Today's Technology for Tomorrow's Firm.
Issue link: https://cpapracticeadvisor.epubxp.com/i/494869
40 April 2015 • www.CPAPracticeAdvisor.com Document Management Utilities INSIGHT: Other tools can also help with tasks related to documents and workfow. Tese can include hard- ware, specifcally scanners, as well as other technologies. Once again this year, Fujitsu reigned over the voting in this category, followed by HP, Canon and the Tic-Tie- Calculate program. • Fujitsu • HP • Canon • cPaperless Tic-Tie- Calculate Tax Document Automation INSIGHT: One day, all client tax documents will be digital from the time they are created until they are imported into their taxes; until then, tax doc automation systems help not only create and manage digital client workpapers, but also can directly integrate with tax preparation systems to import and verify data, greatly streamlining preparation processes. Te most popular systems this year: • Intuit Tax Import for Lacerte & ProSeries • GruntWorx Populate • Tomson Reuters Source Document Processing • CCH ProSystem fx Scan • SurePrep 1040Scan Pro, 1040Scan Organize • CCH Small Firm Services ATX & TaxWise PaperlessPLUS WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INSIGHT: Diferent frms have diferent needs when it comes to internal processes. Some may help the frm achieve greater productivity, but others can be detri- mental, depending on how the frm uses the tools as well as the needs of their clients. Workfow management is divided into two groups: Workfow for Large Practices and Other Workfow Tools, which are designed for aiding in specifc tasks and engagements and for smaller frms. Workfow for Large Practices • Ofce Tools Professional Practice Management • Tomson Reuters FirmFlow • XCM Workfow • CCH Axcess Workfow Other Workfow Tools: • GruntWorx • eFileCabinet • Tomson Reuters GoFileRoom/Practice CS • Intuit Tax Import for Lacerte and ProSeries • Bill.com Website Builders & Services for Accounting Firms INSIGHT: Professional accounting frms need web- sites, not just Facebook, Twiter or other social media presences. Find a solution, fnd the people on your staf who enjoy using it, and start providing your website visitors (potential clients) with useful information. It doesn't have to be expensive, since there are many sys- tems out there that provide valuable content and col- laboration tools. Tis year's most popular systems: • Drake 1040.com Preparer Sites • CPASite Solutions • GetNetSet • Tomson Reuters • CCH ProSystem fx SiteBuilder CLIENT SIDE ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS INSIGHT: Increasingly, accounting frms are directing clients toward online accounting systems, which also ofen means relying less on a single vendor all functions, but instead fnding what they consider the best integrat- able options for bookkeeping, inventory, payables and other functions. Below are the top vote-geters in each category. Small Business Accounting - Installed Programs • Red Wing Sofware CenterPoint Accounting • Intuit QuickBooks Desktop (all versions) • Sage One, Sage 50 or Sage ERP • RealEasyBooks ezREB • PC Sofware Accounting Inc. Small Business Accounting – Web-Based • Intuit QuickBooks Online/Online Accountant • Tomson Reuters Client CS • SageOne Retail Accounting/Point-of-Sale • Intuit QuickBooks Point-of-Sale • Cougar Mountain Denali Retail POS • AccuPOS Retail POS Not-for-Proft Accounting • Serenic Navigator • Fund E-Z Accounting Sofware • Intuit QuickBooks Premier: Nonproft Edition Fixed Asset Management • Intuit ProSeries Fixed Asset Manager • Tomson Reuters Fixed Assets CS • Sage FAS Asset Accounting GENERAL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES ASP/Hosted Solution Providers INSIGHT: Most traditionally-installed sofware pro- grams can be turned into a web-based system by having it hosted by an Application Service Provider (ASP). Tis lets users continue to work in the program they are used to, while also relieving them of the headaches of IT functions and program updates and, more importantly, giving them anywhere, anytime access to the program. Te below companies help users host the programs, with this year's top votes going to: • Cloud9 Real Time • Right Networks • Xcentric • CPAASP/InsynQ Outsourced Technology Services INSIGHT: Just as some frms partner with a local legal or investment practice for certain areas of client work many also use vendors that specialize in handling cer- tain technolog y areas of practice functions. These providers range from ASPs to virtual servers, digital fax systems, email management and even tax form prepara- tion. Te most popular this year: • Cloud9 Real Time • Xcentric • Right Networks Laptop and Desktop Computers INSIGHT: W hat brand of computer do our readers prefer? Tere are so many brands on the market, but a few hardware providers routine gain the most trust among accounting professionals. Te most popular: • Dell • HP • Lenovo • Toshiba • Apple Smart Phone INSIGHT: Te mobile wars continue, but it's now a battle of two, with Blackberry almost totally disap- pearing from this year's voting. In fact, more of our voters said they don't use a mobile phone, than said they use a Blackberry. Apple takes the lead over Android again this year, but it's still close: • Apple 50.2% • Android 48.1% • Blackberry 1.7% OUT-OF-OFFICE Favorite Form of Physical Exercise During Tax Season INSIGHT: Most of us know that we could lose a few pounds or get into beter shape in other aspects. During the 12+ hour days of tax season, though, how do professionals fnd the time? Te top responses: • Who has time to exercise? • Jogging/Running • Weightlifing