
Optional Tables
Create custom, multi-dimensional data structures within your Sage 300 database

Free yourself from the limitations of the standard Sage 300 data model
- No need to compromise decision making by relying on externally held data
- Make your custom data available within Sage 300, where it can be readily shared and included in reports
- View and manipulate data in Excel, then write it back to Sage 300
- Combine with Orchid Info-Explorer for powerful, intuitive budgeting and forecasting
Optional Tables Features
Overview
- Create new fields (facts) in any Sage 300 module, including 3rd Party modules developed in the SDK
- Link them through to multiple Sage 300 masterfiles (dimensions), creating Optional Tables that form part of your Sage 300 database
- Manage custom data at any level, e.g. KPIs, budgets, forecasts, actual results, or non-financial data
- Report at the level you define, on dimensions and facts you specify, combining financial & non-financial data with your own custom data
- Each Optional Table can be defined with an unlimited number of fields, and up to 10 Sage 300 views
Data Entry
Data can be entered directly into Sage 300 using Optional Tables data-entry screens:
- One screen is designed for time-sensitive information (e.g. budgets and forecasts)
- Another screen is optimized for static masterfile input
Alternatively, you can:
- Create your own data-entry screen
- Import data directly into your Optional Tables
- Use the Excel Add-In (see below)
Excel® Add-In with Write-back
Included with Optional Tables is the Orchid Spreadsheet Add-in for Microsoft Excel:
- Extract standard Sage 300 data and Optional Tables data, manipulate it in Excel, and write data back into your custom Optional Tables in Sage 300
- Using Microsoft Excel and a built-in wizard you set up the formulae for reference data for the report specification (i.e. the data required from Sage 300)
- After populating your worksheet with this data users can format, manipulate, and update it as required, treating it as a normal standalone worksheet
- With write-back to Sage 300, you are also able to directly update Sage 300 Optional Tables, saving time and increasing accuracy by removing the need for manual data entry or imports
- Include additional budget, forecast and subsidiary ledger information into your Financial Reports by embedding Optional Tables read and write functions into the Excel spreadsheets, using Sage 300's Financial Reporter functions
Use as a Budgeting Tool
- You can develop budget models within Excel, then distribute spreadsheets for the collection of budget data
- Centrally update Sage 300 with your budgets at the click of a button, keeping a full history of budget revisions and changes with descriptive notes
- Users do not need access to or training in Sage 300 - they can complete their budgets in Excel
See below for more about enhanced budgeting when combined with Info-Explorer
International Contacts
Please contact us directly if your business is in the UK, Europe or other regions not listed here.
North/South/Central America and the Caribbean
Robert Lavery
Phone: (416) 453-7876
Email: Robert.lavery@sympatico.ca
Address:
Robert Lavery & Associates
14 Woodway Trail
Toronto, Ontario CANADA M8Y 2B8
Asia Region
A-Plus Software Limited (ID#82011633)
Phone: + 852-2366 8392
Email: info@a-plussoft.com
Website: www.a-plussoft.com/en/orchid.php
Address:
5/F Goldsland Building
22 Minden Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui,
Kowloon Hong Kong
Australia and New Zealand Region
Sage Software Australia - Business Management Solutions (ERP & CRM)
Phone: 137 243 (13 SAGE)
Website: https://www.sage.com/au
Level 11, Zenith Tower B,
821 Pacific Hwy,
Chatswood NSW 2067
Africa Region
Sage South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Phone: +27 11 304 3000Website: https://www.sage.com/za
6th Floor, Gateway West
22 Magwa Crescent
Waterfall 5-lr, Midrand, 2066
Middle East Region
Sage Middle East
Phone: +971 43900180
Website: https://www.sage.com/en-ae/support/contact-us
Office No. 118 Building No.11
Dubai Internet City (DIC)
Dubai, PO Box 500198
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Budgeting with Optional Tables & Info-Explorer
Optional Tables can be used to store any custom data, but it really comes into its own when combined with Info-Explorer for use as a powerful budgeting and forecasting tool.
See the Budgeting, Reporting and BI solution page for more on this topic.
Minimum
Requirements
- Optional Tables 2021 requires Sage 300 2021 System Manager and Transaction Analysis & Optional Fields
- Spreadsheet Add-in requires Microsoft Excel 2003 or later (32-bit)