{"id":31994,"date":"2025-07-29T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=31994"},"modified":"2025-07-30T05:14:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T09:14:03","slug":"what-is-a-performance-management-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/what-is-a-performance-management-system\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a performance management system?"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/people-leadership\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">People &amp; Leadership<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is a performance management system?\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-07-29T09:00:00-04:00\">July 29, 2025<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"What is a performance management system?\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/what-is-a-performance-management-system\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/joechurchwoods\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/Joe-Yard-2-crop-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Joe Church Woods\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Joe Church Woods<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Your employees are the backbone of your business. When they perform well, your company thrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But without a clear system for setting expectations, tracking progress, and developing talent, things can get messy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Performance management shouldn\u2019t just be a tick-box exercise for yearly performance reviews but a way to create a culture where employees feel supported, motivated, and recognized for their contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where a good performance management system comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll explore what a performance management system is, how it works, and why it\u2019s essential for any business that\u2019s looking to maximize employee potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover:<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-performance-management-system\" data-level=\"2\">What is a performance management system?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-performance-management-systems-work\" data-level=\"2\">How performance management systems work<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-who-can-benefit-from-using-a-performance-management-system\" data-level=\"2\">Who can benefit from using a performance management system?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-you-need-a-performance-management-system\" data-level=\"2\">Why you need a performance management system<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-choose-the-right-performance-management-system\" data-level=\"2\">How to choose the right performance management system<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-7eb80e5b-8bd0-40e7-be54-c8adc4116b3e\">Download your free copy of \u201cThe ultimate guide to choosing HR software&#8221;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-performance-management-system\">What is a performance management system?<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A performance management system is a structured way of tracking, measuring, and improving employee performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps businesses set clear goals, provide feedback, and support employees in their career development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than relying on sporadic check-ins or outdated appraisal methods, an employee performance management system means performance management is a continuous process, not just a one-off event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Performance management systems come in different forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some businesses use software-based&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/human-resources\/performance-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">performance management solutions<\/a>&nbsp;with automation, reporting, and goal-tracking features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Others follow a structured in-house process with regular reviews and feedback loops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best systems integrate seamlessly with HR tools and help businesses align individual performance with overall company objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-performance-management-systems-work\">How performance management systems work<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A strong performance management system creates a clear roadmap for employees and managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how it works in practice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-setting-clear-goals\">Setting clear goals<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees need well-defined objectives that connect to business goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many companies use the SMART framework (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) to provide clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With SMART goals, employees know exactly what\u2019s expected of them, making it easier to stay on track and measure progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular goal-setting conversations are just as important as the goals themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Checking in to see if priorities have shifted, adjusting objectives when needed, and making sure employees have the right support can make a massive difference in how well they perform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-regular-check-ins-and-feedback\">Regular check-ins and feedback<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gone are the days when performance management was limited to an annual review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular check-ins\u2014whether formal one-to-ones or informal chats\u2014help keep employees on track and engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These conversations allow managers to provide support, address challenges, and celebrate progress before issues arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Real-time&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/feedback-vital-employee-engagement-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">feedback<\/a>&nbsp;is just as valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of waiting for a scheduled review, recognizing good work as it happens can boost morale and reinforce positive behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees are more likely to grow and improve when they receive timely, constructive input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-performance-reviews\">Performance reviews<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Performance reviews still play a key role, but they work best when they\u2019re part of a bigger performance management approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than being a box-ticking exercise, reviews should be meaningful conversations that focus on achievements, challenges, and career development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good review balances numbers with real insight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to have a really good understanding of an employee\u2019s strengths, identifying areas for growth and figuring out how the company can support their development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When done well, reviews help employees feel heard, valued, and motivated to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-employee-development-and-training\">Employee development and training<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A great performance management system doesn\u2019t just measure success. It actively helps employees grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Career progression and skill development should be a key part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If an employee is struggling, training opportunities can help bridge the gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;And if they\u2019re excelling, it\u2019s important to give them new challenges or leadership opportunities to keep them engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A system that includes structured training, mentorship, and career planning helps employees feel like they have a future within the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When people see a clear path to progression, they\u2019re more likely to stay committed and motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-recognition-and-rewards\">Recognition and rewards<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone likes to feel appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A performance management system should make it easy to recognize and reward hard work\u2014whether that\u2019s through a structured incentive program, bonuses, promotions, or even just a simple \u201cthank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And recognition doesn\u2019t always have to be monetary. Public praise, peer acknowledgments, and internal awards can be just as effective in boosting morale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key is consistency\u2014making sure employees feel valued for their contributions regularly, not just once a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-can-benefit-from-using-a-performance-management-system\">Who can benefit from using a performance management system?<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your company has employees, a performance management system is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, regardless of business size or industry, the performance of your employees plays an integral role when it comes to delivering your products and services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how the people at your business will interact with the system:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>HR professionals<\/strong>:&nbsp;responsible for choosing the system and performance management software.