Q2 2026 Expression Builder Update
Beginning with the Q2 2026 release, we are modernizing the Sage HRMS Expression Builder by moving from legacy Visual FoxPro syntax to standard SQL-based syntax. This change improves long-term support, aligns with modern technology standards, and enables future enhancements.
As part of the Q2 2026 installation, Sage HRMS will automatically convert existing FoxPro expressions into SQL expressions. In many cases, this conversion will complete successfully. However, because FoxPro expressions and SQL expressions use different syntax, rules, and structures, some expressions may not be converted automatically.
After running the upgrade, should any conversion fail, you will be notified with a message. A .CSV file will be created documenting the outcome of each expression conversion. You should review this file and manually correct or delete any failed expressions.
While there is no immediate deadline, we strongly recommend addressing any failed expressions in a timely manner to ensure continued compatibility, as support for legacy FoxPro expressions will be phased out in future releases.
What Is Changing?
Expression Builder in Sage HRMS is being updated to support SQL expressions.
Historically, Expression Builder has relied on FoxPro expressions. These expressions were designed for the legacy Sage HRMS desktop environment and use FoxPro syntax and evaluation rules.
During the Q2 2026 installation, Sage HRMS will evaluate and automatically convert existing FoxPro expressions into SQL expressions.
Additional Expression Builder Update Enhancements
The new Expression Builder screen has also been modified to improve usability including the following enhancements:
- Removing unnecessary options and dropdowns such as unsupported VFP controls
- Only the tables and fields relevant to the specific feature (i.e. Process, Report) are available to select and use in your expression
- Tables and fields now display with their respective names and descriptions directly from the Sage HRMS Live database
What Happens During the Q2 2026 Installation?
When the Q2 2026 installation is run, Sage HRMS will convert existing Expression Builder expressions from FoxPro syntax to SQL syntax.
The installation process will:
- Identify existing FoxPro expressions used in Sage HRMS
- Automatically convert those expressions into SQL expressions
- Generate a .CSV file documenting the results of the conversion
- The .CSV file will identify the expressions that require attention
Why Are Some Expressions Not Automatically Converted?
Some expressions may not convert successfully because FoxPro and SQL are different languages and the upgrade was unable to evaluate the expression properly.
Although some expressions may be straightforward to translate, others may include syntax, functions, operators, field references, or logic patterns that do not have a direct SQL equivalent.
SQL expressions follow SQL syntax and evaluation rules. These rules may differ from FoxPro in areas such as:
- Function names and available functions
- Date handling
- String handling
- Conditional logic
- Field references
- Operators
- Null or blank value handling
- Expression structure and formatting
Because of these differences, some existing FoxPro expressions require manual review before they can be used successfully.
When Sage HRMS cannot reliably convert an expression, that expression is identified as a failed conversion instead of being changed . This helps prevent expressions from being converted incorrectly or behaving differently than intended.
Action Recommend After Upgrade
Any failed expressions identified during the Q2 2026 installation should be reviewed and either corrected or deleted. To ensure a smooth transition and continued compatibility, you should take the following steps after upgrading:
- Review the generated .CSV file, available on the server where Sage HRMS is installed at SageHRMSServer\DATA\ExpressionBuilderMigrationLog\
- Identify any expressions that failed conversion
- Correct the failed expressions as needed in your product
- Delete expressions that are no longer valid or no longer needed in your product
- Navigate to your Sage HRMS client folder and run Expressions Migration Validation tool (ExpressionsMigration.exe) to revalidate your expressions
What Happens If Failed Expressions Are Not Corrected?
While there is no immediate deadline to complete these steps, addressing failed expressions in a timely manner is strongly recommended, as support for legacy FoxPro expressions will be phased out in a future release.
Recommended Customer Action
Customers are strongly encouraged to review the Expression Builder conversion results after installing the Q2 2026 release. Any expressions listed as failed conversions should be corrected or deleted in a timely manner to ensure continued compatibility with future releases.
You can run the Expression Migration Validation tool at any time to confirm changes. This tool is available in your Sage HRMS client folder under the name ExpressionsMigration.exe.
Taking action soon rather than later, gives customers time to review existing expressions and prepare for future updates.
Need help?
Visit www.sage.com/resources for options, including links to Sage Knowledgebase, Sage Community, and Sage University, as well as Chat and Online Case Submission.