Sage ERP X3

Architecture and
Technology
Sage ERP X3 is built on the Sage Application Framework for the
Enterprise platform (SAFE X3). This SOA/WOA platform provides I N T E G R AT E D D E S I G N
users with best-in-class collaboration capabilities in either client/ Process Integration
server or web mode, as well as an integrated business
• A common reference system for the whole company
intelligence engine and data warehouse by Business Objects™,
a flexible second-generation workflow engine. It includes a 4GL • Streamlined management flows
development environment for enterprise-specific or vertical
applications by VARS. A flexible, highly scalable platform, it easily Data Integration
adapts to your current environment while preserving your ability
• Increased business insight
to grow and meet new challenges over time.
• Real-time management
A Robust Multitier Architecture Design
The Sage ERP X3 architecture is organized in layers so that data Technology Integration
management, process execution, and information display are • Fast deployment and learning curve
handled independently. This multitier architecture ensures highly
• Low administration and maintenance costs
reliable system operations in all circumstances.
• High interoperability
Also, metadata are managed with a clear differentiation of the
standard, industry-specific, and custom layers. It guarantees the
ability to customize the system and develop enterprise-specific The Best Performance, from 10 to 1,500 Users
routines while keeping the standard version upgrades Sage ERP X3 can manage data processing across multiple
safe and easy. servers. As the company evolves and more users or operations
need to be managed, the system performance can be changed by
simply adding additional servers. The scalability of the architecture
does not require a heavy reconfiguration process. The system
benchmarks from 10 to 1,500 concurrent users without a
significant drop in performance, providing your business with
extreme scalability.

A true web-native system, Sage ERP X3 is designed with

particular attention to make possible a transactional utilization
through both a Windows® desktop client and a web browser, while
sharing common ergonomics for users. As a result, the system
provides comparable processing speed through a web, Meta-
Frame (Citrix), or TSE (Windows) network environment.

The system also enables deferred processing, which helps

increase performance by deferring posting and other offline
processes until users require less of your computing capabilities.
A Free Choice of Deployment Options
At the heart of the Sage ERP X3 design is an open architecture
that provides your company with a free choice of operating
systems, databases, network environment, and deployment
options. Also, a clear distinction between the technology and
functional layers gives you the ability to switch from one
platform to another without impacting the functional set and
user environment.

The system runs equally on Microsoft Windows®, Unix, or Linux

Red Hat, with either Oracle or Microsoft SQL databases. It can
be deployed as a web application, a desktop application, or both
(dual mode).
The Sage Application Framework for the Enterprise (SAFE X3):
An open design

Ready for Global Business

Based on the SAFE X3 global application platform, Sage ERP X3
is designed to handle international and/or multicountry operations
with ease. The system can be deployed in multiple companies,
sites, or warehouses internationally, while sharing common func-
tionality, processes, and data. Its Unicode development enables
the system to run in multiple languages, simultaneously. Naturally,
Sage ERP X3 can manage multiple currencies, business rules, and
legislations as part of the core platform capability.

Powerful System Customization and

Management Tools
A multitier architecture
Sage ERP X3 provides all the tools you need to manage the sys-
tem effectively from one singular administration console, avoiding
complex integration issues. Advanced administration tools are
A Highly Interoperable Web-Oriented Architecture included here within one coherent environment:
The Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) of Sage ERP X3 makes
Workflow Engine
all management functionality available as interoperable services, which
can be easily invoked by external applications. Also, Sage ERP X3 The workflow engine enables control of information flow and
provides functionality as Web Services, which extend interoperability processing using the standard templates provided with the system
over the Internet with web-based applications using popular or through advanced parameterization to better fit enterprise-
languages such as .NET or Java. Sage ERP X3 supports XML, UDDI, specific procedures. Triggering events may include any user action
WDSL, SOAP, and .NET standards as part of the underlying SAFE X3 such as printing, creating new records, deleting data, or can
platform. An external server can be dedicated to Web Services and tied be based on the result of a database inquiry. When a condition
into the Sage ERP X3 system. is met, the workflow engine can initiate processing, trigger the
dispatch of email messages or warnings, allowing users to take
Not only does this Service/Web-Oriented Architecture greatly action by simple response, and provide users with work schedules
simplify the system integration with the increasingly complex based on a given process or workflow circuit. Also, the workflow
information environment companies are coping with today, it also engine can trigger circuits based on batch processes such as data
enables you to expand control over your business beyond the import or exports.
company walls and involve partners as part of your operations.
 Sage ERP X3 I Architecture and Technology

