Tips on Switching Over Accounting Packages
Switching from one accounting software package to another, if done incorrectly, can result in many problems. First, accounting records can become inaccurate because of fields not mapped correctly to each other. Second, month end closings could be delayed preventing management from getting monthly profit and loss statement and other important information they need.
If, however, those responsible for computer systems and accounting carefully plan out the migration from one system to the other, the transition can be a seamless one.
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Software Selection
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Before switching from one accounting package, make sure the new package is compatible with your old system and that data can be easily passed between the two systems or that data can be easily exported from the old system and imported to the new system. Also make sure you have defined the requirements for what you want the new system to do, recommends the site Business Software.
Also make sure the critical functions in the old system are provided by the new system. For example, if you need to drill down from summary numbers to the lowest level of detail as in the old system, be sure the new system can accomplish that before switching.
Before selecting the new software, ask for references of other customers who converted to the new system (preferably from the same software you are converting from).
Group Acceptance
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Successfully changing accounting software packages is not just about software but about people in an organization accepting the change the new software will cause. To assure "buy in" of the change to the new software package, involve all of the stakeholders who will be using the software so they feel part of the decision to select the new package.
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Migration Plan
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According to the site G Plivna, a migration strategy should be developed for switching the software. A migration strategy includes deciding on when the switch will occur from one system to the other, how the correctness of the data in the new system will be validated against data in the old system, and if both system will run in parallel for a specified test period.
Before any conversion starts, backup the data from the old system and store it off site. Also, make sure all users and departments affected by the new system have received training on the new software before moving to the new accounting software.
Assessment
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Once the data is converted and the new system is live, assess how well the conversion was performed and make any adjustments or corrections required to data in the new system.
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References
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