consulting software

24 Business Consulting Software to Enhance Client Management and Operations (2025)

For consulting firms, the inbox can quickly become a source of chaos. Client emails pile up, important messages get buried, and critical files are lost in the shuffle. Managing client communication through scattered emails is stressful and inefficient.

This messiness leads to missed deadlines, lost files, and confusion for both you and your clients. When key information is scattered across emails, staying organized feels impossible.

Thankfully, the right software can transform how consulting firms handle client communication and operations. In this article, we’ll explore 24 essential tools that will help you escape the inbox chaos, streamline your client management, and keep your projects running smoothly.

What Types of Consulting Software Do Consulting Firms Need?

Consulting firms rely on various software tools to manage their day-to-day operations and client relationships. From communication and project management to billing and document sharing, the right software can drastically improve efficiency and organization. The key is to identify which areas of your business need streamlining and find software that caters to those specific needs.

Common categories include client management software (CRMs), project management tools, time tracking and billing solutions, collaboration platforms, and scheduling tools. Each type of software addresses a particular pain point, helping consultants stay organized and deliver better service to their clients.

How Do I Choose the Right Software for My Consulting Firm?

Choosing the right software for your consulting firm depends on the specific needs of your business. First, identify your biggest challenges—whether it’s managing client communications, tracking billable hours, or improving team collaboration. From there, you’ll want to consider factors like ease of use, scalability, and integrations with other tools you’re already using.

Budget is also an important consideration. Some tools offer robust free versions, while others provide tiered pricing based on features. The goal is to find software that saves you time, reduces friction in your processes, and ultimately helps you deliver better results for your clients.

Client Management Software for Consulting Firms

Client management is at the heart of any consulting business. CRMs and client portal software make it easier to organize client data, track interactions, and ensure that communication stays on track. Whether you’re managing a small roster of clients or a large portfolio, having a reliable system in place for client management is essential for efficiency and professionalism.

In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the top client management software options for consulting firms. These tools are designed to help you streamline communication, keep track of client details, and maintain long-term relationships.

1. Ahsuite

ahsuite

Ahsuite is designed to streamline client communication and file sharing by providing a centralized, easy-to-use client portal. One of its standout features is that it allows you to maintain organized client communication in the portal, even if your clients prefer to continue using email.

Consultants can use Ahsuite to share presentations, reports, and other key documents, all in a secure space. Clients can effortlessly find what they need, minimizing back-and-forth emails and reducing missed messages. Additionally, Ahsuite’s minimalist design keeps the focus on the work you’re delivering, elevating your professional image.

It’s particularly useful for agencies, freelancers, and other consulting businesses that need to share sensitive information and track project progress in one place. Ahsuite helps you escape inbox clutter while still accommodating clients who rely heavily on email.

2. Salesforce

salesforce crm

Salesforce is the world’s leading CRM platform, designed to help businesses of all sizes manage customer relationships, streamline processes, and drive growth. Known for its robust set of features, Salesforce integrates sales, customer service, marketing, and more, all on a single platform. It’s especially valuable for consulting firms looking to unify their operations and manage client data more effectively.

One of Salesforce’s key strengths is its flexibility and scalability. Whether you’re a small consulting firm or an enterprise-level business, Salesforce can adapt to your needs. The platform offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor workflows, automate tasks, and integrate third-party applications through its vast AppExchange marketplace.

Pricing for Salesforce starts at $25 per user, per month for its Starter Suite, with higher-tiered plans available for businesses with more advanced needs. The platform also features built-in AI tools, such as Agentforce, that help firms make data-driven decisions, optimize customer interactions, and ultimately improve client satisfaction.

3. HubSpot

hubspot crm

HubSpot is an all-in-one customer platform designed to streamline marketing, sales, and customer service through its various “Hubs.” Each Hub, including the Marketing, Sales, Service, and Operations Hubs, provides specialized tools to help consulting firms manage their client relationships more effectively. HubSpot’s platform is powered by AI to help generate leads, automate tasks, and provide analytics for business growth.

One of HubSpot’s strengths is its flexibility. With free tools to get started and paid plans that scale with your business, it’s a great fit for consulting firms of all sizes. HubSpot also integrates seamlessly with over 1,600 apps, making it a powerful solution for consolidating various tools into one platform.

Pricing for HubSpot starts with a free CRM and premium plans begin at $15 per month per seat, providing advanced marketing, sales, and operations tools as you scale your business.

