May 2010

Welcome to the May edition of the SWK Insider

Why X3??
By Jeffrey D. Roth, CEO

Recently, SWK and Sage entered into a License and Channel Partner Agreement; SWK is now an official Sage ERP X3 partner!

Why did we do this?

SWK has a robust IT consulting and development practice, and we pride ourselves on our knowledge of many Sage Software business applications. Historically, MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500 ERP captured the bulk of our attention in all aspects of our practice, including sales, needs assessment, consulting, training, implementation, programming and customizations, and integrations with 3rd party applications.

Sage ERP X3 goes beyond these other Sage applications. It integrates an enterprise's information and business processes within a single software system and database. This allows users to get an extensive view of their activity in real time, no matter where data was created or stored. The system manages finance, sales, inventory, CRM, purchasing and manufacturing operations globally, and streamlines all of an enterprise's processes.

Learn more about X3

Process vs. Discrete: Still Confusing to Many

Very often, when we engage in initial discussions with clients, the topic of Discrete vs. Process manufacturing comes up. Instead of identifying one or the other, a client will usually just say "we're a manufacturer."

Although we already have a good idea of what the company does, we'll ask them if they view themselves as needing a "Process manufacturing solution" vs. a "Discrete manufacturing solution."

We'll either get a blank stare, or an answer that indicates they don't fully understand how fundamental this difference can be.

Learn more about Discrete vs. Process

July 1 Deadline for Compliance Changes to Credit Card Processing

By Michelle Paparo

For payment card transactions and today's fast-paced environment, security has become a primary consideration for every type and size of business that accepts credit and debit cards.

By July 1, 2010, credit card companies must ensure that software applications used by merchants that collect and/or store credit card information be PA-DSS (Payment Application-Data Security Standard) compliant. To this end, merchant services providers are now mandating certification with the PCI-DSS for all parties in their co-operative processing environment.

What are PCI-DSS Compliance Requirements?

PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of requirements for enhancing payment account data security. Standards include requirements for security management, policies, procedures, network architecture, software design and other measures created to protect customer account data. Developed by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa International (all founders of the PCI Security Standards Council), PCI-DSS facilitates global adoption of consistent data security measures.

These requirements may put your ability to process credit cards at risk. We encourage you to educate yourself on PCI-DSS and what steps are required to ensure your businesses are protected and compliant.

More information can be obtained from Sage's PCI-DSS Resource Center for MAS 90 or MAS 500, or from the PCI Website.

A Few Minutes With … Steve Birdwell – IncorTech

Steve Birdwell is of president and founder of IncorTech, a technology firm providing professional services to small- and medium-sized businesses that want to increase efficiency and profitability. Steve started IncorTech in 1995 after having spent 10 years in public practice as a CPA and several years as a corporate controller.

Spend a few more minutes with Steve

Dear Kathleen

Human Resource Insights from Kathleen Weiss

M&M Programs Really Work!

Dear Kathleen:
We have a few long-time seasoned salespeople who will be retiring in the next few years. I would like to make sure their wealth of knowledge is passed on to our more-junior sales consultants. What do you think is the best way to accomplish this?
Thank you,

Ruby K.

Learn the answer

Training Schedule 

SWK is the only Sage Reseller in the greater New York area that has a Sage Authorized Training Center. We offer classroom training in Livingston, NJ, as well as on-site and Web-based training solutions.

For a complete list of courses, including content, dates and costs, visit our Training Center.