New hardware, software, books and services for accountants.
New cloud platform
Onvio
Thomson Reuters
At its annual user conference, Thomson Reuters launched Onvio, its next-generation suite of cloud-based tools for tax and accounting professionals. It will serve as a platform for a wide range of tax and accounting-related tools, all built from the ground up for the cloud and with a strong focus on mobility. Onvio launched with two fully functioning modules, Onvio Documents, a document management system, and Onvio Client Center, a client portal solution, as well as their related mobile apps. The company expects to release Onvio Time & Billing and Onvio Workpapers this month, and to add other modules on everything from payroll to tax and accounting over the next couple of years.
Deep connections
CodeConnect
Wolters Kluwer, Tax & Accounting US
At another user conference, Wolters Kluwer launched CCH CodeConnect, an enhancement to its CCH IntelliConnect research platform that makes it easier to get useful information out of the Internal Revenue Code by offering more context around searches; displaying all the related materials — from code text and related regulations to Wolters Kluwer’s analysis, checklists, client tools and decision aids — in the search results; and reformulating and in some cases rewriting the materials to make them more immediately useful to users. CodeConnect will launch covering well over 100 of the most commonly researched code sections, with more to be added on an ongoing basis in the future.
Always faster
Trial Balance for QBOA
Intuit Inc.
Intuit introduced the new Trial Balance feature within QuickBooks Online Accountant, to accelerate the year-end review process and eliminate manual data entry, and give users one-click access to detailed client data. The feature has an activity timeline that alerts users to any changes made by them or their client since the last time Trial Balance was accessed. Variances in book activity are called out so misclassifications can be identified and adjustments made. Users can also create notes and attach documents to individual accounts.
Fuzzy duplicates?
IDEA Version 10
CaseWare Analytics
You will be glad to hear that the latest version of analysis software IDEA includes advanced Fuzzy Duplicate detection — assuming you know what that is. The point is, Version 10 will help auditors and accountants analyze data faster and more accurately, with new tools for visualizing data, identifying trends and outliers, and more. Users can also access Passport, a gateway to IDEA resources like free scripts, webinar, videos and more.
Tools for SMBs
Sage 100c and Sage 300c
Sage
Sage has revamped two of its accounting software products for small and midsized businesses, rolling out Sage 100c and Sage 300c. Sage 100c provides an updated user interface from the older Sage 100 (formerly known as MAS 90). Users can customize it with different themes, colors and fonts, and scale applications to increase the screen size. It includes a redesigned Business Insights Dashboard, along with workflow and collaboration features. Sage 300c, the latest version of Sage 300 (formerly known as Accpac), offers remote access across multiple locations and geographies, and displays a selection of key performance indicators on the home page.
Please buy this
Platinum Web site package and videos
Accelerator Websites
We here at New Products thought you existed, but then we couldn’t find you on the Internet, so we assumed you were something we’d dreamed. Seriously, all accounting firms should have a Web site, which is the modern-day equivalent of having a phone number. And now Accelerator Websites is offering Web site packages for sole practitioners and small practices that include videos promoting a variety of common service offerings. They can be customized, and can be purchased individually, depending on the offerings you want to promote, or as part of a Web site package. However you do it — please, get a Web site. Otherwise we can’t find you while we’re goofing off at work.
Minimal interaction
Things for Work
Things for Work inc.
You want your clients’ data, but do you really want to have to go through all the trouble of going through them to get it? Things for Work may be as close as you can get to gathering information without having to interact with clients. You just set up what information you want and invite your client to link their accounting software to Things for Work. Then all they have to do is approve your request, and you can download the reports you need right into Excel.
So many upgrades …
TaxWise and ATX enhancements
Wolters Kluwer, CCH Small Firm Services
Apparently, everyone has decided to upgrade everything. Wolters Kluwer, CCH Small Firm Services has added new features and integration to the 2015 editions of its professional tax preparation software products, ATX and TaxWise. ATX customers will get more integration with the CCH iFirm practice management and research systems, and expanded capabilities for preparing complex returns. TaxWise, meanwhile, also now integrates with CCH iFirm, and has improved functionality in the Return List feature; and a new e-signature and document-sharing feature. Tax season enhancements for TaxWise Online, meanwhile, include a simplified conversion process; additional settlement solutions; Chrome browser support for template management; a new user role for limiting access to return printing; and enhanced management of active and inactive users.
New and improved!
Intuit Inc. launched a new platform to simplify workers compensation insurance payments for small businesses. … Bill.com strengthened its integration with Intacct, including the ability to sync invoices to different entity levels by location, classes and jobs, and the ability to create and send invoices with flexible payment options. … Cabinet Document Management Solutions released AP 2.0, a new Cabinet SAFE module that automates data entry and document-intensive review activities in accounts payable and similar processes.
