Quick Overview
- 1#1: BigTime - Cloud-based PSA software for professional services firms, providing time tracking, project management, resource scheduling, and invoicing.
- 2#2: Kantata - Comprehensive PSA platform combining Mavenlink and Kimble for project planning, resource management, and profitability tracking.
- 3#3: ConnectWise Manage - All-in-one PSA solution for MSPs and IT services, handling ticketing, billing, reporting, and operations.
- 4#4: Accelo - Integrated business platform for PSA automating sales, projects, retainers, and client servicing.
- 5#5: Scoro - Work management software unifying CRM, projects, billing, and forecasting for service businesses.
- 6#6: Certinia PSA - Salesforce-native PSA for services organizations, managing scoping, staffing, execution, and revenue.
- 7#7: Deltek Ajera - Integrated PSA for AEC firms with project management, accounting, and resource planning.
- 8#8: Runn - Resource planning and capacity management tool for PSA with forecasting and scenario planning.
- 9#9: Forecast - AI-driven PSA for resource allocation, project management, and financial forecasting.
- 10#10: Planview AdaptiveWork - Enterprise work management platform with PSA capabilities for project delivery and portfolio management.
Tools were selected based on robust feature sets, user-friendly design, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they excel in addressing the unique demands of modern service organizations, from resource forecasting to end-to-end workflow management.
Comparison Table
Professional services automation (PSA) tools are vital for optimizing firm operations, and selecting the right platform demands a clear view of key features. This comparison table examines popular tools like BigTime, Kantata, ConnectWise Manage, Accelo, Scoro, and more, outlining their strengths, workflows, and suitability to help readers find the best match for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BigTime Cloud-based PSA software for professional services firms, providing time tracking, project management, resource scheduling, and invoicing. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Kantata Comprehensive PSA platform combining Mavenlink and Kimble for project planning, resource management, and profitability tracking. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ConnectWise Manage All-in-one PSA solution for MSPs and IT services, handling ticketing, billing, reporting, and operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Accelo Integrated business platform for PSA automating sales, projects, retainers, and client servicing. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Scoro Work management software unifying CRM, projects, billing, and forecasting for service businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Certinia PSA Salesforce-native PSA for services organizations, managing scoping, staffing, execution, and revenue. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Deltek Ajera Integrated PSA for AEC firms with project management, accounting, and resource planning. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Runn Resource planning and capacity management tool for PSA with forecasting and scenario planning. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Forecast AI-driven PSA for resource allocation, project management, and financial forecasting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Planview AdaptiveWork Enterprise work management platform with PSA capabilities for project delivery and portfolio management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based PSA software for professional services firms, providing time tracking, project management, resource scheduling, and invoicing.
Comprehensive PSA platform combining Mavenlink and Kimble for project planning, resource management, and profitability tracking.
All-in-one PSA solution for MSPs and IT services, handling ticketing, billing, reporting, and operations.
Integrated business platform for PSA automating sales, projects, retainers, and client servicing.
Work management software unifying CRM, projects, billing, and forecasting for service businesses.
Salesforce-native PSA for services organizations, managing scoping, staffing, execution, and revenue.
Integrated PSA for AEC firms with project management, accounting, and resource planning.
Resource planning and capacity management tool for PSA with forecasting and scenario planning.
AI-driven PSA for resource allocation, project management, and financial forecasting.
Enterprise work management platform with PSA capabilities for project delivery and portfolio management.
BigTime
enterpriseCloud-based PSA software for professional services firms, providing time tracking, project management, resource scheduling, and invoicing.
AI-powered resource forecasting that predicts staffing needs and project profitability based on historical data and skills matching
BigTime is a leading professional services automation (PSA) software tailored for firms in accounting, IT consulting, architecture, and engineering. It provides end-to-end functionality including time and expense tracking, project planning, resource management, CRM, invoicing, and profitability reporting. The platform excels in forecasting and capacity planning, helping teams optimize utilization and deliver projects on time and within budget.
Pros
- Comprehensive project and resource management with AI-driven forecasting
- Robust integrations with QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Microsoft tools
- Highly customizable reporting and dashboards for profitability insights
Cons
- Steep initial setup for complex organizations
- Mobile app lacks some desktop feature parity
- Advanced features require higher-tier pricing
Best For
Mid-to-large professional services firms needing scalable PSA tools for time tracking, billing, and resource optimization.
Pricing
Tiered subscription starting at $10/user/month (Essentials), $25/user/month (Premium), $45/user/month (Elite); minimum 5 users, billed annually.
Kantata
enterpriseComprehensive PSA platform combining Mavenlink and Kimble for project planning, resource management, and profitability tracking.
