When it comes to business management software for PSA (Professional Services Automation), you need tools that go beyond just project management. The right PSA software should offer a combination of project management, resource planning, time tracking, invoicing, and reporting—all within one platform. These features help streamline operations, improve profitability, and provide visibility across your entire business.
Below are some of the best business management software solutions that cater to PSA needs, providing a holistic view of your projects, resources, finances, and client relationships.
Best Business Management Software for PSA
1. NetSuite OpenAir
NetSuite OpenAir is a robust cloud-based PSA solution that integrates seamlessly with Oracle NetSuite’s financials and ERP system. It’s designed to help businesses optimize resource allocation, project management, and billing processes while providing end-to-end visibility across the organization.
Key Features:
- Advanced Project Management: Track project timelines, budgets, and resources. Use Gantt charts and project milestones to ensure projects are delivered on time.
- Resource Planning: Allocate resources based on availability and skill sets, helping optimize workforce utilization.
- Time and Expense Tracking: Capture billable hours and project expenses automatically, making it easier to invoice clients.
- Financial Integration: Full integration with NetSuite ERP, providing real-time data on financials, project budgets, and profitability.
- Reporting and Analytics: Detailed reports and dashboards offer insights into project performance, resource utilization, and profitability, helping to drive informed business decisions.
Downsides:
- Complexity: Due to its wide array of features, OpenAir may require significant training and customization, especially for small businesses.
- Cost: As an enterprise-level solution, it’s on the more expensive side and may be more suitable for mid-sized to large companies.
Best For: Medium to large service-based businesses that need comprehensive PSA features integrated with financial and ERP systems for better visibility and control.
2. ConnectWise Manage
ConnectWise Manage is a PSA platform built specifically for IT service providers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). It offers powerful tools for managing clients, projects, and services, alongside financial management and reporting.
Key Features:
- Project and Service Management: Provides tools for managing IT projects and services, tracking project milestones, time, and tasks in real time.
- Service Desk and Ticketing: Helps manage customer service tickets and streamline communication between service teams and clients.
- Billing and Invoicing: Automatically generate invoices based on tracked time and services delivered, integrating billing with your financial system.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Built-in CRM lets you track client communications, service history, and contract details.
- Reporting and Analytics: Get insights into project profitability, resource utilization, and customer satisfaction with built-in reports and dashboards.
Downsides:
- IT-Specific: ConnectWise Manage is heavily geared toward IT service providers, so it may not be the best fit for other industries.
- Learning Curve: Due to its specialized features, it can take time for teams to get up to speed, especially if they’re new to PSA tools.
Best For: IT service providers or Managed Service Providers (MSPs) looking for a PSA solution that integrates project management, service management, and financials.
3. Wrike
Wrike is a flexible project management platform with PSA functionality, making it a strong choice for professional services firms. It offers extensive customization, time tracking, project management, and client collaboration tools—all in one place.
Key Features:
- Task and Project Management: Use Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and task dependencies to plan and manage complex projects, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
- Resource Planning: Track resource availability and assign tasks based on team members’ workloads and skills, improving project efficiency.
- Time Tracking: Track billable hours directly within the platform, allowing accurate time entries to be automatically added to client invoices.
- Collaboration Tools: Teams can collaborate on tasks in real-time, sharing files, updates, and comments within Wrike, reducing miscommunication and email back-and-forth.
- Customizable Workflows: Create custom workflows that match your business processes, automating repetitive tasks and approvals to save time.
Downsides:
- Limited Financial Features: Wrike doesn’t offer full-fledged invoicing or billing features, so you may need to integrate it with accounting software.
- Learning Curve: While customizable, it may take some time to set up workflows and optimize the platform for your business needs.
Best For: Small to mid-sized businesses that need flexible project management and time tracking tools with some PSA features, especially those looking for customization options.
4. FinancialForce PSA
FinancialForce PSA is built natively on the Salesforce platform, making it a great choice for businesses that already use Salesforce CRM. It offers end-to-end business management with strong project management, resource planning, and financial tracking features.
Key Features:
- Salesforce Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Salesforce CRM, providing a single view of projects, resources, and clients across your entire organization.
- Project Management: Plan and manage projects using Gantt charts, task dependencies, and project templates to ensure that milestones are met on time and within budget.
- Resource Management: Allocate resources based on availability, skills, and project needs, optimizing the use of your workforce.
- Time and Expense Tracking: Track billable hours and expenses, which can be automatically converted into client invoices.
- Financial Management: Integrates with Salesforce’s financial tools, providing real-time financial visibility into projects, resource costs, and profitability.
Downsides:
- Price: As a premium product, FinancialForce PSA can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses or those that don’t already use Salesforce.
- Salesforce Dependency: Since it’s built on Salesforce, it’s best for businesses already using Salesforce or planning to adopt it.
Best For: Mid-sized to large businesses already using Salesforce, looking for deep integration between CRM, PSA, and financial management.
