Multi user mode within Sage seems simple on paper. Multiple people working at the simultaneously, same company file without interruptions. In actuality, this is when the majority of Sage users start losing patience.
One minute everything goes well. Next minute Sage suspends users, freezes or shuts down completely. Sometimes it throws an error. Sometimes it just vanishes. No warning. No explanation.
If you've ever had to deal with this issue, you have an idea of the agony it causes. Let us break down why this happens and what you can actually do to stop it before this becomes a problem for your workplace.
The main reason Sage has trouble in multi-user mode is because Sage struggles with multi user
Sage relies heavily on steady connection between the server and all connected systems. When that connection even slightly slips, Sage reacts badly.
This is typically not the result of one big mistake. Usually it is a combination of small issues that eventually add up.
Network instability is among the biggest culprits. Even if your connection appears fluid, network fluctuations or loss of data packets can interrupt Sage sessions. Multi-user mode can be very at risk of this.
Another issue is incorrect setting up in the course of installing. Many companies rush through sage technical support - visit website, setup. Settings are set by default. Permissions only have half of them set. All appears fine when more than a single user is logged in.
Then Sage begins to crash.
Conflicts with access to company files
If multiple users attempt to access the same company data, Sage is required to control passwords and locks in real time. If the files are stored in a wrong location, or accessed through mapping drives that are not stabile, conflicts will occur.
An individual saves a report. Another user attempts to open the report. Sage cannot sync sufficiently fast. Crash.
It gets even more difficult if users are opening large reports, information on payroll, or inventory modules at the same time.
User permissions that look good but aren't
Permissions concerns can be tricky. The surface of things appear perfect. Users can log in. Files open. Data is visible.
But in the background, Windows permissions or Sage user roles might be incomplete. One user may not have full read and write access. A different user may be lacking modify rights on the folder shared.
Sage doesn't always provide explicit warnings about this. Instead, it crashes.
Server related and hosting issues
When Sage has been hosted locally on the server that server requires appropriate resources. The lack of RAM, the overloaded CPU or insufficient operating system software can cause instability in Sage sessions.
Virtual servers may cause issues too. Shared hosting environments are sometimes unable to use resources without any warning. When the server is in high use, Sage becomes the victim.
This is one reason why accidents often happen at busy times like week-end or pay days.
Background programs that can interfere with Sage
A silent antivirus program is a problem-maker. Some antivirus software aggressively look over Sage the files while they're being used. This blocks access to files and triggers Sage to stop working.
Backup programs running in business hours can also lock data unexpectedly. The user sees a crash. The system is able to detect a conflict.
Rules for firewalls blocking Sage ports may cause random disconnects that appear like the software has failed.
Growing file size
Over time, Sage company files grow. More transactions. More reports. More users.
If regular maintenance is not taken care of Data corruption builds up. Sage might still open. Single user mode could work fine. But multi-user mode exposes the weakness.
The frequency of crashes increases. Especially where more that two people have logged in.
How can I minimize Sage crashes when in multi-user mode
We'll now talk about what actually helps.
Begin by connecting to the network. A steady wired connection always preferred over wireless for Sage users. Avoid working over unstable VPNs without ensuring they are correctly configured to work with accounting software.
Review the company file where it is located. It should be stored in a secure server with the same access path for all users. Do not share your desktop or temporary folders.
Take the time to verify permissions. Not just Sage user roles, but Windows folder permissions too. Every Sage user should have all read and written access to the shared corporate folder.
Create a schedule of antivirus exclusions for Sage folders. This alone solves a remarkable quantity of crash complaints.
Be sure backups aren't in operation during the hours of active work. Plan them to run late at night or early in the morning.
Run Sage data verification and maintenance routinely. Don't wait for mistakes to become apparent.
Fixes that do not work any more
Sometimes you're doing everything perfectly but Sage continues to crash. This is often when the issue is deeper.
It could be due to file corruption which requires expert repair. There could be server configuration issues. There may be conflicting versions on different systems. Sage software updates across different platforms.
This is the place where many users need to stop guessing and find immediate assistance.
Calling the sage 50 support number at this point saves time as well as preventing further data loss. A trained technician can spot the exact source of the problem instead testing and adjusting.
Supporting the cause of delay makes things worse
Many businesses try restarting Sage and hoping that the issue is resolved. It's rare.
Many crashes increase the possibility of data corruption. Invoices may not save properly. Payroll entries might duplicate. Reports can show incorrect figures.
As soon as help is finally requested, the problem has gotten more serious than it needed to be.
Contacting early via the telephone number for support at age 50 is usually a way to achieve faster resolution and shorter downtime.
The final thoughts of real world use
Sage multi user mode is powerful, but not inflexible. It is a system that expects everything to function properly. Network. Permissions. Server. Security software. The whole thing.
The majority of crashes are not random. They are indicators an issue that requires attention.
If you're Sage software fails to work it's a sign. If it's frequently crashing then it's time to move to.
Get the basics right first. Security of your network. File access. Permissions. Maintenance.
When things don't make sense, do not waste moments pondering. A quick call to a professional can keep your data safe, your time, and also your sanity.