Schedule Demo
FollowupCRM

How to Change the Shortcut Keyboard Keys in Sage 100

Sage 100 comes with a comprehensive set of built-in keyboard shortcuts that streamline data entry and navigation. While the default shortcuts are well-designed, you may want to customize them to better suit your workflow. Here's a detailed guide on modifying keyboard shortcuts in Sage 100.

Understanding Sage 100 Keyboard Shortcuts

Before customizing shortcuts, it's important to understand the default configuration. Sage 100 uses several types of keyboard combinations:

  • Standard function keys (F1-F12)
  • Control (Ctrl) combinations
  • Alt combinations
  • Combined modifiers (Shift + Alt, Ctrl + Shift, etc.)

Default Shortcut Categories

Navigation Shortcuts

The most frequently used navigation shortcuts in Sage 100 include:

  • TAB: Move to next field
  • ENTER: Move to next logical field
  • CTRL+F5: First record
  • CTRL+F6: Previous record
  • CTRL+F7: Next record
  • CTRL+F8: Last record

Action Shortcuts

Common action shortcuts that control system operations:

  • ALT+A: Accept button
  • ALT+C: Cancel button
  • ALT+D: Delete button
  • ALT+P: Print button
  • ALT+V: Preview button
  • ALT+O: OK button

Special Function Shortcuts

These shortcuts activate specific features:

  • F1: Help text for current field
  • F2: Lookup window
  • F3 or ALT+L: Alternate lookup window
  • F4: Printer button
  • F7: Explorer menu
  • F8: Record count

Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts

Method 1: Using Custom Office

  1. Navigate to Library Master > Setup > Custom Office
  2. Select the module containing the screen you want to modify
  3. Choose the screen where you want to change shortcuts
  4. Click on "Customize"
  5. Select the "Keyboard" tab

Method 2: User Preferences

  1. Access Library Master > Main > User Preferences
  2. Select the "Keyboard" tab
  3. Click "Modify Shortcuts"
  4. Choose the shortcut you want to change
  5. Press the new key combination
  6. Click "Apply" to save changes

Best Practices for Customization

When modifying shortcuts, consider these guidelines:

Consistency

  • Maintain similar shortcuts for related actions across different modules
  • Use memorable combinations that make sense for your workflow
  • Avoid conflicts with standard Windows shortcuts

Documentation

  • Keep a record of all customized shortcuts
  • Share the documentation with team members
  • Create a quick reference guide for new users

Testing

  • Verify each new shortcut works as intended
  • Test shortcuts across different modules
  • Ensure no conflicts exist with other system functions

Common Customization Scenarios

Data Entry Optimization

For users primarily doing data entry, consider these modifications:

  • Assign frequently used lookups to easily accessible keys
  • Create shortcuts for common field navigation patterns
  • Set up quick access to frequently used reports

Financial Module Customization

For accounting staff, optimize these shortcuts:

  • Journal entry navigation
  • Account lookup access
  • Financial report generation
  • Bank reconciliation functions

Inventory Management

For warehouse staff, consider customizing:

  • Item lookup shortcuts
  • Quantity adjustment shortcuts
  • Location transfer shortcuts
  • Physical count entry shortcuts

Troubleshooting Custom Shortcuts

If you encounter issues with custom shortcuts:

  1. Verify the shortcut isn't already in use
  2. Check user permissions
  3. Clear the keyboard cache
  4. Reset to default settings if necessary
  5. Contact Sage support for persistent issues

Advanced Customization Features

Macro Creation

Create complex macros that combine multiple shortcuts:

  1. Open the Macro Recorder
  2. Record the sequence of actions
  3. Assign a single shortcut to the macro
  4. Test the macro functionality
  5. Save and distribute to other users

Role-Based Shortcuts

Configure different shortcut sets for various user roles:

  1. Create role-specific profiles
  2. Assign appropriate shortcuts to each role
  3. Manage permissions for shortcut modification
  4. Deploy shortcuts to user groups
  5. Monitor and adjust as needed

Security Considerations

When customizing shortcuts, maintain system security by:

  1. Restricting shortcut modification access
  2. Logging shortcut changes
  3. Regular backup of shortcut configurations
  4. Reviewing shortcut assignments periodically
  5. Implementing change control procedures

Performance Impact

Consider these factors when customizing shortcuts:

  1. System response time
  2. Memory usage
  3. Network load
  4. User productivity
  5. Training requirements

Maintenance and Updates

Regular maintenance ensures optimal shortcut functionality:

  1. Review shortcut usage patterns
  2. Update documentation
  3. Remove unused shortcuts
  4. Optimize frequently used combinations
  5. Train users on changes

Integration with Other Systems

When integrating Sage 100 with other software:

  1. Check for shortcut conflicts
  2. Coordinate shortcuts across platforms
  3. Document cross-system shortcuts
  4. Test integrated functionality
  5. Maintain consistent user experience

Future Considerations

Stay prepared for system updates by:

  1. Backing up custom shortcuts
  2. Documenting modification reasons
  3. Planning for version upgrades
  4. Maintaining shortcut documentation
  5. Training users on new features

By following these guidelines and best practices, you can create an efficient, customized keyboard shortcut system in Sage 100 that enhances productivity and user satisfaction while maintaining system integrity and security.

Citations: [1] https://www.digitopia.agency/blog/blog-formatting-bullet-points-spacing-bold-text-etc [2] https://www.wix.com/studio/blog/font-size [3] https://help-sage100contractor.na.sage.com/Sage100Contractor/US/25_1/Content/Appendices/A-Sage100ContractorFeatures/Activating_keyboard_shortcuts_with_the_F10_key.htm?TocPath=Sage+100+Contractor+Features%7CFunction+Keys+and+Shortcuts%7C_____2 [4] https://www.wix.com/blog/blog-format [5] https://www.bcsprosoft.com/keyboard-shortcuts-for-sage-100-erp-mas-90-200-2/ [6] https://bloggingguide.com/best-font-size-for-blogs/ [7] https://blog.hubspot.com/website/how-to-bold-in-html [8] https://www.top-sage-resellers.com/blog/sage-100-erp-shortcuts-hotkeys [9] https://4acc.com/article/sage-100-keyboard-shortcuts/

The CRM Built For Construction Companies

No more disorganized data. Track your leads, bids, and customers all in one place.

Seamless Integration with:
✅ Foundation ✅ Viewpoint ✅ Sage and more

Book a Demo

Request a Live Demo Now

Learn more about how Followup CRM can help your construction company grow.

Recent Posts

Book a Demo Call
How to Find Serial Number Key for Sage 100

How to Find Serial Number Key for Sage 100

Read More
Read More
How to Create a Macro for Sage 100

How to Create a Macro for Sage 100

Read More
Read More
How to Get Activation Key for Sage 100

How to Get Activation Key for Sage 100

Read More
Read More