QuickBooks Pro & Premier Opportunity!

2018 QuickBooks Desktop Pro & Premier versions will be released next month, however if you purchase the 2017 version now, you will get a free 2018 version of the same product since your purchase is within 60 days of the product release.

Why should you buy now instead of waiting? You will be purchasing software at 2017 prices rather than 2018 prices. Please note that this offer is for the software version that is not a subscription and  will work this year and in all future years!

Call ie Solutions today for pricing and current promotions!

 

Updating QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise – New Version

If you are using an older version of QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise (possibly no longer supported by Intuit) and you pay an annual fee for QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise, you can update to the current version at no additional software cost.

When you pay the annual maintenance or subscription fee, you are provided a license to any newer version released during the year.  This means that if you pay an annual fee in November and the new version is released in the next September, you can download and install the new version.  Intuit does not send out CDs and often the email announcement of the new version is overlooked.   I find that many companies are not aware that they can easily upgrade.

Before upgrading any software, verify that your system meets the software installation requirements System Requirements  and that any other software you are using will not be affected by the upgrade.

When you are ready to upgrade to the latest version, follow these steps to download the software and locate your License Number & Product Number needed to complete the software installation.

Go to www.quickbooks.com/account and Login:
User ID = Usually your email address
Password = Enter your password or select “Forgot Your Password?” 

After you successfully login

In the Products & Services section select details of the desired version
Your License Number and Product Number will be displayed.  Make a note of these numbers, you will need them to install the software.

To download the software

Select the “Download Link, to install the “Set-up” program,
Select the Setup icon to perform the software download and install the software.

If you need any assistance, I am happy to help with the install and the data conversion.

Do you have too many Inventory Adjustments in QuickBooks?

In recent months, I have noticed several new clients had a HUGE number of inventory adjustments.  Some even had a couple dozen a day.  Large numbers of inventory adjustments are a warning sign that this feature is not being used correctly or that there is an internal control issue.

Inventory adjustments are used to correct quantities on hand, value, and/or Lot/Serial numbers.  Usually inventory adjustments are made after a full physical inventory or cycle counts. If numerous errors are detected during the counting of inventory, it’s possible that transactions are not entered properly, or it may be a sign of internal control issues, or theft.

Inventory adjustments should not be used to create assemblies or transfer inventory from one site to another.

  1. If you create inventory assembly items you can build assemblies.  Using this feature in Pro, Premier, and Enterprise finished goods are added to inventory and the raw materials used to make the finished goods are subtracted from inventory.
  2. If you have multiple warehouses, using Advanced Inventory on QuickBooks Enterprise gives the user an option to transfer inventory without affecting the value or lot/serial number.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please let me know.

It’s that time of year to look at payroll options…

If you are unhappy with your current payroll system, or if you want to automate the process of recording payroll; it’s the perfect time to evaluate payroll options.
I would like to tell you about Intuit Assisted Payroll. . This is the payroll service that I recommend for the following reasons

Payroll checks post directly to your QuickBooks file.

Intuit handles all tax payments and filing of forms.

Intuit is the largest provider of small business payroll services.

Pricing is competitive and most clients save money by switching to Intuit.

I can also offer a  20% discount on the monthly fee, for first year.
Call or email now to sign up! Ilene Eisen 831.373.8200 ilene.eisen@ie-solutions,biz

Don’t spend another year typing  payroll transaction in your QuickBooks Company file!!!

Starting a new payroll service in January, is both the best time to make a change and the busiest time to make the change.

Intuit is scheduling the conversion process appointments beginning November 1st o Be one of the first to receive training in 2016 and be ready to process your 2017 payroll timely!

ie Solutions Receives Var Stars Award

Bob Scott’s VAR Stars 2015 Announced

IE Solutions, has been selected as a member of the Bob Scott’s VAR Stars for 2015, a group of 100 organizations honored for their accomplishments in the field of midmarket financial software

Members of the VAR Stars were selected based on factors such growth, industry leadership and recognition, and innovation. Selection is not based on revenue and those firms chosen represent a wide range of size and many different software publishers of accounting software.

