Optional Tables

Overview

• Create new fields (facts) in any Sage 300 module, including 3^rd Party modules developed in the SDK
• Link them to multiple masterfiles (dimensions), to support multi-dimensional reporting and analysis (e.g. by Sales Rep, Location, and Category)
• Manage custom data at any level, for any purpose, e.g. KPIs, budgets, forecasts, actual results, or non-financial 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:

• Import data directly into your Optional Tables
• Use the Excel Add-In (see below) to enter data in a spreadsheet, then update Sage 300

Excel® Add-In to read & update Sage 300

Included with Optional Tables is the Orchid Spreadsheet Add-in for Microsoft Excel:

• With the help of a built-in wizard, set up formulae to extract both Optional Tables data and other Sage 300 reference data into Excel
• Users can then format, modify and manipulate the data, just as they would with any standalone Excel worksheet
• Users with appropriate security rights are also able to directly update Sage 300 Optional Tables, using write formulae in Excel, saving time and increasing accuracy by removing the need for manual data entry or imports

You can also enhance your Sage 300 GL Financial Reports by incorporating Optional Tables formulae and data (e.g. additional budget, forecast, and subsidiary ledger information) into your FR specification Excel spreadsheets.

Optional Tables as a Budgeting Tool

Team members can collaborate in the budget preparation process using Microsoft Excel, without needing Sage 300 access and training.

• Develop granular, multi-dimensional budget models using Excel
• Distribute and retrieve spreadsheets by email, or use your preferred file-sharing software, to collect budget data from multiple contributors
• Use the Excel Add-in update capability, and a GL macro, to update your Sage 300 budget sets at the click of a button
• Optional Tables lets you create as many budget sets as you like, so you can maintain a full history of budget revisions

Optional Tables can help you apply Dimensional Accounting principles to Sage 300, e.g. by holding highly granular, dimension-level budget data, allowing you to simplify your Chart of Accounts.

See our Budgeting, Reporting & Business Intelligence solution page for more about enhanced budgeting when combined with Info-Explorer.