SAP S/4 HANA Finance vs Sage 50cloud Accounting

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Our analysts compared SAP S/4 HANA Finance vs Sage 50cloud Accounting based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Accounting Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

SAP S/4HANA Finance, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software built on the powerful HANA in-memory database, streamlines and integrates financial processes across an organization. It caters to mid-sized to large enterprises seeking real-time financial insights, automation, and improved financial governance. Key benefits include faster closing cycles, enhanced reporting accuracy, and deeper operational visibility through real-time data availability. Popular features encompass automated journal entries, integrated budgeting and forecasting, and robust compliance support. User experiences highlight improved user interface, streamlined workflows, and mobile accessibility. Pricing is based on a subscription model with tiers determined by company size, user count, and specific functionalities. While an investment, S/4HANA Finance aims to deliver long-term cost savings through increased efficiency and reduced errors.

Pros
  • Real-time data
  • Simplified processes
  • Improved reporting
  • Mobility & flexibility
  • Scalability & efficiency
Cons
  • High implementation cost
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Limited customization options
  • Integration challenges
  • Potential data migration issues
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Sage 50cloud Accounting is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It helps manage essential financial tasks like bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and tax filing. Its user-friendly interface and range of features cater to businesses with varying accounting needs, from basic bookkeeping to complex financial management. Sage 50cloud boasts strong inventory management, allowing for real-time stock tracking and purchase order creation. Additionally, its reporting capabilities offer valuable insights into business performance, aiding in informed decision-making. Users appreciate its mobile accessibility and integration with popular third-party applications. Compared to similar products, Sage 50cloud shines in its ease of use and scalability. However, its pricing structure, which scales with business size and complexity, might be a consideration for startups or solopreneurs. Overall, Sage 50cloud is a well-rounded accounting solution ideal for SMBs seeking a user-friendly and scalable platform to manage their finances.

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Strong inventory management
  • Comprehensive reporting
  • Mobile accessibility
  • Integration with third-party apps
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • Potentially complex setup
  • Scalable pricing structure
  • Limited integrations
  • Occasional performance issues
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$25,000/User, Annually
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Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
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Videos
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Email
Phone
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FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Avoid Redundancies: Gather or remove data replications, reconciliations and redundancies. 
  • Process Adjustments: Redesign and optimize processes to focus on exceptions and crucial tasks while shifting operations as business models change. 
  • Competitor Data Access for All: Obtain and review cross-business information. Various roles within the company can access embedded statistics, reporting and benchmarking. 
  • Insightful Financial Evaluations: Evaluate financial implications to make better strategic choices with enterprise-wide consistency and minimal errors needed for reconciliation. 
  • Efficient HR Practices: Merge HR, business teams and IT for better business performance while leveraging data to connect HR strategies with entire business strategies. 
  • Real-Time Product Info: Spread transparency and real-time access to product information across disciplines and throughout the product lifecycle journey. It offers full knowledge of downstream costs for the complete execution of engineering changes. 
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  • Cost-Effective: A minimal monthly rental fee replaces upfront, installation and maintenance costs. It is cloud-based and doesn’t need dedicated personnel for support as there is a team of available experts hired by the cloud hosting providers.  
  • Easy Access: Clients and employees can work on a single system simultaneously, irrespective of location. Centralized access to data is helpful for companies that have multiple locations or employees working remotely. 
  • Automatic Backup:  Users get automatic data backups without any additional changes. Data is backed up into different paths, which ensures security and maximum data redundancy. If a disaster happens, users can rest assured that their financial data will be secure, without the requirement of any additional backup system.  
  • Paperless Processing: Creates a paperless work culture by eliminating any paperwork with a centralized database that takes care of all documentation needs.  
  • Round the Clock Support: Provides a dedicated support team that is available 24/7 
  • Boost Efficiency and Productivity: Users can view or edit their files and seamlessly perform other functions. Export data through Excel or PDF files without any loss of functionality or efficiency. Download required files or data from any place using any device.  
  • Less Downtime: Unlike traditional systems, users can access all data and files within a system with an internet connection, with reduced or no downtime. 
  • Easy Collaboration: Seamlessly share information with clients, even when they are working on the system. Eliminates the need to sync or copy files while simplifying collaboration with outsourced employees. 
  • Security: Security measures are the responsibility of the cloud hosting provider. They use data encryption technologies, third-party audits, backup power supplies and firewalls to ensure stringent security. Furthermore, since the data is saved in multiple servers and is regularly backed up, there is no risk of data loss.  
  • Free Trial: Experience a 30-day free trial without having to enter any credit card details or install the software. 
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  • Research & Development:  SAP S/4HANA Finance enables multidiscipline product definition, what-if analysis and iterative design processes. 
  • Real-Time Financing:  Users get real-time oversight into finance processes and finance/management accounting results. This feature makes business and financial planning a breeze with prediction, simulation and what-if analysis.  
  • Marketing Analysis:  This feature allows planning and execution of personalized email campaigns and campaign performance analysis. Users can also consolidate customer information into one enriched view and leverage advanced analytics to gain insights.  
  • Snapshot Manufacturing: This system gives users enterprise-wide visibility across supply, production, inventory and demand. This feature also provides faster execution of more current and accurate views of material quantities. 
  • Supply Chain Management: Real-time and adaptive freight planning, truck visibility, and warehouse automation are provided within the system. Users can sense short-term demand and respond quickly with fast planning, replanning and simulation. 
  • Accessible Sales Data: Users have access to product catalogs, inventory and pricing to create sales quotes and fulfill sales orders in real-time. This feature also manages accounts, opportunities and other activities while leveraging advanced analytics to gain insights.
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  • Cash Flow and Invoicing: Provides a clear picture of finances where cash flow settings can be customized as per the business’s requirements.  
  • Payment and Banking: Automates accounts payable, purchase orders, invoices, payments, invoices, bank feeds and reconciliation. Automatic reconciliation eliminates manual data entry and simplifies payment acceptances.  
  • Advanced Inventory Management: Tracks cost and quantity and stays ahead of purchase orders by keeping everything in stock.  
  • Job Costing: Provides an estimate into how much time projects take and how much money is being made on each job.  
  • Payroll: Tracks employee tips, vacations and hours spent. It also makes payroll processing easy with direct deposit and pay cards.  
  • Reporting: Supports one-click reports for payables, sales tax, expenses, receivables, inventory, payroll and more. Design and customize reports to fit business requirements. 
  • Security Shield: Provides Security Shield for customers to ensure financial security through their partnership with Sontiq 
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Product Ranking