5. BigTime
BigTime is a simple yet effective PSA software that offers time tracking, project management, invoicing, and expense tracking. It’s well-suited for small to mid-sized professional service firms like consulting, IT, and engineering.
Key Features:
- Time Tracking: Easily track billable and non-billable hours, allowing for more accurate time entries and invoicing.
- Project Management: Manage tasks, timelines, and resources with a user-friendly interface designed to keep projects on track and under budget.
- Budget Tracking: Track project budgets in real time to ensure projects are profitable and clients are billed accurately.
- Invoicing and Billing: Automatically convert time and expense entries into invoices, streamlining the billing process and reducing manual errors.
- Mobile App: Track time, manage projects, and generate invoices on the go with BigTime’s mobile app, making it easier for consultants working remotely.
Downsides:
- Limited Advanced Features: While great for basic project management and invoicing, BigTime may lack some advanced features found in larger PSA systems, such as resource optimization or deep financial management.
- Reporting: While it has basic reporting, it may not have the depth needed by larger organizations that require advanced analytics.
Best For: Small to mid-sized professional services firms that need easy-to-use time tracking, project management, and invoicing tools.
6. Scoro
Scoro is an all-in-one business management solution that offers project management, CRM, billing, and reporting, making it a great PSA tool for small to mid-sized service-based businesses. It combines all essential features into one platform, allowing you to manage clients, projects, and finances with ease.
Key Features:
- Project and Task Management: Scoro’s project management features include Gantt charts, task dependencies, and time tracking, helping you manage projects efficiently.
- CRM Integration: Manage client relationships alongside projects and billing, providing a holistic view of customer interactions and contracts.
- Automated Billing: Automatically generate invoices from time entries and expenses, reducing manual effort and ensuring accurate billing.
- Financial Reporting: Get real-time insights into project performance, profitability, and cash flow with customizable financial reports.
- Custom Dashboards: Use dashboards to get a full overview of your business, including project timelines, team productivity, and financial health.
Downsides:
- Limited Customization: While Scoro offers a lot of features, some users may find that the platform doesn’t offer as much flexibility or customization compared to other PSA solutions.
- Complexity for Small Teams: Although packed with features, small teams may find the software overwhelming, especially if they don’t need all the tools offered.
Best For: Small to mid-sized service-based businesses that need an all-in-one solution for managing projects, clients, and finances in one place.
7. Kimble
Kimble is a cloud-based PSA software designed specifically for professional services organizations. It focuses on helping businesses optimize their resources, streamline project management, and improve financial performance through detailed insights and analytics.
Key Features:
- Resource Optimization: Use Kimble’s resource management tools to optimize staffing, assign tasks based on skill sets and availability, and improve utilization rates.
- Project Planning and Delivery: Plan and manage complex projects with task dependencies, milestones, and budget tracking, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Time and Expense Management: Track time and expenses across projects, ensuring accurate billing and profitability analysis.
- Financial Reporting and Forecasting: Get real-time insights into project profitability, revenue forecasting, and resource utilization, helping to drive smarter business decisions.
- Automation: Automate workflows like approvals, invoicing, and resource allocation, reducing manual work and streamlining operations.
Downsides:
- Implementation Time: Due to its advanced features, Kimble may require significant time to implement and fully customize for your business needs.
- Cost: Kimble is on the higher end in terms of pricing, making it more suitable for mid-sized to large businesses.
Best For: Mid-sized to large professional services firms that need advanced resource optimization, project management, and financial forecasting tools.
Key Features to Look for in PSA Business Management Software
- Project Management
Strong project management tools are essential. Look for features like Gantt charts, task dependencies, resource planning, and real-time progress tracking. - Time and Expense Tracking
Accurate time and expense tracking ensures that all billable hours are captured and client invoices are generated accurately. - Resource Management
Effective resource allocation is crucial for maximizing productivity. Your PSA software should offer visibility into team members’ availability, skills, and workloads. - Invoicing and Billing
Automating the invoicing process based on time and expense entries saves time and ensures accuracy. Look for PSA tools that easily convert tracked hours into invoices. - Financial Management
Integration with accounting or ERP systems is key for managing project budgets, forecasting revenue, and tracking profitability. - Reporting and Analytics
Detailed reports on project profitability, resource utilization, and financial performance help you make informed business decisions.
Final Word
For large service-based businesses, NetSuite OpenAir and FinancialForce PSA offer deep financial integration, project management, and resource planning, making them ideal for businesses that need full visibility across operations. Accelo, Wrike, and Scoro are great for small to mid-sized businesses that need a more flexible, affordable solution with strong project and client management capabilities. ConnectWise Manage is a standout for IT service providers, while BigTime offers a simple, cost-effective solution for small businesses focused on time tracking and billing.
Each of these tools can help improve efficiency, profitability, and visibility into your business operations. The best choice depends on the size of your business, your industry, and your specific operational needs.