How to Migrate from ActionFlow to SlabWise
Migrating from ActionFlow to SlabWise takes 2-3 weeks for most fabrication shops. The process involves exporting your job records, customer data, and inventory from ActionFlow, then mapping and importing that data into SlabWise with a dedicated onboarding specialist. You'll run both systems side by side for about a week before making the full switch.
TL;DR
- Timeline: 2-3 weeks from signup to full cutover
- Parallel operation: 5-7 days running both systems simultaneously
- Zero downtime: Your shop operations continue uninterrupted throughout
- Monthly savings: Shops switching from ActionFlow report $3,000-$8,000/month in operational savings
- Included support: Dedicated onboarding specialist handles the technical migration work
- Training: 3 role-specific live sessions plus on-demand video library
- Free trial: 14 days to test before committing
Why Fabrication Shops Leave ActionFlow
ActionFlow prices its plans between $200 and $350 per month and handles basic job tracking and scheduling. But as shops push for tighter margins and faster turnaround, several limitations become costly.
Where ActionFlow Falls Short
| Area | ActionFlow | SlabWise |
|---|---|---|
| Template verification | Manual review process | AI 3-layer check catches errors before cutting |
| Slab optimization | Standard layout tools | AI nesting improves yield by 10-15% |
| Customer communication | Email/phone only | Self-service customer portal (70% fewer calls) |
| Quoting speed | 10-15 minutes typical | Quick Quote in 3 minutes |
| Monthly cost | $200-$350 | $199 Standard / $349 Enterprise |
When the average remake costs $1,500-$4,000, and most shops deal with 2-4 per month, the savings from AI-powered template verification alone can cover your entire software cost multiple times over.
Before You Start: Preparation Checklist
Gather These Items from ActionFlow
- Customer database export -- all contacts with addresses, phone numbers, and emails
- Open job records -- every active and scheduled job
- Completed job history -- minimum 12 months for reporting continuity
- Slab inventory -- current stock with material type, dimensions, and pricing
- Quote and pricing templates -- your rate structures and formulas
- Document attachments -- photos, drawings, contracts tied to jobs
Key Questions for Your Kickoff Call
- How many active jobs are currently in ActionFlow?
- Which team members need accounts, and what are their roles?
- Do you connect ActionFlow to any accounting or CRM software?
- What's your typical monthly job volume?
The Migration Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Start Your Trial and Schedule Kickoff (Day 1)
Sign up for SlabWise's 14-day free trial. You'll be matched with an onboarding specialist within 24 hours. The kickoff call takes about 30 minutes and covers your current workflow, data scope, and migration timeline.
Step 2: Export Data from ActionFlow (Days 2-4)
ActionFlow stores data in a structured format that exports to CSV files. Your onboarding specialist provides a checklist of exactly which exports you need and walks you through ActionFlow's export screens if needed.
Key exports:
- Customer records (CSV)
- Job data with status fields (CSV)
- Inventory listings (CSV)
- Pricing and template data (may require manual documentation)
Step 3: Data Import and Field Mapping (Days 4-8)
The SlabWise onboarding team takes your exported files and maps ActionFlow's data fields to SlabWise's structure. This is a critical step because the two platforms organize certain data differently.
Common mapping differences include:
- Job status terminology and workflow stages
- How customer contacts link to job records
- Material categorization and naming
- Measurement and pricing field formats
Your specialist runs a verification report comparing imported records against the original exports to catch any discrepancies.
Step 4: Configure Your SlabWise Account (Days 5-10)
While data imports process, you'll set up the features that make SlabWise different from ActionFlow:
- Quick Quote templates: Rebuild your pricing structures in SlabWise's 3-minute quoting engine
- Customer portal branding: Add your logo, colors, and company info to the self-service portal
- AI nesting preferences: Set material priorities and waste tolerance thresholds
- User permissions: Create accounts for each team member with role-based access
- Notification rules: Configure automated alerts for job milestones and status changes
- Accounting integration: Connect QuickBooks, Xero, or your preferred accounting tool
Step 5: Run Both Systems in Parallel (Days 10-15)
Enter every new job in both ActionFlow and SlabWise for 5-7 business days. This overlap period serves two purposes: it builds your team's confidence and creates a safety net if anyone has questions.
During parallel operation:
- Process at least 10 jobs through SlabWise end to end
- Run the AI template verification on actual templates
- Use AI nesting for real upcoming cuts
- Test the customer portal with 3-5 trusted customers or contractors
- Have every user complete their training module
Step 6: Cut Over to SlabWise (Days 15-20)
When your team is ready, stop dual-entry and use SlabWise exclusively. Your onboarding specialist stays available for 30 days post-cutover for troubleshooting and optimization.
