I’ve written before about Professional Services Automation tools for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and asked the question does my MSP need a PSA?
Every single one of the most progressive and successful MSPs I’ve ever worked with has implemented a PSA tool. They help your business become more efficient, more effective and most importantly, more profitable.
But which PSA tool should you choose for your business?
Which is the best PSA tool?
Firstly, it’s worth addressing the question “Which is the best PSA tool?”. When I’m asked this question by MSPs, my answer is, honestly, always the same.
“You can’t go wrong with any of them”
Each PSA tool has its strengths, it has a history, and it has a market that it serves really well.
You need to be clear why you are buying a PSA tool, what you want it to do for your business, and where you expect it to produce results.
If you’re unsure how to answer these questions, then speak to your peers at a local user group (here’s a list of User Groups for UK Managed Service Providers), ask a question in an online MSP community, or schedule a call with me to discuss your specific situation.
A list of Professional Service Automation tools for MSPs
Once you have that list of requirements drawn up, here’s a list of the Professional Services Automation (PSA) tools that I see most frequently in my work with MSPs.
Accelo
Gaining popularity with many Cloud-based MSP providers, Accelo is a very customisable tool which includes Sales, Projects, Service and retainer solutions. It includes integration with a lot of popular MSP tools.
For more details visit https://www.accelo.com/
Atera
An Isreali-based tool that combines both PSA and Remote Management and Monitoring (RMM) with Remote Access and other tools. Slowly but surely growing a loyal user base worldwide.
For more details visit https://www.atera.com/
Autotask
Built from the ground up for the Cloud. One of the “big two” PSA tools. A vast amount of integration with 3rd party tools. Recently acquired by Datto.
For more details visit https://www.autotask.com/
CommitCRM
A well-priced, affordable PSA tool for smaller IT providers and MSPs.
For more details visit http://www.commitcrm.com/
Computicate
A common challenge of many MSPs is to successfully implement a PSA tool. Computicate offers an easy onboarding process to be up and running within 1 business day.
For more details visit https://www.computicatepsa.com/
ConnectWise
One of the two most popular PSA tools in the industry. A fantastic peer community for collaboration and support. Integrates with nearly every 3rd party tool.
For more details visit https://www.connectwise.com/
Harmony PSA
A UK-based PSA solution that has a growing user base amongst multi-national MSPs and those IT businesses who do business across internationally. Very strong finance and account practices built-in.
For more details visit https://www.harmonypsa.com/
Kaseya BMS
A fairly new platform to the market from a very established MSP vendor in Kaseya. BMS (Business Management Solution) offers sales, marketing, human resources, client project management and IT service delivery under one roof.
TigerPaw
A US-based PSA solution that has a lot of followers in the telecoms space. Strong reporting functions and a great reputation for support.
For more details visit http://www.tigerpawsoftware.com/
Conclusion
I will keep this list of list of Professional Service Automation tools for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) up to date.
Which PSA tool do you use within your business? What has worked for you? Leave a comment below.
Are you a PSA vendor with a tool I’ve not listed here? Get in touch so we can have a conversation.
There’s also Vorex which was aquired by Kaseya and integrated with Continuum too.
Thanks, Allan! I’ll take a look at Vorex. I must admit I haven’t come across it in the wild yet.
We Cosmictech are Managed services providers, anyone know any PSA that can be integrated into a Remote Management System?
Mahadev — most of the modern PSA tools integrate with RMM tools, and visa-versa. I’d ask your potential PSA providers about the specific RMM tool(s) you use.
I’m using Accelo which has integration with Ninja RMM and Xero for the accounts side of things.
Thanks, Martyn — I’ll add Accelo to this list. Much appreciated!
We would like to know which is the best var eCommerce system for UK market for VAR re-sellers ,MSP and integrators.
I have come across USA ecommerce systems like VARSTREET INC , VARSUITE OFFICE and Channel Online but i would like any UK VAR eCommerce provider that understands UK channel requirements.
Hi Jimal — that’s a good question. I’m not familiar with the eCommerce products for MSPs, although this article from Channel Futures suggests it’s an under-represented area.
https://www.channelfutures.com/verticalization/msps-missing-out-e-commerce-opportunity-says-msp-501er-expedient