When one is using an application, no matter which platform it’s running on (Windows, Mac, Android…) there are chances that periodical updates must be done. Some updates are welcome… others not so much…!

Because of changes: technological, regulatory … updates have become necessary to get better applications and databases. Sage 50 Canada is one of those applications where updates are essentials.

I have talked to many users of Sage 50 Canada that start the update process (install tax tables on an existing version of the program) or upgrade process (install a new version of the program) with misgivings or even sometimes fear! Let’s clarify this and make sure there are no misunderstandings. The good news is that there is no danger for the database file if the program does not open.

It’s true that updating or upgrading an application can bring new issues. Here are some few things to have in mind when installing Sage 50 Canada.

Something important to know when installing Sage 50 Canada is that the program install will not touch in anyway the company database, converting will. So as long as you are on the install process, do not worry! The accounting data should not have any issues. But we recommend to have a backup of your database (File > backup). We will talk more about backup on the upcoming blog post.

Program updates are twice a year, usually they are released around the same time as the government payroll tax table updates. They are available end of December for January 1^st update and end of June for July 1^st update. To picture program updates, you can think of it as your car checkups or maintenance. Usually I go to the mechanic for my car checkup once in spring for summer maintenance and another time in fall before winter J

I strongly recommend install the update immediately when it is available. Usually people will wait for January 1^st or July 1^st to install the updates thinking that they cannot install it before those dates. The fact is they can install it before. When an update is available, it will include all previous tax table information. For example when a July update is installed in June, automatically the program knows that it has to apply June payroll tax table for paycheque dates in June and earlier and July tax table for payroll dates starting July 1^st and later.

Installing an update when it is available can reduce wait time delays in case of problems during the install process. We apologize for the delays caused by the July 1^st updates. We are doing everything in our power to improve the wait time. Our knowledgebase (https://support.na.sage.com) and Forum (http://sagecity.na.sage.com/) websites are updated continuously with resolution for known issues on the program.

Program upgrades are once a year. Think of it like a car! Each year manufacturers have their new cars for the following year available around the end of the previous year. It is the same for Sage 50 Canada program. Each year there is a new version and it is available at the end of the year for next year version.

One question that people ask me sometimes is: Are there bugs in the application? Like all software it is possible that Sage 50 has bugs. Usually it will be minor issues. In fact the program goes through rigorous tests before it hits the market. When there are majors program malfunctions usually there is a patch release as soon as possible to deal with that.

To summarize, Windows operating system and Sage 50 Canada are part of an ever-changing ecosystem. It is possible to encounter install issues. Those issues can create delays in data entry, but keep in mind that the company database is not affected by install issues. I recommend strongly having periodical backup of the database.

Have you encountered install issues on Sage 50 Canada? Or your installations are going through just fine? Please share your experience with us J

Thanks