Quick Overview
- 1#1: Accelo - All-in-one professional services automation platform for managing CRM, projects, time tracking, invoicing, and client retainers in consulting firms.
- 2#2: Kantata - Professional services management software that optimizes resource planning, project delivery, financials, and forecasting for consulting businesses.
- 3#3: BigTime - Robust time tracking, expense management, billing, and resource scheduling tool designed specifically for professional services and consulting.
- 4#4: Certinia - Salesforce-native PSA solution for services organizations, handling projects, resources, sales, and professional services financials.
- 5#5: Deltek Vantagepoint - ERP and project management software tailored for project-driven consulting firms with advanced CRM, resource management, and accounting.
- 6#6: Scoro - Integrated work management platform combining CRM, projects, time tracking, quotes, and billing for consultancies and agencies.
- 7#7: Productive - Agency and consulting management tool for resource planning, project profitability, time tracking, and financial reporting.
- 8#8: Avaza - All-in-one business management software for teams handling projects, timesheets, expenses, invoicing, and resource scheduling.
- 9#9: Runn - Resource planning and capacity forecasting tool that integrates with project management for consulting workload optimization.
- 10#10: Forecast - AI-powered project and resource management platform for professional services with automated scheduling and profitability insights.
Tools were chosen based on industry-specific features, quality of user experience, practical value, and comprehensive support for the end-to-end consulting lifecycle, ensuring they meet the highest standards of functionality and reliability.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading consulting business management software tools, including Accelo, Kantata, BigTime, Certinia, Deltek Vantagepoint, and more, to guide readers in understanding key features, pricing models, and use cases tailored to consulting operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accelo All-in-one professional services automation platform for managing CRM, projects, time tracking, invoicing, and client retainers in consulting firms. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Kantata Professional services management software that optimizes resource planning, project delivery, financials, and forecasting for consulting businesses. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | BigTime Robust time tracking, expense management, billing, and resource scheduling tool designed specifically for professional services and consulting. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Certinia Salesforce-native PSA solution for services organizations, handling projects, resources, sales, and professional services financials. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Deltek Vantagepoint ERP and project management software tailored for project-driven consulting firms with advanced CRM, resource management, and accounting. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Scoro Integrated work management platform combining CRM, projects, time tracking, quotes, and billing for consultancies and agencies. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Productive Agency and consulting management tool for resource planning, project profitability, time tracking, and financial reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Avaza All-in-one business management software for teams handling projects, timesheets, expenses, invoicing, and resource scheduling. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Runn Resource planning and capacity forecasting tool that integrates with project management for consulting workload optimization. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Forecast AI-powered project and resource management platform for professional services with automated scheduling and profitability insights. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
All-in-one professional services automation platform for managing CRM, projects, time tracking, invoicing, and client retainers in consulting firms.
Professional services management software that optimizes resource planning, project delivery, financials, and forecasting for consulting businesses.
Robust time tracking, expense management, billing, and resource scheduling tool designed specifically for professional services and consulting.
Salesforce-native PSA solution for services organizations, handling projects, resources, sales, and professional services financials.
ERP and project management software tailored for project-driven consulting firms with advanced CRM, resource management, and accounting.
Integrated work management platform combining CRM, projects, time tracking, quotes, and billing for consultancies and agencies.
Agency and consulting management tool for resource planning, project profitability, time tracking, and financial reporting.
All-in-one business management software for teams handling projects, timesheets, expenses, invoicing, and resource scheduling.
Resource planning and capacity forecasting tool that integrates with project management for consulting workload optimization.
AI-powered project and resource management platform for professional services with automated scheduling and profitability insights.
Accelo
enterpriseAll-in-one professional services automation platform for managing CRM, projects, time tracking, invoicing, and client retainers in consulting firms.
Retainer management with automated scheduling, time allocation, and recurring invoicing, uniquely tailored for ongoing consulting engagements
Accelo is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform designed specifically for consulting firms and agencies, unifying CRM, project management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling in one system. It enables end-to-end management of client relationships, from lead capture and sales pipelines to project delivery, profitability tracking, and automated billing. The software excels in handling retainers, recurring work, and complex service deliveries, providing real-time insights into business performance.
Pros
- All-in-one platform eliminates the need for multiple tools, covering sales, delivery, and finance seamlessly
- Powerful automation rules and workflows for retainers, approvals, and invoicing save significant time
- Advanced profitability reporting and resource forecasting provide deep business insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options and feature depth
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced plans, potentially costly for small consultancies
- Mobile app is functional but lacks some desktop feature parity
Best For
Mid-sized consulting firms and professional services agencies with complex retainer-based or project delivery models needing a unified PSA solution.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Agency plan, annually billed), $69/user/month (Professional), with Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial available.
