Are you a small business owner tired of grappling with the limitations of QuickBooks Online? If so, you're not alone. QuickBooks Online has been a popular choice for many entrepreneurs seeking a convenient cloud-based accounting solution. This can be the reason behind its current user base of around 5 million. However, its drawbacks have become increasingly apparent as it falls short regarding features, customization options, and data security.
Fortunately, a better alternative can transform your financial management experience – QuickBooks Desktop Pro. It is the basic version of the QuickBooks Desktop product lineup you can begin with before trying your hands on the more advanced QB versions.
A crucial part of planning for QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Pro Desktop conversion is understanding the former option's various limitations. In this blog post, we'll explore why you would want to avoid using QuickBooks Online and switch to QuickBooks Desktop Pro.
Limitations of QuickBooks Online
Let's address the limitations of QB Online that can hamper your business operations:
Limited features and customization
QuickBooks Online offers a trimmed-down version of the robust features found in QuickBooks Desktop software. From advanced reporting options to inventory tracking capabilities, the online version lacks the comprehensive functionality that many businesses require. Furthermore, the limited customization options make it challenging to tailor the software to your specific needs.
Internet dependence and downtime risk
One of the most significant drawbacks of QuickBooks Online is its reliance on a stable Internet connection. If you experience internet outages or have a slow connection, your access to vital financial data may be severely impacted. This dependence may pose risks for your business, particularly during critical moments when you need to access financial information promptly.
Data security concerns
While QuickBooks Online employs security measures to protect your data, the risk of online breaches and hacking remains a concern for many business owners. Storing sensitive financial information hosted on the cloud server over which you have the least control may introduce potential vulnerabilities that could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of your data.
Rising subscription costs
QuickBooks Online operates on a subscription model, meaning you must pay monthly or annual fees to maintain access to the software. Over time, these costs can add up significantly, especially if you're a small business on a tight budget. On the other hand, QuickBooks Desktop Pro offers a one-time purchase option and provides long-term cost savings.
Why Should You Switch to QuickBooks Desktop Pro?
Now let's uncover a few compelling QuickBooks Desktop Pro advantages for your business:
Enhanced features and customization
QuickBooks Desktop Pro unlocks many features that empower you to streamline your accounting processes. From advanced reporting capabilities to more comprehensive inventory management tools, QB Pro caters to the specific needs of businesses that demand extensive functionality. Additionally, the software offers more customization, allowing you to tailor it to your unique business requirements.
Enhanced reliability
You can limit Internet dependence and the anxiety of connectivity issues. QuickBooks Desktop Pro is hosted and runs on your computer, thereby granting you offline access to your financial data whenever you need it. This reliability ensures uninterrupted productivity, even during Internet outages.
Robust data security
With QuickBooks Desktop Pro, you retain full control over your data's security. You can choose how and where you want to store financial information. By keeping the data hosted locally, you also gain peace of mind knowing you've taken a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive business data. This minimizes the risk of breaches to some extent.
Cost savings
QuickBooks Desktop offers a one-time purchase option that frees you from the burden of recurring subscription costs. This means you can make a single investment and enjoy the software's benefits for a long time.
Steps to Switch from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Desktop Pro
Here are the steps you need to follow for QB Online to QB Pro Desktop conversion:
Purchase QuickBooks Pro license
The first step is to buy the QuickBooks Pro Desktop software license. You can purchase it directly from the Intuit website or through authorized resellers like Ace Cloud. Choose the Pro version based on your business needs at the time of purchase.
Host and install the software on the on-premise IT infrastructure
Then, you must install QuickBooks Pro Desktop locally on your computer or on-premise IT infrastructure. Start by downloading the installation file provided with your license purchase and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software onto the desired computer or server within your business network. You must also ensure that your computer meets the system requirements for QuickBooks Pro Desktop.
Set up and configure QuickBooks Pro Desktop
After installing the software, it's time to launch QuickBooks Pro Desktop. You will be prompted to set up your company file or import your existing data. Follow the prompts to create a new company file or import your data, depending on your business requirements. Configure the software settings, including preferences, a chart of accounts, and other customization options.
Migrate your data from QuickBooks Online to QuickBooks Pro Desktop
As a part of QuickBooks Pro Desktop data transfer from QuickBooks Online, you need to export your data from QBO and import it into QuickBooks Pro Desktop. If you need help exporting data, you can ask the QBO support team for assistance.
Familiarize yourself with the software features
Once the data migration is complete, take some time to explore and familiarize yourself with the features and functionality of QuickBooks Pro Desktop. While it may have a similar interface to QuickBooks Online, there may be user experience and workflow differences. You can also take advantage of tutorials, guides, and resources. Intuit provides to make the most of QuickBooks Pro Desktop's capabilities.
Leverage Cloud Benefits with Your Licensed QB Desktop Pro
Indeed, cloud technology has changed how businesses operate by offering enhanced flexibility, scalability, and accessibility. While QuickBooks Pro Desktop is known for its robust features and offline capabilities, you can still leverage the advantages of the cloud by hosting it on third-party cloud servers. This can unlock a world of benefits for your business.
Firstly, you can enjoy the convenience of accessing your financial data from anywhere, at any time. Whether on a business trip, working from home, or meeting with clients, all you need is a smart device to connect to your cloud-hosted QuickBooks Pro Desktop. This remote accessibility enables seamless collaboration among team members, accountants, or stakeholders.
Consider exploring reputable cloud hosting providers to leverage the full potential of QuickBooks Pro Desktop and take your financial management to new heights.
