Staying ahead in the rapidly evolving business landscape requires embracing the latest technology and software solutions. Spire has been a trusted software for companies seeking efficient and streamlined operations. That’s why each new release introduces enhancements and features that empower you to manage your finances and resources effectively.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Spire version 3.11, the latest offering. This upgrade offers exciting improvements, from a revamped pricing system to enhanced user-defined fields and an upgraded approach to handling sales tax exceptions. These updates can help businesses operate more smoothly, make data-driven decisions, and stay competitive in their respective industries.
Jump to the Latest 3.11 Updates (June 2024)
Price Level Updates
Precision and clarity are paramount in the ever-evolving inventory and pricing management landscape. Spire understands this, and in version 3.11, it has introduced a significant enhancement to its pricing system. The price level updates simplify how you manage your pricing structures, making them more intuitive and user-friendly.
So, what’s the big deal about name-based pricing levels? It’s all about eliminating the guesswork. In previous versions of Spire, each inventory item could support up to 20 specific price levels, identified by cryptic number codes. These codes left users wondering about the purpose of each level. With name-based pricing levels, you no longer need to decipher these codes. Each level is named, providing instant clarity on its purpose.
You are no longer limited to just 20 price levels. You can add new price levels as needed, offering unprecedented flexibility in your pricing strategies.
Additionally, these new price levels also come with alphanumeric codes and descriptions. These descriptors provide even more information, allowing you to add context and usage details for each level. And if you ever need to rename the code value, you can, and the system will automatically update it wherever it’s been used within Spire.
Another enhancement is the introduction of effective dates for price levels. It allows you to plan for future price changes by setting an effective date when the new price should be used on sales orders. This functionality streamlines your pricing strategy implementation.
In summary, the price level updates in Spire version 3.11 offer a remarkable leap in flexibility, clarity, and efficiency when managing your pricing structures. Whether dealing with multiple currencies, unit conversions, or historical price tracking, Spire’s got the tools you need to stay on top of your game.
User-Defined Fields Updates
In the world of modern business, data is king. Companies need the ability to capture, manage, and analyze data efficiently to make informed decisions and stay competitive. Recognizing this need, Spire version 3.11 has introduced significant updates to its user-defined fields (UDF) feature, making it even easier to customize and work with critical data within the system.
Spire’s new UDF updates start with the ability to import values seamlessly. Accessible from the familiar import function on the Tools menu, this feature streamlines the populating UDF fields. Now, you have two convenient ways to perform the import process. First is to select Import Types. When creating or updating records, you can import UDF values independently or alongside other information. The second method is the Link Table Dropdown. This method applies when records don’t have a predefined import type or when UDFs are supported on both headers and details of transactions. It’s an adaptable way to work with UDFs, mainly when the link number may combine multiple fields from your import file.
The user-defined field updates in Spire version 3.11 reinforce the software’s commitment to flexibility and customization, enabling businesses to mould the system to their unique data requirements. The ability to import and display UDF values seamlessly streamlines data management and enhances the overall user experience.
Inventory Sales Tax Exceptions
Taxes are an unavoidable part of business, but managing them doesn’t have to be a headache. In Spire version 3.11, a significant upgrade has been introduced to handling sales tax exceptions. This overhaul brings clarity, flexibility, and efficiency to the management of sales tax codes, making it easier for businesses to navigate the complex world of taxation.
Previously, Spire users faced limitations when configuring sales tax codes for inventory items. The system allowed for settings related to the first four sales tax codes that could apply to sales orders. This rigidity meant that determining taxes for additional sales tax codes beyond these initial four was challenging, and resequencing tax codes was a cumbersome process. Spire version 3.11 changes this landscape entirely.
The inventory sales tax exceptions feature in Spire version 3.11 represents a significant step forward in tax management. It simplifies the process, offers more customization options, and ensures accurate tax calculations. By giving businesses the tools to handle tax exemptions efficiently, Spire is helping companies stay compliant and efficient in the ever-evolving world of taxation.
June 2024 Updates to Spire 3.11
Spire Server Improvements: In the latest update, Spire has enhanced compatibility with Windows 11 by correcting issues related to setting Firewall rules during new installations. This ensures a smoother and more secure setup process for users upgrading to or installing this latest operating system.
Spire Desktop Improvements and Corrections: General Enhancements: To improve user experience, Spire has fixed an error that occurred when double-clicking the Print button twice in the Email dialogue and similar issues in the Reports dialogue. Additionally, attachments removed before sending an email will no longer be sent by Spire, preventing accidental data sharing and enhancing email communication security.
Accounts Receivable: In the Accounts Receivable module, Spire has corrected the check number sequence when changing from the default bank account, enhancing the accuracy of your financial tracking and ensuring consistency across your financial documents.
Import-Module: Spire has resolved issues with the import of UDF fields that share names with Inventory fields, eliminating conflicts and data errors. This update ensures smoother data integration and reliability in inventory management.
Payroll Module Enhancements: The Payroll module has seen significant enhancements by Spire:
- The CPP2 column on the Timecard List is now displayed for better visibility, making payroll management more intuitive.
- Advanced warnings for payroll tax table updates keep your operations compliant with the latest regulations.
- Spire has improved tax calculations for unique pay amounts in Ontario to ensure precise payroll processing.
- Timecards are recalculated after each posting to ensure ongoing accuracy and compliance.
Sales Order Module: The Sales Order module now correctly shows a green background on the Price field when a Price Matrix record is used, indicating active modifications by Spire. Additionally, taxes on sales orders are automatically reevaluated when the levies are changed, ensuring tax accuracy and compliance.
User Permissions: New permissions have been added for reallocating Serial/Lot numbers, providing more control over inventory management and enhancing operational flexibility.
Report Changes: Spire has made several enhancements across various reports:
- In the Employee ROI Info report, Spire has prevented address duplication in scenarios where multiple contacts exist.
- The Income Statement now shows Expense sub-group totals in positive figures.
- The Item Allocations report has improved running functionality even when no Sales Order records exist, and Spire has enhanced total calculations.
- The Lot Number Trace report now includes Customer/Vendor names and Production Order descriptions where applicable.
- In the Purchase Order report, Spire has adjusted the Required Date label for better clarity and removed tax flags for a cleaner presentation.
- The Receiver General by Payroll Dates report now includes CPP2 and RSP amounts in Gross Payroll subtotals.
- The Sales by Payment Method report has improved visibility for invoices put ‘On Account’.
- The Transfer Packing Slip and Transfer Pick Ticket reports now include Lot number quantities for better tracking and accuracy.
In closing
Business software, adaptability and innovation are the keys to staying ahead. Spire version 3.11 embodies these principles, bringing many enhancements that empower businesses to streamline operations, make data-driven decisions, and confidently tackle the complexities of pricing, data management, and taxation. From the clarity of name-based pricing levels to the flexibility of user-defined fields and the efficiency of managing sales tax exceptions, Spire continues to prove itself as a valuable asset for companies seeking growth and success.
Now is the time to elevate your business with Spire 3.11
The Spire 3.11 update represents a significant inventory and financial management step forward. No matter the size of your organization, Spire’s latest enhancements will add to your ERP experience. Talk to us today, and we can highlight how Spire and the latest release can cater to your unique needs.
