As a consultant, you're an expert at juggling. You balance multiple clients, complex project timelines, and diverse team members, all while aiming for perfect delivery. But managing this intricate dance with spreadsheets and scattered communication tools can lead to missed deadlines, budget overruns, and a lack of clear visibility. This is where the right technology becomes not just helpful, but essential for success.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the world of consulting project management software. We'll explore what these platforms are, why they are crucial for modern consulting firms, and review the top tools available. Our goal is to provide you with the insights needed to choose a solution that empowers your team to deliver exceptional results, improve profitability, and streamline every stage of your client work. Let’s dive in and find the perfect fit for your firm.
Best consulting project management software shortlist
Finding the right tool can be a project in itself. To simplify your search, we've compiled a shortlist of the top platforms designed to meet the unique demands of consulting work. Here are the leading contenders for 2025.
Lark: A comprehensive solution for managing projects and client lifecycles.
Scoro: An end-to-end platform for managing sales, projects, and billing.
Wrike: Highly customizable software with powerful dashboards and reporting features.
Monday.com: A flexible work OS for building custom consulting workflows.
Kantata: A robust solution for professional services automation and resource management.
Rocketlane: A client-centric platform focused on onboarding and project delivery.
Projectworks: A tool designed to manage resources, projects, and profitability.
Nifty: A collaborative workspace for communication, project, and task management.
Bonsai: An all-in-one toolkit designed for freelance consultants and small firms.
Asana: A popular tool known for its strong workflow and task automation.
What is consulting project management software?
Consulting project management software is a specialized platform designed to handle the unique challenges of the consulting industry. Unlike generic project management tools, it goes beyond simple task tracking. It serves as a central command center for managing the entire project lifecycle, from initial proposal to final invoice, while keeping client satisfaction at the forefront.
These platforms are built to address the core operational needs of a consulting firm. Key features typically include:
Advanced resource management: It helps you allocate the right consultants to the right projects based on their skills, availability, and utilization rates, preventing burnout and maximizing efficiency.
Precise time tracking and billing: These tools simplify the process of tracking billable hours against specific tasks and projects, ensuring accurate invoicing and a clear view of project profitability.
Centralized client collaboration: They provide dedicated spaces for clients to review progress, share files, and communicate with your team. For example, some platforms offer shared documents and dedicated client portals, keeping stakeholders aligned without endless email chains.
Integrated financial management: You can manage project budgets, track expenses, and forecast revenue, all within the same system that you use to manage your work.
Ultimately, this software serves as a central hub for your entire firm. Lark embodies this by integrating these critical functions into a single, seamless platform, giving you unparalleled project visibility and control.
Why is project management software for consultants important?
In the high-stakes world of consulting, success hinges on efficiency, client satisfaction, and profitability. Relying on outdated methods like manual spreadsheets and disjointed email threads creates friction, leading to administrative overhead and a higher risk of errors. Adopting dedicated consulting project management software is a strategic move that directly addresses these challenges and delivers a significant competitive advantage.
Here’s why this software is so critical for modern consulting firms:
Streamlined project and client management: It provides a single source of truth for every project. All communications, files, tasks, and milestones are centralized, eliminating confusion and ensuring everyone—from your internal team to the client—is on the same page. This clarity prevents critical details from getting lost in overflowing inboxes.
Improved resource allocation and utilization: Effective resource management is the key to profitability. This software gives you a clear view of your team's capacity, skills, and availability, allowing you to assign the right people to the right projects at the right time. This prevents overbooking, minimizes downtime, and ensures your most valuable assets are deployed effectively. For example, platforms like Lark allow you to build a skills database, making it easy to match consultant expertise with project needs.
Enhanced team collaboration and communication: Consulting projects thrive on collaboration, especially with teams working across different locations. These tools break down communication silos with features like real-time document editing, threaded discussions, and integrated chat. Instead of scheduling another meeting, teams can collaborate asynchronously, keeping projects moving forward around the clock.
