Sage 50 Manufacturing is End of Life
In August 2020, Sage UK announced the withdrawal of Sage 50 Manufacturing. Sage UK’s recommendations for replacement software options can be navigated from this link.
As the only MRP module with an official partnership with Sage UK is Cim50 by Cim Services and many UK Manufacturers have already made the transition to Cim50.
These businesses are now benefitting from the robust roadmap that Cim Services provides for this product which enables them to not only reap the rewards from an MRP that offers so much more that Sage 50 Manufacturing with the distinct benefit of a modular approach but also the ability to use up to date versions of Sage 50 Accounts.
Cim 50 Business Partner or Software Vendor Direct?
Whether you deal directly with Cim Services or via an accredited business partner such as Qi, software costs are the same from either source with similar project costs depending on your training requirements. The toolkit for Data Migration is standard, ensuring your Sage Manufacturing data migrates safely from Sage 50 Manufacturing to Cim50. Cim Services relies on their trusted network of business partners – of which Qi Ltd is one. Read the the Cim business partner case study here.
Why the need to agree a plan now?
The last version of Sage 50 Manufacturing to be tested with Sage 50 Accounts account was version 27. Version 33 launched in early 2026 and is not compatible with Sage 50 Manufacturing. It has never been recommended to allow your version of Sage 50 Accounts to fall behind by more than 3 versions.
Sage UK, from 30th September 2021 ceased to provide any technical support either to end users or business partners.
What are the options for my business?
Stay with what you have but be mindful of the pitfalls:
For many years, Qi continued to support its existing customers and take on new support customers for those who no longer had an avenue for support and in occasional circumstances – this remains the case, where interim support is required prior to making the transition to Cim50 against an agreed timeframe.
Moving to alternative solution for MRP + Sage 50 accounts
The link will take you to the options to move on from Sage 50 Manufacturing as suggested by Sage UK.
Cim50 is the only MRP that has an official partnership with Sage UK and thus is featured on the Sage UK marketplace.
Over the last 4 years Qi has successfully migrated long time users of Sage Manufacturing to Cim50, and the feedback continues to be excellent. The projects are not protracted and Cim has designed their interface to provide the smoothest on boarding process possible for Sage Manufacturing users. There is more flexibility regarding the modules you need and opt to use and therefore pay for. Sage 50 Manufacturing was an ‘all or nothing’ buy in.
Cim50 is a subscription model and therefore there is no capital outlay for software. Your business can start with the user numbers you know are needed now and scale up or down from there.
Cim50 put simply, is an excellent MRP module for businesses committed to remaining with Sage 50 accounts.
- Cim50 is intuitive (especially for Sage 50 Manufacturing users)
- Cim50 has a plethora of improvements over Sage 50 Manufacturing (and a superior interface with Sage 50 accounts)
- Cim50 is flexible
- Cim50 offers SFDC that is reasonably priced, simple to use, ready to go and works!
- Cim50 offers Graphical Scheduler for capacity planning.
- Cim50 comes with a data migration tool to ensure your business partner migrates your Sage Manufacturing data quickly and successfully.
- Cim50 has a defined roadmap and new feature releases based on user requests.
Benefits of Sage 50 Accounts and Cim50 support through one source
As with Sage Manufacturing and Sage 50 Accounts there is a close relationship between Sage 50 Accounts and Cim50. An error may present in one solution, but the key cause is an error in the other. You will experience a seamless support service if you use the same source for both your Sage Cloud Professional and Cim50 support. Hearing ‘Sorry, we don’t support that you will have to call your other support company’ is frustrating and wastes time. Qi can arrange for your current subscription to moved from another business partner or from Sage UK.
Get in touch with Qi to make the move!Start to plan in earnest and agree your project timeframe
A good Sage Business Partner should never use ‘scare’ tactics to encourage businesses to upgrade their software. Qi is advocating that now is the time to investigate, agree, budget and plan.
- Consider the best onward move for your business.
- Is Sage 50 Cloud Professional + MRP going to deliver the right functionality in line with your business plan?
- Identify the right software direction for your business and business strategy. MRP or ERP? On premise or Cloud?
- Have a demonstration of the software
- Ensure your business requirements are understood by your software business partner
- Get an accurate proposal submitted
- Budget for the outlay
- Agree a timeframe with your business partner for the project
- Ensure your key stakeholders are on board and are available to take training in the agreed timeframe.
10. STICK TO THE TIMEFRAME
Already using Cim50 and need a new partner?
If your current business partner just isn’t cutting the mustard and doesn’t understand the nuances of your business, get in touch with Qi. Our specialism for over 30 years remains working with manufacturers, assemblers and distributors. We will speak your language and help you get the very best out of Cim50.
Thought for the Day
Qi will support your Sage Manufacturing for as long as is practical whilst working with you to plan your move ‘onwards’ and away from legacy software. But time is running out with the advancements of Sage 50 Accounts.
Take a look at our testimonials page! The get in touch with Qi!