“Each year, 100 VAR Stars are picked from the best organizations that market financial software. It is always an honor to recognize those who contribute to the development of our business,” Bob Scott said.

About Bob Scott
Bob Scott has been informing and entertaining the mid-market financial software community via his email newsletters for 16 years. He has published this information via the “Bob Scott’s Insights” newsletter and website since 2009. He has covered this market for 24 years through print and electronic publications, first as technology editor of Accounting Today and then as the Editor of Accounting Technology from 1997 through 2009. He has covered the traditional tax and accounting profession during the same time and has continued to address that market as executive editor of the Progressive Accountant since 2009.

About Progressive Media Group, Inc.
Progressive Media Group (PMG) www.PMGB2B.com is a leading online media company that provides business-to-business (B2B) marketers and media planners unparalleled access to a highly qualified and engaged audience through their portfolio of lead generation programs, industry-specific Web sites, email newsletters, Web seminars, live events, podcasts, content/reviews, custom publishing and direct marketing databases focusing on the nonprofit, healthcare and accounting professionals.
2015  VAR StarLogo

Is QuickBooks EMV Compatible?

Many clients have contacted me regarding Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) chip credit cards https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMV requesting more information on the technology, process, and requirements.

Cards with EMV Chips

Many of you have already received one or more EMV chip cards which have a small computer chip in the card that stores information digitally rather than relying upon the magnetic strip that we are used in the  in the past.  This change is to enhance security and reduce credit card fraud, more information on implementing these changes can be found at http://usa.visa.com/download/merchants/visa-merchant-chip-acceptance-readiness-guide.pdf & http://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/emv-migration/what-is-emv-and-why-do-i-need-it

Processing Transactions with EMV Chip Cards

EMV chip cards can be processed using three different methods.  However only the 1st option will increase security and reduce credit card fraud.

Equipment that uses an EMV Chip Reader AND EMV Compatible Software

Swipe the Magnet Strip in a card reader

Manually enter the Credit/Debit Card number

For more information on the EMV process see http://usa.visa.com/personal/security/chip-technology/emv-chip.jsp & http://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/technology-and-security/step-by-step-guide-to-emv-migration-for-small-businesses

EMV Compliant Software

Is QuickBooks EMV Compliant? The answer is, it depends on the version of QuickBooks the following QuickBooks Software versions are EMV compatible.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Point of Sale Version 12 is EMV Compatible

2016 Quick Books Pro/Premier/Accountant is EMV compatible

16.0 QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions is EMV compatible

Keep in mind that having an EMV compatible version does not make the reseller’s sales transactions compliant.  You also need to process the EMV card with equipment that reads the EMV chip.

Is EMV Compliance Required by a Given Date?

Starting October 1st, 2015, liability for fraudulent credit/debit card transactions will shift from the card issuer to the merchant if the transaction uses an EMV chip card and is not processed on EMV compliant software & card reader.  HOWEVER,

Intuit is extending the EMV liability shift by six months for its QuickBooks Payments customers to allow everyone more time to transition. If you are a QuickBooks Payments customer and unknowingly accept a counterfeit EMV card using your magnetic stripe reader, Intuit will assume your liability for the fraud until March 31, 2016. For further details around Intuit’s extended liability shift, please refer to the liability chart here.Intuit has extended this date to March 31, 2016 for customers using their credit/debit card processing solutions.  https://support.quickbooks.intuit.com/support/articles/inf23795

Conclusion

I hope this helps explain the EMV concepts and implementation.  Please contact me if you have any addition questions regarding QuickBooks and the processing of EMV transactions at Ilene.eisen@ie-solutions.biz

QuickBooks Webinar Schedule

Ilene Eisen has scheduled webinars to be broadcast from May 2015 – December 2015.