Accurate time tracking and financial control: Profitability in consulting is directly tied to how well you manage your time and budget. The software automates the tracking of billable hours, links time directly to tasks and projects, and simplifies the invoicing process. This accuracy not only ensures you get paid for all your work but also provides valuable data for quoting future projects more accurately.
Greater project visibility and reporting: With all project data in one place, you can generate insightful reports and dashboards with just a few clicks. This allows firm leaders to monitor project health, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and make data-driven decisions. An integrated platform makes this even more powerful, as you can see how tasks, timelines, and budgets connect.
These benefits are maximized when they exist in a unified environment. That's why an integrated solution like Lark is so powerful, connecting every workflow to drive efficiency and profitability.
Top 10 consulting project management software in 2025
Navigating the market for the perfect tool can be overwhelming. To help, we’ve reviewed the top 10 platforms, starting with our top recommendation, Lark, which excels at bringing all your work into one seamless space.
1. Lark: A comprehensive solution for managing projects and client lifecycles
Overview:
Lark is a comprehensive business solution that goes far beyond traditional project management. It's designed as an all-in-one suite that unifies chat, calendar, documents, and a powerful no-code database into a single, cohesive platform. For consultants, this means managing the entire project lifecycle—from client communication and task tracking to resource planning and knowledge sharing—without ever needing to switch apps.
Key features:
Customizable no-code project management: Using its flexible no-code platform, Lark Base, you can build custom systems to track everything from multi-stage deliverables and client feedback to internal resources. With powerful workflow automations, you can set up automatic reminders and status updates, creating a dynamic system that is far more collaborative than traditional spreadsheets.
AI-powered assistance across the project lifecycle: Native AI is integrated throughout the platform to boost efficiency. The AI meeting assistant generates summaries and action items, while AI in Lark Docs offers real-time translation for global clients, smart formatting, and automated summaries to quickly digest lengthy reports, freeing up time for strategic work.
Unified collaboration and knowledge management: Create a central hub for all project-related communication. Teams can co-edit documents in real-time, leave comments, and maintain version control effortlessly. This knowledge is then captured in a centralized Lark Wiki, creating an accessible knowledge base of methodologies and past project learnings.
Advanced visualization and reporting: Within Lark Base, you can translate complex project data into clear, actionable insights. Track progress with Gantt charts and Kanban boards, schedule milestones on a public calendar, and build custom dashboards to monitor project KPIs, ensuring everyone has a clear view of project health.
End-to-end support for consulting workflows: The platform supports the entire consulting engagement, from initial goal definition with OKRs to final reporting. It is especially well-suited for complex tech consulting projects, with features for managing product requirements, tracking defects, and synchronizing bug-fixing history within dedicated team chats.
A deeply integrated tool ecosystem: All tools work together seamlessly, eliminating the friction of switching between apps. A conversation in Lark Messenger can be turned into a task, project data from Lark Base can be embedded into a client report, and your calendar is always in sync with your meeting notes, creating a single, uninterrupted workflow.
Pricing:
Starter: Free for up to 20 users, including 100 GB of storage and core features.
Pro: $12 per user/month, offering unlimited message history, more storage, and advanced features.
Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger organizations needing advanced security and compliance controls.
Best for:
Consulting firms of all sizes seeking an all-in-one platform to unify communication, project management, and client data without the complexity and cost of juggling multiple apps.
2. Scoro: An end-to-end platform for managing sales, projects, and billing
Image source: scoro.com
Overview:
Scoro is a comprehensive work management solution designed for professional services firms. It combines project management with CRM, billing, and reporting to provide a complete overview of your business.
Key features:
Real-time dashboards, detailed financial reports, automated billing.
Pricing:
No free plan; Offers a free trial for 14 days
Core: Starts from $19.9/user/month
Growth: Starts from $32.9/user/month
Performance: Starts from $49.9/user/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best for:
Consulting firms that need a strong, all-in-one solution with an emphasis on financial management and business intelligence.
3. Wrike: Highly customizable software with powerful dashboards and reporting features
Image source: wrike.com
Overview:
Wrike is a highly versatile and scalable project management platform known for its robust customization capabilities. It helps consulting teams manage complex project portfolios and gain 360-degree visibility.
