What is Access Dimensions?

What is Access Dimensions?

Access Dimensions is a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises. It streamlines core financial processes, including general ledger management, budgeting, invoicing, procurement, and reporting. The software's modular design allows businesses to customise functionalities according to their specific requirements, ensuring a tailored fit for various operational needs.

Key Features and Functionalities

Access Dimensions offers a suite of features designed to enhance financial management:

• On-Premise vs. Cloud: Access Dimensions is an on-premise solution, requiring an on-premise gateway.
• Financial Management: The software supports core financial processes like ledgers, sales order processing, procurement, document management and reporting and analytics.
• Integration Capabilities: Access Dimensions can be integrated with other systems, such as CRM and e-commerce platforms, to streamline processes and improve data sharing. 
  

• Budgeting and Forecasting: Capabilities to plan and predict financial outcomes effectively.

• Procurement and Invoicing: Streamlined processes for purchasing and billing, reducing manual workload.

• Reporting and Analytics: Real-time access to financial data, facilitating informed decision-making.

Deployment Options: On-Premise vs. Cloud

Access Dimensions offers an on-premise rollout, so it is better suited for organisations that prefer to maintain their IT infrastructure in-house, offering full control over data and systems.

Is Access Dimensions End-of-Life?

No, Access Dimensions is not technically end-of-life, but the software has transitioned towards cloud-based solutions under the name Access Financials; the on-premise version continues to receive support and updates.

Transitioning to The Cloud

For organisations looking to future-proof their finance and operational systems, particularly those planning for long-term growth or digital transformation, transitioning to a modern cloud-based ERP solution may be a more suitable path.

Cloud-based systems offer numerous advantages:

• Automatic updates and upgrades
• Greater accessibility and remote working capabilities
• Reduced infrastructure and maintenance costs
• Enhanced data security and compliance
• Easier scalability and integration with other cloud tools

If Access Dimensions no longer aligns with your strategic goals or if you’re starting to feel the limitations of legacy systems, it may be worth exploring alternatives.

Recommended Alternatives

Two highly regarded alternatives that many organisations are turning to include:

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

A comprehensive, cloud-first ERP solution from Microsoft that seamlessly integrates with the wider Microsoft 365 suite. It offers robust financial management, supply chain capabilities, and powerful reporting tools, all within a user-friendly interface. Ideal for businesses wanting a familiar, scalable solution backed by Microsoft's innovation.

Sage Intacct

A leading cloud-native financial management platform designed specifically for growing and mid-sized businesses. Sage Intacct delivers deep financial insights, automated workflows, and real-time dashboards, making it particularly well-suited for finance teams looking to improve efficiency and decision-making.

Conclusion

Access Dimensions was a comprehensive system, offering a host of financial functionality. But for companies wanting to future-proof their businesses, a cloud-based ERP may be better suited. 

If you're not sure which ERP could be right for your business, contact our team who can support you to choose an ERP which is right for your business from four industry-leading ERP systems.