Quick Overview
- 1#1: Kantata - Comprehensive PSA platform for managing projects, resources, forecasting, and financials in professional services organizations.
- 2#2: Certinia PSA - Salesforce-native PSA solution delivering end-to-end project management, resource planning, and billing for services firms.
- 3#3: BigTime - User-friendly PSA tool focused on time tracking, expense management, invoicing, and resource scheduling for professional services.
- 4#4: Deltek Vision - Integrated ERP and PSA software providing project accounting, CRM, and resource management for AEC and professional services.
- 5#5: Accelo - All-in-one professional services automation platform combining CRM, project management, retainers, and sales automation.
- 6#6: Scoro - Holistic work management software for service businesses handling projects, tasks, time tracking, quotes, and reporting.
- 7#7: Avaza - Unified platform for project management, timesheets, expenses, invoicing, and resource utilization in service teams.
- 8#8: Forecast - AI-powered PSA software for intelligent resource planning, project budgeting, and profitability tracking.
- 9#9: Runn - Resource planning and capacity management tool with forecasting and scenario planning for professional services.
- 10#10: Float - Visual resource scheduling and planning software optimized for creative and professional services teams.
We ranked these tools by assessing depth of features—including project management, resource planning, and financial integration—user experience, product reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the needs of modern professional services teams.
Comparison Table
Professional services management software streamlines workflows, and choosing the right tool requires comparing key features. This table profiles top options like Kantata, Certinia PSA, BigTime, Deltek Vision, Accelo, and more, outlining differences in functionality, industry fit, and user experience to help you identify the best match.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kantata Comprehensive PSA platform for managing projects, resources, forecasting, and financials in professional services organizations. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Certinia PSA Salesforce-native PSA solution delivering end-to-end project management, resource planning, and billing for services firms. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | BigTime User-friendly PSA tool focused on time tracking, expense management, invoicing, and resource scheduling for professional services. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Deltek Vision Integrated ERP and PSA software providing project accounting, CRM, and resource management for AEC and professional services. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Accelo All-in-one professional services automation platform combining CRM, project management, retainers, and sales automation. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Scoro Holistic work management software for service businesses handling projects, tasks, time tracking, quotes, and reporting. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Avaza Unified platform for project management, timesheets, expenses, invoicing, and resource utilization in service teams. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 8 | Forecast AI-powered PSA software for intelligent resource planning, project budgeting, and profitability tracking. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Runn Resource planning and capacity management tool with forecasting and scenario planning for professional services. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Float Visual resource scheduling and planning software optimized for creative and professional services teams. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
Comprehensive PSA platform for managing projects, resources, forecasting, and financials in professional services organizations.
Salesforce-native PSA solution delivering end-to-end project management, resource planning, and billing for services firms.
User-friendly PSA tool focused on time tracking, expense management, invoicing, and resource scheduling for professional services.
Integrated ERP and PSA software providing project accounting, CRM, and resource management for AEC and professional services.
All-in-one professional services automation platform combining CRM, project management, retainers, and sales automation.
Holistic work management software for service businesses handling projects, tasks, time tracking, quotes, and reporting.
Unified platform for project management, timesheets, expenses, invoicing, and resource utilization in service teams.
AI-powered PSA software for intelligent resource planning, project budgeting, and profitability tracking.
Resource planning and capacity management tool with forecasting and scenario planning for professional services.
Visual resource scheduling and planning software optimized for creative and professional services teams.
Kantata
enterpriseComprehensive PSA platform for managing projects, resources, forecasting, and financials in professional services organizations.
Kantata IQ AI copilot for predictive insights, automated recommendations, and real-time decision support
Kantata is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform designed to unify project delivery, resource management, and financial operations for services organizations. It offers advanced tools for capacity planning, skills-based resource allocation, time and expense tracking, invoicing, and profitability forecasting. By integrating CRM, ERP, and other enterprise systems, Kantata helps firms optimize utilization, margins, and client delivery at scale.
Pros
- Exceptional resource management with skills-matching and forecasting
- Robust financial visibility and profitability analytics
- Seamless integrations with Salesforce, QuickBooks, and Microsoft tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Higher pricing suitable for mid-market and enterprise only
- Customization requires professional services support
Best For
Mid-sized to large professional services firms (consulting, agencies, IT services) needing scalable end-to-end PSA capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; Essentials starts at ~$39/user/month, Advanced/Enterprise tiers $59+/user/month with add-ons for AI and advanced analytics.
Certinia PSA
enterpriseSalesforce-native PSA solution delivering end-to-end project management, resource planning, and billing for services firms.
