Evaluate InetSoft's Alternative Dashboard Solution for Sage

Are you looking for a good alternative dashboard solution for Sage ERP? InetSoft's pioneering dashboard reporting application produces great-looking web-based dashboards with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop designer. Mash up construction ERP data with other data in your organization.

Get cloud-flexibility for your deployment. Minimize costs with a small-footprint solution. Maximize self-service for all types of users. No dedicated BI developer required. View a demo and try interactive examples.

Why InetSoft?

InetSoft was ranked a top vendor in G2 Crowd's BI Platform Report

Crowdsource review site G2 Crowd's user-rating-based report, the Business Intelligence Platforms Implementation Index Report, lists InetSoft in the top 3 overall, #1 for user adoption, and #3 for ease of implementation. In G2 Crowd's Grid for Business Intelligence Software, InetSoft is placed in the High Performers quadrant.

The report is based on 760 reviews written by business professionals. Using a proprietary algorithm, G2 Crowd factored the responses to numerous product quality questions with the number of reviews to calculate a product's implementation score.

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About InetSoft

Since 1996 InetSoft has been delivering easy, agile, and robust business intelligence software that makes it possible for organizations and solution providers of all sizes to deploy or embed full-featured business intelligence solutions. Application highlights include visually-compelling and interactive dashboards that ensure greater end-user adoption plus pixel-perfect report generation, scheduling, and bursting. InetSoft's patent pending Data Block™ technology enables productive reuse of queries and a unique capability for end-user defined data mashup.

This capability combined with efficient information access enabled by InetSoft's visual analysis technologies allows maximum self-service that benefits the average business user, the IT administrator, and the developer. InetSoft was rated #1 in Butler Analytics Business Analytics Yearbook, and InetSoft's BI solutions have been deployed at over 5,000 organizations worldwide, including 25% of Fortune 500 companies, spanning all types of industries.

What Are the Drawbacks to Sage's Dashboard?

Sage's dashboards, integrated across various Sage software products like Sage Intacct, Sage 100, and Sage 300, are designed to provide real-time financial data, business insights, and performance metrics. While these dashboards are valuable tools for businesses, they come with some drawbacks that users might encounter. Below are some of the key challenges associated with Sage's dashboards:

1. Limited Customization

Predefined Templates: While Sage offers various dashboard templates, users may find the customization options somewhat limited. Creating highly tailored dashboards that meet specific business needs can be challenging without extensive technical knowledge or third-party tools. Users who require granular control over their data visualization and reporting may find Sage's dashboards restrictive compared to more flexible BI solutions.
Inflexibility in Data Presentation: The ability to customize the layout, design, and type of visualizations can be limited. For example, users may not be able to modify certain elements of the dashboard to match their unique workflows or preferences, leading to a less personalized experience.

2. Complex Setup and Configuration

Steep Learning Curve: Setting up and configuring Sage dashboards can be complex, particularly for users who are not tech-savvy. The process often requires familiarity with Sage's underlying systems, and the integration of different modules or external data sources can be time-consuming and cumbersome. This complexity can lead to delays in getting the dashboards up and running effectively.
Dependency on IT or Consultants: Due to the technical nature of the setup, many companies find themselves reliant on IT staff or external consultants to configure and customize Sage dashboards. This dependency can increase costs and slow down the implementation process, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that may not have extensive in-house IT resources.

3. Performance Issues

Slow Load Times: Some users have reported that Sage dashboards can suffer from slow load times, especially when dealing with large datasets or complex reports. This performance issue can be frustrating, particularly in fast-paced environments where quick access to data is critical.
Resource-Intensive: The dashboards may require significant system resources, which can impact the performance of other applications or processes running concurrently. This can be a drawback for companies with limited IT infrastructure or older hardware.

4. Limited Advanced Analytics

Basic Analytical Features: Sage's dashboards are primarily designed for financial reporting and operational monitoring. While they are effective at providing basic metrics and visualizations, they may lack more advanced analytics features, such as predictive modeling, AI-driven insights, or complex data manipulation. For companies looking to perform deeper data analysis, Sage dashboards might not be sufficient without integrating with more powerful BI tools.
Limited Drill-Down Capabilities: Users may find that the ability to drill down into data for detailed analysis is somewhat limited. While basic drill-down functionality is available, it may not offer the depth or flexibility needed for complex investigations into business performance.

