Frequently Asked Questions
Is XCMessential a new product?
We are not paperless, can we still benefit from XCMessential?
Can I store my documents in XCMessential?
Is XCMessential just another Tracking system?
Can I use XCMessential to process more than tax returns?
How quickly can I begin using XCMessential?
Is there any training involved? How difficult is the application to use?
Are there additional costs for training and support?
Do I have to manually enter all my clients' information?
Can I access XCMessential from my clients’ office or from my home?
What's the difference between XCMessential and XCMessential Plus?
Do we need to purchase any additional hardware, software or report writers?
Will XCMessential work with the software I am using now?
How secure is my XCMessential data?
Is XCMessential a new product? No. XCMessential is a streamlined version of XCM. Developed in 2004, XCM was the first workflow management solution developed specifically for the accounting profession. Now in its sixth generation, XCM has benefitted from the input and experiences of thousands of accounting professionals, through its customer guided development process.
XCMessential and XCMessential Plus were released in the spring of 2009 to give sole practitioners and small firms an easy-to-use, right-sized version, with an easy path to upgrade to the full version of XCM.
We are not paperless, can we still benefit from XCMessential? Of course, XCMessential will automate your current paper based system or processes. In fact, for many firms, XCMessential is the first step in taking your practice paperless by enabling you to achieve a completely paperless workflow by linking to relevant project documents within your Windows® Explorer filing system.
Can I store my documents in XCMessential? XCMessential gives firms a central location to store unstructured data - important client and project information typically shared via email or on handwritten notes, as well as access to all types of files stored on your network through integration with Windows Explorer. While it does not store documents within the application, XCMessential gives you and your team instant access to all client and project related information.
Is XCMessential just another Tracking system? No, tracking and due date monitoring are features within XCM. However, XCM is much more. XCM is a workflow management solution designed to help accounting professionals address the challenges of manual process management, giving you greater control and instant access to real time information important for the completion of work.
Can I use XCMessential to process more than tax returns? XCMessential is designed to help sole practitioners and small firms with up to five employees effectively and efficiently manage their workflow. An easy upgrade path to XCMessential Plus allows you to manage a second practice area, whether it be Financial, Accounting/Bookkeeping, or other areas of your practice such as Human Resources, Proposals, etc.
As your needs grow, both products easily upgrade to XCM, our flagship workflow management solution that automates and standardizes processes for completing all work across the firm and in all departments, including audit, tax, consulting, and human resources, in a single workflow solution. Please view the Product Comparison Chart for additional details.
How quickly can I begin using XCMessential? Since XCMessential is web-based software delivered as a service (SaaS), you do not need to invest in hardware, additional software or updates, and can begin using XCMessential as soon as your account is set-up.As soon as you receive your user name and passwords from XCM Solutions, you can start realizing the benefits of a complete paperless workflow management solution.
Is there any training involved? How difficult is the application to use? Training is quick and easy. Training usually takes less than a few hours and can be done over the Internet. Since XCMessential is web based, it has the same simple and intuitive features most web sites use for navigation. Web tutorials within the application offer you and your staff a quick, just-in-time refresher on key areas of functionality, should you need it. And XCMessential customer service professionals are there to help with any questions you may have.
Are there additional costs for training and support? When you sign up for XCMessential or XCMessential Plus, you pay a one-time setup fee of $500 that also includes Web training and support.
Do I have to manually enter all my clients' information ? No. Transferring your client information is a simple two step process. When you sign up for XCMessential or XCMessential Plus, you will receive an Excel template to help you format the client information extracted from your existing database in order to easily import it into the XCMessential system.
Can I access XCMessential from my clients’ office or from my home? Absolutely. As long as you have a connection to the Internet, you can access XCMessential. Our clients appreciate the fact that they can have dinner with their family during the busy season and then connect from their home computer to answer questions from staff members or clients.
What's the difference between XCMessential and XCMessential Plus? XCMessential is designed to help sole practitioners and small firms with up to five employees effectively and efficiently manage all types of tax related work. XCMessential Plus, for six to 10 users, empowers you to manage two practice areas - Tax, Financial, Accounting/Bookkeeping, or other areas of your practice such as Human Resources, Proposals, etc.
As your needs grow, both products easily upgrade to XCM, our flagship workflow management solution that automates and standardizes processes for completing all work across the firm and in all departments, including audit, tax, consulting, and human resources, in a single workflow solution. Please view the Product Comparison Chart for additional details.
Do we need to purchase any hardware, additional software, or report writers? No, XCMessential is web-based software delivered as a Service (known as SaaS). There is no need to buy any hardware, additional software, future updates, or report writers. Everything you will need to use XCMessential is delivered online for a low monthly service fee.
Will XCMessential work with the software I am using now? XCMessential is an open platform, web software system that works horizontally with all Tax, Practice Management and Document Management software. XCM allows you to leverage the investment you have already made in these software packages by incorporating real-time access to your firm's and clients' information.
XCMessential encompasses key functionality currently isolated in various other software packages and manual methods, effectively replacing your current system of due date monitoring, tracking, routing sheets, and extensions management. Giving you a centralized, easy to access source for all information related to your client work makes XCMessential a powerful management tool.
How secure is my XCMessential data? XCMessential is a secure, Web-based SAS70 solution hosted at a state-of-the-art data center and protected by SSL encrypted login authentication.