There’s a reason QuickBooks is the #1 accounting software in the world. Millions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rely on QuickBooks to assist with payroll and manage payments, inventory, and point-of-sale (POS).
One of the benefits of using QuickBooks is the flexibility to integrate extra features based on a company’s unique needs by using third-party applications (apps). We’ll discuss the challenges businesses face that are resolved through QuickBooks integration.
The Challenge: Why Do Businesses Need QuickBooks Integration?
Frequently, companies use programs designed for a single specialized task. The problem? That data needs to be input into their QuickBooks accounting system.
Managing disparate software systems can mean entering data multiple times and ensuring that data is accurate in each program.
It is also common for different programs to use the same data for different purposes. For instance, you may enter sales, taxes, and wages for accounting, but a third-party app may analyze that data and provide specialized metrics. At the same time, another program integrates information for insights on inventory or shipping.
QuickBooks integration makes it possible to connect third-party apps directly to your QuickBooks.
Seamless Data Synchronization
The benefit of QuickBooks integration is that it bridges the gap between multiple platforms while still allowing you to use QuickBooks. The result is an improved and intuitive data flow.
QuickBooks integration advantages are felt company-wide, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and better use of human resources.
QuickBooks Integration Eliminates Manual Data Entry
Manual data entry comes with multiple drawbacks:
- A fragmented workflow causes missed opportunities to share and utilize data in real time.
- The time lost to manual data entry can hinder a company’s ability to grow and scale.
- Entering the same data into multiple programs is time-consuming.
- It isn’t just manual—it is redundant, which becomes fatiguing.
- Fatigue leads to human error.
- Errors result in inaccurate bookkeeping.
Data errors can have a cascading effect, where critical business decisions are based on false data, causing potentially severe consequences.
Using QuickBooks integration resolves the issues of redundancy, manual data entry, and human error by connecting hundreds of the best third-party apps to your version of QuickBooks. Choosing the apps that serve your business best is up to you.
Using QuickBooks Online (QBO) provides QuickBooks online integration with third-party plug-ins. Once connected, data is synchronized between other apps and QuickBooks, and data propagation is fully automated, based solely on the features you choose to implement.
Accurate Data Leads to Better Decisions
When you reduce human error, you can make concrete decisions based on accurate, insightful data. Integrated apps can provide valuable metrics that help you make better choices that further streamline your operations, from supply chain optimization to inventory management.
Simply put, informed decisions are better decisions. Accurate data is foundational to scaling your business based on facts instead of educated guesses.
Focus on Growing Your Business
Removing the bottleneck of manual data entry empowers your workforce to assist in more important business decisions, applying their unique skills to help you scale. This efficiency isn’t just a time savings—it also saves costs.
Overcoming Integration Challenges to Maximize Your Benefits
The idea of connecting numerous apps to your QuickBooks may seem daunting. There are hundreds of great third-party plug-ins to choose from, and you may not be certain which ones you need.
To ensure the smoothest experience integrating apps with QuickBooks, do the following:
- Write down the features that your business needs.
- Focus on finding the solutions to those needs.
- Only implement the features you are certain you are going to use.
- Reach out to experts for support with your integrations.
Ready to Integrate? Fourlane Can Help
There’s no need to play a guessing game. Fourlane has the expertise you need for support, consultations, and guidance. We know QuickBooks, and we know third-party integration.
We encourage you to embrace the vast potential you can unlock with QuickBooks integration today!