5. Integration Challenges

Difficulty Integrating with External Systems: While Sage dashboards work well within the Sage ecosystem, integrating them with third-party applications or external data sources can be challenging. This limitation can hinder the ability to create a holistic view of the business, especially for organizations that use a mix of Sage and non-Sage systems.
Data Sync Issues: Some users have reported issues with data synchronization between Sage dashboards and other systems. Delays or inaccuracies in data syncing can lead to outdated or incorrect information being displayed on the dashboards, which can undermine decision-making.

6. User Experience and Interface

Clunky Interface: Some users find Sage dashboards to be less intuitive and modern compared to other BI tools. The user interface can feel clunky or outdated, making it harder for users to navigate and interact with the dashboards efficiently. This can be particularly frustrating for users who are accustomed to more visually appealing and user-friendly platforms.
Limited Mobile Functionality: Although Sage offers mobile access to its dashboards, the mobile experience may not be as smooth or feature-rich as the desktop version. This can be a drawback for users who need to access their dashboards on the go or from mobile devices regularly.

7. Cost Considerations

Additional Costs for Advanced Features: While basic dashboard functionality is included with Sage's core products, accessing more advanced features or integrating with other tools often comes at an additional cost. This can increase the total cost of ownership, especially for small businesses or those operating on tight budgets.
Licensing Fees: Depending on the Sage product, there may be additional licensing fees associated with using the dashboard features. These costs can add up, particularly if multiple users or departments need access.

8. Support and Documentation

Inconsistent Support: Some users have reported inconsistent support when it comes to resolving issues with Sage dashboards. The quality and responsiveness of customer support can vary, which can be frustrating when dealing with critical issues.
Limited Documentation: Users have noted that the available documentation for Sage dashboards may not be as comprehensive as needed. This can make it difficult to troubleshoot issues or learn how to fully utilize all the features without seeking external help.

9. Data Security Concerns

Potential Security Risks: While Sage generally provides secure environments, there may be concerns about data security when integrating dashboards with external systems or accessing them via the cloud. Companies need to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect sensitive data, and any vulnerabilities could be a significant drawback for businesses dealing with confidential information.

“Flexible product with great training and support. The product has been very useful for quickly creating dashboards and data views. Support and training has always been available to us and quick to respond.

- George R, Information Technology Specialist at Sonepar USA

What Are Some Reasons InetSoft's BI Solution Makes a Good Replacement for Sage Dashboards?

Replacing Sage's dashboards with InetSoft's Business Intelligence (BI) solution can be a smart move for businesses seeking more advanced features, greater flexibility, and better integration capabilities. Here are several reasons why InetSoft's BI platform could be a superior replacement for Sage dashboards:

1. Greater Customization and Flexibility

Highly Customizable Dashboards: Unlike Sage dashboards, which may have limited customization options, InetSoft allows users to create highly personalized dashboards tailored to their specific needs. You can design custom layouts, choose from a wide range of visualization types, and modify data presentation with ease, providing a more tailored experience.
Dynamic Data Mashups: InetSoft's data mashup capabilities enable users to combine and transform data from different sources on the fly, allowing for more creative and flexible reporting. This feature can be particularly beneficial for companies that require real-time insights from various data streams and need to adjust dashboards quickly to reflect changing business conditions.

2. Advanced Analytics and BI Features

Comprehensive Analytical Capabilities: InetSoft goes beyond basic reporting by offering advanced analytics features, such as predictive analytics, machine learning integrations, and complex data modeling. This makes it a powerful tool for businesses looking to derive deeper insights from their data, which Sage dashboards might not be equipped to provide.
Enhanced Drill-Down Functionality: InetSoft's BI solution offers robust drill-down capabilities, allowing users to explore data at granular levels. This feature can be essential for businesses that need to analyze the root causes of performance trends or dive deeper into specific metrics.

