CCH Axcess Workflow Frequently Asked Questions

In Mid-January 2022, XCMworkflow customers will automatically be updated to CCH Axcess™ Workflow. Despite being a new look and feel, there is relatively zero learning curve for existing XCMworkflow users. 

However, we understand that some users may have questions, and have created an FAQ to assist with any questions that you may have. If you still have questions, please reach out to our CCH Axcess support team.

General

What if my firm does not use CCH Axcess?
CCH Axcess Workflow can be used on its own, without any other CCH Axcess products. Firms can continue to login to CCH Axcess Workflow directly through the browser and manage users and permissions through the Manage Users Utility. Our development teams will continue to build new features and enhancements that will benefit all customers.

Your firm will gain more value and integration if it chooses to leverage other components of CCH Axcess.

Can I demo the new solution?
You can see a preview CCH Axcess Workflow by going to Workflow News.

How should we prepare for CCH Axcess Workflow?
No action is needed to prepare for CCH Axcess Workflow. If your firm will be integrating with an existing CCH Axcess installation, you may want to review staff emails to make sure the information is ready to link to the CCH Axcess Staff Manager.

What will happen to my XCMworkflow Data?
There is absolutely no change required on the data side. This is a seamless update with no migration of data.

Will saved Reports be affected?
Your firm’s saved reports will still be available. They will not be affected.

Where will Staff Permissions be managed?
If your firm is already using an existing CCH Axcess solution, staff data will be linked to CCH Axcess based on email addresses and then managed in the CCH Axcess Staff Manager. An Integration Dashboard will help walk you through the one-time process to link staff accounts.

If your firm does not currently use any other CCH Axcess solutions, you will continue to manage staff permissions in the Manage Users Utility, as you have always done.

Will this change how client data is managed?
The client integration with CCH Axcess will work as it does today, although on a subsequent release we will be improving the client integration.

Will the quality of support change?
XCMworkflow support teams are a part of the support model for the workflow product with the added benefit of introducing additional support channels like chat. We will be improving the videos to be inclusive of the new CCH Axcess Workflow look and feel. Some of the people you've worked with in the past are a part of that team.

Workstream Customers

What is changing for CCH Axcess Workstream customers?
There will be no change to the CCH Axcess Workstream user interface, and customers will continue to use Workstream as they always have.

Is CCH Axcess Workstream being discontinued?  Are you investing in Workstream?
We will continue to support and sell CCH Axcess Workstream. There is no sunset date. We continue to invest in Workstream. Currently, we are working on improving the performance of the Workstream reports.

Logging In

Will my login credentials change?
Your login credentials will not change. You can continue to use your XCMworkflow credentials. Customers who are using an existing CCH Axcess program will be able to use their CCH Axcess login once the staff integration process is complete.

Can I continue to log in through my browser, or will I need to log in through CCH Axcess?
You can continue to launch CCH Axcess Workflow through your browser. If you have another CCH Axcess program, you can also launch CCH Axcess Workflow through the CCH Axcess Application Dashboard.

What forms of authentication are required for 2-factor authentication?
Starting in January 2022, an e-mail will be required with a phone option for 2-factor authentication, per IRS guidelines. On a subsequent release, a phone will be required for 2-factor authentication, along with the option to enter the work phone number to get the passcode via voice message, if not comfortable with sharing their mobile phone number.

Will 2-factor authentication affect firms that use SSO for logins?
Firms that are using SSO will not be challenged with the additional2-factor authentication feature.

Will I be required to change my password?
You will be prompted to change your password every 90 days. This is an information security best practice and is required by the IRS.

Integration

Will CCH Axcess Workflow integrate with CCH® ProSystem fx® Tax?
The integrations that we are currently focused on are specific to the CCH Axcess product line.

Will CCH Axcess Workflow integrate with CCH® ProSystem fx® Practice Management?
Any existing integrations will continue to work. New integrations are available with a one-time service charge for the installation, which is due to the complexity of the installation itself. However, there will be no annual charge for the integration moving forward.

Will CCH Axcess Workflow integrate with CCH® ProSystem fx® Document (on-premise)?
Yes, we offer integration to the on-premise version of Document, but it functions differently than the CCH Axcess Document integration.

Will the XCM API change?
The XCM APIs will continue to be updated.

Will CCH Axcess Workflow integrate with Power Bi?
The CCH Axcess Workflow Analytics as a Service product integrates with Power BI. This functionality is available today.

Outsourcing Users

If we do not use CCH Axcess Workflow or CCH Axcess Workstream, can we still use Xpitax Outsourcing Services?
Yes, absolutely. Xpitax Tax Outsourcing does not require a full license for CCH Axcess Workflow. Xpitax Tax Outsourcing customers use a limited version of the Workflow solution. The workflow solution you use for outsourcing will receive the same update as the overall workflow solution. After the update, it will operate the same way you are used to, with a refreshed user interface.

If your firm is new to outsourcing or was formerly using CCH Outsource, you can learn more about using the Xpitax Tax Outsourcing workflow interface by attending one of our upcoming training webinars.