Architect's review of BillQuick
May 31, 2016
Architect's review of BillQuick
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
BillQuick (legacy)
Overall Satisfaction with BQE Core
I have a small architectural practice doing exclusively custom residential work. Before BillQuick, I was using my ad-hoc spreadsheet method of time sheets, record keeping, and manual invoicing. Once I brought a couple of outside architect consultants on board, this system went from time consuming to completely unworkable. My ad-hoc system was already terrible for historic record keeping. BillQuick has solved this completely and the all day chore of monthly billings is now quick and something I look forward to doing.
- Retainer management: I had spent much time researching timekeeping and billing options, including most of the newer online systems. The ability to handle retainers throughout the project was one of the things that set BillQuick apart.
- BillQuick has so many subtle options that I am finding that it can handle just about any record keeping and billing option that I need.
- Support: I can't say enough about the high level of support I've received from the BillQuick support team, whether it's my glitch or a software issue.
- Phases: Although BillQuick does handle phases for projects, I would like to see this made more comprehensive and flexible. BillQuick phases work best where phases have strict contract amounts or percentages. Our contracts are set up with an overall contract amount, but the phases are not set at any specific amount. I would like to some more built in flexibility to handle this scenario.
- Online Bill Payments: I would like to see this either provided directly through BillQuick or directly with an API and a third party. Currently, the only conduit is syncing via QuickBooks, and from there, syncing to a third party.
- Clearly, simply from a monthly time investment required for just invoicing jobs once a month before and after I started using BillQuick, there is no question of the time savings, freeing up time for other uses and billable work.
I tested and analyzed every possible system I could find, online or desktop. Here's my summary:
- It seemed none of the online systems, except BillQuick, had the flexibility to handle the various differences in contracts and billing structure that a typical architectural practice has, like multiple and complex rate structures, consultants, etc.
- Transparency: Most online systems are very clear about costs. BillQuick has adopted this.
- Options of installation: online vs. desktop, both are available.
Using BQE Core
1 - Architect/Owner
- Time record keeping
- Invoicing & receivalbles
- Consultant payables
- Historic record keeping and reporting
- We are developing syncs to online payments but I would like to see that directly inside BillQuick
Evaluating BQE Core and Competitors
Yes - Excel and Word, which become extremely complicated and time consuming, let alone difficult to explain to newcomers.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Third-party Reviews
I tested using a trial version and could quickly see that it would work fine for our needs.
BQE Core Implementation
- Implemented in-house
Change management was minimal
BQE Core Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | None |
Not Available
Yes - Yes
Using BQE Core
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Easy to use Well integrated Quick to learn Feel confident using | Lots to learn |
- Phases
Yes, but I don't use it