Prepared-by-Client (PBC) requests are the backbone of every audit. But how you manage them determines whether your engagement runs smoothly or gets bogged down with emails, portal logins, and manual handoffs.

Two popular solutions – Suralink's Request List Management and DataSnipper’s UpLink - approach the PBC process differently. Both centralize document exchange, but the workflows, integrations, and client experience tell a different story.

If you’re comparing options (and looking for objective truth), here’s what you need to know.

Why traditional PBC workflows don’t cut it

PBC requests are supposed to make audits smoother. But for many teams, they’ve become another source of headache. Reviewers point to the same issues again and again.

Request lists feel rigid, making it hard to adapt when an engagement changes. The client portal experience, while familiar, often leads to confusion - some clients still default to email because logging in and uploading isn’t always straightforward.

And rolling forward requests from year to year is mostly manual, which creates errors and slows down kickoff.

The result is extra admin for the audit team and slower responses from clients - the exact opposite of what PBC software is meant to deliver.

Three benefits of using UpLink as PBC tool

Now that we’ve mentioned why traditional PBC workflows aren’t enough – let us break down why UpLink, DataSnipper’s PBC tool is chosen by auditors worldwide.

Workflow integration in Excel

With UpLink, request lists connect directly into Excel and the DataSnipper platform, so your team works in the tools they already use. That means no exporting, no juggling platforms, and no breaking your audit trail.

Smarter request management

Requests aren’t just lists - they’re dynamic. Once an engagement is uploaded, requests are automatically categorized and sorted through UpLink’s Excel template.

Effortless client collaboration

‍Instead of training clients on another portal, UpLink lets them share documents through any drive clients see fit – whether it’s local desktop or their cloud drive like SharePoint. They upload files, you get a secure audit trail, and nobody wastes time troubleshooting portal logins. Learn more about secure file sharing for accountants.

The smarter choice for PBC Requests

Suralink offers a familiar portal for organizing requests. UpLink builds and delivers on that idea with modern client experience in mind with no logins headaches. You get handy automatic reminders, and a centralized evidence workspace that’s made with true user experience in mind.

The client-facing dashboard helps both sides track progress, making communication smoother and collaboration smarter. Combined with Excel-native design and AI-powered request handling, audit workflows with less effort and more accuracy.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Every firm’s needs are different, which is why we’ve compiled an additional guide to the top five PBC platforms - so you can decide what’s best for your team’s productivity.

When deadlines are tight and client expectations are higher than ever, the difference isn’t small. It’s the difference between managing lists and managing your workflow with confidence.

If you’re curious to see how UpLink can change your PBC game – you’re a few clicks away. Book a demo and we’ll tell you more!