Overview

The Client Accounting Suite (CAS) Import Tool allows you to import data from CAS (Client Accounting Suite) into AccountEdge Pro. This tool supports importing accounts, customers, employees, and vendors with custom field mapping and detailed error reporting.

Before You Begin

Prerequisites

Step 1: Export Your Data from Client Accounting Suite (CAS)

Before you can import data into AccountEdge Pro, you must first export your data from Client Accounting Suite (CAS).

To export your CAS data:

1. Visit the CCH Support page for detailed export instructions:
   https://support.cch.com/oss/sfs/kb/solution/000292966
2. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by CCH to export the following data types:
   1. Chart of Accounts
   2. Customers
   3. Vendors
   4. Employees
3. Create a separate folder for each client - Organize your exports by creating a dedicated folder for each client and placing all their exported files (Accounts, Customers, Vendors, Employees) in that client's folder.
4. Make note of where you saved the files - you'll need this location during the AccountEdge import process.

Important Export Notes:

• Export all data types you plan to import into AccountEdge
• Keep all exported files together in the same folder for easy access
• Do not modify the exported files - import them as-is into AccountEdge
• If you encounter issues with the export, contact CCH Support for assistance
   

Step 2: Prepare AccountEdge Pro

1. Sign Up as a CAS Customer: In order to access the CAS Import Tool in AccountEdge, you will need to sign up as a CAS customer. For information about signing up and registering, visit:
   https://www.accountedge.com/cas/
2. AccountEdge Pro Installation: Ensure AccountEdge Pro is installed and properly licensed
3. Create a Company File: Create a company file that is ready for importing by selecting the CAS option on the Accounts List window
4. Payroll Setup: If importing employees or vendors, you must complete the Payroll Easy Setup Assistant first (this will be prompted during the import process)
5. Run the Easy Setup Assistant: Run the Easy Setup Assistant to set up any defaults you may have. Do NOT import any data during this process.

Important Warnings

⚠️ Payroll Setup Required: If you're importing Vendors or Employees, you must complete the Payroll Easy Setup Assistant before importing. This assistant sets up the payroll year, tax year, tax categories, and payroll accounts needed for proper data import.

⚠️ Data Verification: The CAS Import Tool will skip records that have import errors. You'll need to fix any errors in the log file and re-import those records.

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step 1: Access the CAS Import Tool

1. Open AccountEdge Pro and open the file you created, or create a new file using the Create Company File option from the Company File Maintenance popup on the welcome window
2. Navigate to File menu > Import Data > Client Accounting Suite
3. Read the description and instructions
4. Click the CAS Import Tool Guide link for detailed instructions if needed

Step 2: Choose Your Import Method

You have two options:

Option A: Create Import Files

1. Best for importing data one record type at a time
2. Gives you more control and flexibility
3. After the import files are created, you will need to import them manually using the tab-delimited option

Option B: Import CAS Files (Recommended)

1. Imports all CAS data and provides a detailed summary
2. Shows warnings and errors in an organized report
3. More efficient for bulk imports and account mapping

Step 3: Select Your CAS Export Files

1. You will be prompted to import each CAS record type (Accounts, Customers, Vendors, Employees)
2. The prompt states: “When prompted, select your CAS Account file to import”
3. Click Skip Accounts for example, if you don't want to import that record type
4. Otherwise, proceed to file selection
5. Navigate to the location where your CAS export files are stored
6. Browse to your CAS folder (e.g., DEMOCAS8001)
7. You'll see several exported files: 
   1. Chart of Accounts
   2. Customers
   3. Vendors
   4. Employees
8. Select the appropriate file for your import
9. Click Open

Step 4: Review the Import Summary

After the import completes, you'll see the Import Summary dialog showing:
Import Statistics Table:

What's Next Section

The summary provides important next steps:

• Review the logs: A log file for each record type (with warnings or errors) can be found in a specified folder
• Click "Open Folder": Opens the folder containing the import log files

File Locations:

• File Name: CAS Import Complete
• Log Location: C:\Mac\Home\Documents\AccountEdge Pro\acct Logs\
• Log Location: C:\Mac\Home\Documents\AccountEdge Pro\acct Logs\CAS Import Log Files

Step 5: Handle Linked Accounts

After closing the import summary, you may see a Review Your Linked Accounts dialog:

Message: "Before using AccountEdge, verify your Linked Accounts match what you imported from Client Accounts Suite (CAS)."
What This Means: Accounts labeled "[Default]" were created automatically by AccountEdge. You should review these accounts and change them to your imported accounts if applicable.

Action Items:

• Go to Setup > Linked Accounts to review and verify: 
  • Bank Accounts
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Undeposited Funds
  • Historical Balancing

Pay specific attention to accounts marked with “[Default]”

Options:

• Click View Linked Accounts to review them now
• Click Close to review them later

Understanding the Import Log

Log File Location

Import logs are saved to:

• Documents\AccountEdge Pro\Import Logs

Log File Structure

Each import creates separate log files for different record types:

• Import Log_Accounts
• Import Log_Customers
• Import Log_Vendors
• Import Log_Employees

Reading the Log

The log contains:

• Imported Records: Successfully imported items
• Warnings: Items imported with potential issues
• Errors: Items that failed to import and why

Best Practices

Before Import

• Backup Your Company File: Always create a backup before importing data
• Complete Setup First: Finish all required setup assistants (especially Payroll)
• Verify CAS Export: Ensure your CAS export files are current and complete

During Import

• Review Each Summary: Don't skip the import summary screens
• Check for Warnings: Even successful imports may have warnings to address
• Monitor Progress: For large imports, be patient and don't interrupt the process

After Import

• Review the Logs: Check all log files for warnings or errors
• Verify Linked Accounts: Always review and update linked accounts
• Spot Check Data: Manually verify a sample of imported records
• Fix Errors: Address any errors before proceeding with normal operations
• Run Reports: Generate reports to verify data completeness and accuracy

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Problem: Payroll and Tax Year warning appears
Solution: Complete the Payroll Easy Setup Assistant before attempting to import employees or vendors

Problem: Linked Accounts warning appears after import
Solution:

• Go to Setup > Linked Accounts
• Review all accounts marked with "[Default]"
• Link them to the appropriate imported accounts
• Save your changes

Problem: Some records are "Skipped" in the summary
Solution:

• Open the import log file
• Review why records were skipped
• Common reasons include: 
  • Duplicate records
  • Missing required fields
  • Invalid data formats
• Correct issues in your CAS export and re-import if necessary

Problem: Import takes a very long time
Solution:

• For very large data sets, consider importing in smaller batches
• Ensure adequate system resources are available
• Close other applications during import
• Consider using "Create Import Files" for more control

Additional Resources

Getting Help

• CAS Import Tool Guide: Click the link in the import tool dialog
• AccountEdge Help: Press F1 or select Help > Help Center
• Support Center: Contact AccountEdge support for technical assistance
• Search Knowledge Base: Use the Help menu to search for specific topics