AI-powered resource optimization and capacity planning with visual heatmaps for proactive allocation
Kantata is a comprehensive cloud-based Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform designed for professional services organizations to manage projects, resources, finances, and client relationships from lead to cash. It excels in resource planning, capacity forecasting, project delivery, and financial performance tracking with real-time dashboards and analytics. The platform supports enterprise-scale operations with customizable workflows and integrations for CRM, ERP, and accounting systems.
Pros
- Advanced resource management with heatmaps and AI-driven forecasting
- Integrated financials for accurate profitability tracking and invoicing
- Highly scalable with robust enterprise-grade security and customizations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be costly
- Lengthy implementation and onboarding process
Best For
Mid-to-large professional services firms (50+ employees) in consulting, agencies, or IT services needing end-to-end PSA automation.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts around $50/user/month for core features, with quotes required based on users, modules, and implementation.
ConnectWise Manage
enterpriseAll-in-one PSA solution for MSPs and IT services, handling ticketing, billing, reporting, and operations.
Built-in Procure module for vendor management and purchasing automation directly tied to service tickets
ConnectWise Manage is a comprehensive Professional Services Automation (PSA) platform designed specifically for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service organizations. It centralizes ticketing, CRM, project management, scheduling, invoicing, procurement, and reporting into a single dashboard to streamline operations. With deep customization options and extensive integrations, it supports scaling businesses in delivering proactive IT services.
Pros
- Extremely robust feature set for MSP workflows
- Seamless integrations with RMM tools and ConnectWise ecosystem
- Advanced automation, reporting, and customization capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High pricing that scales with users and modules
- Dated UI in some areas despite ongoing updates
Best For
Mid-sized MSPs and IT service providers needing an all-in-one platform for ticketing, billing, and operations management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $55-120 per user/month, depending on edition, modules, and user count; requires quote.
Accelo
enterpriseIntegrated business platform for PSA automating sales, projects, retainers, and client servicing.
Smart retainer management that automates recurring billing, resource scheduling, and profitability forecasting
Accelo is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform that unifies CRM, project management, time tracking, invoicing, help desk, and retainer management into a single system. It automates end-to-end workflows for service-based businesses, from lead capture and quoting to delivery, billing, and profitability analysis. Ideal for agencies and consultancies, it emphasizes operational efficiency and client lifecycle management.
Pros
- All-in-one platform eliminates need for multiple tools
- Robust automation and customizable workflows
- Strong profitability tracking and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing scales quickly with users and modules
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized agencies and consultancies needing integrated PSA for sales-to-billing automation.
Pricing
Starts at $39/user/month (billed annually) for CRM; $59 for projects, $79 for retainers, up to $99 for enterprise PSA (min. 5 users).
Scoro
enterpriseWork management software unifying CRM, projects, billing, and forecasting for service businesses.
Unified Timeline dashboard that visually connects tasks, projects, resources, and finances across the entire business lifecycle
Scoro is a comprehensive all-in-one PSA platform that integrates project management, resource scheduling, time tracking, CRM, quoting, invoicing, and reporting for professional services firms. It enables teams to manage the entire client lifecycle from lead capture to payment collection within a single unified workspace. With customizable dashboards and automation tools, Scoro provides real-time visibility into operations, profitability, and performance metrics.
Pros
- All-in-one integration eliminates tool silos for streamlined workflows
- Powerful automation for quotes-to-cash and resource planning
- Robust reporting and forecasting for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature depth
- Pricing can be high for smaller teams
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Mid-sized professional services agencies needing an end-to-end platform to unify CRM, projects, time, and finances without multiple subscriptions.
Pricing
Starts at $26/user/month (Essential, billed annually); tiers include Standard ($37), Pro ($63), and custom enterprise plans.
Certinia PSA
enterpriseSalesforce-native PSA for services organizations, managing scoping, staffing, execution, and revenue.
Native Salesforce Einstein AI integration for intelligent project forecasting and automated resource optimization
Certinia PSA is a comprehensive professional services automation (PSA) platform built natively on Salesforce, designed to manage the entire project lifecycle from resource planning and scheduling to time tracking, expense management, invoicing, and revenue forecasting. It provides services organizations with real-time visibility into project profitability, utilization rates, and financial performance through customizable dashboards and AI-powered insights. Leveraging the Salesforce ecosystem, it ensures seamless CRM integration for enhanced client management and scalability.
Pros
- Deep native integration with Salesforce CRM for unified data and workflows
- Advanced AI features like Einstein for forecasting, scheduling, and profitability analysis
- Comprehensive end-to-end PSA capabilities including resource management and revenue recognition
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to Salesforce complexity and customization needs
- High pricing model tied to Salesforce licenses
- Overkill and less intuitive for small teams without Salesforce expertise
Best For
Mid-to-large professional services firms deeply invested in Salesforce seeking enterprise-scale PSA with CRM synergy.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $100-200 per user/month plus required Salesforce platform licenses.
