In September 2014, Intuit released QuickBooks Labs as part of the QuickBooks Online update. This aspect of QuickBooks is classified as an experimental plug-in. These are integrated with QuickBooks. In order to protect your QuickBooks data, you may want to run the plug-in first with a fake company file.
Reasons Not to Use Experimental Plug-Ins
Because QuickBooks Online does not permit you to seamlessly make a backup copy, you would have to depend on Intuit to secure your data. If the plug-in then is the source of problems, you will not be able to restore your data on your own. Additionally, QuickBooks Online does not have an option that permits your administrator to prohibit QuickBooks users from enabling such a plug-in. Likewise, there is not a setting that controls access specific to this or similar features for users who have “regular” access. Another detriment to using a plug-in of this nature is that experiments sometimes do not stay with the program, so you could get accustomed to using something that suddenly disappears from use.
Experimenting with QuickBooks Labs
If a user tries one of the new experimental plug-ins, he or she may first be directed to a short tutorial video. Once they click on the option to “Learn More,” users are taken to a page named “Intuit Labs.” Actual Intuit employees develop these, meaning that they are not created by third party software companies.
For example, a user my try out a new feature, such as the “AutoComplete” widget. This new feature allows a user to receive suggested completions. For example, if the business owner begins typing a company name, possible matches will begin to populate for selection. Once the individual selects the business name, the address will automatically be filled. This feature also automatically fills in the business’ phone number, website and notes about the company. It also adds the customer to the list.
As of the time of publication, there is not a method that allows you to leave a comment about these experiments. This means that Intuit may not be able to receive much feedback about these tools. However, Intuit may use your usage logs to learn about how you are using this feature.
If you would like to know more about the optional features that are part of QuickBooks Online and their respective pros and cons, contact our local QuickBook ProAdvisor for more information.
