ExecutiveChronicles | Choosing the Right Migration Path | Whether your organization is upgrading to QuickBooks Online or considering it as an option, the decision depends on what you value. The right migration path will support your organization’s goals for a cloud environment, so you can accelerate innovation cycles and modernize infrastructure.
QBO is a web-based accounting software that does not require installation, provides automatic product and feature upgrades, and offers data-encrypted backups for peace of mind.
Cost
When comparing QuickBooks Desktop and QBO, the main cost difference comes down to whether or not a business chooses to invest in cloud hosting. With QuickBooks Online, you can pay a monthly or annual subscription for unlimited access to your company files. The QBO pricing structure allows you to scale your subscription according to the number of users you need. Depending on your accounting needs, this might be better than purchasing individual licenses for QuickBooks Desktop software.
Another major difference is that QuickBooks Online does not require computer installation and runs from the cloud. This means you can access your data on multiple devices, including your mobile phone. You can also invite multiple QuickBooks ProAdvisors to your company file, allowing them to assist you with any questions or issues you may have. In contrast, QuickBooks Desktop requires the software to be installed on each machine that will need to access your data.
In addition, QBO offers a number of features that are not available with QuickBooks Desktop, such as an inventory management tool and a sales tax reporting tool. If you’re a retailer that sells tangible goods online, you will find these tools to be particularly helpful. Similarly, if you manage an agency or service business, QBO’s multichannel selling and fulfillment features can help streamline your operations and improve efficiency.
With QBO, you can track inventory and sales across multiple channels in real-time. This feature helps reduce errors and boosts productivity, especially if you sell through several online stores or marketplaces. It can also minimize your inventory costs by helping you manage your merchandising and pricing strategies across multiple channels. Webgility syncs QBO with your online store, allowing you to automate e-commerce accounting, inventory and pricing, order management, and multichannel fulfillment, ensuring that your books are always up to date.
With QuickBooks Online, you can access your data from any device that has an internet connection, a huge benefit for businesses on the go. You can also share information with others in real time, which is a great feature for teams that need to collaborate on accounting tasks. In comparison, QuickBooks Desktop can only be accessed from the computer on which it is installed. This can be problematic if your office or home has a poor internet connection.
Integration
When you decide to migrate from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, the process is easy and seamless. Intuit provides a variety of tools that help you convert your current data into your new accounting platform. Using these tools allows you to migrate your existing data and features, which eliminates the need for manual re-entry of information.
Both QuickBooks Online and Desktop offer a wide range of features to help your business run smoothly. However, several important differences between the two platforms should be considered. First, QuickBooks Online offers a variety of integration options that make it easier to connect to other applications and services.
Unlike the desktop version, which is designed with accountants in mind, QuickBooks Online offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. The software features a flowchart-style menu, a customizable dashboard, and shortcuts to frequently used functions. In addition, it integrates with 750+ third-party apps and platforms to automate and simplify accounting tasks.
Additionally, the software is compatible with a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets. This flexibility allows you to work from anywhere, at any time. This convenience is especially helpful for small businesses with remote employees or those that operate on the go.
One of the downsides to using QuickBooks Online is that it requires a reliable internet connection. However, you can pay extra for a more robust data hosting option that will allow you to access your financial information even without an internet connection.
Another difference between QuickBooks Online and desktop software is that the former allows you to share your files with accountants and bookkeepers in real time. This eliminates the need for manual handoff of files, which is a common source of errors in accounting. In contrast, the desktop version relies on an Accountant’s Copy feature to facilitate file sharing.
While you can still purchase a subscription for QuickBooks Desktop, Intuit has announced that it is moving to focus more on the online version of the software. As a result, you will likely need to upgrade your software at some point in the future.
Ease of Use
While QuickBooks Desktop has some definite advantages, it’s clear that Intuit is focusing more on the Online version and nudging users to switch. When comparing the two platforms, it’s easy to see why the Online version is winning over many users, especially with its mobility, feature selection, and time-saving automation. It also has an intuitive design, while the Desktop version looks clunky and antiquated.
On the other hand, there’s a slight learning curve to using QuickBooks Online. This is because it’s designed with Accountants in mind and is not as user-friendly as the Desktop version. The dashboard features a series of flow charts and lists that may be difficult to navigate for those unfamiliar with accounting. It’s worth noting that a similar flowchart dashboard is available on the mobile app.
The QuickBooks Desktop software is an excellent choice for business owners who want to use industry-specific tools, advanced reporting, and analysis or need to track multiple accounts. It’s also a good choice for users who need to track inventory or manage multiple sales channels. This software has a strong reputation and is trusted by businesses of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies.
Although both versions are easy to learn, the Online version has a few benefits over the Desktop version. For example, it can be integrated with e-commerce systems to automatically sync data and simplify bookkeeping. Additionally, it can be used on a mobile device, which is ideal for those who travel or work remotely. Moreover, it’s easier to update than the Desktop version, which requires users to manually re-enter data after each change.
Moreover, the Online version comes with several helpful resources to help users get started and master the platform. These include short video tutorials, on-demand webinars, and training classes. Additionally, the software includes a community where users can share tips and questions. It’s also possible to add Katana’s cloud inventory software, which is integrated with QBO to improve efficiency and eliminate human errors. Start your free trial today! No credit card is required.
Security
While both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online provide powerful accounting tools, each platform has its pros and cons. For instance, QBO is highly user-friendly and has a small learning curve, while Desktop comes with more advanced features and a robust mobile app but can be costly for some businesses, especially since it requires a monthly subscription (which also includes software updates and customer support).
The biggest difference between the two programs lies in their respective security measures. Since QuickBooks Online is cloud-based, users can access the program anywhere and anytime as long as they have a stable Internet connection. Meanwhile, the software’s local backup feature allows users to save their data in case of a disaster or an outage, and the company also offers a free mobile app for seamless collaboration across multiple devices.
QuickBooks Desktop, on the other hand, is installed on a single computer and does not allow for remote access. However, the product can be hosted by a third-party service provider such as V2 Cloud, which simulates a cloud environment and enables users to access the application remotely. The software also offers a plethora of security features, including encryption, to protect users’ sensitive information.
In addition, both platforms are regularly updated and improved by their respective manufacturers. This ensures that the latest enhancements are available at all times, which can help businesses stay ahead of their competition. For example, QBO’s new streamlined dashboard makes it easier to analyze and understand business data through charts. Meanwhile, Desktop’s industry-specific reports help users track costs and profitability on a per-job basis.
Another big benefit of QuickBooks Online is its ability to scale as a business grows. The cloud-based solution has four different plans that accommodate varying needs, and users can easily upgrade or downgrade as their requirements change. Moreover, the software’s cloud-based model eliminates the need for manual data re-entry, which can save significant time and money.
On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop can be more expensive than online versions of the program because it includes unique features like lead management and sales orders. Moreover, loyal users of Desktop will notice that the software does not offer many of the perks of QBO, such as more automation, payment gateways, and invoicing.
