and analysis. Souarez elaborated, “Sage Instant Analysis reveals data that might have otherwise been overlooked, providing customers with detailed information for making decisions. This service can explore the details of financial statements, utilising cutting-edge large language model engineering with the Azure OpenAI Service.”
Sage Instant Analysis, a component of Sage Copilot’s reporting and analytics features, is now accessible in France, Spain, and Germany. It is constructed using Microsoft Azure App Service, Cosmos DB, and Blob Storage, and is customised to meet the specific needs of small businesses in Europe. It helps in streamlining accounting tasks, handling sales, and dealing with the intricacies of European laws. A significant development is ‘Sage Network’, which streamlines processes and aligns financial activities across different entities, including those not within the Sage accounting software system.
UItilising Microsoft Connectors
This integration smoothly fits into the wider Microsoft framework, utilising connectors with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft 365 to boost productivity by minimizing the need for manual data input and accelerating financial operations. Sage Connect, the platform for Sage Network, provides a secure environment for overseeing financial transactions and automating the processes for managing accounts receivable and accounts payable.
In relation to this development, Souarez mentioned, “This development offers SMBs and Sage’s network of partners the chance to utilize a comprehensive platform that not only simplifies financial processes and digital workflows for accounts receivable and accounts payable, but also creates new avenues for cooperation, efficiency, and expansion within the Microsoft network.”
Sage is collaborating with Microsoft to improve HR and payroll functionalities, concentrating on delivering sophisticated solutions for effective management of the workforce. Improvements encompass embedding HR activities into Microsoft Teams. Workers can now submit different kinds of leave requests through a chatbot in Microsoft Teams, with the process of approval handled by the platform and aligned with Microsoft Outlook calendars. Moreover, a new feature for scheduling interviews allows recruiters to organize interviews more effectively.
“Our partnership with Sage is carefully crafted to simplify and fortify the operations of SMBs, harnessing the strength of the Microsoft Cloud and AI to forge a connected and efficient tomorrow. We are dedicated to the prosperity and adaptability of SMBs in a rapidly shifting marketplace,” declared Alvaro Celis, the Vice President of global ISV commercial solutions at Microsoft.
The merger between Sage and Microsoft is anticipated to deliver considerable benefits, such as more efficient operations, improved security and dependability through Microsoft’s specialised Responsible AI, and cutting-edge connectivity that guarantees smooth information and financial transactions. Looking forward, Sage is on the lookout for new strategies to aid SMBs and their broader network of partners, enhancing operational effectiveness and adaptability in an ever-changing economic environment.
SwiftERM are Microsoft Partners
