Quick Overview
- 1#1: Kantata - Comprehensive professional services automation platform for managing projects, resources, financials, and consultant utilization in service firms.
- 2#2: Accelo - All-in-one PSA tool combining CRM, project management, time tracking, and invoicing tailored for consultants and agencies.
- 3#3: BigTime - Robust time tracking, expense management, and resource scheduling software designed for professional services and consulting firms.
- 4#4: Scoro - Integrated work management platform for service businesses handling projects, billing, and consultant resource allocation.
- 5#5: ConnectWise Manage - PSA solution for IT consultants providing ticketing, scheduling, billing, and service desk management.
- 6#6: Datto Autotask PSA - Cloud-based PSA for MSPs and consultants with project tracking, time entry, and contract management features.
- 7#7: Deltek Vision - ERP and PSA software for project-based firms offering resource planning, project accounting, and consultant management.
- 8#8: Avaza - All-in-one business management tool for teams with project scheduling, timesheets, and invoicing for consultants.
- 9#9: Float - Resource scheduling and planning software helping teams visualize consultant availability and capacity.
- 10#10: Resource Guru - Simple resource planning tool for booking consultants, managing leave, and tracking utilization rates.
We selected and ranked these tools based on integrated feature sets, user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they align with the diverse demands of consulting, IT, and professional services firms.
Comparison Table
Consultant management software is essential for optimizing workflows and client engagements, making it vital to compare options that align with specific business needs. This comparison table explores top tools like Kantata, Accelo, BigTime, Scoro, ConnectWise Manage, and more, examining key features, strengths, and suitability for different team sizes and project types. Readers will discover insights to select the software that best fits their operational goals and consultant management priorities.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kantata Comprehensive professional services automation platform for managing projects, resources, financials, and consultant utilization in service firms. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Accelo All-in-one PSA tool combining CRM, project management, time tracking, and invoicing tailored for consultants and agencies. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | BigTime Robust time tracking, expense management, and resource scheduling software designed for professional services and consulting firms. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Scoro Integrated work management platform for service businesses handling projects, billing, and consultant resource allocation. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | ConnectWise Manage PSA solution for IT consultants providing ticketing, scheduling, billing, and service desk management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Datto Autotask PSA Cloud-based PSA for MSPs and consultants with project tracking, time entry, and contract management features. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Deltek Vision ERP and PSA software for project-based firms offering resource planning, project accounting, and consultant management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Avaza All-in-one business management tool for teams with project scheduling, timesheets, and invoicing for consultants. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 9 | Float Resource scheduling and planning software helping teams visualize consultant availability and capacity. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Resource Guru Simple resource planning tool for booking consultants, managing leave, and tracking utilization rates. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
Comprehensive professional services automation platform for managing projects, resources, financials, and consultant utilization in service firms.
All-in-one PSA tool combining CRM, project management, time tracking, and invoicing tailored for consultants and agencies.
Robust time tracking, expense management, and resource scheduling software designed for professional services and consulting firms.
Integrated work management platform for service businesses handling projects, billing, and consultant resource allocation.
PSA solution for IT consultants providing ticketing, scheduling, billing, and service desk management.
Cloud-based PSA for MSPs and consultants with project tracking, time entry, and contract management features.
ERP and PSA software for project-based firms offering resource planning, project accounting, and consultant management.
All-in-one business management tool for teams with project scheduling, timesheets, and invoicing for consultants.
Resource scheduling and planning software helping teams visualize consultant availability and capacity.
Simple resource planning tool for booking consultants, managing leave, and tracking utilization rates.
Kantata
enterpriseComprehensive professional services automation platform for managing projects, resources, financials, and consultant utilization in service firms.
AI-driven Skills Cloud for intelligent, real-time resource matching and capacity forecasting
Kantata is a leading professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for consultancies, agencies, and professional services firms. It unifies resource management, project planning, financial tracking, and client delivery in one intuitive system, enabling skills-based scheduling, real-time profitability analysis, and forecasting. With AI-driven insights and extensive integrations, Kantata helps optimize billable utilization, streamline invoicing, and scale operations efficiently.
Pros
- Advanced AI-powered resource management and skills-based matching for optimal allocation
- Comprehensive financial tools including real-time profitability tracking and forecasting
- Seamless integrations with CRM, accounting software, and 100+ apps via robust API
Cons
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive for complex organizations
- Pricing scales quickly for smaller teams or advanced features
- Mobile app functionality lags slightly behind desktop experience
Best For
Mid-to-large consultancies and agencies managing billable resources, complex projects, and profitability across multiple clients.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; Essentials starts at ~$45/user/month, Professional and Enterprise tiers scale with users and features (billed annually).