Each webinar is two hours and will qualify for Continuing Professional Education (CPE).  All webinars will be scheduled at either 1 PM Eastern or 4 PM Eastern

The webinars will include

  • QB15 – QuickBooks 2015:New Features that Improve Reports & Save Time
  • QBBK – QuickBooks: Saving Time with Bank Feeds
  • QBBS – QuickBooks: Systematic Approach to Reconcile Balance Sheet Accounts
  • QBCR – QuickBooks: Customized Reports – Getting Information You Need Quickly
  • QBDR – QuickBooks: Client Data Review- Tools to Easily Correct Errors
  • QBES – QuickBooks: Getting the Most Out of Enterprise Solutions
  • QBIC – QuickBooks: Improving Security and Internal Controls
  • QBTK – QuickBooks: Tips & Tricks for Accountants
  • QBIN – QuickBooks: Inventory Fundamentals to Improve Efficiency and Reporting

Dates are listed on the ie-Solutions website https://ie-solutions.biz/seminars-and-webinars/

QuickBooks Options for Mac Users

Recently I’ve been working with many Mac users who want to use QuickBooks software for their business.  These clients usually have QuickBooks for Mac.  However if this program does  not meet the needs of your business, you can also use QuickBooks Online  or one of the Windows versions QuickBooks (Pro, Premier, Enterprise) using  Hosting, Dual Boot, or a Virtual Machine.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a web-based version of QuickBooks available in three versions http://quickbooks.intuit.com/online/compare/ . .   Using QBO and an internet connection, you will have 24/7 access and can integrate the software with other applications designed to work seamlessly with QBO.  Intuit has also developed a free download for the Mac that gives the user a native Mac experience when using QBO http://quickbooks.intuit.com/quickbooks-mac-app/ . Using QBO, you pay per user per month/year. This is the only option discussed in this article where you do not purchase or lease the software.

Hosting Services

QuickBooks can be hosted by authorized QuickBooks Hosting services.  In this scenario, you would purchase or lease the software.  You will also pay an annual or monthly fee to the hosting company to access their server.  The software is installed on the Hosting Services’ secure server and you would access the software application by logging into the site.  Using this option you can pay per user per month/year.  You would NOT be responsible for maintaining a Windows network and you would have 24/7 access.  Hosting software is a great option to reduce the cost supporting multiple platforms and managing a network.  This option usually includes backups and additional security.  Check References and perform due diligence before selecting a hosting service.  This is the only one of the three Windows options that I would recommend for multi-user access to QuickBooks (Pro, Premier, or Enterprise) on Mac, however it is also the most expensive option since it includes additional services.

Dual Boot

Mac users can install Boot Camp software on newer MACs to have the option of loading Windows on start-up rather than the native operating system. http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/ . Before selecting this option, verify that your Mac is compatible with Boot Camp at http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204048 . Once you have set-up Boot Camp you will need to purchase and install the desired Windows operating system.  Once the installation is complete, start the computer using Windows and then install a Windows version of QuickBooks.  You could then access the software anytime you start the computer using Windows.  With a Windows operating system loaded you can run Windows programs taking full advantage of all the computer’s components.  This is a good option if the user will be using Windows for an extended period of time and does not mind restarting the computer to access Mac programs.  This option works best with only one Windows user.  For multi-user access, hosting, QuickBooks Online or the QuickBooks for Mac are better options.

Virtual Machine (VM)

A Virtual Machine gives the computer user the ability to easily work in multiple operating systems on the same computer without restarting the machine.  Two very popular programs to create a Virtual Machine on a Mac to run Windows software are Parallels http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/ and Fusion http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/ .   Once you have loaded software to create a Virtual Machine (VM) you would then load the Windows operating system and then install a QuickBooks Windows version.  My clients who use these programs tend to go back and forth between the Mac & Windows throughout the day and love the convenience of using the software. The cost of this solution would include both VM software and also purchasing the desired Windows operating system. I would recommend this solution if you have just a single QuickBooks user in the office and do not need multi-user access.  For multi-user access, hosting, QuickBooks Online, or QuickBooks for Mac are better options.