Step 7: Cancel ActionFlow (Day 28+)
After at least one full week running SlabWise as your only system, cancel ActionFlow. Archive your ActionFlow data exports for future reference.
Data Transfer Details
| Data Category | Transfers? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Customer contacts | Yes | Full records with addresses and communication history |
| Active jobs | Yes | All open, scheduled, and in-progress jobs |
| Job history | Yes | 12+ months recommended for reporting |
| Slab inventory | Yes | Stock levels, dimensions, material types |
| Pricing templates | Partial | Structure imports; formula logic rebuilt in Quick Quote |
| Custom workflows | No | Rebuilt using SlabWise's workflow builder |
| Third-party integrations | No | New connections configured in SlabWise |
| File attachments | Yes | Photos, drawings, signed documents |
Training Plan
Three included live sessions cover everything your team needs:
Session 1 -- Front Office (60 min) Job creation, customer management, Quick Quote operation, customer portal setup, and daily dashboard usage.
Session 2 -- Shop Floor (45 min) AI template verification walkthroughs, slab nesting optimization, cut scheduling, and inventory tracking.
Session 3 -- Owners and Managers (45 min) Financial reporting, margin analysis, waste tracking, team performance metrics, and ROI dashboards.
Your team also gets access to 40+ on-demand video tutorials and a searchable knowledge base.
What You Gain After Switching
Immediate Wins (First 30 Days)
- Fewer phone calls: The customer portal gives homeowners and contractors 24/7 project visibility, reducing those 8-15 daily status calls by roughly 70%
- Faster quotes: Quick Quote cuts your average quoting time from 15-20 minutes to about 3 minutes per estimate
- Better material yield: AI slab nesting starts saving material on your very first optimized layout
Long-Term Benefits (Months 2-6)
- Reduced remakes: AI template verification catches measurement and specification errors that lead to $1,500-$4,000 remakes
- Lower material costs: 10-15% improvement in slab yield across all jobs adds up quickly at $40-$120 per square foot
- Operational savings: Shops typically save $3,000-$8,000 per month from combined efficiency gains
FAQ
How long does it take to migrate from ActionFlow to SlabWise?
Most shops complete the migration in 2-3 weeks. The data transfer itself takes about a week, with additional time for configuration, training, and the parallel operation period where you run both systems.
Will I lose any data during the transfer?
No. Your onboarding specialist runs a verification report after every data import, comparing the imported records to your original ActionFlow exports. Any discrepancies are flagged and corrected before you start using SlabWise.
Does the migration cost anything extra?
Migration and onboarding are included with your SlabWise subscription at no additional cost. There are no setup fees, import charges, or consulting fees for the onboarding specialist's time.
Can I try SlabWise before canceling ActionFlow?
Absolutely. The 14-day free trial and the parallel operation period are designed specifically for this. You keep ActionFlow running throughout the migration and only cancel once you're fully confident in SlabWise.
What if my team struggles with the new software?
The role-specific training sessions focus on each team member's daily tasks, not the entire platform. Most users report feeling comfortable within 3-5 days. Your onboarding specialist is also available for one-on-one follow-up sessions if anyone needs extra help.
How does SlabWise pricing compare to ActionFlow?
ActionFlow charges $200-$350/month. SlabWise Standard is $199/month and includes AI template verification, AI slab nesting, customer portal, and Quick Quote -- features that ActionFlow doesn't offer at any price tier.
Can I import data in stages rather than all at once?
Yes. Many shops start with customers and active jobs, then import historical data afterward. Your specialist adapts the migration plan to whatever pace you're comfortable with.
Do my existing customers need to do anything during the switch?
No. The transition is invisible to your customers. Once you activate the customer portal, you can invite customers to create accounts for self-service status tracking -- but this is entirely optional and happens at your pace.
What integrations does SlabWise support?
SlabWise connects with major accounting platforms including QuickBooks and Xero. Additional integrations are available for CRM tools, calendar systems, and material supplier catalogs. Your specialist helps configure all connections during setup.
Will SlabWise work with my existing hardware?
SlabWise is cloud-based and runs in any modern web browser. It works on desktops, laptops, and tablets. No special hardware or local software installation is required.
Start Your Migration Today
Sign up for a 14-day free trial and get paired with a dedicated onboarding specialist who'll manage your ActionFlow migration from end to end. No credit card needed, no long-term contracts, and zero disruption to your daily operations.
Sources
- ActionFlow official website -- feature overview and pricing (actionflow.com)
- Natural Stone Institute -- 2025 fabrication technology adoption survey
- Marble Institute of America -- industry remake cost benchmarks
- Stone World Magazine -- shop operational efficiency data 2025
- SlabWise onboarding records -- migration timeline averages, 2025-2026
- Freedonia Group -- U.S. countertop market size and growth analysis