Quick Overview
- 1#1: Salesforce - Comprehensive CRM and PSA platform for managing client relationships, projects, and services in consultancies.
- 2#2: Jira - Agile project management and issue tracking tool essential for software development consultancies.
- 3#3: Dynamics 365 - Integrated CRM, ERP, and project operations suite for end-to-end consulting business management.
- 4#4: monday.com - Customizable work management platform for planning, tracking, and reporting consulting projects.
- 5#5: Asana - Flexible work management tool for organizing tasks, timelines, and teams in consulting workflows.
- 6#6: Accelo - Professional services automation platform unifying sales, projects, time tracking, and billing for consultancies.
- 7#7: BigTime - Resource management and PSA software for budgeting, scheduling, and invoicing in service firms.
- 8#8: Harvest - Time tracking and invoicing tool tailored for accurate billing and profitability in consultancies.
- 9#9: Slack - Real-time messaging platform for seamless communication and collaboration across consulting teams.
- 10#10: Notion - All-in-one workspace for documentation, databases, and lightweight project management in consultancies.
Tools were selected and ranked based on depth of features (including project management, time tracking, and client relationship management), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value proposition for consultancies of varying sizes.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features, usability, and practical fit of top consultancy software tools, including Salesforce, Jira, Dynamics 365, monday.com, Asana, and more. Readers will gain clarity to identify tools that align with their project management, client collaboration, and workflow needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salesforce Comprehensive CRM and PSA platform for managing client relationships, projects, and services in consultancies. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Jira Agile project management and issue tracking tool essential for software development consultancies. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Dynamics 365 Integrated CRM, ERP, and project operations suite for end-to-end consulting business management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | monday.com Customizable work management platform for planning, tracking, and reporting consulting projects. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Asana Flexible work management tool for organizing tasks, timelines, and teams in consulting workflows. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Accelo Professional services automation platform unifying sales, projects, time tracking, and billing for consultancies. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | BigTime Resource management and PSA software for budgeting, scheduling, and invoicing in service firms. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | Harvest Time tracking and invoicing tool tailored for accurate billing and profitability in consultancies. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Slack Real-time messaging platform for seamless communication and collaboration across consulting teams. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Notion All-in-one workspace for documentation, databases, and lightweight project management in consultancies. | other | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
Comprehensive CRM and PSA platform for managing client relationships, projects, and services in consultancies.
Agile project management and issue tracking tool essential for software development consultancies.
Integrated CRM, ERP, and project operations suite for end-to-end consulting business management.
Customizable work management platform for planning, tracking, and reporting consulting projects.
Flexible work management tool for organizing tasks, timelines, and teams in consulting workflows.
Professional services automation platform unifying sales, projects, time tracking, and billing for consultancies.
Resource management and PSA software for budgeting, scheduling, and invoicing in service firms.
Time tracking and invoicing tool tailored for accurate billing and profitability in consultancies.
Real-time messaging platform for seamless communication and collaboration across consulting teams.
All-in-one workspace for documentation, databases, and lightweight project management in consultancies.
Salesforce
enterpriseComprehensive CRM and PSA platform for managing client relationships, projects, and services in consultancies.
Salesforce Platform's declarative customization, enabling consultancies to rapidly build bespoke apps for project management and client portals without developers.
Salesforce is a comprehensive cloud-based CRM platform that empowers consultancies to manage client relationships, sales pipelines, project delivery, and service operations all in one ecosystem. It offers extensive customization through its Lightning platform, allowing firms to build tailored apps for resource management, billing, and knowledge sharing without heavy coding. With AI-driven insights via Einstein and seamless integrations via AppExchange, it scales from small boutiques to global enterprises, making it the gold standard for consultancy software.
Pros
- Unmatched customization and scalability via Low-Code/No-Code tools
- Vast ecosystem with 7,000+ AppExchange integrations
- Powerful AI analytics for client insights and forecasting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High cost, especially for advanced features and customizations
- Potential vendor lock-in due to proprietary ecosystem
Best For
Mid-to-large consultancies needing a fully customizable, enterprise-grade platform for client management, project tracking, and growth.
Pricing
Starts at $25/user/month (Essentials), $75 (Professional), $150 (Enterprise), up to $300+ (Unlimited); custom pricing for add-ons like Einstein AI.
Jira
enterpriseAgile project management and issue tracking tool essential for software development consultancies.