Accelo
enterpriseAll-in-one PSA tool combining CRM, project management, time tracking, and invoicing tailored for consultants and agencies.
Smart Retainer Management that automatically tracks utilization, invoices, and renewals against client retainers
Accelo is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for consultancies, agencies, and service firms, integrating CRM, project management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling into one system. It automates workflows from lead generation through project delivery and billing, with strong emphasis on retainer management and profitability tracking. Designed to streamline operations for service-based businesses, it helps teams manage clients, resources, and finances efficiently.
Pros
- All-in-one PSA suite covering sales, projects, time, and billing
- Powerful automation for retainers, workflows, and profitability insights
- Robust reporting and resource scheduling for scaling consultancies
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for small teams or startups
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Mid-sized consulting firms and agencies needing an integrated platform for end-to-end service delivery and retainer-based billing.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month for basic plans, with custom enterprise pricing from $89/user/month based on features and scale.
BigTime
specializedRobust time tracking, expense management, and resource scheduling software designed for professional services and consulting firms.
Skills-based resource scheduling with real-time utilization forecasting
BigTime is a professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for consulting firms, offering robust time tracking, expense management, project planning, resource scheduling, and invoicing tools. It provides real-time insights into billable utilization, profitability, and forecasting to help consultants optimize operations from lead capture to payment. With seamless integrations to accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, it's built to scale with growing service-based businesses.
Pros
- Superior time and expense tracking with mobile app support
- Advanced resource scheduling and utilization forecasting
- Comprehensive reporting and profitability analytics
Cons
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small teams
- CRM functionality is basic compared to standalone tools
Best For
Mid-sized consulting firms seeking integrated PSA for billable resource management and financial oversight.
Pricing
Quote-based with tiers starting at ~$12/user/month (Essentials), up to $48+/user/month (Elite), billed annually.
Scoro
enterpriseIntegrated work management platform for service businesses handling projects, billing, and consultant resource allocation.
Real-time profitability tracking across projects, clients, and teams with fixed-price and time-based cost analysis
Scoro is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for service-based businesses, including consultancies, offering integrated CRM, project management, time tracking, quoting, invoicing, and reporting. It enables teams to manage the entire client lifecycle from lead generation to payment collection within a single interface, reducing the need for multiple tools. With strong emphasis on resource planning and profitability insights, it's designed to streamline operations and provide real-time visibility into business performance.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one functionality covering CRM, projects, time tracking, and finances
- Powerful reporting and real-time profitability dashboards for consultants
- Robust automation for workflows like quotes to invoices
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Higher pricing may not suit very small teams
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to desktop
Best For
Mid-sized consultancies and professional service firms needing an integrated platform for client, project, and financial management.
Pricing
Starts at $26/user/month (billed annually) for Essential plan; higher tiers like Standard ($37), Pro ($63), and custom Ultimate pricing available.
ConnectWise Manage
enterprisePSA solution for IT consultants providing ticketing, scheduling, billing, and service desk management.
Customizable Service Boards for dynamic workflow management and real-time consultant scheduling
ConnectWise Manage is a comprehensive Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform designed for IT service providers and consulting firms to streamline operations. It offers tools for ticketing, project management, time tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and resource allocation, enabling efficient consultant management across service delivery. The software integrates deeply with other tools, providing end-to-end visibility into client projects and profitability.
Pros
- Extensive project and resource management capabilities with Gantt charts and scheduling boards
- Powerful reporting and analytics for tracking consultant utilization and profitability
- Seamless integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and CRM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex and dated interface
- High pricing that scales poorly for small teams
- Overwhelming customization options requiring significant setup time
Best For
Mid-sized to large consulting firms and MSPs needing a robust, all-in-one PSA for managing multiple consultants and complex projects.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $50-100 per user/month, with tiers based on features and volume; additional costs for implementation and add-ons.
Datto Autotask PSA
enterpriseCloud-based PSA for MSPs and consultants with project tracking, time entry, and contract management features.
Advanced Resource Scheduler providing real-time consultant allocation, forecasting, and profitability insights across projects
Datto Autotask PSA is a robust professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for IT managed service providers (MSPs) and consulting firms, offering end-to-end management of service delivery, projects, and resources. It combines ticketing, CRM, time tracking, scheduling, invoicing, and reporting to streamline consultant workflows and improve operational efficiency. As a consultant management solution, it excels in resource allocation, capacity planning, and profitability analysis, helping teams optimize billable hours and project delivery.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of PSA functions including resource scheduling and time tracking
- Powerful reporting and analytics for consultant utilization and profitability
- Strong ecosystem integrations with RMM, backup, and accounting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature-dense interface
- Higher pricing may not suit small consulting teams
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized IT consultancies and MSPs needing a full-featured PSA for managing consultant schedules, projects, and billing.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $89/user/month, with tiers scaling by features, users, and add-ons.
