Multi user mode within Sage appears simple on paper. Multiple people working at exact same time in the same file with no interruptions. In fact, this is where most Sage users start losing patience.
One minute all is well. Then, in the next moment Sage freezes, disconnects users or shuts off completely. Sometimes, it will throw an error. Sometimes, it disappears. There is no warning. No explanation.
If you’ve been through with this, you already know how frustrating it feels. Let’s look at the reasons why it is occurring and what you can realistically do before it is a complete disaster for your work.
The actual reason Sage has trouble in multi-user mode
Sage relies a lot on the stability of communication between its server and every system connected. If this connection even weakens, Sage reacts badly.
This is not always the result of a single huge error. It’s usually a mixture from small errors that are accumulating.
Network instability is among the main reasons for this. If your internet appears rapid, internal network fluctuations and packet loss could disrupt Sage sessions. Multi-user mode can be very sensitive to this.
Another reason for this is a poor configuration during installation. Many businesses hurry through Sage setup. The default settings remain the same. Permissions are only half set. All appears fine as long as more users logs in.
Then Sage begins to crash.
Conflicts in access to company file files
When several users try to access the same company data, Sage should manage locking and permissions at a real-time. If the files are stored in a location that is not correct or accessed via mapped drives that aren’t in a stable state, conflicts occur.
The user has saved an entry. Another user is trying to open reports. Sage can’t sync as fast as it should. Crash.
It’s even worse when users are opening large reports, the payroll database, or inventory modules at the same time.
User permissions that appear okay but aren’t
Permissions issues can be quite sneaky. On the surface, everything appears like it’s working. Users can log in. Files are opened. Data is shown.
But in the background, Windows permissions or Sage user roles could be insufficient. One user might not have full read or write access. Another person might not have modification rights on an shared folder.
Sage does not always provide the right warnings when this happens. Instead, it crashing.
Hosting and server related problems
When Sage has been hosted locally on the server the server must have adequate resources. Insufficient RAM, overloaded CPU or obsolete operating system upgrades can disrupt Sage sessions.
Virtual servers can trigger trouble as well. Hosting environments that share resources can limit resources without an alert. At times of high usage, Sage becomes the victim.
That’s why they often occur during busy periods such as week-end or pay days.
Background programs that are interfering with Sage
Antivirus software is a subtle unintentional troublemaker. Certain antivirus programs vigorously examine Sage files while they are being utilized. This causes file access to be interrupted and results in Sage in turn to close.
Backup tools that operate during the office hours also can lock data unexpectedly. The user experiences a crash. The system detects a file conflict.
Rules for firewalls blocking Sage ports partly can cause occasional disconnects that look like software problems.
A growing file size
In time, Sage company files grow. More transactions. More reports. More users.
If maintenance schedules aren’t followed when maintenance is neglected, data corruption can slowly build up. Sage might still open. Single user mode might work flawlessly. However, multi user mode exposes the flaws.
Crashes start happening more frequently. Especially in the event that more than 2 users are signed in.
How can we reduce Sage crashes in multi-user mode
Let’s take a look at what actually aids.
Start with the network. A stable wired connection is always better than wireless for Sage users. Do not work with unstable VPNs until they have been properly configured to work with accounting software.
After that, look over the company file address. It must be saved at a dependable server that offers regular access routes for all users. Avoid sharing of desktops or temporary folders.
Take the time to verify permissions. Not just Sage user roles and roles, but Windows folder permissions as well. Each Sage user should have all write and read access to the shared folder of the company.
Set up a schedule for antivirus exclusions on Sage folders. This alone resolves a staggering number of complaints about crashes.
Backups should not be in use during working hours. They should be scheduled for late in the night or early morning.
Run Sage data verification and maintenance regularly. Don’t wait for any errors to appear.
If fixes don’t work any more
Sometimes you’re doing everything perfectly and Sage continues to crash. It is generally when the issue is much more complex.
It could be a corruption of files that requires professional help to fix. It could be server issues with configuration. The issue could be related to conflicting versions that occur between Sage updating on different systems.
This is where the majority of users quit guessing and seek immediate assistance.
Contacting the Sage 50 support number at this time saves time and avoids further data loss. A trained technician can identify the root of the issue instead of trial and error solutions.
Why delaying support makes things worse
Many companies keep restarting Sage and hoping the problem is resolved. The problem is that it rarely happens.
Each time a crash occurs, it increases the chance of corruption of data. Invoices can not be saved in a timely manner. Payroll entries might duplicate. Reports can show incorrect figures.
In the end, when help is finally requested, the issue has grown bigger in scope than it actually needed to be.
Contacting early via the age 50 support number often results in faster resolution and shorter downtime.
The final thoughts of real world use
Sage multi-user mode is extremely powerful but also not tolerant. It will expect everything to function in a correct manner. Network. Permissions. Server. Security software. Everything.
Most crashes are not random. They are signs an issue that requires attention.
If you’re Sage software fails to function it’s a sign. If it crashes daily it’s time to be proactive.
Fix the basics first. Security of your network. File access. Permissions. Maintenance.
When things don’t make sense, do not waste moments pondering. Get expert assistance early to help you save your data, your time, and your sanity.
