Getting Started Steps

Getting Started Steps

CustomBooks™ is a powerful, all-in-one business application that combines accounting, cloud banking, order management, inventory, reporting, project and time tracking, and a full E-commerce solution into one cloud-driven platform.

Cool! Power in the cloud. So where do I get started?

This guide will assist you getting the software set up for your business and point you in the right direction for learning resources and assistance with the software. Feel free to schedule some time with us if you wish to have a member from our Getting Started team assist you during the setup. Click here to schedule a session with our team. Let’s go!

Step 1: Setup Wizard

The CustomBooks™ Setup Wizard is a tool designed to simplify the process of onboarding new accounts. From company information, enabling features, setting up the chart of accounts, and other relevant details for your account, this tool eliminates the tedious task of navigating from setting to setting, saving you valuable time.

Whether you’re a small business owner, an accountant, or a financial professional, this wizard streamlines the initial setup, ensuring that your account is configured correctly from the start. 

The Setup Wizard covers:
  1. Setup Company Information
  2. Setup Company Logo
  3. Setup Multi-currency and Reporting Currency
  4. Basic Sales and Purchases Settings
  5. Measurements Settings
  6. Accounting and CoA Code Settings
  7. Chart of Accounts Setup
  8. Setup Summary



The Setup Wizard must be completed, it’s a requirement for activating your account. By guiding you through each step, it eliminates the need for manual navigation through settings, saving time and reducing the potential for errors. Completing the Setup Wizard is the final step in ensuring that your account is ready to support your business operations effectively.

For a detailed walkthrough, including screenshots and tips, visit our Setup Wizard Knowledge Base Article. This article provides all the information you need to make the most of the Setup Wizard and ensure a smooth setup process.


Schedule Live Help for the Setup Wizard

Step 2: Advanced Settings

After completing the Setup Wizard, it's essential to review and configure the advanced Settings. The Setup Wizard primarily covers the basic and initial account configurations, but the advanced Settings allow you to customize and optimize your accounting environment further. In this step, you'll learn how to add users and set user profiles, choose the features you will use in every module setting, customize print templates, and assign default posting accounts. Here's an overview of what you can do in this step:
  1. Security Settings - Manage user access and permissions to protect your financial data.
  2. General Settings - Configure general preferences such as precision settings, units of measure (UoM) settings, custom field settings, and default currency.
  3. Print Form Settings - Customize the appearance and information displayed on printed forms.
  4. Bank Settings - Set up default bank accounts, manage duplicate check numbers, categorization and matching settings.
  5. Accounting Settings - Define default accounts, manage financial periods, configure account codes, tax line settings and closing the books.
  6. Sales and Purchase Settings - Adjust settings related to sales or purchases processes.
  7. Inventory Settings - Optimize inventory control and financial tracking. Inventory Settings involve configuring parameters related to inventory management.

For detailed instructions and more information on each setting, visit our Getting Started - Settings Knowledge Base article.

Step 3: Connect your bank accounts to Cloud Banking

CustomBooks™ Cloud Banking simplifies financial management by connecting to over 15,000 banks and credit card companies, automatically syncing transactions to reduce data entry and providing a comprehensive view of your company's financial status. CustomBooks™ connects you to thousands of banks and credit card companies in the cloud eliminating the time-consuming task of entering transactions manually.
  1. Manage your data faster - CustomBooks™ simplifies the banking process by recognizing recurring transactions and automatically assigning them to the appropriate account codes or outstanding invoices/bills.
  2. Stay up to date - Automagically syncs your banking transactions daily so you're always working with the lastest up-to-date information.
  3. Avoid duplicate transactions - Our innovative technology ensures accuracy by reconciling bank transactions with entries in CustomBooks™, eliminating the possibility of duplicate transactions.
  4. Get more control - Gain control over your accounting records by manually accepting or rejecting individual transactions.



For detailed instructions and additional information, visit our knowledge base article: Getting Started - Connecting to Cloud Banking.



Schedule Live Help for Cloud Banking


Step 4: Setup or Import Companies (Customers and Vendors)

Companies (formerly Customer/Vendor Central) is the place for everything you need when working with Customers and Vendors. CustomBooks™ Companies module brings together the relationship you have with customers and vendors in one easily managed page. In this step, you will create or import your customers and vendors through the Data Import Wizard. Support will assist you with importing your customer and vendors.



For detailed instructions and additional information about setting up Companies, go to our knowledge base article: Getting Started - Setup Companies (Customers and Vendors).


