Navigating the move to the cloud
Transitioning from desktop solutions such as IRIS and CCH to the cloud can seem daunting for many accounting practices. However, with the right approach, tools, and vendor, this journey can be smooth and highly beneficial. In this blog, we explore key steps and strategies to help you confidently transition to the cloud, enhancing your practice’s efficiency and future-proofing your operations.
As part of a recent webinar, we invited Ben Knapp, Operations Director at Nuvo, to share his insights and experience. Nuvo is a successful practice based in the Midlands, United Kingdom. Ben’s primary role involves the implementation and monitoring of software and systems across the practice, including both internal solutions like FYI and client-facing tools. Ben joined us to discuss the process of reviewing available software, the decision to choose FYI, and the results they’ve seen in the first few months.
Embracing the Future
As the accounting industry evolves, cloud adoption is becoming essential. Moving to the cloud offers significant benefits, including enhanced efficiency, real-time data access, and the ability to leverage advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation.
AI is rapidly transforming the industry, much like the cloud did in its early days. Today, AI encompasses a wide range of technologies, from rules engines that automate basic tasks to advanced tools like robotics process automation (RPA) and generative AI. At FYI, we are heavily investing in AI with features like negative email alerts and deep Microsoft integration. However, while AI’s potential is vast, its most transformative applications are still developing.
We believe that automating daily admin tasks and processes is already providing a return on investment. Automation in accounting is not a new concept; it has been evolving since the days of Disk Operating Systems (DOS), where simple commands could trigger a series of actions to streamline tasks. Modern automation builds on this foundation by enabling data analysis and pattern recognition, significantly decreasing operational costs.
The key takeaway here is that to gain these benefits, you need to be online. Transitioning to the cloud is no longer a new concept; it is a mature product and a necessary step to fully leverage the capabilities of modern technology, ensuring your accounting practice remains competitive and efficient in a rapidly evolving industry.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Over the past several years, it has become clear that the cloud is the future for the accounting industry. However, some practices still choose to stay on their desktop platforms, delaying their transition to the cloud. What are the barriers, and how can we address these concerns to ensure a smooth transition?
Practice Sync
Many accounting practices hesitate to move to the cloud due to fears of complex and costly transitions. However, phased implementation and comprehensive change management can mitigate these challenges. While options such as a hard cutover or dual maintenance come with their own risks, a gradual migration approach with FYI offers a low-risk, flexible solution.
Seamlessly integrating with CCH, IRIS, and other systems, FYI’s ‘Practice Sync’ tool allows you to smoothly transition your document management system to the cloud while keeping the rest of your operations on your desktop. This secure integration ensures that your practice data remains up-to-date with automatic syncing every 15 minutes, providing a seamless and secure connection between on-premise and cloud platforms, and offering a cost-effective bridge with minimal disruption to your team.
Data and Feature Continuity
Concerns about losing features or data during the migration process are common. However, with the right approach and tools, these risks can be effectively managed.
Data migration to FYI is completed with no loss, ensuring all critical information is securely transferred. All FYI data is stored securely in Amazon AWS data centres, featuring off-site backups, disaster recovery, multiple site synchronisation, and the highest levels of encryption.
One of the key reasons why FYI has successfully onboarded so many clients is our significant investment in comprehensive learning tools. These tools ensure that your staff can engage with, and master, the platform even before the official start date. During the trial period, your team can access engaging learning modules that include interactive puzzles, knowledge checks, and hands-on training exercises. This hands-on approach not only makes onboarding easy but also ensures that your team continues to benefit from these resources long after the initial setup.
Choosing the Right App Stack
The complexity of selecting the right vendor stack can be daunting. Practices moving from desktop systems often feel pressured to choose the “perfect app stack” to avoid future issues. While selecting the right provider is important, the real key lies in flexibility and scalability. These ensure that practices can adjust their stack as needed without significant disruptions.
FYI’s platform integrates seamlessly with a wide range of third-party applications, providing a unified and efficient ecosystem. This adaptability allows practices to scale and customise their app stack to meet evolving needs, ensuring continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
Ready to Take the Leap?
The future is now. Embrace the change and join the ranks of practices that have successfully transitioned to the cloud. Whether you’re just starting your journey or want to chat through the options available, FYI is here to support you every step of the way.
Watch the webinar below for a deep dive into how to effectively navigate the move to the cloud.