#10

among all
Accounting Software

#212

among all
Accounting Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

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88
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67
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94
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Banking and Cash Management
Deployment Options
General Ledger and Chart of Accounts
Platform Security
Tax Management
Accounts Payable
General Ledger and Chart of Accounts
Journal Entries
Platform Security
Tax Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

SAP S/4 HANA Finance
Sage 50cloud Accounting
+ Add Product + Add Product
Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Banking And Cash Management Budget And Expense Management Financial Statements And Revenue Management General Ledger And Chart Of Accounts Integration And Extensibility Inventory Management Journal Entries Mobile Support Multi-company Accounting And Asset Management Platform Capabilities Project Accounting Reporting And Analytics Tax Management 0 67 100 76 68 100 0 73 87 0 83 0 60 0 100 100 92 94 86 98 100 88 99 100 51 73 84 60 86 100 0 25 50 75 100
we're gathering data
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we're gathering data
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19%
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6%
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80%
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77%
15%
8%
20%
80%
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we're gathering data
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77%
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80%
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we're gathering data
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we're gathering data
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78%
11%
11%
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16%
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

100%
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67%
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33%
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 393 reviews
we're gathering data
86%
of users recommend this product

SAP S/4 HANA Finance has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 393 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

we're gathering data
4.5 (89)
n/a
3.9 (17)
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4.2 (39)
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4.3 (248)
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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SAP S/4 HANA Finance and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Deployment Options.

Deployment Options Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Sage 50cloud Accounting and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Accounts Payable.