For additional information please contact Ilene Eisen at ie Solutions Ilene.Eisen@ie-solutions.biz

Do I Really Need to Update My Accounting Software?

Many clients that I work with are skeptical about updating their accounting software on a regular basis.  I believe that if you plan to stay in business you need accounting software.  If you plan to continue using your current software you should update it regularly and if you plan on changing or upgrading to another version, make the change as soon as possible.

If you are interested or currently using a cloud application upgrading is not an issue and the publisher will install updates for you.  Keep in mind that some applications with limited functionality are free.  My personal preference is to use applications that do not  limit functionality like QuickBooks Online (QBO) where you can expect to pay an annual or monthly fee.

Accounting software is changing at a rapid pace and so is the way we pay for it.  Many firms are going to a subscription model that requires monthly or annual payments in order for you to continue to use the software.

This year QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions (QBES) moved from a purchase model to a subscription model.  If you are currently using QBES, and paying for the annual Full Service Plan (FSP) make sure you look at the new subscription levels to evaluate your costs and functionality using either method, if you choose to stay with the FSP rather than subscription, you must continue to pay on an annual basis to remain in this discontinued plan.

If your software requires an annual payment to receive updates and  you do not pay the fee you will not receive new features, your software may not work with new operating systems, and security issues will not be addressed.  All these items will cost money, time, and reduce productivity.

If your software does not have an annual plan and you must re-purchase the software, evaluate the new features each year to identify changes.  Also consult with the vendor to identify how long they “support” a version and will continue to issue free updates.  I recommend only using supported versions.

Intuit supports QuickBooks Desktop products for a little more than three years.  After that period the technical support staff cannot answer questions, free updates for minor changes are not created, and connected services like payroll may not be supported.

Many clients are concerned about installing updates and fear that it will “break” the software and do not want to make any changes.  I understand your concern.  My suggestion is that you wait on installing  software updates for 1 – 2 months for annual updates, in this time software publishers will generally be made aware of any issues and correct as much as possible, or warn users regarding known issues.  If your software is updated less regularly, I would wait longer and consult to reseller to determine when it is advisable to update.

This article was inspired by the following article Accounting Software Updates: Are they Necessary?

If you have any questions regarding this article, or would like further information,  please contact Ilene Eisen, CPA.CITP at ilene.eisen@ie-solutions.biz

New QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions Subscription Plans

This month Intuit changed the way they sell NEW versions QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions (QBES), it is now sold on an annual subscription and will no longer function if the subscription is not renewed.  In addition to the Subscription, there are three packages that a customer chooses from, Silver includes Advanced Reporting, Gold includes advanced Reporting and Enhanced Payroll, and Platinum which includes advanced Reporting, Enhanced Payroll, Advanced Inventory, and Advanced Pricing.  Customers who currently own QBES will not be affected by this change.

Selling QBES on a subscription basis is a major change in the relationship between Intuit and the end user.  In the past a customer would purchase the software and had the option of purchasing the Full Service Plan (FSP) after the first year to keep the software current, if you did not purchase the FSP plan annually the software would continue to work, however you no longer receive product updates, online backup and technical support services.

The advantage of the subscription plan is that it is less expensive to add Enhanced Payroll and Advanced Inventory especially for customers with fewer users. The new price structure is also easier for customers to understand without having to price add-ons like payroll, Advanced Inventory and Advanced Pricing.  If the new structure reduces your cost, you can contact Intuit to switch to the subscription model, however this would be a non-revocable decision.

The disadvantage is that if you do not renew the subscription on an annual basis you will lose the ability to use or access your accounting software.