Unmatched workflow customization via automation rules, custom fields, and 3,000+ Atlassian Marketplace apps
Jira, developed by Atlassian, is a robust project management and issue-tracking platform primarily designed for agile software development but adaptable for various project types. It provides tools like Scrum and Kanban boards, backlogs, roadmaps, and customizable workflows to plan, track, and manage tasks efficiently. For consultancies, it supports client project oversight, resource allocation, time tracking integrations, and detailed reporting to ensure deliverables align with timelines and budgets.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and issue types tailored to consultancy processes
- Extensive integrations with tools like Slack, Confluence, and time-tracking apps
- Advanced reporting and roadmaps for portfolio-level consultancy management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users and initial setup complexity
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams beyond the free tier
- Interface can feel overwhelming with cluttered boards on complex projects
Best For
Mid-to-large consultancies managing multiple complex client projects with agile or hybrid methodologies requiring deep customization.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Standard at $8.15/user/month; Premium at $16/user/month (billed annually).
Dynamics 365
enterpriseIntegrated CRM, ERP, and project operations suite for end-to-end consulting business management.
Project Operations app that unifies project planning, resource management, expense tracking, and invoicing in one intelligent hub
Dynamics 365 is Microsoft's cloud-based suite of intelligent business applications that combines CRM, ERP, and operations management into a unified platform. It includes specialized modules like Project Operations for consultancies, enabling project planning, resource allocation, time tracking, invoicing, and client collaboration. Deep integration with Microsoft tools such as Teams, Power BI, and Copilot provides AI-driven insights and automation to streamline consultancy workflows.
Pros
- Highly customizable with Power Platform for tailored consultancy workflows
- Robust Project Operations module for end-to-end project management and billing
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem for enhanced collaboration
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring expert implementation
- High licensing costs that may not suit small consultancies
- Overwhelming interface with too many features for basic needs
Best For
Large consulting firms needing scalable, integrated CRM, ERP, and project management capabilities.
Pricing
Per-user per-month subscriptions starting at $65 for Sales Enterprise or $120+ for Project Operations, with volume discounts and custom enterprise pricing.
monday.com
enterpriseCustomizable work management platform for planning, tracking, and reporting consulting projects.
No-code automations that trigger actions across boards, apps, and integrations to automate consultancy processes like status updates and invoicing.
monday.com is a versatile work operating system that uses visual boards, timelines, and dashboards to manage projects, tasks, and workflows. For consultancies, it enables client pipeline tracking, resource allocation, billable hours logging, and team collaboration with customizable templates for services like strategy, implementation, and support. Its no-code automations and 200+ integrations make it adaptable for complex consultancy operations without heavy IT involvement.
Pros
- Highly customizable boards and templates tailored for consultancy workflows like client onboarding and project delivery
- Robust no-code automations and integrations that streamline repetitive tasks and connect with CRM/ERP tools
- Real-time collaboration features including guest access for clients and advanced dashboards for oversight
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams or advanced features needed in scale-up consultancies
- Steep learning curve for mastering complex automations and custom apps
- Native reporting and analytics require higher-tier plans or third-party integrations
Best For
Mid-sized consultancy firms needing a flexible, visual platform to manage multiple client projects, teams, and deliverables efficiently.
Pricing
Free for individuals; paid plans start at $9/user/month (Basic, annual billing), Standard $12/user/month, Pro $19/user/month, with Enterprise custom pricing.
Asana
enterpriseFlexible work management tool for organizing tasks, timelines, and teams in consulting workflows.
Portfolios for high-level visibility across multiple client projects and resource allocation
Asana is a comprehensive work management platform that enables teams to organize tasks, projects, and workflows using lists, boards, timelines, and calendars. It excels in tracking progress, assigning responsibilities, and automating routine processes, making it well-suited for consultancies handling multiple client engagements. With custom fields, portfolios, and extensive integrations, it supports structured project delivery from planning to execution.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and templates for client projects
- Visual tools like timelines and portfolios for oversight
- Seamless integrations with tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and Salesforce
Cons
- Lacks native time tracking and invoicing for full consultancy billing
- Advanced reporting and workload features require higher plans
- Can become complex for very large-scale enterprise consultancies
Best For
Small to mid-sized consultancies focused on project delivery and team collaboration without needing built-in CRM or financial tools.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium $10.99/user/month; Business $24.99/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom.
Accelo
specializedProfessional services automation platform unifying sales, projects, time tracking, and billing for consultancies.
Advanced retainer management with automated invoicing and profitability tracking
Accelo is an all-in-one professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for consultancies, agencies, and service firms. It integrates CRM, project management, time tracking, invoicing, billing, and customer support to streamline operations from lead to cash. The software emphasizes workflow automation and retainer management, enabling teams to deliver services efficiently while maintaining profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end automation for sales, projects, and billing
- Robust retainer and recurring revenue management
- Integrated ticketing and helpdesk for client support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full customization and setup
- Higher pricing for advanced features
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Mid-sized consultancies and agencies needing a unified platform for client lifecycle management and retainer-based billing.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Quick plan), up to $99/user/month (Pro plan), billed annually with custom enterprise options.
