Technology foundation
At the base of the pyramid is the infrastructure that makes everything else possible. CCH Axcess simplifies IT management with centralized updates, unified security, and open integration capabilities. This foundation reduces maintenance overhead and ensures your systems stay secure, compatible, and scalable.
- Simple installation and updates: The Install and Update Manager handles updates for all CCH Axcess components through one interface. Administrators can schedule automatic updates or trigger them manually, ensuring that all modules remain compatible and current.
- Consistent, centralized security settings: One login covers all modules, with firm-wide password policies and multi-factor authentication. Single Sign-On integration connects with your existing identity systems, and permission changes made in one place apply everywhere.
- Open integration: APIs connect CCH Axcess with external CRMs, ERPs, and industry tools. Firms can build custom applications or use third-party integrations from the CCH Marketplace to extend functionality without custom development.
This layer ensures your technology works together seamlessly, so your team can focus on client service instead of system maintenance.
Core operations
With a solid foundation in place, firms can streamline their core operations. CCH Axcess uses a unified client database to eliminate duplicate data entry and improve accuracy across every module. This dramatically reduces administrative overhead and improves the client experience.
- 360° client visibility: The integrated Client Dashboard puts everything your team needs on one screen — open engagements, deadlines, billing status, contact details, linked documents, and portal activity.
- Automatic data flow: Client demographics and contact information entered once flow automatically to CCH Axcess™ Tax, CCH Axcess™ Practice, CCH Axcess™ Engagement, CCH Axcess™ Document and other modules.
- Fewer errors and manual updates: Changes to client records appear instantly across all systems, eliminating the need for staff to remember to update multiple platforms.
This layer ensures that everyone in the firm works with current information, enabling seamless handoffs between departments and faster, more accurate service.
People and productivity
Next comes the human layer — your staff. CCH Axcess centralizes staff setup and empowers individuals with personalized dashboards tailored to their roles. This improves onboarding, simplifies access management, and boosts daily productivity.
- Centralized staff manager: Instead of setting up accounts across multiple systems, administrators manage everything through one interface. Security groups define access levels, and new hires inherit permissions automatically.
- Predefined security groups: Whether you’re onboarding seasonal staff or promoting someone internally, role-based access ensures that everyone has the right tools without overexposure.
- Personalized dashboards: Each staff member configures their workspace to match how they work. Tax preparers see assigned returns and diagnostic alerts, while managers track team workloads and deadlines.
This layer helps your team spend less time navigating software and more time serving clients. It also ensures consistency across roles and locations, making it easier to scale your workforce during busy seasons.
Strategic growth
At the top of the pyramid is the ability to scale. CCH Axcess supports firm-wide consistency and visibility, enabling smarter decisions and smoother expansion. Whether you're a three-person practice or a 100+ staff enterprise, the platform adapts to your structure and growth trajectory.
- Flexible organizational structure: Model your firm’s hierarchy using customizable levels — firm, region, office, and business unit. This ensures that staff see only the work relevant to their location, while partners gain visibility across the entire organization.
- Standardized categories: Centralized management of lists and notes ensures consistent engagement statuses, note types, and client classifications across all offices. This improves reporting accuracy and simplifies training.
- Configurable notifications: Smart alerts keep the right people informed at the right time. Partners receive updates when client records change, managers get notified about staff reassignments, and service teams stay in sync with engagement status changes.
This layer turns your data into insight and your processes into a competitive advantage. It enables proactive client service, better resource allocation, and firm-wide alignment.
Why it works
Each layer of the pyramid reinforces the others. A secure, low-maintenance foundation enables streamlined operations. Streamlined operations empower productive staff. Productive staff drive strategic growth. That’s the power of integration — and the reason firms using CCH Axcess are reclaiming thousands of hours, improving client service, and scaling with confidence.