Key features:
Custom dashboards, Gantt charts, workflow automations, and proofing tools.
Pricing:
Free: For teams getting started
Team: Starts from $10/user/month
Business: Starts from $25/user/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Pinnacle: Custom pricing; for teams with complex work needs
Best for:
Large consulting teams and enterprises that require deep customization and powerful analytics to manage complex, multi-stage projects.
4. Monday.com: A flexible work OS for building custom consulting workflows
Image source: monday.com
Overview:
Monday.com is a flexible Work OS that allows teams to build custom workflows for any project. Its visual and intuitive interface makes it easy to manage everything from sales pipelines to client projects.
Key features:
Multiple project views (Kanban, calendar, timeline), extensive integrations, and no-code automations.
Pricing:
Free: Up to 3 boards
Basic: Starts from $9/seat/month
Standard: Starts from $12/seat/month
Pro: Starts from $19/seat/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best for:
Consulting firms that value flexibility and a highly visual approach to project and client management.
5. Kantata: A robust solution for professional services automation and resource management
Image source: kantata.com
Overview:
Kantata (formerly Mavenlink and Kimble) is a purpose-built platform for professional services automation. It excels at resource management, project financials, and business intelligence for consulting firms.
Key features:
Advanced resource forecasting, skills management, project accounting, and insightful analytics.
Pricing:
Available upon request from their sales team.
Best for:
Mid-sized to large professional services organizations that need sophisticated resource planning and financial management capabilities.
6. Rocketlane: A client-centric platform focused on onboarding and project delivery
Image source: rocketlane.com
Overview:
Rocketlane is a purpose-built client onboarding and project delivery platform. It stands out by creating a shared workspace for your team and clients, enhancing transparency and collaboration.
Key features:
Client portals, templated playbooks, automated status updates, and integrated communication.
Pricing:
No free plan; Offers a free trial
Essential: Starts from $19/team member/month
Standard: Starts from $49/team member/month
Premium: Starts from $69/team member/month
Enterprise: Starts from $99/team member/month
Best for:
Consulting firms focused on delivering a superior client experience during onboarding and implementation projects.
7. Projectworks: A tool designed to manage resources, projects, and profitability
Image source: projectworks.com
Overview:
Projectworks is management software designed specifically for professional services, helping firms manage resourcing, projects, time, and invoicing in one place to maximize profitability.
Key features:
Capacity planning, leave management, quoting, and integrations with Xero and QuickBooks.
Pricing:
No free plan; Offers a free trial
Build: Starts from $17.1/user/month
Scale: Starts from $24.3/user/month
Unleash: Starts from $40.5/user/month
Best for:
Consultancies that need a straightforward, all-in-one tool to manage operations and profitability without excessive complexity.
8. Nifty: A collaborative workspace for communication, project, and task management
Image source: niftypm.com
Overview:
Nifty is a collaborative operating system that aims to keep teams aligned on their project goals. It combines chat, tasks, roadmaps, and docs into a single, efficient workspace.
Key features:
Project roadmaps, built-in chat, milestone tracking, and file sharing.
Pricing:
Free: forever, unlimited members
Personal: Starts from $7/member/month
Business: Starts from $16/member/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best for:
Agile consulting teams that need a modern, all-in-one collaboration hub to manage projects from discussion to completion.
9. Bonsai: An all-in-one toolkit designed for freelance consultants and small firms
Image source: hellobonsai.com
Overview:
Bonsai is an all-in-one product suite built for freelancers and small consultancies. It integrates everything from proposals and contracts to project management, time tracking, and invoicing.
Key features:
Client CRM, proposal and contract templates, integrated invoicing and payments.
Pricing:
No free plan; Offers a free trial
Basic: Starts from $9/user/month
Essentials: Starts from $19/user/month
Premium: Starts from $29/user/month
Elite: Starts from $49/user/month
Best for:
Independent consultants and small firms looking for a simple, integrated solution to manage the entire client engagement lifecycle.
