Sage Copilot will lead SMBs and Accountants into the generative AI era by automating routine tasks, offering key insights for growth, and enabling better decision making and enhanced productivity.
South Africa (February 2024) – Sage (FTSE: SGE), the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), today announces the introduction of its new generative AI-powered productivity assistant, set to revolutionise accounting, finance and people management processes, and empowering customers to make smarter business decisions.
For small business owners, CFOs, accountants, and HR leaders, Sage Copilot will act as a trusted member of their team, handling administrative and repetitive tasks in ‘real time’, whilst recommending ways to make savings and drive business improvements. It will create more time and space for customers to focus on growing and scaling their businesses.
The AI-powered assistant automates workflows, identifies errors and generates actionable insights unique to each business and accountant’s practice. Sage Copilot helps with forecasting, cashflow management and generating and sending invoices with simple, natural language commands. Users can be confident knowing that in the development of Sage Copilot accuracy, security, expert support and trust have been prioritised every step of the way, with robust encryption, access controls, and compliance with data protection regulations.
Sage CEO, Steve Hare said “Sage Copilot revolutionises small and mid-sized businesses and accountant productivity by bringing trusted AI into the heart of their operations—automating tasks and providing insights to fuel growth and efficiency. It’s not just an AI feature; it’s a commitment to building a future where businesses can focus on their goals, supported by AI they can trust from Sage.”
SMBs around the world cite cashflow and getting paid as their top priorities. Sage Copilot will provide users with proactive options to improve cash flow; these include suggestions to accelerate customer payments, enhance working capital and support smarter financial decisions.
Some Other Key Features of Sage Copilot will include:
Intelligent understanding: Uses natural language to interpret commands conversationally, customising responses to each user’s specific situation for a more tailored experience.
Task management and automation: Simplifies organising tasks with personalised lists, prioritising them based on urgency, and automating repetitive tasks, saving time and effort.
Communication and collaboration: Helps prepare and send messages with the right tone and timing, sending personalised customer invoices or employee reminders in seconds rather than hours.
Data Analysis, Reporting, and Insights: Provides insights and custom reports to support decision-making, including quick cash flow analysis and recommendations for financial improvements.
Integration with other apps: Integrates with other apps and services, such as Microsoft Office, creating a seamless workflow for users. Sends email invoices without having to leave the window you’re in.
Personalised recommendations: By learning from user interactions and preferences, Sage Copilot offers advice to help improve budgeting and financial planning and deliver better financial outcomes.
For accountants, Sage Copilot will revolutionise collaboration and communication with clients. By automating the data collection and aggregation process, it will significantly reduce the time and effort spent on these manual tasks, while also minimising errors that might occur.
Caroline Armstrong, Director at Infinitas Accountants said: “I have seen what Sage has been building and it is exciting to know that it won’t just be SMBs who will be able to get ahead in their businesses with Sage Copilot. The use of Sage Copilot will elevate my role as a strategic partner even further, allowing me and our firm to support our clients’ financial success more accurately and confidently.”
