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Why 40,000+ Quebec SMBs Choose Acomba
You use Acomba for youraccounting. Just like nearly 40,000 Quebec businesses that trust it.
But here's the problem withyour accounting software.
Your data is trapped. Everyday, your team wastes hours manually re-entering the same information betweenyour CRM, your ERP, and Acomba. The same clients entered three times. The sameinvoices transcribed line by line. The same reports compiled by hand in Excel.
If you're losing between 15 and25 hours per month just copying data from one system to another, Acombaautomation could save you thousands of dollars annually.
There is a solution to connectAcomba to all your other software. No more copy-paste. No more triple entry. Nomore reports that take hours to compile. Just accounting software integrationthat automatically moves your data in real time while your team focuses on whattruly generates value.
Acomba has become the go-toaccounting software for manufacturing SMBs in Quebec. More than 1,200accounting firms work with this platform. It's no coincidence.
Acomba was designed forQuebec's reality. It understands our tax specificities. It speaks our language.It complies with our accounting standards.
But Acomba has an importantlimitation: it wasn't designed to work connected to other systems.
It's like having an excellentemployee who refuses to communicate with the rest of the team. Competent, yes.But working in a silo.
The Symptoms of an Isolated Acomba
You might recognize yoursituation:
Your sales rep closes a sale inyour CRM. Great! But now someone has to manually re-enter all the customerinformation into Acomba. Name, address, contact details, payment terms... Allby hand. 5 minutes per customer. Multiply that by 20 new customers per month.This is exactly the kind of task that should be automated to eliminate doubledata entry.
Your production systemgenerates a delivery note. Perfect! But now someone has to manually create theinvoice in Acomba by transcribing each line, each quantity, each price. 10 to15 minutes per invoice. You do 100 per month? Do the math.
Your manager wants aconsolidated report crossing sales, production, and accounting data. Someonehas to export data from Acomba automatically... Oh wait. It's manual. You haveto open Excel, copy-paste from three different systems, format, recalculate...Count 3 to 4 hours. And you have to do it again every week.
Sound familiar?
The Hidden Cost of Manual Data Entry and Data Copying
Let's do a quick calculationtogether.
A manufacturing SMB with 50-100employees spends an average of 15 to 25 hours per month on double (oreven triple) entry and manual copying of data between its different systems.
How does that break down?
• 5-8hours: re-entering customers/suppliers between systems
• 6-10hours: manual creation of invoices/purchase orders
• 4-7hours: compiling reports and manual exports
That's the equivalent of 180to 300 hours per year.
At $35/hour, that representsbetween $6,300 and $10,500 per year just in time lost copying data thatalready exists elsewhere.
Lost Time: The Real Invisible Problem
We often talk about the errorsthat manual data entry generates. It's true, errors are costly.
But the real problem, the onewe always underestimate, is time.
Think about it.
Every time someone has to copydata from one system to another:
• They stop what they're doing
• They log into the first system
• They find the data
• They log into the second system
• They copy the information
• They verify (because they're afraid of making mistakes)
• Theyreturn to what they were doing
It's not just "5 minutes of data entry." It's 5 minutes + context switching time + loss of concentration.
Administrative productivitystudies show that we lose an average of 23 minutes getting back to ourconcentration after an interruption.
Multiply that by the number oftimes you have to copy data each day. The lost time explodes.
And that's not counting theerrors that still happen (studies show 3 to 5% of manually entered datacontains errors) and that generate even more lost time to correct.
The Painful Example
Let's take a concrete case wesee often.
An administrative employeespends her mornings:
1. Openingthe CRM to see the previous day's new sales
2. Creatingeach new customer in Acomba manually
3. Openingthe production system to see completed deliveries
4. Creatingthe corresponding invoices in Acomba
5. Exportingreceived payment data
6. Enteringthem into the project management system to update budgets
Total? 3 hours. Every day.
It's not strategic work. It'snot work that generates value. It's just... copying data from one place toanother.
And meanwhile, the phone rings.Customers are waiting for answers. Emergencies pile up.
ExoConnect: The Gateway to Connect Acomba with an API
So how do you get your data outof Acomba and make it flow automatically?
That's where ExoConnect comes in.
What is ExoConnect?
ExoConnect is an application that acts as a gateway between Acomba and your other software. It's the solution to connect Acomba to other software even though the latter doesn't have a traditional public API.
Imagine a perfectly bilingualemployee who spends their days moving information between two colleagues whodon't speak the same language. That's exactly what ExoConnect does.
Acomba doesn't have a publicREST API like modern cloud software. It's a desktop platform that was createdbefore the era of automatic connectivity.
ExoConnect bypasses thislimitation by creating an Acomba API gateway that allows you to:
• ReadAcomba data (customers, suppliers, invoices, payments, accounting entries)
• Writedata to Acomba (new customers, new invoices, payments, entries)
• Synchronizethis data with any other software that has an API
All of this automatically, inreal time, without manual intervention. This is what we call true accountingsoftware integration.
To understand how your CRM,ERP, and accounting can work together harmoniously, see our complete guide on ERP+ CRM + Accounting integration.
ExoConnect vs ADX Import Files
You may know ADX files –Acomba's standard import format.
It's better than nothing. Butit's far from optimal.
With ADX files, you have to:
1. Exportyour data from your other system
2. Formatthe file according to Acomba's very precise specifications
3. Manuallyimport into Acomba
4. Checkfor errors
5. Fixproblems if there are any
6. Startover tomorrow
It's better than re-enteringeverything. But it's still manual and time-consuming.
ExoConnect lets you do all ofthis automatically. You configure the gateway's synchronization rules once, andthen it runs on its own thanks to your desired automations. No human intervention. No file to prepare. No manual import to do every day.
ExoConnect vs ACCEO Connecte
Maybe you've heard of ACCEOConnecte, the official platform from ACCEO (the company behind Acomba).
ACCEO Connecte works with AcombaGO, the cloud version of Acomba.
If you use Acomba classic (thedesktop version that the majority of Quebec SMBs use), ACCEO Connecte won'thelp you.
That's where ExoConnect makesthe difference: it works with Acomba classic, the one you already use.
5 Concrete Examples for Connecting Acomba with ExoConnect
Enough theory. Let's look atconcrete examples of what you can do.
1. CRM → Acomba Synchronization (Acomba CRM Integration)
Your current situation:
Your sales team uses a CRM likePipedrive or Monday.com. When they create a new customer, they then have to gointo Acomba and re-enter everything manually. 5 minutes per customer, 20customers per month = 100 minutes lost each month, just for that.
With ExoConnect:
New customer created in yourCRM → Automatic creation in Acomba with all information (name, address, contactdetails, payment terms, applicable taxes). Instant. Zero intervention. Whetheryou want to connect Monday to Acomba or sync Pipedrive, the principle remainsthe same: your systems finally talk to each other.
Using Monday.com? Discoverhow to connectMonday.com to your ERP and accounting.
The benefit:
No more customers"missing" in Acomba. No more oversights. Invoicing possibleimmediately after the sale. And above all: 100 minutes recovered each month.
2. Bidirectional Synchronization with Your ERP/MRP (Acomba ERP Integration)
Your current situation:
Your production planning system(MRP) and Acomba don't talk to each other. Result? Someone has to manually copyinventory data, production costs, purchase orders... in both directions. Easilycount 6-8 hours per week.
With ExoConnect:
Bidirectional real-time Acombasynchronization. A purchase order approved in your MRP? It appears in Acomba. Apayment recorded in Acomba? The status updates in your MRP. Both systems stayperfectly synchronized, automatically.
The benefit:
Real-time visibility on yourproduction costs. No more waiting until the end of the month to know if you'reprofitable. Easily save 25-30 hours per month.
3. Automatic Extraction for Management Dashboards
Your current situation:
Every week (or every month),your manager asks you for specific reports. They want to cross sales,production, and accounting data. You have to open Acomba, export data, openExcel, copy-paste, format... Count 3 to 4 hours each time.
With ExoConnect:
ExoConnect reads Acomba dataautomatically and feeds your dashboards in real time. Your KPIs are always upto date. Your charts update automatically. You open your dashboard andeverything is there, fresh from this morning.
