Intuit provides the QuickBooks Online Sandbox as a separate environment. It allows businesses, if they want to test out QuickBooks features, without messing up their real data. Sandbox is a must have tool for software vendors and developers who are willing to explore new functionalities or check out new versions.
This article’s information will assist you in describing the sandbox concept, the way to use it, and the reasons QBO sandbox is used for testing. So, go through this article for a better understanding of QuickBooks Online Sandbox.
What is QuickBooks Online Sandbox?
QuickBooks Online Sandbox is essentially a copy of the QuickBooks Online environment that allows users to carry out various tasks with sample company data. It is a virtual business environment that automatically syncs with the latest version of QuickBooks Online and can be reset at any time. Since it replicates real-time workflows, testing any activity like generating invoices, recording expenses. You can deal with Third-party apps that will not affect your real QuickBooks account. Thus, this is the perfect tool to use for learning, fixing problems, and creating new features.
Why use the QuickBooks Online Sandbox?
Using the QuickBooks Online Sandbox provides various options to the user. There are some uses of QuickBooks Online Sandbox.
- Its allow users to learn QBO features without money risk.
- Give developers the facility to test API integrations.
- Help accountants to practice the workflow before the actual one.
- Offer a full, safe environment for the training of new employees.
- Help with sync error and correcting them in a secure area.
How to Access QuickBooks Online Sandbox?
Go through these steps for a better understanding of how to access QuickBooks Online Sandbox.
1. Sign in with your Intuit Developer Account
You can not use the Sandbox without an Intuit Developer account. So, first, you need to know the Intuit Developer platform and sign in with your existing username and password there. If you are new to the service, then simply sign up with your email address.
2. Make a Brand New Sandbox Company
Once you have signed in, access the dashboard and go to the Sandbox section. It is the place where, via creating one or more fake companies, you can test and develop your ideas. These companies are automatically loaded with examples of the real world, like invoices, expenses, customers, and vendors.
3. Select the QuickBooks Product Type
Depending on what kind of company you want to test, you may choose either QuickBooks Online Plus, Essentials, or Advanced. What is more, if you pick up the right product, you will be able to simulate features offered by that specific version.
4. Start the Sandbox Company
Hit the Sandbox company to extend it with the information you need. The next page is a QBO interface with which I am sure you are familiar. Because it is the same as the real QuickBooks Online dashboard. You cannot break anything here, as all your actions are limited to the Sandbox environment.
How to Use QuickBooks Online Sandbox for Testing?
It’s useful for testing, allowing multiple users to use the QuickBooks Online Sandbox for testing. Go through these steps on how to use the QBO sandbox for testing.
Testing Basic Accounting Tasks
- Generate and Modify Invoices: Top over the invoicing dashboard and make a new invoice for any sample customer. Change fields, add products and services, and try out your modifications.
- Record Expenses and Bills: click the “+ New” button to add bills, expenses, or vendor payments. It will help you maintain entering payables and tracking vendor balances.
- Explore Reports: You need to access the main reports, like Profit and Loss Report, Balance Sheet Reports, and Sales Reports. It allows you to understand how transactions impact financial reports.
Testing Integrations and Automation
- Connect External Apps: QBO Sandbox will support API testing, giving access to integrate applications safely. Developers can connect apps to test syncing data, invoice creation, or payment processing.
- Try Workflow Automation: You can try creating rules, importing transactions report, and you can verify how automated categorization works without committing wrong entries in your actual books.
Resetting Your Sandbox Company
- In case your Sandbox file is messy or you want to start over, simply reset the company. The reset process will return you to the initial sample data and will erase all your testing entries; therefore, it will provide you with a clean environment once again.
Best Tips for Using QuickBooks Online Sandbox
- Always keep this point in your mind before using the QBO Sandbox.
- New workflows should always be tested in the Sandbox before they are applied in the live file.
- Different Sandbox companies should be used for different projects.
- Document changes thoroughly while conducting integration testing.
- Regularly reset the Sandbox to keep testing sessions well organized.
- It’s always training new team members in the Sandbox. So that no mistakes are made with real data.
Conclusion
QuickBooks Online Sandbox is an awesome tool that allow accountants, developers, and learners to try out and test real QuickBooks workflows in a completely safe manner and without the risk of harming actual financial data. You can easily access the QBO sandbox by signing in or signup the account and creating your own company. Through the use of the Sandbox, you are also able to create test companies, reset data, and experiment with workflows. This significant information guides you and provides a full overview of the QuickBooks Online sandbox.