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Managers:<\/strong>&nbsp;responsible for using the system to support their direct reports and manage goals, feedback and career development requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Employees:<\/strong>&nbsp;responsible for working with managers to review goals and track performance, share feedback and updates, and map career development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-you-need-a-performance-management-system\">Why you need a performance management system<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Without a structured approach, performance management can feel chaotic or inconsistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s why investing in a system makes a real difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-keeps-things-fair-and-consistent\">Keeps things fair and consistent<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A performance management system makes sure that all of your employees are assessed using the same standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This helps remove bias, making decisions around promotions, pay rises, and career progression clearer and fairer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees are more likely to engage with the process when they know it\u2019s transparent, objective, and trustworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-improves-communication-and-clarity\">Improves communication and clarity<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees perform better when they know exactly what\u2019s expected of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A structured system keeps things clear, meaning there\u2019s no confusion about goals, feedback, or career progression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can help to keep employees focused and more in control of their development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-boosts-engagement-and-motivation\">Boosts engagement and motivation<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular feedback, clear goals, and recognition all contribute to employee motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When employees feel supported and appreciated, they\u2019re more likely to be engaged in their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good performance management system creates a culture where employees want to do their best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-increases-productivity\">Increases productivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Clear expectations and ongoing support help employees stay on track and perform at their best. When managers and employees are aligned on priorities,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/the-key-to-maximum-productivity-a-purposeful-positive-and-productive-work-culture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">productivity&nbsp;<\/a>naturally improves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A system that includes real-time feedback and goal tracking helps employees stay focused on what matters most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-helps-retain-top-talent\">Helps retain top talent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees who feel valued, supported, and see opportunities for growth are much more likely to stay with your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High turnover can be costly, not just financially but also in terms of team morale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, it will help you identify training and upskilling opportunities, which will keep employees challenged and progressing at your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have a really strong performance management system, you make your employees feel valued, recognized, and supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And in turn, they feel like they have a future within the business, greatly reducing the risk of losing valuable talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-choose-the-right-performance-management-system\">How to choose the right performance management system<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While you can use a paper-based system for performance management, using cloud performance management software will help you to work more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good solution will also integrate well with your payroll and financial software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want a performance management system that will support your business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Think about your business requirements:<\/strong>&nbsp;review your current performance management processes (if you have them in place) and look at where they can be improved and what you need to help your employees thrive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider your budget:<\/strong>&nbsp;look at your business finances to determine what you can spend on a solution. When looking at software, there are subscription options that spread the cost out over monthly payments, rather than having to spend a substantial amount in one go.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Look at online reviews:<\/strong>&nbsp;these can help you to get feedback from other HR professionals on systems that have (and haven\u2019t) worked well for them. Additionally, ask for recommendations from your peers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Consider which features you need<\/strong>:&nbsp;look for options that allow you to schedule, track, and document one-on-one meetings; manage employee goals and objectives that align with your business goals; and allow employees to record comments and feedback.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-7eb80e5b-8bd0-40e7-be54-c8adc4116b3e\">Download your free copy of \u201cThe ultimate guide to choosing HR software&#8221;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\">Final thoughts<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what is a performance management system really about?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not just a tool or a process. It\u2019s a way to bring out the best in your people and align their success with the growth of your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you commit to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/performance-management-continuous-feedback\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">continuous performance management<\/a>, you\u2019re creating a workplace where feedback flows freely, development is ongoing, and everyone understands how their work matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For small and medium businesses, it can make a huge difference, and you don\u2019t need a big HR department or complex systems to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You just need the right mindset and a system\u2014however simple or sophisticated\u2014that works for you and your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Build it into the everyday rhythm of your business and you\u2019ll see the difference, not only in employee performance, but in morale, retention, and overall business momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because when your people thrive, your business does too.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/hiring\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiring and Retention\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/hr-software\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR software\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/leadership\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLeadership\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/performance\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPerformance and Culture\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/productivity\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tProductivity\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/small-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSmall business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-28210 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers category-strategy-legal-operations tag-boss-your-business tag-business-intelligence tag-business-strategy tag-distribution tag-growing-a-business tag-inventory-management tag-productivity tag-supply-chain-management business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business industry-distribution industry-wholesale-distribution card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-841574854-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-841574854-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-841574854-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-841574854-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T11:22:21-04:00\">June 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">19 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/what-is-order-processing\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOrder processing explained: Steps, systems and best practices\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tFind out about order processing systems, workflows, and improvement strategies to become an order processing expert and grow your bottom line.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-28775 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-business-strategy tag-cash-flow tag-growing-a-business tag-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business industry-nonprofit\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/peer-to-peer-fundraising-best-practices\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T05:54:37-04:00\">June 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">15 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tPeer-to-peer fundraising guide: Best practices for success\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-29487 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-continuity tag-business-intelligence tag-cash-flow tag-sage-accounting tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/accounts-payable-vs-notes-payable\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-22T12:03:36-04:00\">May 22, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tNotes payable vs accounts payable: Differences and examples\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-29712 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-intelligence tag-business-strategy tag-cash-flow tag-productivity tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/accounts-payable-outsourcing\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-22T10:58:35-04:00\">May 22, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">14 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tIs accounts payable outsourcing right for your business?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-36557 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-strategy tag-cash-flow tag-cloud-financial-management tag-cloud-technology tag-growing-a-business tag-sage-accounting tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business tag-technology business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/cloud-vs-desktop-accounting\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1338373163-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-20T07:46:54-04:00\">May 20, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tCloud versus desktop accounting: Which is right for you?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover how you can use a performance management system to bring out the best in your people and align their success with the growth of your business.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1847,"featured_media":28362,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[284,166,138,253,272,34],"business_type":[40,41],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[99,98,96,97],"imagine_tag":[461,465,413,444,441,233,230],"coauthors":[592],"class_list":["post-31994","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people-leadership","tag-hiring","tag-hr-software","tag-leadership","tag-performance","tag-productivity","tag-small-business","business_type-small-business","business_type-growing-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Joe Church Woods","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/03\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0546-copy-1.jpeg","imagine_tags":{"461":"Cloud","465":"HR","413":"Human Resources","444":"Intacct Medium Business","441":"Intacct Payroll And HR","233":"Medium Businesses","230":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31994","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1847"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31994"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31994\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/28362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31994"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31994"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31994"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=31994"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=31994"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=31994"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=31994"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=31994"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=31994"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=31994"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}