2018 Review of BQE Core

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From the 2018 reviews of Time and Billing systems.

BQE Core offers time and expense tracking along with project management, billing and accounting functionality. A relatively new application, BQE Core was launched in July of 2017 and is an excellent fit for small to mid-sized professional services firms including accounting and CPA firms. BQE Core is completely cloud-based for convenient anywhere access, and users can also opt to utilize the BQE Core mobile app that is designed to be used with both iOS and Android smart phones and tablet devices, with robust features such as Dashboards, complete Time and Expense Management, Project Management, and Billing applications all available on the mobile app. Also available on the mobile app is access to master lists, vendor bills, and to-do management.

BQE Core offers multiple ways for staff to enter time, including the Time Card, which uses a grid-view and is available in both daily and weekly views, with an option to prefill the timecard if time entry doesn’t typically vary from week to week. PTO/Comp Time can also be tracked in the application, with users able to track overtime hours as well. Once completed, users can choose to submit their completed timecard to an approver directly from the time entry screen as well. A Time Entry option is available that allows employees to quickly record tasks and time as they occur. BQE Core also includes unlimited timers, so users can easily track time for multiple projects at any time.

The expense entry screen resembles the time entry screen, allowing users to quickly enter any related expenses, including project, units, cost rate, and total amount charged. Receipts can be added to any expense entry, and the memo option allows users to enter notes or other information related to the expense, with the option to submit an expense entry for approval immediately.

BQE Core allows users to create invoices manually or by using a batch invoicing option. A variety of invoicing templates are available, including Hourly, Hourly by Activity, Cost Plus, Fixed Invoice, Manual Invoice with Contract, and Phased Invoice, with users able to utilize a variety of billing methods, including automatic, manual, and progress billing as needed. Statements by Client or by Project are also available.

BQE Core includes excellent reporting capability, with four different report types offered, including Standard, Memorized, Scheduled, and Favorite reports. A solid selection of time and billing reports are available, including a Time and Expenses report, Time Details Report, Billed Time and Expenses report, and a Billing Analysis report. Management will appreciate the Employee Realization report, which displays details such as total hours, client   hours, average bill rate, total billed amount and realization rate and the Gross Margin report offers a good look at firm profitability by either client or by project. All BQE Core reports are customizable, with users able to save customized reports for future access. Users can also assign reports to the Favorite category for quick access or schedule reports to print when desired. All BQE Core reports can be exported to Microsoft Word and Excel, as a CSV file, or saved as a PDF, with users able to email reports to recipients directly from the print screen.

Mentioned earlier, BQE Core includes a mobile app that is designed to work with iOS and Android devices. A completely integrated system, BQE Core also offers complete Billing, Accounting, Project Management and Reporting capability along with its Time & Billing functionality. The product also integrates with third-party accounting applications such as Xero, QuickBooks Online, and MYOB AccountRight, along with Dropbox and Google Drive.

BQE Core offers excellent help and support options from the CORE Help Center, including a comprehensive video library, FAQs, a comprehensive Knowledgebase, and the company blog. The video library offers a variety of Getting Started videos for new users, including Navigating Core, Using Core Help, and a complete product overview. Users can also access help functionality from any screen in the application. Product support is available via telephone or email during regular business hours, and there is also an option for live online support, which users can access via the support portal.

BQE Core offers a variety of features and functionality, and is well-suited for small to mid-sized professional services firms of any type. Pricing for BQE is role-based, with options available for Time & Expense, Billing, Manager, and Accounting, with current pricing starting at $7.95 per user, per month for Time & Expense users, with additional pricing for other user types available on request. BQE also offers a free-15-day trial for those interested in trying out the application.

2018 Overall Rating – 5 Stars