The benefit:
No more last-minute requests to"pull the numbers." Your managers have access to real-time data,24/7. You easily save 10-15 hours per month just on report production.
4. Simplified Payroll Processing
Your current situation:
Your time management system(time clock, timesheets) and Acomba operate separately. At each pay period,someone has to compile hours, calculate manually, enter data into Acomba,verify, adjust... 4-5 hours per pay period, or 8-10 hours per month.
With ExoConnect:
Hours worked are automaticallyextracted from your time system and synchronized with Acomba. Payrollcalculations are done automatically with the correct rates. Accounting entriesare generated automatically.
The benefit:
Payroll processed in 30-45minutes instead of 4-5 hours. Fewer errors = fewer corrections = lessfrustration for your employees. Save 7-9 hours per month.
5. Automated Accounts Receivable Follow-up
Here's a real case weimplemented recently.
The problem:
A manufacturing SMB was wastinga huge amount of time on accounts receivable follow-up. Every week, someone hadto:
• Gointo Acomba to see who has overdue invoices
• Manuallycreate statements of account for each customer
• Sendpersonalized reminder emails
• Identifyaccounts to send to collections
20 hours per month. Just forthat.
The solution withExoConnect:
ExoConnect automatically readsAcomba data every day. It identifies:
• Invoicesoverdue by 30 days → Automatic friendly reminder email with attached statementof account
• Invoicesoverdue by 60 days → Firmer email with detailed statement of account
• Invoicesoverdue by 90 days → Notification to management team for decision on sending tocollections
The result:
• 18hours saved per month
• Zeromissed follow-ups (it's automatic, it never sleeps)
• Averagepayment delay reduced by 12 days
• Bettercustomer relationships (professional and systematic reminders)
All of this runs in thebackground, automatically, without human intervention.
Alternatives to ExoConnect
ExoConnect isn't the onlyoption for connecting Acomba to your other systems. Let's be honest and look atthe alternatives.
ADX Import Files
How it works:
You export your data from yoursource system in a specific format (structured text file). You manually importit into Acomba.
Advantages:
• Free(included with Acomba)
• Youkeep total control
Disadvantages:
• Manualprocess (it takes time every day)
• Subjectto formatting errors
• Noreal-time synchronization
• Youhave to remember to do it
When it makes sense:
If you need to do a one-timedata transfer (e.g., historical data migration), ADX files are perfect. But fordaily automation? You're going to waste your time.
ACCEO Connecte (for Acomba GO)
How it works:
If you use Acomba GO (the cloudversion), ACCEO offers its own integration platform.
Advantages:
• Officialsolution from ACCEO
• Wellintegrated with the Acomba GO ecosystem
Disadvantages:
• WorksONLY with Acomba GO
• Themajority of Quebec SMBs still use classic Acomba
When it makes sense:
If you're on Acomba GO or ifyou're planning to migrate to Acomba GO soon.
Custom Development
How it works:
You hire programmers to createa 100% customized integration between your systems.
Advantages:
• Totalflexibility
• Youcan do EXACTLY what you want
Disadvantages:
• Expensive(easily $40,000 to $100,000 depending on complexity)
• Longto develop (3 to 6 months minimum)
• Youhave to maintain the code long-term
• Riskif the programmer is no longer available
When it makes sense:
If you have very specific needsthat no packaged solution can meet. Or if your transaction volume justifies themassive investment.
For 90% of Quebec manufacturingSMBs, ExoConnect offers the best balance between flexibility, cost, anddeployment speed.
Your Questions About Acomba Integration (FAQ)
We often get the samequestions. Here are the answers.
Does Acomba have an official API?
Acomba has an SDK (Software Development Kit) but not a public REST API like modern cloud software.ExoConnect uses this SDK as well as other approved integration methods (ADXfiles, structured imports, direct database reads) to create reliable connectionsbetween Acomba and your other systems.
What is the difference between ExoConnect and ACCEO Connecte?
ACCEO Connecte is ACCEO'sofficial platform for connecting Acomba GO (cloud version). ExoConnect is a solution developed by a technology partner that works with classic Acomba(desktop or server version) and offers more flexibility for customized integrationstailored to the specific needs of manufacturers.
How long does a typical integration with ExoConnect take?
A simple integration (e.g., CRM→ Acomba) typically takes 2-4 weeks from planning to deployment. More complexprojects (multiple systems, custom business logic) can take 4-6 weeks. Thephased deployment methodology ensures risk-free deployment.
What software can connect to Acomba via ExoConnect?
ExoConnect can connect mostmodern software to Acomba: CRM (Pipedrive, Monday, HubSpot), manufacturing ERP,production management systems, e-commerce platforms, project management tools,time management systems, etc. If the software has an API or allows data export,integration is possible.
Is it secure? Who has access to my Acomba data?
ExoConnect operates on the"least privilege" principle: only necessary data is accessible.Connections are encrypted, logs are complete, and you control exactly whatinformation is synchronized. No external access to your Acomba database: everythingstays on your infrastructure or in secure cloud environments of your choice.You can even start in "read-only" mode to test without any risk.
What This Really Changes for Your Business
Beyond the hours saved,connecting Acomba to your other systems transforms how you work.
Better Cash Flow Management Thanks to Acomba Invoicing Automation
When your invoices go out onthe same day as delivery instead of 3-5 days later, your customers pay faster.
It's mathematical.
An invoice that goes out 3 dayslate means 3 more days before receiving payment. Over a year, that makes a hugedifference to your treasury.
Manufacturing SMBs oftenoperate with tight margins (3 to 8%). Improving your cash flow by a few dayscan make the difference between financing your growth yourself or having toborrow. That's why Acomba remains the most used Quebec SMB accounting softwarein manufacturing - and that's also why you need to connect it to your othersystems.
Real-Time Production Cost Control
When your production systemtalks directly with Acomba, you immediately know how much each productionactually costs you.
No need to wait until the endof the month to compile the data. You see costs in real time.
That changes everything fordecision-making. You can adjust your prices, negotiate with your suppliers,optimize your processes... with current data, not data that's 30 days old.
Decision-Making Based on Real Data
How many times have you said toyourself "I'd like to know..." and you gave up because it would taketoo long to compile the data?
With your connected systems andautomatic dashboards, you have the answers in a few clicks.
• Arewe profitable this month?
• Whichcustomer owes us the most money?
• Whichproduct costs us the most to produce?
• Arewe staying within budget?
The answers are there, in realtime. You make decisions based on facts, not intuition.
Easier Compliance and Traceability
Many manufacturers mustmaintain certifications (ISO 9001, etc.) that require complete traceability.
With data flowing automaticallybetween your systems, traceability becomes automatic too.
Every operation is logged.Every change is documented. Every transaction is tracked.
When the auditor arrives, youhave everything at hand. No need to dig through three different systems toreconstruct an order's history.
Multi-Site Visibility
If you have multiple productionsites or branches, consolidating your accounting data becomes a nightmarewithout automation.
With ExoConnect, each site canhave its local Acomba, and the data consolidates automatically into yourcorporate accounting.
You have a real-time overview.No need to wait for each site to manually send you their numbers.
Less Stress for Your Team and Improved Productivity
This is perhaps the leastquantifiable benefit, but the most important for improving your accountingdepartment's productivity.
Your accounting team spendstheir days copying data from one system to another? It's demotivating. Itgenerates stress. It increases turnover.
When you automate these tasks,you free your team to do real value-added work: analyzing, advising, improvingprocesses. You also reduce accounting entry errors that create even morefrustration when they need to be corrected.
Happier employees = lessturnover = better productivity = better profitability.
Ready to Connect Acomba and Recover Your Lost Hours?
You're probably losing hundredsof hours each year because of manual data copying between your systems.
Not to mention the lostconcentration time, the errors that still slip through, and your team's stress.
You've been telling yourselffor years that you should do something about it. You now have a simple andeasy-to-use option to solve the bottleneck in your business.
Contact us for a free demo andsee how we can help you get accounting software that works for you.