Deltek Ajera
enterpriseIntegrated PSA for AEC firms with project management, accounting, and resource planning.
Fully integrated project accounting that combines PSA workflows with real-time ERP financials
Deltek Ajera is a robust PSA (Professional Services Automation) solution tailored for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms, combining project management, resource planning, time and expense tracking, and integrated accounting. It enables firms to manage projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, invoicing, and profitability analysis. Ajera stands out for its deep industry-specific workflows that align PSA with ERP needs, making it ideal for project-centric businesses requiring financial precision.
Pros
- Deep integration of PSA with accounting and ERP functionalities
- Industry-specific tools for AEC with customizable templates
- Advanced reporting and profitability tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller firms
- Less modern UI compared to cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-sized AEC firms needing seamless project accounting and financial management integration.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $30,000-$50,000 annually for small teams, scaling with users and modules.
Runn
specializedResource planning and capacity management tool for PSA with forecasting and scenario planning.
Real-time scenario planning and AI-powered forecasting for what-if analysis
Runn (runn.io) is a resource planning and capacity management platform tailored for professional services teams, focusing on visualizing workloads, scheduling projects, and forecasting utilization and revenue. It integrates with tools like Jira, Asana, and Harvest to pull in data for real-time planning and scenario modeling. While strong in resource optimization, it lacks comprehensive PSA features like native invoicing, CRM, or full financial tracking.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling and visual capacity planning
- Advanced forecasting for revenue, utilization, and profitability
- Strong integrations with PM and time-tracking tools like Jira and Harvest
Cons
- Missing core PSA elements like invoicing, billing, and CRM
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams without small-team discounts
- Limited reporting customization compared to full PSA suites
Best For
Mid-sized agencies and consultancies focused on resource allocation and capacity forecasting rather than end-to-end PSA operations.
Pricing
Starts at $8/user/month (Project plan, annual billing); Business at $15/user/month; Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.
Forecast
specializedAI-driven PSA for resource allocation, project management, and financial forecasting.
S.A.M., the AI co-pilot that intelligently auto-schedules projects and predicts capacity needs
Forecast (forecast.app) is an AI-powered resource planning and project management platform tailored for professional services automation (PSA). It excels in capacity planning, intelligent scheduling, time tracking, and profitability forecasting to optimize team utilization. The tool integrates seamlessly with popular apps like Jira, Salesforce, and QuickBooks, making it ideal for agencies and consultancies managing complex projects.
Pros
- AI-driven forecasting and automated scheduling via S.A.M.
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for resource planning
- Strong integrations with CRM and project tools
Cons
- Limited depth in native invoicing and billing compared to full PSA suites
- Reporting and custom dashboards require higher tiers
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
Best For
Mid-sized agencies and consultancies focused on resource optimization and capacity planning rather than end-to-end financial management.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for Essentials; Professional at $69/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing.
Planview AdaptiveWork
enterpriseEnterprise work management platform with PSA capabilities for project delivery and portfolio management.
AdaptiveWork Intelligence AI for predictive analytics, scenario planning, and automated insights
Planview AdaptiveWork is a comprehensive enterprise PSA software that integrates project management, resource planning, financial tracking, and client relationship management for professional services organizations. It combines PSA functionalities with PPM capabilities to enable efficient delivery of complex projects, capacity optimization, and profitability analysis. The platform supports agile and traditional methodologies, making it suitable for scaling operations across portfolios.
Pros
- Robust integration of PSA and PPM for end-to-end visibility
- Advanced resource management with capacity planning and forecasting
- Strong financial tools including billing, invoicing, and profitability reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and customization
- High implementation time and costs for full deployment
- Less intuitive for small teams or quick setups
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises managing complex project portfolios and requiring scalable PSA with PPM integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $50-100/user/month with annual contracts and add-ons.
Conclusion
The reviewed PSA software each bring distinct strengths, but BigTime stands as the top choice, excelling with its cloud-based suite that integrates time tracking, project management, and invoicing seamlessly for professional services firms. Kantata impresses with its comprehensive Mavenlink and Kimble integration, ideal for project planning and profitability tracking, while ConnectWise Manage shines as a go-to for MSPs and IT services with its robust ticketing and operations tools. Each option caters to specific needs, ensuring there’s a solution for every service-oriented business.
Don’t miss out—try BigTime to streamline your operations and leverage its all-in-one capabilities for a more efficient workflow, designed to meet the unique demands of professional services firms.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison