Recently, while training a client, I was surprised by a very different QBO Navigation Bar. We've become accustomed to frequent updates. Often they mean additional features, or more intuitive design. But the most recent update to the Navigation Bar seems neither. I'll explain why.
About a year ago, Business View was added as a toggle option to simplify the client's navigation into words more recognizable to end-users. At first, there were only a few changes. For example, instead of the Bank Center, the Business View used the term Transactions. But the newest Business View updates require more clicks to gain access to dashboards such as Customer Dashboard.
In addition, the common Navigation Centers have been replaced with groups in which Center live. My client found this confusing and ultimately frustrating for navigation.
A look at the changes
As you can see below, instead of clicking the Sales Center to locate standard dashboards, you must first figure out which new grouping the Sales Center would likely live. Luckily, there is an option to switch back to Accountant View. The new grouping named The Business overview menu now is home to the Cash flow, Reports, Planner and Projects Centers.
The grouping I find most confusing is the Paid & Pay, which encompasses the Vendors, Sales and Time Centers. The Bookkeeping group includes Transactions, the Chart of Accounts and Tags Centers.
So why the changes?
It is believed these new groupings are more likely to have meaning to clients. My response: I'm grateful I can toggle the View for my clients to reduce an unnecessary additional click.
As of now, the new client experience actively rolled out to new QBO subscribers. What about the rest of the users? By mid-2022, existing QBO users will have this unique navigation experience too.
I encourage you to look at your new subscribers to view their navigation experience and walk them through the new groupings. If they experience the same level of confusion as my client, you need to be available to show them the option to switch to the Accountant View.
What do you think?
The QuickBooks ProAdvisor Teams are looking for feedback. I'm curious what your thoughts are about groups. Do your clients find it helpful? I want to hear from you, so please post your comments to this article.