Schedule Live Help for Setting Up Companies


Step 5: Setup Items (Products and Services)

CustomBooks™ allows you to create two types of items: Product and Service. Understanding the distinctions between these types of items and knowing how to create them can aid in keeping accurate records and enhancing the efficiency of your business operations. We’ll assist with creating or importing your items list.



For detailed instructions and more information on product and service items setup, visit this knowledge base article: Getting Started - Setup Items.


Schedule Live Help to Create or Import Item List


Step 6: Migrate Data - Migration Assistance/Conversion and Data Import

Migrating your data to CustomBooks™ can be done seamlessly with the help of the Migration Assistance team or by using the built-in Data Import Wizard. Here’s an overview of both methods:

Migration Assistance/Conversion

CustomBooks™ offers expert Migration Assistance to ensure your data is accurately and smoothly transferred. The team can handle various levels of data migration based on your needs:
  1. Getting Started: This involves populating necessary getting started lists to set up your system, excluding detailed transactions. Getting Stated Lists include Chart of Accounts, Companies (Customers and Vendors), Addresses and Contacts, Product and Service Items, Projects and Classes, and Beginning Balance.
  2. Journal Entry Transactions: Migrate current year and previous year journal entries. Additional years can be included for an extra fee. This includes the Getting Started Lists, Beginning Balance, Open AP and AR, and Journal Entries.
  3. Historical Detail Transactions: Detailed historical transactions are migrated, quoted per project. Historical transactions such as full history invoices, full history sales receipts, deposits, payments, bank transactions, sales and purchase orders, bills and bill payments, the Getting Started Lists, beginning balance, and Journal Entries.

Schedule Migration Assistance/Conversion

Schedule Live Help for Data Importing

Data Import Wizard

The Data Import Wizard is a powerful, built-in tool designed for users who prefer to manage their data migration independently. This feature enables the efficient import of external data into CustomBooks™, making the process straightforward and user-friendly.


For more information about the Migration Assistance/Conversion process, prices, to schedule a migration, and also details on using the Data Import Wizard, go to Getting Started - Migrate Data: Migration Assistance/Conversion and Data Import knowledge base article.


Step 7: Create Test Company/Sandbox and Test

CustomBooks™ understands the necessity of a safe environment for testing, training, and exploration. That's why each paid account is provided with a complimentary second account, known as the "Test Company" or "Sandbox". This feature is invaluable for several reasons:

  1. Safe Testing Environment: The Test Company/Sandbox allows users to experiment with new features, integrations, and customizations without the risk of affecting live data. This is crucial for understanding how changes will impact your workflow and ensuring that any adjustments are beneficial before applying them to the live environment.
  2. Training and Skill Development: New employees or those learning advanced features can use the Test Company/Sandbox to practice and hone their skills. This helps in building confidence and proficiency without the fear of making mistakes that could disrupt the live system. Training sessions can be conducted in a realistic setting, providing hands-on experience with real-life scenarios.
  3. Exploring New Features: With CustomBooks™ constantly evolving, new features and updates are regularly introduced. The Test Company/Sandbox gives users the opportunity to explore and familiarize themselves with these updates. This proactive approach ensures that users are always up-to-date with the latest functionalities, leading to more efficient and effective use of the software.
  4. Problem Resolution: When issues or bugs arise, replicating them in the Test Company/Sandbox can help in troubleshooting without compromising the live environment. This controlled setting allows for a focused approach to problem resolution, aiding in quicker and more effective fixes.

For detailed instructions and more information on the usage and how to create or update data in the Test Company/Sandbox, read this knowledge base article about Getting Started: Using the Test Company/Sandbox.


Schedule Live Help for Creating Test Company/Sandbox


Learning Resources and Support

CustomBooks™ offers a variety of learning resources to help you master the software:
  1. User Guides and Tutorials (Knowledgebase Articles): Comprehensive guides and video tutorials available on our website.
  2. Support Center: Access our support center via CustomBooks™ website or within the application for troubleshooting, FAQ, and more.
  3. Live Support: Reach out to our customer support team via call 888-328-8275 opt. 1., live chat, or video conferencing for personalized assistance.
  4. Idea Exchange: Join our community forum to connect with other users and share tips and experiences.

Go to our Help and Support knowledge base article for more details about our support options.


By following these steps and utilizing our resources, you'll be well-equipped to manage your business finances with CustomBooks™. Welcome aboard, and happy accounting!

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