2019 Review of BigTime IQ

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From the 2019 review of time & billing management systems.

Big Time IQ Time and Billing Software is best suited for small to mid-sized professional services firms, including accounting and CPA firms. Big Time IQ is a scalable application, with three versions of the application available, making it suitable for even the smallest firms. Big Time IQ works as a stand-alone time and billing application, though users would reap additional benefits if coupled with QuickBooks or Lacerte applications. Big Time IQ also offers DCAA Timekeeping, making it a good solution for firms that deal with government agencies on a regular basis.

Big Time IQ is a cloud-based system, and offers a solid mobile app that works with both Android and iOS smart phones and tablets. The mobile app offers offline time entry capability that automatically syncs once online access is available. The mobile app also offers timers as well as manual time entry capability, and uses a responsive design that adjusts to the size of the device used. The cloud version of Big Time IQ offers completely customizable timesheet entry, with unlimited timers available. Both daily and weekly timesheet views are available, with users able to create a user-defined work week if necessary. Time can also be entered manually if necessary.

Timesheet approval workflow can be setup in Big Time I.Q, ensuring that timesheets are routed to approvers on a timely basis. Expense tracking capability is also available in the product, with users able to enter both reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses in the application. The mobile app also allows users to snap a photo of related expense receipts and upload the image to the application, where it can be attached to an expense report.

Big Time IQ users can customize invoice formats to suit their needs, with four default options available. Custom invoices can also be created in the application and the included Template Editor offers users the ability to make changes to any invoice including changing a logo or address and changing the style and color of the invoice.

Big Time IQ also offers a variety of billing options, including flat rate, staff, and activity, with the ability to create custom rates as needed. Time and materials invoices can also be created, and users have the option to bill for specified date ranges or for custom charges or line items. Invoices can be created as a draft, with users able to make changes prior to finalizing the invoice. Invoices can be printed or emailed to clients directly from Big Time IQ

Big Time I.Q included solid reporting options, with users able to choose from a variety of basic reports, as well as payroll, engagement, and invoicing reports. All reports can be fully customized or copied and edited as needed. There are also a variety of time reports including a Timesheet Summary, Timesheet Detail, Time/Activity Summary, and Time Detail. Management can also run both budgeting and planning reports that provide both estimated and actual project costs. All Big-Time IQ reports can be exported to both Microsoft Excel or Word or saved as a PDF.

For those looking for integration, Big Time IQ offers solid integration with a variety of third-party applications including Salesforce, QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, Slack, Google Apps, Zapier, and Lacerte applications.

The product offers a quick tutorial that guides new users through the system and the setup process. Solid help and support resources are also available, with a comprehensive knowledgebase available to search as well. Solid help and support options are offered in Big Time IQ and a user guide is available to access or download from the vendor’s website. There is also a dedicated YouTube channel that offers a variety of product demos and webinars that can be accessed on demand. Product support is typically handled via email during regular business hours, with all support handled from company headquarters in Chicago with extended support options offered to Premier level customers.

Big Time IQ is best suited for small to mid-sized professional services firms. The product is scalable, with three versions available: Express, which is designed for 5 users and offers time tracking and mobile access, and currently runs $10 per user, per month; Pro, which is a 5-user system and includes budget and expense tracking, and currently runs $30.00 per user, per month; and Enterprise, a 10-user system that includes extended, priority support, and unlimited data retention and is currently priced at $40 per user, per month.

. Those interested can visit the Big Time IQ website to download a free 14- day trial, with no credit card required.

2019 Overall Rating: 5 Stars