10. Asana: A popular tool known for its strong workflow and task automation
Image source: asana.com
Overview:
Asana is a leading work management platform that helps teams orchestrate their work, from daily tasks to strategic initiatives. It is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful workflow automation.
Key features:
List, board, and timeline views, workflow builder, goals, and reporting dashboards.
Pricing:
Free: Up to 10 teammates
Starter: Starts from $10.99/user/month
Advanced: Starts from $24.99/user/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best for:
Consulting teams of any size that need a flexible and intuitive tool for task and workflow management.
What to consider while choosing the best consulting project management software
Choosing the right software is a strategic decision that will impact your firm's efficiency and profitability for years to come. The "best" platform is the one that aligns with your specific needs, workflows, and goals. Here are the key factors to consider during your evaluation.
Core features and functionality: Start by identifying your non-negotiables. Does your firm require robust time tracking and invoicing? Is detailed resource management a top priority? Create a checklist of essential features and ensure your shortlisted tools deliver. Ensure the tool excels at the basics. For instance, a platform like Lark not only offers robust task management but also integrates it with chat, so a message can become a trackable task in one click.
Scalability and customization: Your firm will grow, and your software should be able to grow with it. Consider whether the platform can support more users, projects, and data over time. Also, evaluate its customization options. Can you create custom fields, workflows, and dashboards that match your firm's unique processes?
Ease of use and adoption: A powerful tool is only effective if your team uses it. Look for an intuitive interface, a gentle learning curve, and good support resources. A confusing or clunky platform will lead to low adoption rates, defeating the purpose of your investment.
Integration capabilities: The software should fit seamlessly into your existing tech stack. Check for pre-built integrations with essential tools like your CRM, accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero), and file storage services. While some tools require complex third-party integrations, an all-in-one solution can simplify your tech stack by design, handling everything from communication to data management natively.
Client collaboration features: The ability to collaborate effectively with clients is a major differentiator. Look for features like dedicated client portals, guest access permissions, and easy ways to share project updates and deliverables. This transparency builds trust and improves client satisfaction.
Considering these factors will guide you to the right choice. An integrated platform like Lark often provides the best value by bundling these essential capabilities into one cohesive system.
Conclusion
Selecting the right consulting project management software is a defining decision for any firm aiming for sustainable growth. Moving beyond disparate tools and manual processes is no longer a luxury—it's essential for maintaining a competitive edge. The right platform centralizes your operations, providing a single source of truth that enhances visibility, optimizes resource allocation, and fosters seamless collaboration between your team and your clients. This leads directly to more efficient project delivery, improved profitability, and stronger client relationships.
As you evaluate your options, remember to look beyond a simple list of features. Consider how a platform will scale with your business, how easily your team can adopt it, and how well it integrates the core pillars of your workflow: communication, task management, and knowledge sharing. The goal is to invest in a solution that not only solves today's challenges but also provides a flexible foundation for future success.
If you're looking for a platform that consolidates these functions into one intuitive and powerful system, consider Lark. It provides a truly all-in-one solution designed to streamline every aspect of your consulting work.
FAQs
What is an ITSM tool?
An ITSM (IT Service Management) tool is a software platform that helps organizations manage the end-to-end delivery of IT services. It standardizes and automates key processes like incident management, service requests, problem management, and change control, improving efficiency and service quality for employees and customers.
Is Jira an ITSM tool?
Yes, Jira offers a specific product called Jira Service Management, which is a dedicated ITSM tool for IT support and service teams. This is distinct from Jira Software, its more widely known product for agile project management, which is focused on development workflows rather than IT service delivery.
What is the best ITSM software?
The "best" ITSM software depends on a company's size, complexity, and specific needs. While popular dedicated options exist, many firms find value in broader platforms. For consultancies needing to manage projects and internal services together, a comprehensive solution like Lark can be ideal for unifying all business workflows.
What is an example of ITSM?
A classic example of ITSM in action is when an employee needs a new piece of hardware. They submit a service request through a self-service portal. The ITSM tool automatically routes this request to the right IT team, tracks its approval, and monitors its fulfillment and delivery.
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