Security and System Administration To further accelerate your development, the 4GL IDE provides
Security is controlled and managed at the system level for all template elements that may be used to create new custom
users. You can easily decide who can access what information at elements. Also, standard components of the system are reusable
the function, screen, and/or field level. Aggregated data handled and modifiable.
by the embedded Business Intelligence engine as well as external
Once prepared, subprograms can be published as Web Services
reporting tools inherit from all the security rules that have been
and made available to third parties seeking connectivity. Also,
defined for the system.
Sage ERP X3 processes can integrate data from external Web
Also, whether users are accessing the system locally or remotely Services and use them in subsequent steps. Interoperability is
through the Internet, Sage ERP X3 manages standard security also ensured through OCX, system commands, and extensible
network protocol to provide users with a safe connection to Java server (OSGI plug-ins).
the system.
Sound Ergonomics
For system administration, Sage ERP X3 provides a
Regardless of the interface selected—the Windows user interface
comprehensive set of tools enabling administrators to manage
or web browser version—Sage ERP X3 promotes rapid learning
general parameters (per company, site, user groups, and user),
and ensures intuitive navigation for both new and experienced
deploy new functions or updates, manage the database
users. All functions have a common look and feel to ensure
properties, import/export data, and control batch processes.
continuity for users who work with different functions.
Also, administrators can customize the online help to provide
Special features include a Sage ERP X3 Explorer-style window
users with further instructions about standard or custom
on the left of the screen for displaying lists of products, business
procedures.
partners, and documents; multiple tabs within each function to
Development Tools segregate different types of information such as headers and
lines; “tunneling” at prompts to zoom in on more detailed
Sage ERP X3 includes a 4GL Integrated Development
information; and direct access to function and field-level help
Environment (IDE) that enables companies to tailor the system to
in HTML format. Any Microsoft Office® document can be at-
meet individual needs, without jeopardizing the system’s ability to
tached to an object—and stored in the system database—
evolve. Custom developments are signed with an “Activity Code”
enabling users to access images and videos and manipulate
that can be activated/deactivated at will, ensuring the protection
data in spreadsheets or text documents within the Sage ERP X3
of enterprise-specific customizations from standard updates or
application environment.
upgrades of the system. Also, the 4GL code is independent from
both the execution environment (Windows, Linux, Unix) and the A Collaborative Webtop
user interface (Windows client, web browser, portable terminals,
Sage ERP X3 also provides users with a user-defined portal,
and others). So one version of your code may apply to any
allowing them to monitor their activity at a glance as well as to
environment without rewriting.
interact with third-party applications online. Portals may include a
This powerful object-oriented development environment provides mashup of Sage ERP X3 functions, key performance indicators,
programming abstraction suitable for business while emphasizing CRM agenda, third-party RSS flows, and widgets.
development of business processes. The development
Sage Visual Processes™
dictionary (metadata) includes database descriptions (tables,
views, indexes, traceability rules, data models), business While traditional user interfaces are often hiding complexity
intelligence descriptions (datamart, universes, ETL procedures), through never-ending drop-down menus and convoluted access
objects, functions, report templates, and user interface descrip- to subfunctions, Sage ERP X3 Visual Processes provide users
tions (generating XML description independent from GUI), as well with a graphical, job-oriented user interface that gives each user
as actions and procedures descriptions used to generate a clear view of the task they need to accomplish and drive them
web services. through the different steps. The overall process is displayed in a
graphical view, and a simple click on a process milestone will call
the underlying software function.
 Sage ERP X3 I Architecture and Technology

220 W Kensinger Drive, Suite 100 I Cranberry Township, PA 16066 I 724-814-5250 I 724-814-5260 fax

www.SageERPx3.us I www.SageNorthAmerica.com
©2010 Sage Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sage, the Sage logo, and the Sage product and service names mentioned herein are registered
trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software Inc., or its affiliated entities. Business Objects and the Business Objects logo, BusinessObjects and Crystal
Reports are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft SQL Server is a trademark or
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft
group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 10-23236 05/10