Kantata
enterpriseProfessional services management software that optimizes resource planning, project delivery, financials, and forecasting for consulting businesses.
AI-driven resource optimization and real-time capacity planning
Kantata is a robust professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for consulting firms, agencies, and professional services organizations. It provides end-to-end management of projects, resources, finances, time tracking, invoicing, and CRM functionalities. The software excels in capacity planning, skills-based resource allocation, and profitability forecasting to help businesses deliver projects efficiently and maximize margins.
Pros
- Advanced resource management with skills matching and capacity forecasting
- Comprehensive financial tools including budgeting, invoicing, and profitability analytics
- Extensive integrations with CRM, accounting, and productivity tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- Pricing can be prohibitive for small consulting firms
- Implementation and customization require significant setup time
Best For
Mid-sized to large consulting firms needing scalable PSA for resource optimization and financial control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts at approximately $39/user/month for Essentials plan, scaling to Enterprise with advanced features.
BigTime
specializedRobust time tracking, expense management, billing, and resource scheduling tool designed specifically for professional services and consulting.
Skills-based resource scheduling that matches team members to projects based on expertise and availability for optimal allocation
BigTime is a robust professional services automation (PSA) platform designed specifically for consulting firms, agencies, and professional service organizations. It excels in time and expense tracking, project management, resource scheduling, invoicing, and profitability analysis, all integrated into a single cloud-based system. The software provides real-time insights into project performance and financial health, helping teams deliver services more efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive time/expense tracking with mobile app support
- Advanced profitability reporting and forecasting tools
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Salesforce, and more
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Higher pricing tiers can get expensive for large teams
- Limited customization without professional services
Best For
Mid-sized consulting firms needing integrated project management, billing, and resource allocation to track profitability across engagements.
Pricing
Starts at $10/user/month (Essentials), $25/user/month (Pro), $45/user/month (Elite); Enterprise custom; annual billing required.
Certinia
enterpriseSalesforce-native PSA solution for services organizations, handling projects, resources, sales, and professional services financials.
Native Salesforce Platform foundation enabling hyper-customizable workflows and unified CRM-PSA operations without data silos
Certinia is a robust Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform built natively on Salesforce, tailored for consulting and professional services firms. It streamlines project management, resource scheduling, time and expense tracking, billing, revenue recognition, and financial forecasting. The software enables firms to optimize utilization rates, enhance project profitability, and gain real-time insights through integrated dashboards and reporting.
Pros
- Deep native integration with Salesforce CRM for seamless data flow
- Comprehensive project lifecycle management including AI-driven forecasting
- Advanced financials with revenue recognition compliant with ASC 606/IFRS 15
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for non-Salesforce users
- High implementation costs and complexity for customization
- Pricing can be premium compared to standalone PSA tools
Best For
Mid-to-large consulting firms heavily invested in Salesforce seeking an end-to-end PSA solution.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at approximately $150-300 per user/month, depending on modules and scale; includes professional services for setup.
Deltek Vantagepoint
enterpriseERP and project management software tailored for project-driven consulting firms with advanced CRM, resource management, and accounting.
Advanced project profitability analytics with drill-down forecasting across the firm
Deltek Vantagepoint is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for project-driven organizations like consulting firms, offering integrated CRM, project management, resource planning, financials, and reporting. It streamlines the entire project lifecycle from opportunity tracking and resource allocation to time/expense entry, billing, and profitability analysis. Designed for professional services, it emphasizes compliance, forecasting, and firm-wide visibility to drive efficiency and growth.
Pros
- Robust project accounting with real-time profitability tracking and forecasting
- Integrated CRM and opportunity management for streamlined business development
- Strong compliance tools and customizable reporting for regulated industries
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large firms
- Interface can feel dated compared to more modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large consulting firms handling complex, billable projects with needs for deep financial insights and compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $100/user/month, with annual costs often $50K+ depending on modules and users.
Scoro
specializedIntegrated work management platform combining CRM, projects, time tracking, quotes, and billing for consultancies and agencies.
Advanced profitability tracking that calculates margins per project, client, and team member in real-time
Scoro is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for consulting firms and professional services, integrating CRM, project management, time tracking, resource planning, and financial tools. It streamlines operations from lead generation and quoting through to invoicing and profitability analysis. The software emphasizes visibility into workloads and finances, helping consultants optimize resource allocation and client delivery.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite reduces tool fragmentation
- Powerful reporting for profitability and workload insights
- Strong automation for quotes, projects, and billing workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced plans
Best For
Mid-sized consulting firms seeking an integrated platform for end-to-end client and project management.
Pricing
Starts at $26/user/month (Basic, annual billing); Standard $37, Pro $63; custom Elite plan available.
Productive
specializedAgency and consulting management tool for resource planning, project profitability, time tracking, and financial reporting.