Accounts Payable Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Real-time insights: Gain instant access to financial data for faster, data-driven decisions. Imagine drilling down into account details or cash flow trends within seconds, no more waiting for reports to process.
Simplified processes: Automate routine tasks like reconciliations and journal entries, freeing up valuable time for more strategic work. Think automated invoice approvals or system-generated closing checklists.
Improved reporting: Generate granular, customizable reports with deeper financial insights. Easily create ad-hoc reports or visualize trends to proactively identify and address issues.
Enhanced collaboration: Share real-time financial data and collaborate seamlessly with colleagues across departments. Picture a single, unified platform for finance, sales, and operations to work together.
Mobile accessibility: Access financial information and perform key tasks from anywhere, anytime. Approve invoices while on the go or monitor key metrics remotely.
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Ease of use: Intuitive interface and simple navigation for everyday accounting tasks.
Cloud-based: Access your data from anywhere with an internet connection, simplifying remote work and collaboration.
Mobile app: Manage your finances on the go with the Sage 50cloud mobile app.
Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like bank reconciliations and invoicing to save time and reduce errors.
Reporting and analytics: Gain insights into your business performance with customizable reports and dashboards.
Integrations: Connect Sage 50cloud with other business applications you use, like CRM and e-commerce platforms, for a streamlined workflow.
Scalability: Grows with your business, accommodating increasing data volumes and user needs.
Security: Robust security features to protect your financial data.
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High implementation cost: Initial investment, including licensing, consulting, and infrastructure upgrades, can be significant, especially for smaller businesses.
Steeper learning curve: New interface and functionalities require user training and adaptation, potentially disrupting workflows in the short term.
Limited customization options: Pre-configured solutions may not fully address every specific accounting need, requiring workarounds or third-party add-ons.
Integration challenges: Connecting with legacy systems or specialized applications can be complex, requiring technical expertise and potentially delaying implementation.
Potential data migration issues: Moving large datasets to the new system can be time-consuming and prone to errors, requiring careful planning and data validation.
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Pricing: Can be expensive for small businesses compared to some competitors.
Limited features: May lack some advanced features needed by larger businesses.
Learning curve: Interface can be complex for new users, requiring training or investment in onboarding.
Integrations: Not all third-party applications integrate seamlessly, requiring workarounds or additional costs.
Performance: Some users report occasional lag or slowness, especially on older hardware or with large datasets.
Customer support: Mixed reviews on customer support responsiveness and helpfulness.
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User reviews of SAP S/4 HANA Finance paint a contrasting picture, highlighting both its game-changing potential and the challenges companies face during implementation. On the one hand, users rave about its real-time data access, enabling instant financial insights and faster, data-driven decisions. Imagine analyzing cash flow trends within seconds instead of waiting hours for reports to process. Automation features like auto-generated journal entries and invoice approvals liberate accountants from tedious tasks, freeing them for strategic analysis and collaboration. However, the transition to S/4 HANA can be a bumpy ride. The initial investment, encompassing licensing, consulting, and infrastructure upgrades, can be daunting, especially for smaller businesses. Additionally, the new interface and functionalities require user training and adaptation, potentially disrupting workflows during implementation. Unlike some competitors offering highly customizable solutions, S/4 HANA's pre-configured modules may not perfectly suit every specific accounting need, necessitating workarounds or third-party add-ons, further inflating costs. Integration challenges add to the complexity. Connecting S/4 HANA with legacy systems or specialized applications can be a technical hurdle, requiring expertise and potentially delaying implementation. Data migration can be another headache, as moving large datasets to the new system can be time-consuming and error-prone, demanding careful planning and data validation. So, how does S/4 HANA stack up against the competition? While solutions like Oracle NetSuite or Microsoft Dynamics 365 may be more affordable and customizable for smaller businesses, they lack the real-time data capabilities and industry-specific depth of S/4 HANA. For larger enterprises with complex financial needs and a long-term vision, S/4 HANA's advanced functionalities, scalability, and potential for long-term ROI outweigh the initial challenges. Ultimately, the decision boils down to a company's specific needs, budget, and risk tolerance.

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Sage 50cloud Accounting receives praise for its ease of use, cloud accessibility, and automation features. Users with typical accounting needs appreciate the intuitive interface and simple navigation, making it a breeze to handle everyday tasks like invoicing and bank reconciliations. The cloud-based nature allows for remote work and collaboration, a major plus in today's world. Automation takes repetitive tasks off their plate, saving time and minimizing errors. However, some users find the pricing to be on the steeper side compared to competitors like QuickBooks. While Sage 50cloud boasts strong core accounting functionalities, it may lack the advanced features needed by larger businesses, prompting them to consider alternatives like Xero or NetSuite. Additionally, the interface can feel complex for new users, requiring dedicated training or onboarding resources. Differentiating factors like robust security features and seamless integrations with CRM and e-commerce platforms appeal to businesses looking for a secure and streamlined workflow. Sage 50cloud's scalability further attracts users planning for future growth, as it can accommodate increasing data volumes and user needs. Overall, user reviews suggest Sage 50cloud shines for its user-friendliness, cloud accessibility, and automation tools. However, its pricing strategy and potential lack of advanced features might nudge some users towards competitors. Businesses that prioritize security, integrations, and scalability will find Sage 50cloud a compelling option, especially considering its potential to grow alongside their company's needs.

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