Upgrading from QuickBooks Pro or Premier to QuickBooks Enterprise can provide your business with more advanced accounting capabilities and flexibility to manage growth. However, the upgrade process involves careful planning and execution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps to successfully upgrading to Enterprise.
Overview of Key Differences
QuickBooks Enterprise includes features not found in Pro or Premier, such as:
More users: support for up to 30 simultaneous users compared to 5 for Pro and Premier.
Advanced inventory: enhanced inventory tracking with bin locations, serial/lot tracking, and inventory assembly.
Advanced pricing: set up customer and vendor-specific pricing as well as volume discounts.
Advanced reporting: built-in tailored reports for over 40 industries to glean better business insights.
Advanced integrations: seamless integration with other systems like CRM, POS, and e-commerce platforms.
Advanced budgeting: better budget tracking and forecasting capabilities.
Remote access: Access company files from anywhere with web-based access.
For growing companies, these enterprise-level capabilities can be transformative. The additional investment pays for itself through productivity gains, better financial oversight, and support for expansion.
When to Upgrade from Pro/Premier to Enterprise
Upgrading to Enterprise makes the most sense when:
Your user count exceeds 5. Enterprise supports up to 30 simultaneous users.
Your inventory needs advanced tracking, like serial or lot numbers or bin locations. The basic inventory in Pro/Premier has limitations.
You want to implement customized pricing for customers or use volume discounts. Enterprise enables advanced pricing rule flexibility.
Your reporting needs go beyond the built-in reports in Pro and Premier. Enterprise has tailored reports for over 40 industries.
You plan to integrate QuickBooks with other business applications like CRM or e-commerce. Enterprise offers better integration capabilities.
You want to enable remote access to company files via the web.
If you are experiencing limitations in Pro or Premier in any of these aspects, it is worth considering an upgrade to Enterprise.
How to Upgrade from QuickBooks Pro/Premier to Enterprise
Upgrading from Pro or Premier to Enterprise involves a few key steps:
1. Backup your QuickBooks company file.
Before any upgrade, you should always securely backup your current company file. Verify the backup to ensure it was created properly. Save it externally or on the cloud so your data is protected.
2. Install QuickBooks Enterprise on your computer(s).
Download the QuickBooks Enterprise software from the Intuit website and walk through the installation process. Make sure to install it on all computers that access your company file.
3. Contact Intuit to initiate a license transfer.
You can't simply convert Pro or Premier licenses to Enterprise. Reach out to Intuit sales and inform them you wish to upgrade. They will issue you a new Enterprise license, which you can use to activate the software.
4. Deactivate your Pro/Premier license.
Using your Pro/Premier registration information, deactivate the old license key. This releases you from that registration.
5. Activate your Enterprise license.
Using the new license key provided for Enterprise, activate it within the software. This switches your version to Enterprise.
6. Update application preferences.
With Enterprise activated, update your application preferences and settings to leverage new capabilities like advanced inventory, pricing, or budgets.
7. Migrate data to a new company file (optional)
You can migrate your existing company data file over to a new enterprise data file if desired. Or simply continue on within the existing file.
Following these steps will smoothly transition you from QuickBooks Pro/Premier to Enterprise!
FAQ About Upgrading to QuickBooks Enterprise
What is the cost to upgrade from Pro/Premier to Enterprise?
The cost varies based on how many user licenses you need. On average, expect to pay $1,500+ per year for Enterprise compared to $500-$1,000 for Pro/Premier. Actual pricing depends on the Intuit reseller.
Can I transfer my unused term from Pro/Premier?
Unfortunately, Intuit does not allow transferring or converting unused Pro or Premier term licenses to Enterprise. You have to start a new enterprise subscription.
What version of Enterprise should I get?
The main options are Enterprise Gold, Platinum, and Silver. Most businesses are fine with silver or gold. Platinum has some extra features, like inventory scanning, which may not be necessary for many companies.
Summary
Upgrading from QuickBooks Pro or Premier to QuickBooks Enterprise is a significant leap that unlocks more advanced capabilities and support for business growth. Carefully consider if your business needs have reached the point where enterprise makes sense. Use this guide to smoothly transition through the upgrade process and implement Enterprise successfully within your workplace. The investment can pay off many times over through productivity gains and better financial oversight.