Real-time profitability tracking that combines time, expenses, and revenue data for instant project insights
Productive (productive.io) is a comprehensive business management platform tailored for consulting firms and professional services, integrating project management, resource planning, time tracking, and financial oversight. It enables teams to schedule resources, track project profitability in real-time, forecast capacity, and generate detailed reports for better decision-making. Ideal for consultancies aiming to scale operations while maintaining control over budgets and deliverables.
Pros
- Powerful resource scheduling and capacity forecasting
- Real-time profitability tracking across projects
- Extensive reporting and financial integrations
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can be high for smaller teams
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-sized consulting firms focused on resource optimization, project profitability, and scalable operations.
Pricing
Starts at $13/user/month (Starter plan billed annually), up to $39/user/month (Ultimate); custom enterprise pricing available with 14-day free trial.
Avaza
specializedAll-in-one business management software for teams handling projects, timesheets, expenses, invoicing, and resource scheduling.
Advanced resource scheduling with drag-and-drop capacity planning and real-time profitability tracking per project
Avaza is an all-in-one business management software tailored for service-based businesses like consulting firms, combining project management, time tracking, resource scheduling, invoicing, and CRM functionalities. It enables teams to manage client projects, track billable hours and expenses, schedule staff efficiently, and generate professional invoices with integrated payments. The platform's unified dashboard provides real-time insights into profitability and performance, making it ideal for streamlining consulting workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite covering projects, time, invoicing, and CRM
- Intuitive interface with quick onboarding and mobile app support
- Affordable pricing with a free solo plan and strong value for small teams
Cons
- Reporting lacks some advanced customization options found in enterprise tools
- Integration ecosystem is solid but smaller than competitors like Monday.com
- Resource scheduling could use more automation for complex dependencies
Best For
Small to mid-sized consulting firms seeking an affordable, integrated platform for project delivery, billing, and client management without needing multiple tools.
Pricing
Free for solo users; paid plans start at $11.95/user/month (annual billing) for teams, up to $47.95/user/month for enterprise features.
Runn
specializedResource planning and capacity forecasting tool that integrates with project management for consulting workload optimization.
Real-time scenario planning with non-destructive 'what-if' simulations for testing schedule changes
Runn (runn.io) is a resource planning and capacity management platform tailored for consulting firms, agencies, and professional services teams. It excels in visualizing team workloads, forecasting capacity needs, and optimizing resource allocation across projects with drag-and-drop scheduling. The tool also offers profitability insights, scenario planning, and integrations with tools like Jira, Asana, and QuickBooks to streamline consulting operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for visual resource scheduling
- Powerful forecasting and 'what-if' scenario planning for capacity management
- Strong integrations with project management and accounting tools
Cons
- Limited built-in CRM, invoicing, or full client management capabilities
- Advanced features have a learning curve for new users
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams or advanced plans
Best For
Mid-sized consulting firms prioritizing resource optimization, capacity forecasting, and project profitability over comprehensive CRM or billing.
Pricing
Starts at $10/user/month (Lite, billed annually) for basic planning; Pro at $25/user/month adds forecasting and profitability; Enterprise custom pricing.
Forecast
specializedAI-powered project and resource management platform for professional services with automated scheduling and profitability insights.
AI Autopilot for intelligent, real-time scheduling and resourcing that automatically balances workloads and predicts bottlenecks
Forecast (forecast.app) is a resource planning and professional services automation (PSA) platform designed for consulting firms and agencies to manage projects, teams, and finances. It provides advanced capacity planning, AI-driven scheduling, time tracking, budgeting, and profitability forecasting in a unified dashboard. Ideal for service-based businesses, it helps optimize resource allocation and predict financial outcomes with real-time insights.
Pros
- Exceptional visual capacity planning and resource scheduling
- AI-powered Autopilot for automated task assignment
- Strong integrations with Jira, Asana, and accounting tools
Cons
- Limited built-in CRM and sales pipeline management
- Steep learning curve for advanced forecasting features
- Premium pricing may not suit small consultancies
Best For
Mid-sized consulting firms prioritizing resource optimization, project profitability, and capacity forecasting over full CRM functionality.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (Essentials, billed annually); Professional at $89/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
The reviewed consulting business management software tools showcase diverse strengths, with the top three—Accelo, Kantata, and BigTime—standing out as leaders. Accelo claims the top spot, boasting an all-in-one platform for CRM, project management, and financials, while Kantata excels in resource planning and BigTime impresses with robust time tracking and billing. Each offers unique value, but these three set the standard for streamlining consulting operations.
Begin with Accelo to experience its comprehensive solution, or consider Kantata or BigTime if your focus leans more toward resource planning or time management—either way, these tools empower consulting firms to thrive.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison