Sage & Microsoft enhance SMB efficiency with new tech tools

In a significant move towards enhancing operational efficiency and innovation for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), Sage has announced a series of advancements in its strategic partnership with Microsoft. These developments are poised to integrate cutting-edge technologies into solutions designed to address the evolving needs of SMBs.

"Our partnership with Microsoft aims to give small and medium-sized businesses the tools they need for success in today's digital age. These updates offer fresh ways to improve customers’ operations and increase productivity," stated Amaya Souarez, EVP, Cloud Services & Operations at Sage. "This collaboration is about bringing our strengths together. It shows our united effort to spark innovation, support growth, and deliver the latest solutions for the ever-changing demands of the business world."

One of the key features introduced is ‘Sage Instant Analysis’. This tool leverages the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to provide deep, actionable financial insights for SMBs. Embedded within Sage Active, it enables rapid access to financial data from various forms within the product. Users can easily obtain insights regarding their company’s financial health, including assessments of balance sheets, cash flows, working capital, and gross profit. The tool goes beyond simple automation by utilizing sophisticated prompt engineering models and chaining techniques, improving data ingestion and processing.

Amaya Souarez explained further, "Sage Instant Analysis unlocks data that might otherwise have gone unnoticed, offering clients rich context for decision-making. This service is able to dive beneath the surface of financial reports, using advanced large language model engineering through Azure OpenAI Service."

Sage Instant Analysis, part of Sage Copilot’s reporting and analytics capabilities, is available in France, Spain, and Germany. It is built on Microsoft Azure App Service, Cosmos DB, and Blob Storage, and is tailored to the dynamic requirements of European small businesses. It aids in automating accounting, managing sales, and navigating European legislation complexities.

Another notable advancement is ‘Sage Network’, which automates workflows and synchronises financial transactions across various entities, including those outside the Sage accounting software ecosystem. The seamless integration into the broader Microsoft ecosystem with connectors to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft 365 enhances efficiency by reducing manual data entry and speeding up financial processes. Sage Connect, the interface for Sage Network, offers a secure platform for managing financial transactions and automating accounts receivable and accounts payable workflows.

Regarding this development, Souarez noted, "For SMBs and Sage's partner ecosystem, this means accessing a unified platform that not only streamlines financial operations and AR and AP digital workflows, but also opens up new opportunities for collaboration, efficiency, and growth within the Microsoft ecosystem."

Sage is also working with Microsoft to enhance HR and payroll capabilities, focusing on providing advanced tools for efficient workforce management. Enhancements include integrating HR tasks within Microsoft Teams. Employees can now request various types of leave via a chatbot in Microsoft Teams, with approvals managed through the platform and synchronised with Microsoft Outlook calendars. Additionally, a new interview scheduling feature enables recruiters to coordinate interviews efficiently.

"Our collaboration with Sage is strategically designed to make operations simpler and more secure for SMBs, while leveraging the power of the Microsoft Cloud and AI to create a connected and efficient future. We are committed to the success and resilience of SMBs in a fast-changing market," stated Alvaro Celis, Vice President, global ISV commercial solutions at Microsoft.

The integration between Sage and Microsoft is expected to bring significant advantages, including streamlined operations, enhanced security and reliability through Microsoft’s dedicated Responsible AI, and innovative connectivity that ensures seamless information and financial transactions flow.

Looking ahead, Sage continues to explore new ways to support SMBs and the wider partner ecosystem, boosting operational efficiency and resilience in a constantly evolving economic landscape.