Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/399112
What benefts are frms looking for in the cloud? Improved workfow effciency remains a high priority for frms of all sizes. The key is identifying solutions that not only meet their specifc needs, but that also integrate workfow functionality for streamlining frm processes — enabling them to focus on providing the highest level of service to their clients. A true cloud-based solution can provide this through common data and services that are shared across their mission critical applications. For instance, CCH Axcess ™ offers a centralized setup and maintenance of 'common data' which includes client, staff and frm information accessed by all the applications. Firms are looking to gain effciencies and reduce risk associated with maintaining data across disparate applications. This also means that frms can quickly adopt additional modules with minimal setup as client and staff data already exists. Isn't it about more than just sharing common data? Common data is just the tip of the iceberg. Firms realize true effciencies when they have access to 'common services' in addition to just data. These common services are really just features and functions of the various modules such as storing documents, updating project status, starting a stopwatch to track time on projects, or importing data into a return. A great example in CCH Axcess would be a typical tax workfow — with a professional opening a tax return and right off the bat, a clock can be automatically started to track time spent working on that specifc return. As work is fnished on the return, the practitioner can route a digital copy to the document management system and post it to the client portal in the same step. And, as the job is closed, the user is prompted to save the clock as a time transaction that will be posted to the time and billing module as well as update the status of the return in the workfow tracking module. The workfow system will automatically notify the next responsible staff person. What's interesting to note is that everything is accomplished while still in the tax preparation module, either automatically or with a couple mouse clicks. The user doesn't have to navigate to another module to perform any of these workfow steps. What about applications outside of CCH Axcess? CCH Axcess was built on a 'service oriented architecture' platform, so common data and services are not only shared across the platform, but can be shared with external applications. Through our Open Integration Platform, approved third-party vendors can integrate CCH Axcess common data and services into their applications, providing them at the 'point of need' for our common customers. They have told us that they want the same streamlined workfows that CCH Axcess offers, such as time tracking, document storage or status updates when they are using other applications, so we are working to support these features in software development kits that can be licensed by both third- party vendors and customers. In fact, we are leveraging these same common services with Wolters Kluwer, CCH products not yet on the CCH Axcess platform. Firms that use ProSystem fx ® Engagement can link their binders to projects in CCH Axcess ™ Workstream, providing one- click access to updating project status. These services also enable us to continue to build out functionality in the CCH Axcess ™ app that our customers can access while they are on the go. What are the roadblocks that frms need to overcome to adopt the cloud? There are a couple of key focus areas. First are the security concerns around client, frm and staff data. The reality is that they are already faced with these issues and moving to a cloud solution, in most cases, will improve their security and accessibility and reduce risk. Most frms cannot make the investment on their own to create the secure and redundant environments that technology providers such as Wolters Kluwer, CCH can with its business partners. They email fles, keep data on multiple devices and rely on Internet providers for their connectivity. As an added beneft, CCH Axcess provides 'business continuity' in the event of a catastrophe impacting their offce. The second is focused around strategic planning for migration to the cloud. Many frms are unsure which applications to move and when, which also generates uncertainty around IT infrastructure costs involved in cloud solution migration. We have been partnering and working closely with frms to help manage this planning process — looking at various options that will allow a smooth and seamless transition from on-premise based applications to the cloud. Increased Client Service and Productivity in the Cloud Jerry Connor Director of Product Management Wolters Kluwer, CCH 28 October 2014 • www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com Wolters Kluwer, CCH (CCHGroup.com) is a leading global provider of tax, accountng and audit informaton, sofware and services. We serve as a strategic partner to professionals, helping them advance their businesses, by providing innovatve, integrated and customer-focused solutons supportng the workfow of CPAs, corporate tax and accountng departments, tax atorneys and auditors to enhance productvity and proftability. Wolters Kluwer, CCH, ofers market-leading solutons such as CCH Axcess ™ , the ProSystem fx® Suite, CCH Mobile ™ , IntelliConnect®, CCH® IntelliConnect Direct, Accountng Research Manager® and the U.S. Master Tax Guide®. ADVERTORIAL