2018 Review of BigTime IQ

From the 2018 reviews of Time and Billing systems.

BigTime IQ Time and Billing Software is well suited for small to mid-sized professional service firms, including accounting and CPA firms. Scalable, BigTime IQ works well as a stand-alone time and billing solution, though users can reap additional functionality if used with QuickBooks or Lacerte applications. Aside from standard time tracking, BigTime IQ also offers DCAA Timekeeping, making the product a good fit for government contractors that must comply with DCAA requirements.

BigTime IQ is completely cloud-based, and offers a robust mobile app designed to be used with both iOS and Android devices. The mobile app offers easy time tracking capability, with entries later syncing with the online application once a connection is available. Along with mobile time tracking, the cloud version of BigTime IQ offers timesheet entry, with multiple timesheets templates that are completely customizable with users able to create the timesheet that best suits their needs.

Unlimited timers are available to use in both the cloud application and the mobile app, with users able to track time for multiple clients or projects. There is also an option to enter time manually, if desired. Multiple timesheet submission periods are available in BigTime IQ, including weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly. Timesheet approval workflow can also be setup in the product, ensuring the completed timesheets are routed to the approvers on a timely basis. Big Time IQ also offers good expense tracking capability, 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.

Users can configure BigTime IQ invoice formats to suit their needs. There are four default options available to use, or users can create a custom format as desired. The 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. The product offers flexible billing options, including staff, activity, and flat base rates. Custom rates can also be created, and users can opt to use the custom rate as their default billing rate if desired. Uses can also create time and materials invoices, with the option to bill for a specific date range as well as add custom charges or line items when necessary. All invoices are created as a draft, with users able to view the draft and make any changes prior to printing the invoice. Completed invoices can be emailed directly to clients from Big TimeIQ.

BigTime IQ offers solid reporting capability, with users able to choose from a variety of basic reports, as well as invoicing, payroll, and engagement reports. A good selection of time-related reports are available, including Timesheet Summary, Timesheet Detail, Time/Activity Summary, and Time Detail. There are also budgeting/planning reports available that provide management with details on estimated and actual project costs including current project status. Users have the option to run standard reports as is, create a copy of the report to customize, or customize the report itself. All BigTime IQ reports can be exported to both Microsoft Excel or Word or saved as a PDF.

BigTime IQ offers solid integration with a variety of third-party applications including Salesforce, QuickBooks Desktop, QuickBooks Online, Slack, Google Apps, Zapier, and Lacerte applications.

BigTime IQ offers a quick tutorial upon logging in for the first time, guiding new users though the system and the setup process. The product also offers solid help and support options, with a comprehensive knowledgebase available to search. A User Guide is also available on the Big Time I.Q. website, and a YouTube channel offers a variety of product demos and webinars for viewing. Product support is available via email during regular business hours, with all support handled from company headquarters in Chicago with extended support options offered to Premier level customers.

BigTime IQ is well suited for small to mid-sized professional firms, including accounting and CPA firms. Scalable, BigTime IQ is available in three versions; Express, which is designed for 5 users and offers time tracking and mobile access, and currently runs $5.95 per user, per month; Pro, which is a 10-user system and includes budget and expense tracking, and currently runs $17.00 per user, per month; and Enterprise, also a 10-user system that includes extended, priority support, and unlimited data retention and is currently priced at $28.90 per user, per month. A free 14-day trial is available for those interested in BigTime IQ , and a credit card is not required.

2018 Overall Rating: 5 Stars