Deltek Vision
enterpriseERP and PSA software for project-based firms offering resource planning, project accounting, and consultant management.
Integrated InfoCenter for centralized client, project, and resource data management
Deltek Vision is a robust ERP platform tailored for professional services firms, including consultants in architecture, engineering, and related fields. It provides end-to-end management of projects, resources, time and expenses, CRM, invoicing, and financials. The software excels in project-based billing and resource planning, helping firms track profitability and consultant utilization across engagements.
Pros
- Integrated project accounting and CRM for seamless consultant management
- Powerful resource scheduling and utilization tracking
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards for firm-wide insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve with a dated, complex user interface
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup time
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large consulting firms in AEC and professional services needing deep project financials and resource management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $75-$150 per user/month for cloud, with on-premise options requiring significant upfront licensing fees.
Avaza
specializedAll-in-one business management tool for teams with project scheduling, timesheets, and invoicing for consultants.
Unified timesheet-to-invoice automation that pulls billable hours directly into customizable invoices
Avaza is an all-in-one business management platform designed for consultants, combining project management, time tracking, resource scheduling, quoting, invoicing, and expense management into a unified workspace. It enables teams to handle client projects from inception to payment seamlessly, with features like Gantt charts, timesheets, and automated invoicing based on tracked time. This makes it particularly useful for service-based businesses seeking efficiency without multiple tools.
Pros
- All-in-one integration reduces need for multiple apps
- Intuitive interface with quick onboarding
- Strong time tracking and invoicing automation
Cons
- Limited advanced CRM capabilities
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
- Reporting features lack deep customization
Best For
Small to medium-sized consulting firms and agencies needing an affordable, user-friendly tool for project tracking, billing, and resource management.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; Pro starts at $11.95/user/month (billed annually), Elite at $23.95/user/month with advanced features.
Float
specializedResource scheduling and planning software helping teams visualize consultant availability and capacity.
Interactive timeline view for real-time drag-and-drop resource allocation and workload visualization
Float is a cloud-based resource management and scheduling platform designed to help teams visualize workloads, plan capacity, and schedule projects efficiently. It offers drag-and-drop scheduling, real-time forecasting, and time tracking tailored for agencies, consultancies, and professional services firms managing billable resources. While strong in visual planning, it integrates with tools like Jira and Slack but lacks deep CRM or invoicing features native to full consultant management suites.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Real-time capacity planning and forecasting
- Seamless integrations with project management tools
Cons
- Limited native invoicing and billing capabilities
- Reporting lacks advanced customization for consultants
- Time tracking is basic compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Agencies and consulting firms focused on visual resource scheduling and avoiding overbooking consultants on projects.
Pricing
Starts at $6/user/month (Basic, billed annually), $10/user/month (Pro), $16/user/month (Enterprise); 30-day free trial.
Resource Guru
specializedSimple resource planning tool for booking consultants, managing leave, and tracking utilization rates.
Live utilization dashboards providing real-time insights into team capacity and billable hours
Resource Guru is a cloud-based resource scheduling platform designed for booking and managing staff, rooms, and equipment via an intuitive drag-and-drop calendar. It excels in preventing overbooking with real-time availability checks and offers utilization reports to optimize consultant assignments across projects. While strong for scheduling, it lacks deeper consultant management features like CRM or invoicing.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick scheduling
- Real-time availability and conflict alerts
- Comprehensive utilization and forecasting reports
Cons
- No built-in invoicing or billing features
- Limited client management or CRM tools
- Pricing scales per resource, which can add up for large teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized consultancies needing straightforward resource scheduling and utilization tracking without complex project management.
Pricing
Starts at $4.16 per resource/month (annual Grasshopper plan), $8.33 for Blackbelt, $13.11 for Master; free trial available.
Conclusion
This review highlights a range of top-tier consultant management software, each offering unique strengths to streamline operations. Kantata emerges as the clear leader, boasting a comprehensive platform that integrates project, financial, and resource management for holistic efficiency. While Accelo and BigTime follow closely, each excels in distinct areas—Accelo’s CRM blend and BigTime’s robust time tracking—making them strong alternatives for varied consulting needs.
Take the next step toward optimized consulting workflows: explore Kantata to experience its all-in-one capabilities, or delve into Accelo or BigTime if their specialized features better align with your firm’s goals. The right tool can elevate how you manage projects, resources, and clients—start your journey today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.