System Prerequisites
Before beginning the installation, ensure your system meets these minimum requirements:
- Windows 7, 8, Server 2008, or Server 2012 (32-bit or 64-bit versions)[1]
- CPU faster than 1.3 GHz
- Minimum 2GB RAM
- 350MB available hard drive space
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0
- Microsoft Excel 2007 or higher (must be activated before installation)
Pre-Installation Steps
Database Preparation The system supports Microsoft SQL Server as the primary database engine. Ensure your SQL Server instance is properly configured and running before proceeding with installation.
Excel Configuration Launch Microsoft Excel at least once to ensure it is fully licensed and activated. Close Excel completely before beginning the Sage 300 installation process.
Installation Process
Phase 1: Program Installation
- Download the Sage 300 installation files and double-click the ISO file
- When the installation screen appears, select "View Pre-Installation Checklist" and complete all listed items
- Click "Sage 300" on the main installation screen
- On the Welcome screen, click Next and accept the license agreement
- Select your geographical region
- Enter your client information:
- Input your 7-digit or 10-digit client ID
- Provide the company name for registration
- Enter optional contact information:
- Contact person
- Dealer information
- Certified consultant details
- Select your Sage 300 edition
- Specify the program and shared data folder locations
Phase 2: Module Configuration
The following modules can be installed based on your needs:
- Order Entry (requires Accounts Receivable, Inventory Control, Tax Services)
- Purchase Orders (requires Accounts Payable, Inventory Control, Tax Services)
- Project and Job Costing (requires multiple dependencies)
- G/L Consolidations (requires General Ledger)
- Intercompany Transactions (requires General Ledger)
- Sage Intelligence Reporting
- Payment Processing
License Configuration
Activating Your License
- The License Manager will automatically appear after installation if licenses haven't been installed
For Intelligence Reporting components:
- Enter serial numbers and activation codes on the Licenses tab
- One Report Manager License is included free with Sage 300
- Add additional Report Manager or Report Viewer licenses on the Users tab
Workstation Setup
For multi-user environments, each workstation requires specific configuration:
- Navigate to the Sage 300 Program folder\WSSetup on the server
- Double-click setup.exe to launch the workstation installation
- Follow the installation wizard prompts
- Configure the database setup after workstation installation:
- Navigate to Sage 300 ERP >> Database Setup
- Enter administrator password
- Verify and connect to the appropriate database
Security Configuration
Setting Up Security Manager
- Enable security by checking the "Security On" checkbox in Security Manager
- Create a security password when prompted
- Add user roles:
- Click Add under the Roles pane
- Enter role names
- Assign appropriate permissions
- Configure report access:
- Select roles in the left pane
- Choose accessible reports in the right pane
- Apply security settings
MetaData Repository Setup
The MetaData Repository stores essential information including:
- Connection details
- Container information
- Report configurations
- Reporting trees
The repository is created by default in the Sage 300 Data location within the BXData\SQL folder.
Post-Installation Tasks
- Run Intelligence Reporting workstation setup on every computer that will use the system
- Verify the BI Tools tab appears in Excel after installation
- Test database connectivity and access to all installed modules
- Configure automated backups of the MetaData Repository
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Missing BI Tools Tab in Excel If the BI Tools tab is missing:
- Ensure Excel was closed during installation
- Run AlchemexPolicy.exe as administrator
- Verify no ghost Excel processes are running
ActiveX Component Error If receiving "ActiveX component can't create object" error:
- Run the Intelligence Reporting workstation setup
- Verify proper installation paths
License Assignment Issues When encountering license assignment problems:
- Check available licenses in License Manager
- Remove unused license assignments
- Verify workstation names and user permissions
Important Considerations
The free Report Manager license includes certain limitations:
- Can only connect to one Sage 300 company at a time
- Cannot connect to non-Sage 300 databases
- Unable to add additional fields to standard reports
- Cannot perform multi-company consolidations
- Scheduling automated reports is not available
By following these detailed installation steps and considering all aspects of the setup process, you can ensure a successful Sage 300 2016 implementation. Remember to maintain regular backups of your system and keep all components updated for optimal performance and security.
Sources: [1] https://cdn.na.sage.com/docs/en/customer/300erp/2024/open/Sage300_InstallationGuide.pdf [2] https://www.top-sage-resellers.com/sage-300-installation.html [3] https://www.greytrix.com/blogs/sageaccpacerp/2013/05/16/installation-of-sage-300-erp-workstation-setup/ [4] https://www.equationtech.us/sage-accpac-blog/bid/100790/How-to-Download-and-Install-a-Sage-300-ERP-Accpac-Hotfix [5] https://help.sage300.com/en-us/2023/classic/Content/SystemManager/Setup_TOC.htm?TocPath=Setting+Up+Sage+300%7C_____0 [6] https://www.acutedata.com/pdf/sage-300/201511-Sage3002016-InstallationGuide-KY.pdf [7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhc75zx8wPQ