3. Superior Data Integration

Seamless Integration with Multiple Data Sources: InetSoft excels in integrating data from various sources, including cloud-based applications, on-premise systems, and third-party platforms. This integration is smoother and more extensive than Sage dashboards, which might struggle with connecting to non-Sage systems or external databases. For companies that rely on diverse data sources, InetSoft's integration capabilities offer a more unified view of their business.
Real-Time Data Connectivity: InetSoft supports real-time data integration, enabling dashboards to reflect the most current data. This is particularly valuable in fast-paced business environments where timely decision-making is critical. Sage dashboards may not offer the same level of real-time data connectivity, especially in more complex or resource-intensive scenarios.

4. Enhanced User Experience and Interface

Intuitive and Modern UI: InetSoft is known for its user-friendly and modern interface, which is more intuitive and visually appealing compared to Sage dashboards. This can lead to higher user adoption rates and a more pleasant user experience, reducing the need for extensive training and improving overall satisfaction.
Interactive Visualization Tools: InetSoft offers advanced visualization tools that are easy to use and highly interactive. Users can create visually compelling and interactive reports and dashboards that help communicate insights more effectively. Sage dashboards, by contrast, may feel more static and less engaging.

5. Performance and Scalability

Faster Data Processing: InetSoft's BI solution is optimized for performance, enabling faster data processing and quicker report generation, even with large datasets. Users who have experienced slow load times and performance issues with Sage dashboards may find InetSoft's speed a significant improvement.
Scalable for Growth: InetSoft is designed to scale with your business, making it a better option for growing companies. As your data volume and user base expand, InetSoft can handle the increased demand without sacrificing performance. Sage dashboards, on the other hand, might face limitations when scaling up, especially in larger organizations.

6. Improved Mobile and Remote Access

Mobile-Friendly: InetSoft's BI solution offers strong mobile functionality, allowing users to access their dashboards and reports on the go with a seamless experience across devices. This is an advantage over Sage dashboards, where the mobile experience may not be as robust or user-friendly.
Remote Access Capabilities: In today's increasingly remote work environment, InetSoft's ability to provide secure, reliable access to dashboards from anywhere is a significant benefit. Sage dashboards may offer remote access, but InetSoft's platform is built with modern accessibility in mind, making it more adaptable to remote and hybrid work models.

7. Cost-Effectiveness

Lower Total Cost of Ownership: InetSoft's flexible pricing models and cloud-based options can be more cost-effective compared to Sage, particularly when considering the additional costs that may be required for customization, integration, or advanced features in Sage. InetSoft's ability to provide comprehensive BI functionality in a single platform can reduce the need for additional tools, further lowering costs.
Reduced Reliance on Consultants: Due to its user-friendly design and extensive features, InetSoft reduces the need for expensive consultants or extensive IT support, which can be a requirement with Sage dashboards due to their complexity. This can lead to significant savings in implementation and ongoing maintenance costs.

8. Better Support and Documentation

Responsive and Accessible Customer Support: InetSoft is known for providing excellent customer support, with responsive teams that assist with implementation, troubleshooting, and customization. This contrasts with Sage, where users have reported mixed experiences with customer support. Reliable support can make a big difference in how quickly issues are resolved and how smoothly the platform is integrated into daily operations.
Comprehensive Documentation and Training Resources: InetSoft offers a wealth of documentation, tutorials, and user resources that make it easier for users to get up to speed with the platform. This is particularly important for companies that want to minimize downtime during the transition from Sage dashboards.

9. Enhanced Security and Data Governance

Advanced Security Features: InetSoft offers robust security features to protect sensitive data, including encryption, role-based access controls, and detailed audit trails. For businesses handling sensitive information, InetSoft's focus on security can provide greater peace of mind compared to Sage dashboards, especially when integrating with multiple data sources.
Better Data Governance: InetSoft provides comprehensive tools for managing data governance, ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and secure across the organization. This level of control is crucial for compliance and operational efficiency, areas where Sage dashboards may have limitations.

10. Future-Proof Technology

Continuous Innovation: InetSoft is committed to staying ahead of BI trends and regularly updates its platform with new features and capabilities. This ensures that your BI solution remains relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Sage, on the other hand, may not prioritize the same level of innovation, leading to potential stagnation in features and capabilities.

View the gallery of examples of dashboards and visualizations.