Native Salesforce platform integration for real-time CRM-PSA data synchronization and Einstein AI enhancements
Certinia PSA is a robust professional services automation platform built natively on Salesforce, enabling organizations to manage projects, resources, time, expenses, and billing from a single source of truth. It provides end-to-end visibility into service delivery, financial performance, and customer success through integrated CRM data. Ideal for scaling services firms, it supports advanced forecasting, revenue recognition, and AI-driven insights via Salesforce Einstein.
Pros
- Seamless native integration with Salesforce CRM for unified data and workflows
- Comprehensive project management with AI-powered resource planning and forecasting
- Advanced financial controls including revenue recognition and multi-currency billing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to Salesforce ecosystem complexity
- High implementation and customization costs
- Pricing can be prohibitive for smaller organizations
Best For
Mid-to-large professional services firms heavily invested in Salesforce seeking deep CRM-PSA integration.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $100-150/user/month with additional fees for implementation and Salesforce licensing.
BigTime
specializedUser-friendly PSA tool focused on time tracking, expense management, invoicing, and resource scheduling for professional services.
Skills and capacity-based resource planning with real-time profitability forecasting
BigTime is a robust professional services automation (PSA) platform tailored for firms in accounting, architecture, engineering, IT consulting, and similar industries. It provides end-to-end management of time tracking, project planning, resource scheduling, expense management, invoicing, and financial reporting to drive profitability. The software emphasizes skills-based resource allocation and real-time visibility into project performance, helping teams deliver services efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive time and expense tracking with mobile support
- Advanced forecasting, budgeting, and profitability analytics
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Salesforce, and other accounting tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and setup
- Pricing escalates quickly for larger teams or premium tiers
- Mobile app lacks some desktop functionalities
Best For
Mid-sized professional services firms needing detailed project financials and resource management without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing with tiers starting at ~$10/user/month for Essentials, up to $40+/user/month for Elite; includes free trial.
Deltek Vision
enterpriseIntegrated ERP and PSA software providing project accounting, CRM, and resource management for AEC and professional services.
Advanced project-centric accounting with real-time WIP (work-in-progress) tracking and DCAA-compliant reporting
Deltek Vision is a robust ERP platform tailored for professional services firms, especially in architecture, engineering, and consulting industries. It provides end-to-end management of projects, including CRM, resource planning, time and expense tracking, project accounting, invoicing, and financial reporting. The software excels in integrating operational and financial workflows to support compliance-heavy environments like government contracting.
Pros
- Comprehensive project lifecycle management with strong accounting integration
- Industry-specific tools for AEC firms, including government compliance features
- Powerful resource forecasting and utilization reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and outdated user interface
- High implementation costs and complexity
- Limited flexibility for non-AEC professional services
Best For
Mid-to-large architecture, engineering, and consulting firms requiring integrated ERP with project accounting and compliance capabilities.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $100-$300 per user/month for cloud deployments, with significant upfront implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
Accelo
enterpriseAll-in-one professional services automation platform combining CRM, project management, retainers, and sales automation.
Advanced retainer management that automates recurring billing, resource allocation, and profitability tracking
Accelo is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform that integrates CRM, project management, time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling for service-based businesses. It enables end-to-end management of the client lifecycle, from lead capture and sales pipelines to project delivery, billing, and retainers. Designed for agencies, consultancies, and IT services, it emphasizes automation to streamline operations and improve profitability.
Pros
- All-in-one platform reduces tool fragmentation
- Powerful retainer and recurring billing automation
- Strong reporting and profitability insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Interface feels somewhat dated
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and users
Best For
Mid-sized professional services firms (10-100 employees) needing integrated PSA for client work and retainers.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (Essentials), $69/user/month (Pro), $99/user/month (Elite), billed annually with custom enterprise options.
Scoro
specializedHolistic work management software for service businesses handling projects, tasks, time tracking, quotes, and reporting.
Seamless 'Quotes-to-Cash' automation that links sales, delivery, and billing for full profitability visibility
Scoro is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for professional services firms, combining CRM, project management, time tracking, resource planning, quoting, invoicing, and reporting into a unified system. It streamlines the entire workflow from lead generation to payment collection, providing real-time visibility into profitability and performance. Designed to replace multiple disparate tools, Scoro helps teams work more efficiently without switching between applications.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one functionality covering CRM, projects, billing, and analytics
- Strong profitability tracking and forecasting tools
- Customizable dashboards and automated workflows
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter small teams
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to specialized tools
Best For
Mid-sized professional services firms (consultancies, agencies, law firms) needing an integrated platform for end-to-end client and project management.
Pricing
Starts at €25/user/month (Essential), €37 (Standard), €49 (Pro), €65 (Ultimate), billed annually with a 14-day free trial.
