Begin the IT transition process early.

In many mergers, the best policy has been to replace the firm’s hardware with that of the acquiring firm.

Generally it is more efficient to use one tax program, one audit application, one e-mail system, and one document management system.

Sometimes not all data will be converted to the new system; therefore, retain some old computers with the former applications so it is possible to look back at prior years’ information.

When discarding old equipment, special procedures are necessary to eliminate client data. Just deleting old files is not enough.

Training is critical. Consider treating merged personnel as new hires for training and orientation purposes. In addition to training them on the new hardware, software, remote access, document filing, back-up procedures, e-mail, etc., you need to train them on policies and operating standards.

From Accounting Today, January 30, 2006. For the complete article, click on the following link: http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?articleid=18654&;pg=acctoday.