4. Zoho CRM

zoho crm

Zoho CRM is a top-rated CRM solution designed to help businesses of all sizes manage sales, automate processes, and build strong customer relationships. It offers a wide range of features, including AI-powered sales automation, advanced analytics, and customization options, making it a flexible and scalable choice for consulting firms looking to streamline client management.

One of the standout features of Zoho CRM is its ease of use, combined with robust tools for sales forecasting, workflow automation, and omnichannel communication. Consulting firms can benefit from its ability to manage client interactions across multiple channels, all while keeping everything organized in a single platform.

Zoho CRM offers tiered pricing to accommodate different business needs, starting at $14 per user, per month for the Standard plan. Higher-tier plans, such as the Enterprise plan at $40 per user, per month, unlock more advanced features like AI-driven analytics, custom modules, and territory management.

5. Pipedrive

pipedrive crm

Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM that helps businesses manage leads, track deals, and optimize their sales process. Designed for teams of all sizes, Pipedrive offers a visual, customizable pipeline that makes it easy to monitor sales activities and follow up with leads. Its intuitive interface and automation features allow consulting firms to streamline workflows and boost productivity.

Pipedrive stands out with its AI-powered tools, such as an AI Sales Assistant and email automation, which help teams focus on the most promising leads and enhance communication. The platform integrates with over 400 apps, making it a versatile solution for consolidating your sales and marketing efforts.

Pricing starts at $14 per user, per month for the Essential plan, with higher tiers like the Professional plan at $49 per user, per month offering advanced customization, reporting, and AI-driven tools.

Project Management Software for Consulting Firms

Consulting firms manage multiple clients and projects, making organization and efficiency crucial. Project management software helps streamline tasks, improve collaboration, and keep projects on track. Below are some of the top tools that can help consulting firms stay organized and deliver results.

6. Trello

trello

Trello is a popular project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize tasks and collaborate effectively. It offers a simple yet flexible approach to managing projects of all sizes, making it ideal for consulting firms that need to track multiple projects simultaneously. With features like custom workflows, automation, and various “Power-Ups” for added functionality, Trello ensures that projects stay on track and deadlines are met.

Trello integrates with a wide range of apps and offers multiple views, such as calendar and timeline, so you can keep a clear overview of project progress. It’s also highly customizable, allowing consulting firms to tailor their boards to meet their specific needs and workflows.

Trello’s pricing starts with a free plan for individuals or small teams. Paid plans include the Standard plan at $5 per user, per month, and the Premium plan at $10 per user, per month, offering advanced features like timeline and calendar views, as well as more robust automation and reporting tools.

7. Asana

asana

Asana is a highly versatile project management tool designed to help teams manage tasks, projects, and workflows efficiently. With features like custom fields, task assignments, and progress tracking, Asana enables consulting firms to stay organized and meet deadlines. It also offers powerful automation capabilities, allowing users to set rules that automate repetitive tasks and optimize productivity.

Asana integrates with a wide range of other software tools, making it a great choice for consulting firms looking to consolidate their operations in one platform. It also includes resource management features like capacity planning and workload tracking, making it easier to manage team availability and avoid bottlenecks.

Pricing for Asana starts with a free Personal plan for individuals and small teams. The Starter plan is $10.99 per user, per month when billed annually, and the Advanced plan is $24.99 per user, per month, offering more robust project management features like reporting dashboards and admin controls.

8. Monday.com

monday.com

Monday.com is a highly customizable work management platform that helps consulting firms manage projects, tasks, and workflows in one place. With features like dashboards, automations, and AI tools, it enables teams to streamline their operations and improve collaboration. Monday.com is flexible, making it suitable for teams of all sizes and industries.

The platform integrates seamlessly with a wide range of apps and tools, making it easier to consolidate workflows and improve productivity. Consulting firms can also benefit from its powerful reporting and visualization features, which provide real-time insights into project progress and team performance.

Pricing for Monday.com starts with a free plan for individuals. The Basic plan is $9 per seat, per month, while the Standard plan costs $12 per seat, per month. Higher-tier plans, such as Pro and Enterprise, provide more advanced features like time tracking, automation, and enhanced security.

9. ClickUp

clickup-crm

ClickUp is an all-in-one project management platform designed to streamline work for teams of all sizes. It offers a wide array of features, including task management, time tracking, Gantt charts, and automations. With ClickUp, consulting firms can centralize all their work-related tasks, manage resources, and boost productivity with powerful collaboration tools like Docs, Whiteboards, and Chat.

ClickUp’s standout feature is its customization, allowing firms to tailor the platform to meet their specific needs. It also integrates with various other apps, making it easier to manage workflows across different systems. With the addition of ClickUp AI, users can automate tasks, enhance writing, and generate reports, further reducing manual work.

ClickUp offers a free plan, while its Unlimited plan is priced at $7 per user, per month. The Business plan, designed for mid-sized teams, costs $12 per user, per month, with additional plans available for enterprise-level needs.

Time Tracking & Billing Software for Consulting Firms

Accurate time tracking and streamlined billing are essential for consulting firms to manage projects efficiently and ensure proper invoicing. The right software can help you track billable hours, generate invoices, and manage payments with ease. Below are some top tools to help you stay on top of time and billing.

10. Toggl

toggl

Toggl Track is a flexible time tracking tool designed for teams to easily track and report time spent on various tasks and projects. It offers features like automated time tracking, timesheet reports, and invoicing, making it ideal for consulting firms that need to manage billable hours and track team workloads. The platform is intuitive and offers seamless integrations with other popular tools.

Toggl Track’s reporting tools provide detailed insights into how time is spent, enabling firms to make data-driven decisions and optimize productivity. It’s a great solution for teams looking to streamline their time management and billing processes without the hassle of complicated setups.

Toggl Track offers a free plan for up to 5 users. Paid plans start at $9 per user, per month for the Starter plan, with more advanced features available in the Premium and Enterprise plans.

11. Harvest

harvest

Harvest is a time tracking and invoicing tool that is ideal for freelancers, small teams, and growing businesses. It helps consulting firms track time, manage projects, and create invoices with ease. With features like project reports and integrations with accounting software, Harvest simplifies the time tracking and billing process for consulting firms.

Harvest offers a free plan for individuals, which includes 1 seat and 2 active projects. For teams, the Harvest Pro plan provides unlimited seats and projects for $10.80 per seat, per month when billed annually, making it a flexible solution for growing firms looking to scale.

12. Clockify

clockify

Clockify is a popular time tracking software offering a free plan for unlimited users, projects, and time tracking. It is ideal for consultants and agencies looking for a straightforward timekeeping solution. With Clockify, you can track work hours in real time, manage employee attendance, and generate detailed timesheets and reports.

For more advanced needs, Clockify offers paid plans starting at $5.49 per seat per month (billed annually) for the Standard plan, which includes features like time-off management. Higher tiers, such as the Pro and Enterprise plans, provide more advanced options for productivity, security, and payroll integration.

13. FreshBooks

freshbooks

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting and time tracking software tailored for small businesses and consultants. It offers essential features like invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking, making it a comprehensive tool for managing client billing and financial operations. FreshBooks also integrates with other popular tools like payment gateways and project management apps to streamline workflows.

For consultants, FreshBooks simplifies client communication by organizing projects, proposals, and estimates all in one place. It also provides tools for tracking project profitability, enabling users to maintain better control over financials while focusing on client work. FreshBooks supports various industries, including freelancers, small businesses, and agencies.

Pricing starts at $9.50/month for the Lite plan, which covers up to five clients. For growing businesses, the Plus plan starts at $16.50/month, and the Premium plan offers more advanced features for $30/month, catering to businesses that need support for an unlimited number of clients.

14. QuickBooks

quickbooks

QuickBooks is a widely used accounting software that combines robust time tracking, payroll, and bookkeeping features, making it ideal for consultants and small businesses. It offers an all-in-one platform to manage billing, time tracking, and financial reporting, allowing users to run their entire operation from a single dashboard. The tool also integrates with other business apps, such as payment processing and tax management tools, to enhance its functionality.

Consultants benefit from QuickBooks’ ability to track time against specific projects, helping ensure accurate billing. Additionally, it offers expense tracking, mileage logging, and project-based financial reporting, which provides visibility into project profitability. QuickBooks makes financial management easier with mobile apps for on-the-go time tracking and seamless payroll integration.

Pricing starts at $17.50/month for the Simple Start plan, which includes essential accounting features. The Plus plan, which provides more robust tools for growing businesses, starts at $49.50/month. For larger teams, the Advanced plan costs $117.50/month and includes more advanced reporting and team management features.

Collaboration & Communication Software for Consulting Firms

Effective collaboration and communication are key to the success of any consulting firm. With teams and clients often working remotely or across different locations, having the right tools in place ensures that everyone stays connected and aligned. Below are some top software options to help consulting firms improve communication and foster better collaboration.

15. Slack

slack

Slack is a popular collaboration platform designed to streamline team communication. It allows consulting firms to organize conversations by channels, enabling efficient discussions by team, project, or topic. Slack offers real-time messaging, file sharing, and video/audio calls to keep everyone connected.

The platform integrates with thousands of other tools, making it a versatile hub for managing workflows. Features like Slack Connect allow teams to work with external clients and partners, while keeping internal communications secure.

Slack offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $4.38 per user per month for the Pro plan, with more advanced options like Business+ and Enterprise Grid available.

16. Proposify

proposify

Proposify is an all-in-one platform designed to streamline the proposal creation process, helping consulting firms close deals faster. It provides a professional, branded proposal tool that allows teams to collaborate efficiently by creating, tracking, and signing proposals. Key features include proposal automation, interactive quotes, contract management, and electronic signatures, ensuring that documents are both professional and legally secure.

Proposify integrates with hundreds of third-party tools and offers API access, making it easy to connect with your existing software ecosystem. Security is a top priority, with robust measures in place to protect your data and ensure compliance.

Proposify offers flexible pricing, starting with a Basic plan at $35 per seat/month. More advanced plans, such as the Team plan at $49 per seat/month and the Business plan at $65 per seat/month, provide enhanced features like team collaboration and enterprise-level tools.

17. PandaDoc

pandadoc

PandaDoc is a comprehensive document management solution designed to streamline the process of creating, approving, tracking, and eSigning documents. Consulting firms benefit from its ability to generate error-free quotes, proposals, contracts, and other essential documents using customizable templates. The platform’s features include document generation, approval workflows, smart content, and real-time collaboration, which make it easy for teams to stay aligned.

PandaDoc also offers powerful integrations with CRMs and other tools, allowing firms to automate workflows and reduce manual tasks. Its built-in analytics provide insights into document performance and user activity, while secure eSignatures ensure legal compliance with E-SIGN, UETA, and HIPAA standards.

The pricing starts at $19 per seat/month for the Starter plan, ideal for small teams. The Business plan, at $49 per seat/month, adds advanced features like CRM integrations and custom quotes. For enterprise-level needs, PandaDoc provides customizable pricing with additional automation and CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) capabilities.

18. Qwilr

qwirl

Qwilr is a modern sales proposal platform that helps consulting firms create interactive, visually appealing proposals. Designed to capture buyer attention, Qwilr enables teams to create beautifully designed content and provides tools for dynamic pricing, e-signature, and payment options. The platform’s analytics feature allows teams to track buyer engagement and receive notifications when key actions occur, helping close deals faster.

Qwilr also integrates with leading CRMs, allowing firms to automate proposal generation with just one click. With centralized assets, permissions, and templates, teams can scale efficiently while maintaining consistency across all sales materials.

Pricing starts at $35 per user/month for the Business plan, which includes e-signature, payments, and basic analytics. The Enterprise plan, at $59 per user/month, offers advanced features like document automation, custom workflows, and dedicated account management for teams of 10 or more users.

19. Evernote

evernote

Evernote is a versatile note-taking and organization tool, ideal for consulting firms looking to streamline workflows and manage information efficiently. It allows users to capture and organize ideas, tasks, documents, and media across devices with powerful syncing capabilities. Features like AI-powered search, Web Clipper, document scanning, and real-time collaboration make it easy to keep all team members aligned and up to date.

In addition to note-taking, Evernote integrates tasks and calendar management, helping users to stay on track with projects and deadlines. Teams can collaborate seamlessly through shared notes and task assignments, boosting productivity.

Evernote offers a free plan with basic features, while the Personal plan is available at $10.83/month for additional storage and advanced options. The Professional plan, at $14.16/month, includes enhanced collaboration tools, and the Teams plan, at $20.83/user/month, provides advanced team collaboration features and more storage.

20. Google Drive

google drive

Google Drive is a cloud-based storage solution offered as part of Google Workspace, designed to enable teams and individuals to store, share, and collaborate on files seamlessly. Consulting firms can use Google Drive to manage and access their documents from any device, ensuring a streamlined workflow. Key features include AI-powered search, real-time editing of various file types (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Microsoft Office files), and integration with other Google Workspace tools like Gmail and Calendar.

With Google Drive, teams can share files with customizable permissions and manage access through secure cloud storage. Features like activity tracking, file annotations, and shared drives further enhance team collaboration. Drive offers various storage plans, scaling from 15GB up to 5TB per user, with the option to request additional storage.

Pricing starts at $6 per user/month for the Business Starter plan, which includes 30GB of pooled storage and basic collaboration features. For larger teams and advanced needs, the Business Standard and Business Plus plans offer more storage and enhanced tools at $12 and $18 per user/month, respectively.

Scheduling & Appointment Software for Consulting Firms

Effective scheduling and appointment management are crucial for consulting firms to maintain smooth operations and ensure timely client engagements. With clients often working across different time zones and locations, having the right software in place simplifies appointment setting and streamlines internal coordination. Below are some top software options to help consulting firms manage scheduling and appointments more efficiently.

21. Calendly

calendly

Calendly is a leading scheduling software that helps consulting firms streamline the process of booking meetings and appointments. Designed to automate and simplify scheduling, Calendly integrates with popular calendar systems, allowing users to set availability and share booking links easily with clients and team members. Features like round-robin meetings, event scheduling, and automated reminders help reduce no-shows and optimize time management.

Calendly offers various plans tailored to different needs, starting with a free plan for individuals with basic scheduling requirements. The Standard plan, priced at $10 per seat/month, includes additional features like multiple event types and calendar integrations.

22. Acuity Scheduling

acuity-scheduling

Acuity Scheduling is an online appointment scheduling software designed to help consulting firms manage bookings, client appointments, and staff availability seamlessly. It allows clients to self-schedule appointments, set automatic reminders, and manage rescheduling without additional manual effort. The platform supports payment processing through Stripe, PayPal, or Square, making it easier for consulting firms to handle transactions.

Acuity Scheduling offers several pricing plans tailored to different needs. The Emerging plan is available at $16/month, offering basic scheduling features like unlimited appointments and services, while the Growing plan, at $27/month, adds features such as text reminders and resource management. For larger firms, the Powerhouse plan, at $49/month, supports multiple calendars, HIPAA compliance, and additional customization options.

23. Bookafy

bookafy

Bookafy is an appointment scheduling software designed to help consulting firms automate and streamline client bookings. It offers features like customizable booking pages, email notifications, and online payments, making it a comprehensive solution for managing appointments efficiently. With options for one-on-one appointments, team bookings, and custom integrations, it caters to the diverse needs of consulting firms.

Bookafy provides flexible pricing plans, including a Free plan for individuals with basic scheduling needs, the Pro plan at $9 per user/month for advanced scheduling features like two-way calendar syncing, and the Pro+ plan at $13 per user/month, which includes additional features such as HIPAA compliance, second SMS reminders, and custom API development.

24. Doodle

doodle

Doodle is a simple and efficient scheduling tool tailored for consulting firms to manage meetings, appointments, and team collaboration. It offers features like group polls, booking pages, and 1:1 meetings to streamline the scheduling process. Consulting teams can stay organized and manage availability without back-and-forth emails, ensuring that client meetings are scheduled quickly and efficiently.

Doodle offers a Free plan for individuals, which includes basic features like unlimited group polls and one booking page. For more advanced scheduling, the Pro plan is available at $6.95 per user/month, adding features like custom branding and unlimited 1:1 meetings.

Elevate your Consulting Firm’s Operations with Ahsuite

Managing client communication and operations as a consultant can be a challenge, especially when key information is scattered across various tools and emails. That’s why choosing the right software is essential to streamline your processes and keep everything in one place.

Ahsuite offers a comprehensive feature set that covers many of the needs consulting firms have—client communication, file sharing, task management, and more. It also integrates seamlessly with other popular tools like project management platforms, CRMs, and communication software, making it an excellent choice for consolidating the countless tools you might already be using. With Ahsuite, you can keep everything centralized in one platform while still benefiting from the specialized software you rely on.

Ready to enhance your client management and streamline your operations? Sign up for Ahsuite today—it’s free for up to ten portals — and experience a more efficient way to manage your consulting business.