Avaza
specializedUnified platform for project management, timesheets, expenses, invoicing, and resource utilization in service teams.
Integrated Resource Scheduler with capacity planning and profitability tracking across projects
Avaza is an all-in-one professional services management platform that integrates project management, time tracking, resource scheduling, invoicing, expense management, and CRM tools into a single intuitive interface. It enables teams to manage client projects, track billable hours, allocate resources efficiently, and generate profitability reports seamlessly. Ideal for agencies and consultancies, Avaza emphasizes ease of use and real-time visibility into business performance.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite covering projects, time, billing, and CRM
- Intuitive interface with strong mobile app support
- Affordable pricing with excellent value for small to mid-sized teams
Cons
- Limited advanced resource forecasting compared to enterprise PSA tools
- Reporting customization lacks depth for complex needs
- Integrations are solid but not as extensive as top competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized professional services firms and agencies seeking an affordable, user-friendly all-in-one PSA solution.
Pricing
Free for 1 user; paid plans from $11.95/user/month (Basic, annual billing) to $47.95/user/month (Elite); scales with users and features.
Forecast
specializedAI-powered PSA software for intelligent resource planning, project budgeting, and profitability tracking.
AI Advisor that intelligently auto-schedules projects and suggests resource assignments based on skills, availability, and deadlines
Forecast (forecast.app) is an AI-powered resource planning and project management platform tailored for professional services organizations. It provides visual capacity planning, drag-and-drop scheduling, time tracking, budgeting, and profitability forecasting to optimize resource allocation. The tool integrates with popular apps like Jira, Salesforce, and QuickBooks, enabling real-time insights into project delivery and financial health.
Pros
- AI-driven scheduling and forecasting for efficient resource optimization
- Intuitive visual planning interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Robust financial tracking and profitability insights in real-time
Cons
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans or integrations
- Learning curve for complex multi-project setups
- Per-user pricing can become costly for larger teams
Best For
Mid-sized professional services firms and agencies focused on resource capacity planning and project profitability.
Pricing
Essentials at $29/user/month (billed annually), Professional at $59/user/month, Enterprise custom; minimum 5 users.
Runn
specializedResource planning and capacity management tool with forecasting and scenario planning for professional services.
Dynamic scenario planning for what-if analysis on capacity and profitability
Runn is a cloud-based resource planning and capacity management platform designed for professional services teams, agencies, and consultancies to forecast demand, allocate resources, and optimize project delivery. It provides visual planning tools, utilization tracking, and profitability insights by integrating with tools like Jira, Asana, and Harvest. The software excels in scenario modeling to simulate hiring needs and project schedules for better decision-making.
Pros
- Powerful capacity forecasting and scenario planning
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for resource scheduling
- Seamless integrations with popular PM and time-tracking tools
Cons
- Limited native support for invoicing, expenses, or CRM
- Pricing scales quickly with team size and advanced features
- Advanced forecasting requires setup time and data accuracy
Best For
Mid-sized agencies and consultancies prioritizing resource utilization and capacity planning over full project execution.
Pricing
Free plan available; Pro at $8/user/month (annual), Business at $19/user/month (annual), Enterprise custom.
Float
specializedVisual resource scheduling and planning software optimized for creative and professional services teams.
Visual timeline with live capacity bars for instant workload visibility and drag-and-drop rescheduling
Float is a cloud-based resource management and scheduling platform tailored for professional services teams like agencies and consultancies. It enables visual drag-and-drop scheduling, capacity planning, time tracking, and workload forecasting to optimize team utilization. The tool integrates with project management apps like Jira and Asana, helping managers balance resources across projects efficiently.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick scheduling
- Real-time capacity planning and forecasting tools
- Seamless integrations with popular PM tools like Asana and Jira
Cons
- Lacks built-in invoicing and advanced financial reporting
- Limited CRM or client management features
- Reporting dashboards could offer deeper customization
Best For
Creative agencies and consultancies prioritizing resource scheduling and team capacity planning over comprehensive financial PSA functionalities.
Pricing
Starts at $6/user/month (billed annually) for the Resource Scheduler plan; $10/user/month for full features including time tracking and reporting.
Conclusion
Three tools rise above the rest as exceptional choices, with Kantata leading as the top pick, offering a comprehensive PSA platform that integrates project management, resource forecasting, and financials seamlessly. Certinia PSA follows closely, excelling as a Salesforce-native solution for end-to-end project and billing management, while BigTime stands out for its user-friendly focus on time tracking, invoicing, and resource scheduling. Each tool caters uniquely to different needs, ensuring a strong fit for nearly any professional services organization.
Don't miss out—start with Kantata to unlock a unified, efficient approach to managing your projects, resources, and finances, and take your operations to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison