Migrating from MYOB AccountRight Premier to Xero?  Here are 8 Common mistakes 

Switching your cloud accounting software can be a game-changer for your small business. If you’re an Australian small business owner considering migrating your cloud accounting data from MYOB AccountRight Premier to Xero, you’re likely excited about the benefits Xero can provide. However, making this transition isn’t without its challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common mistakes small business owners make during this process and how to avoid them for a smooth migration experience. 

Mistake #1: Not Taking the Time to Plan the Migration 

Taking the time to plan your migration is essential to ensuring a seamless transition. Failing to plan can lead to complications, incorrect data transfers, and a longer process overall. To avoid this mistake: 

1.  Develop a detailed migration plan outlining the steps, resources, and time frames involved. Include a list of tasks, responsible parties, and deadlines to keep everyone accountable. 
2. Consult with your accountant to determine the best approach for your business. Their expertise can help you identify potential pitfalls and avoid unnecessary delays. 
3.  Review the features and functionality of both MYOB AccountRight Premier and Xero to understand the differences and prepare for any changes. This will help you make informed decisions about how to set up your new Xero account and minimize disruptions during the transition. 

Importantly MYOB might be able to handle business critical processes for you that Xero cannot.  Do not assume that the two programs are identical until it is too late.  

Mistake #2: Not Backing Up Your Data 

Before migrating, it’s crucial to back up your data to ensure you have a copy of your financial records in case something goes wrong during the transition. To avoid losing important information: 

1. Create a backup of your MYOB AccountRight Premier data. This should include all your company files, custom forms, and reports. 
2. Save the backup file in a secure location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service. Be sure to protect the backup with a strong password and store it separately from your working files. 
3. Verify the backup’s integrity by restoring it to a test environment. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your data is safe and can be recovered if necessary. 

Mistake #3: Ignoring Data Compatibility Issues 

Not all data will be compatible between MYOB AccountRight Premier and Xero. Ignoring this can result in incomplete or incorrect data transfers, leading to inaccuracies in your financial records. To avoid compatibility issues: 

1.  Identify any incompatible data types or fields in your MYOB AccountRight Premier files. Common issues include custom fields, payroll data, and inventory items with multiple units of measure. 
2.  Develop a strategy for addressing these incompatibilities, such as manual data entry or using third-party tools for data conversion. Be sure to allocate enough time for this process and involve the necessary team members to ensure accuracy. 
3.  Test the migrated data to ensure accuracy and completeness. This will help you identify any remaining issues that need to be resolved before finalizing the migration. 

Mistake #4: Migrating dirty data 

It is not unusual for accounting data to contain old outstanding items like negative creditors, duplicate chart of account narrations, GST payable amounts that are different to the GST paid, incorrect payroll categories and fixed asset registers that do not reconcile.  If you have bookkeeping mistakes in MYOB you will have bookkeeping mistakes in Xero.  

If you migrate dirty data across your new Xero file will contain dirty data.  And it will be even more difficult to identify the original source of the problem as you will now be travelling across two accounting systems to get an understanding of what happened.  

Mistake #5: Not Testing the Migration 

Testing the migration process helps identify and address any issues before they become larger problems. Skipping this step can lead to surprises and disruptions in your business operations. To avoid this mistake: 

1.  Perform a test migration using a copy of your actual data to identify any issues or challenges. This will give you a better understanding of how the process works and help you fine-tune your migration plan. 
2.  Address the issues and refine your migration plan accordingly. This may involve adjusting your approach, allocating more resources, or extending your timeline. 
3.  Run another test migration to ensure the identified issues have been resolved. This will give you the confidence that your actual migration will proceed smoothly and without any major hiccups. 

Mistake #6: Not Training Your Team on Xero 

Failing to train your team on how to use Xero can lead to errors and inefficiencies, negating the benefits of your new accounting software. To avoid this mistake: 

1.  Schedule training sessions for your team members who will be using Xero. This can be done through live workshops, online tutorials, or one-on-one coaching sessions with a Westcourt business adviser. 
2.  Provide access to Xero’s online resources and support, such as tutorials, webinars, and help articles. Encourage your team to make use of these resources to deepen their understanding of the software. 
3.  Encourage your team to practice and become familiar with the software before the migration is complete. This can help them identify any questions or concerns early on, giving you time to address them before the migration is finalized. 

Mistake #7: Neglecting to Update Your Business Processes 

Migrating to a new accounting software may require updates to your existing business processes. Neglecting to make these updates can lead to inefficiencies and confusion among your team. To avoid this mistake: 

1.  Review your current processes and workflows to identify areas that need to be updated or adapted for Xero. This may include invoice processing, expense tracking, and payroll management. 
2.  Document the updated processes and communicate the changes to your team members. Ensure everyone understands their new responsibilities and how to perform them within Xero. 
3.  Monitor the effectiveness of the updated processes after the migration and make any necessary adjustments. This will help you maintain efficiency and consistency in your financial management. 

Running your Xero file together with Westcourt CFO services will ensure that your business processes and governance structure is robust to evolve with your business.  

Mistake #8: Overlooking Third-Party Integrations 

Your business may rely on third-party applications that integrate with your accounting software, such as inventory management, CRM, forecasting, or point-of-sale systems. Overlooking these integrations during the migration process can lead to data silos and inefficiencies. To avoid this mistake: 

1.  Identify all third-party applications that currently integrate with your MYOB AccountRight Premier and determine if they also integrate with Xero. 
2.  If necessary, research alternative applications that are compatible with Xero and evaluate their suitability for your business needs. 
3.  Plan the migration of these integrations and test their functionality before the final migration. This will help ensure a seamless transition for all aspects of your business. 

Conclusion 

Migrating your cloud accounting data from MYOB AccountRight Premier to Xero can be a rewarding experience for your small business if done correctly. By avoiding these common mistakes and following the suggested guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a successful migration and enjoying the benefits of Xero’s powerful accounting features. Remember that planning, communication, and training are key components of a successful migration process. By investing time and effort upfront, you’ll minimize disruptions and set your business up for long-term success with your new accounting software.  If you want to learn from experience, and not from your mistakes, engaging with Westcourt to plan and support your migration is a wise decision.  At Westcourt we are a Xero Gold Champion Partner and we only assist founder-led family-owned businesses.  Given our proven tax expertise, global network and deep cloud accounting knowledge we are a natural choice to assist people migrating their data – so why not give us a call