Attache was a solid Australian accounting and business management solution for decades. Many Australian businesses - particularly mid-size companies in distribution, manufacturing, and services - relied on Attache for financials, inventory, payroll, and job costing. It did what it needed to do.
Then MYOB acquired Attache. Since the acquisition, Attache has been in maintenance mode - no new features, limited support, and a clear direction that MYOB wants existing Attache customers to move to their own product range. If you're still running Attache, the question isn't whether to migrate, it's where to migrate and when.
Where Attache Stands Today
- Maintenance mode - No new features. Bug fixes and compliance updates only (tax table changes, STP updates).
- Support winding down - MYOB continues to provide some support for existing customers, but the depth and responsiveness is decreasing.
- No cloud version - Attache remains on-premise only. No web access, no mobile access, no cloud hosting option from MYOB.
- Compliance risk - As Australian regulations change (STP Phase 2, e-invoicing, updated super requirements), there's increasing risk that Attache won't keep up.
- Integration challenges - Modern tools and services often don't support Attache integrations. Finding developers who know Attache is getting harder each year.
The bottom line: Attache still works for now, but the window is closing. Each year you delay migration, the risk of compliance gaps, support gaps, and integration problems increases.
Migration Options
Where you migrate depends on your business size, complexity, and what you need beyond basic accounting:
MYOB Advanced (Acumatica)
MYOB's enterprise product built on the Acumatica platform. Best for larger Attache users who need ERP-level features - multi-entity, advanced inventory, project accounting, and manufacturing.
- Cloud-based with full web and mobile access
- Strong inventory and distribution features
- Multi-currency and multi-entity support
- MYOB's recommended path for larger Attache users
MYOB Business
MYOB's mid-market product. Good for businesses that used Attache primarily for accounting and payroll without heavy inventory or manufacturing needs.
Xero
If your business has simplified since you first set up Attache, Xero might be the right move. Cloud-native, excellent ecosystem, strong Australian support. Better for businesses under 50 employees with straightforward accounting needs.
Wiise (Business Central)
Australian cloud ERP built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Good for Attache users who need real ERP functionality (inventory, manufacturing, jobs) but want a modern cloud platform. See our Wiise guide for more detail.
Other Options
Depending on your industry, NetSuite, Pronto Xi, or industry-specific solutions may be better fits. Distribution businesses might look at Pronto Xi. Growing businesses might consider NetSuite.
The Migration Process
- Assessment - What modules do you use? What data do you need to migrate? What integrations exist? What's your chart of accounts structure?
- Platform selection - Based on your needs, budget, and growth plans. Don't let a vendor push you to their product without considering alternatives.
- Data mapping - Map your Attache chart of accounts, customer/supplier records, inventory items, and custom fields to the new platform.
- Data extraction - Export data from Attache. This includes open transactions, historical data, employee records, and contacts.
- Configuration - Set up the new platform with your chart of accounts, tax codes, payment terms, and business rules.
- Data loading - Import extracted data into the new system. Validate totals match.
- Testing - Run parallel for at least one month. Process transactions in both systems and compare results.
- Training - Staff need to learn the new system before go-live. Don't underestimate this.
- Go-live - Cut over to the new system. Keep Attache accessible (read-only) for historical reference.
Migration Pitfalls
- Historical data decisions - You rarely need to migrate every historical transaction. Decide what period of history you actually need vs archiving.
- Chart of accounts cleanup - Migration is the perfect time to clean up your chart of accounts. Don't replicate decades of accumulated mess into a new system.
- Timing - Plan migration around your financial year end or BAS period end to simplify the cut-over.
- Payroll considerations - Payroll migration has its own complexities around YTD figures, leave balances, and superannuation. Get this right.
How HELLO PEOPLE Can Help
We're a Perth-based software company with 18+ years of experience in accounting system migrations, integration, and support for Australian businesses.
Our Attache Migration Services
- Migration assessment - Review your Attache environment and recommend the best target platform for your specific business
- Data migration - Extract, transform, and load your Attache data into your new system
- Platform independent advice - We're not locked to any vendor. We'll recommend what's genuinely best for your business
- Integration development - Rebuild your Attache integrations for the new platform
- Training & support - Get your team productive on the new system
- Parallel run support - Help during the critical parallel processing period
Free migration assessment. We'll review your Attache setup and give you a clear picture of your migration options and costs. Get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Attache still supported?
In maintenance mode only. Limited support from MYOB, no new features, compliance updates only. The product is not being actively developed.
What should I migrate to?
It depends on your size and complexity. MYOB Advanced for larger ERP needs, Xero for simpler accounting, Wiise/Business Central for cloud ERP, or other options depending on your industry. Ask us for specific advice.
How long does migration take?
Typically 2-6 months including assessment, data migration, parallel processing, and go-live. Simpler environments are faster. Plan around your financial year end if possible.
Summary
Attache served Australian businesses well for many years, but it's time to move on. The longer you wait, the harder the migration gets and the greater the compliance risk. We can help you assess your options, migrate your data, and get running on a modern platform. Book a free migration assessment.