BigTime
specializedResource management and PSA software for budgeting, scheduling, and invoicing in service firms.
Skills and capacity-based resource forecasting for precise project staffing and utilization planning
BigTime is a professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for consulting firms, agencies, and professional service organizations. It provides end-to-end tools for time and expense tracking, project management, resource scheduling, invoicing, and financial reporting. The software excels in helping teams monitor billable utilization, forecast profitability, and manage client engagements efficiently.
Pros
- Robust project and resource management with skills-based scheduling
- Powerful real-time reporting and profitability dashboards
- Strong mobile app for time tracking on the go
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for small teams
- Limited out-of-the-box integrations with some niche tools
Best For
Mid-sized consulting firms needing comprehensive PSA capabilities for project profitability and resource optimization.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $20-40 per user per month depending on features and scale.
Harvest
specializedTime tracking and invoicing tool tailored for accurate billing and profitability in consultancies.
Effortless, always-on time tracking via desktop timers, mobile apps, and URL/project-based browser tracking
Harvest is a streamlined time tracking and invoicing tool tailored for teams, freelancers, and agencies in consultancy. It enables effortless logging of billable hours across projects, expense tracking, and automated invoice generation based on time entries. With strong integrations to tools like Asana, QuickBooks, and Slack, it supports efficient billing and reporting for client-based work.
Pros
- Highly intuitive time tracking with desktop, mobile, and browser support
- Automated invoicing and detailed profitability reports
- Seamless integrations with popular PM and accounting tools
Cons
- Limited advanced project management or task assignment features
- No built-in CRM or client portal
- Pricing scales per user, which can be costly for larger teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized consultancies prioritizing simple, accurate time tracking and billing over full project management suites.
Pricing
Pro plan at $12/user/month (billed annually) or $15 monthly; includes unlimited projects and invoicing; free for solo users with limits.
Slack
enterpriseReal-time messaging platform for seamless communication and collaboration across consulting teams.
Vast ecosystem of over 2,500 third-party integrations for seamless workflow automation
Slack is a cloud-based collaboration platform that enables teams to communicate via dedicated channels, direct messages, and threaded discussions for organized conversations. It supports file sharing, voice/video huddles, canvas for collaborative docs, and integrates with over 2,500 apps to automate workflows and connect with tools like Jira, Asana, and Google Workspace. In consultancy settings, Slack streamlines client updates, internal project coordination, and knowledge sharing across distributed teams.
Pros
- Highly customizable channels and workspaces for organizing client projects and teams
- Extensive integrations with PM and CRM tools essential for consultancies
- Powerful search functionality and message threading for quick knowledge retrieval
Cons
- Notifications and channel proliferation can lead to overload and distractions
- Limited message history and features on free plan; advanced usage requires paid tiers
- Lacks built-in advanced project management or time-tracking capabilities
Best For
Mid-sized consultancies needing real-time team and client communication integrated with existing tools.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro $7.25/user/month (annual); Business+ $12.50/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Notion
otherAll-in-one workspace for documentation, databases, and lightweight project management in consultancies.
Synced databases that link and relate data across pages for dynamic client dashboards and project trackers
Notion is an all-in-one workspace tool that combines note-taking, databases, task management, wikis, and kanban boards into a highly customizable platform using a block-based system. For consultancies, it serves as a central hub for client portals, project roadmaps, knowledge bases, proposal templates, and team collaboration. Its relational databases and templates enable tailored workflows for managing engagements, deliverables, and internal documentation.
Pros
- Exceptional customization with databases, templates, and linked pages for consultancy workflows
- Real-time collaboration and guest access ideal for client interactions
- Versatile integrations and embeds reduce need for multiple tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced database and automation setups
- Performance slowdowns in large workspaces with heavy data
- Limited built-in automation compared to dedicated PM tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized consultancies needing a flexible, affordable platform for project management, client deliverables, and knowledge sharing.
Pricing
Free plan for starters; Plus $8/user/mo; Business $15/user/mo; Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The top tools reviewed cater to diverse consulting needs: Salesforce leads as the most comprehensive, unifying CRM and PSA to manage client relationships and projects effectively. Jira excels for agile software consultancies, streamlining project management, while Dynamics 365 offers an end-to-end suite for integrated business operations. Each tool stands out, but Salesforce emerges as the best choice for holistic consulting success.
Explore Salesforce to harness its robust capabilities and enhance your consultancy’s efficiency, collaboration, and growth.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
