Tabbing in QuickBooks Online Improved
I am a big fan of using the keyboard as much as possible and using the mouse to click only when easier. I spend a lot of time adding transactions from the Banking screen in QuickBooks Online and need to be time efficient. Previously, when tabbing through a downloaded transaction, if you started typing an account (or account number), it displayed the account (or all accounts that start with the first few letters you typed) in a dropdown menu and you would have to click the down arrow key to highlight the account you want and then the tab key. This was awkward and I usually just ended up using both mouse and keyboard.
I just discovered today (not sure when it changed) that I can now start typing an account (or number, as my accounts always have numbers) and QuickBooks Online auto completes the account it thinks I want to use in the field and shows a menu of it and other accounts above the field. If it is the account that I want, then I simply use the Tab key to confirm and move on to the next field. If I want to choose a different similar account, I can still use the up or down arrow key. What is nice about this feature is that it auto completes in the field and highlights the account in the menu above.
The only problem I have tabbing is that when I reach the Add button, it doesn't change color like it does when you hover your cursor over it with a mouse. I would expect it to either highlight with a different color (currently, there is a very faint yellow outline that is very hard to discern around the green) or become surrounded with a black border/outline so that I know that this button is active. Then, I only have to hit the spacebar to click the button and add the transaction.
Now, if I can only start using these Keyboard Shortcuts. I guess it just seems like keyboard Twister having to use 3 keys [ctrl] + [alt] + shortcut key. It's like you have to figure out which hand (left or right) works best for the [ctrl] + [alt] combo depending on the shortcut key and its location on the keyboard and then practice a lot.
Target Chaining in QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
What is it?
You get these errors when running the Verify Data utility that indicates damage has been found in the company file. See Target Chaining
Why am I only seeing this now? I have been using QuickBooks for years?
Users may have upgraded to version 18.0. The errors were most likely always in the file and only the latest version of QuickBooks is making this issue prominent.
What caused it?
There are many factors that can lead to corruption in a QuickBooks company file. Here are the top ones:
A large data file size and/or older file (usually starting around 1 GB or 10+ years old).
Inventory in the file with items that were allowed to go negative.
Server and workstations with not enough RAM.
A slow network.
Is it fixable? Do I really have to create a new company file?
According to Intuit (the makers of QuickBooks), target chaining is not fixable, at least not by rebuilding the data file. However, if the transaction(s) that are causing the problem can be modified or deleted, then the problem can potentially be fixed. It just depends on how many corrupted transactions there are. I fixed a file where after just removing corrupted items from one of the transactions in the log file, it fixed the entire problem.
But I still recommend that a new company file is created for the beginning of the next fiscal year. A fix may only be temporary until all list items that are corrupted are made inactive and not used again, especially in the case of negative inventory.
QuickBooks Connect 2018 Early Bird Pricing Ending Soon!
Today is the last day to save over 50% if you register by 6/28/18. I have attended QuickBooks Connect every year in San Jose since it started in 2014 as the first-ever multi-community user conference by Intuit. The event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, accountants, and developers to be inspired and grow. QuickBooks Online and its ever-expanding ecosystem of connected apps are the focus; however, last year there was the visual presence of the Intuit support team that included help for QuickBooks Enterprise (and its other desktop products).
The full event lasts 3 days (you can attend just the one main day, but you would miss all the fun), and it is packed with inspiring keynotes by successful business owners and celebrities, educational sessions and presentations, and reveals of the latest innovations by Intuit. On the second evening there is always a festive party with a band, food, drinks, swag...it is no surprise that QuickBooks Connect sells out every year. The event has even expanded to London, Sydney, and Toronto.
Every time I have attended, I have learned something new to help my business grow, which more than pays for the reasonable price for this conference. I get to meet up with colleagues that I have known for years, other QuickBooks ProAdvisors, and make new friends with other accountants, business owners, and developers. There is something for everyone so I strongly recommend anyone that uses or develops for QuickBooks Online to attend. You will be glad you did!