Professional services automation is what differentiates the “good” service-company from the “OK.” Using professional services automation (PSA) software, your company can make your interaction with the clients much smoother for both parties.
What is Professional Services Automation?
As a professional, you can’t really automate your consultation session with a client. With the right software, you can, however, automate your inner workings as an organization, making it much easier to communicate with your team or clientele. Professional Services Automation software (PSA software) helps you and your team to stay on track when managing complex workflows.
If you’re a service-based company, chances are, the work you do has a lot of repeatable processes. Client onboarding, for example, is something you do on a regular basis. It’s also something very critical for your business – if you mess this up, you might end up losing a client.
You can use PSA software to streamline the onboarding process, keeping track of each and every step, making sure that the process is on the right track. The software can also store any relevant files – such as billing files, reports, documents, etc.
And to put the icing on the cake, your clients will thank you for using PSA software, as it allows them to keep track of the project online. Rather than having to exchange status-update emails weekly, they can just check which step you’re on and whether their involvement is necessary, online.
Use Cases You Can’t Afford to Overlook
At Tallyfy, we turn to our clients for their stories about professional services automation – and they’ve given us overwhelmingly positive feedback. We take a closer look at professionals who have discovered the benefits of service automation using our cloud-based software.
A Digital Strategy Consulting Firm and Service Process Automation
Designing highly efficient, repeatable processes that work for a business and its clients is only the beginning of service improvement. Once you have a process, you need to ensure that your staff is following it correctly and that it works as well as you expected it to.
After looking at all the available options, Digital Prism Advisors chose Tallyfy to help the company achieve an even higher-quality service than it already offered. COO Len Gilbert says that the firm now uses Tallyfy to automate the service process as well as HR processes such as onboarding and business development initiatives.
He likes the fact that Tallyfy offers the functionality to help his firm achieve what it set out to do, and he says that its ease of use is among the reasons why Digital Prism Advisors chose it. Gilbert is very pleased with the results achieved and says he would recommend using Tallyfy in almost any business and to manage almost any process.
And Online Legal Enterprise Abandons CRM, Achieves Faster, More Efficient Service
As an online business, Effective Immigration Consulting was already riding the tech wave before it adopted Tallyfy. Although it had been using Customer Relations Management (CRM) software, it didn’t integrate well with other collaborative tools. The result, says business manager Maria Alfaro, was processes that were “all over the place.”
After examining dozens of alternatives, the business was preparing itself for the costly and time-consuming business of developing its own process automation software – but then Alfaro discovered Tallyfy.
The results were all that he had hoped for and more. The company has cut immigration process times from several weeks to less than one week. Alfaro attributes this to the organized way in which his company is able to do business using Tallyfy. He especially likes the conditional logic that allows him to easily set up processes that may follow differing workflows depending on certain variables.
What these Success Stories Have in Common
While each of our clients operates in a completely different industry, their use-case for Tallyfy is the same: automating & streamlining business processes.
They chose our service process automation system because:
- They wanted to improve service levels
- It offered the functionality they needed
- It was the most user-friendly of the platforms they evaluated
- It allowed for process variation thanks to conditional logic
- They wanted more than just a “collaborative tool.” They wanted results.
- It was a cost-effective option
We also see common ground in that the results they achieved:
- Met or exceeded their goals for service improvement
- Allowed them to repeat effective processes in a uniform way to maintain these results
- Led to far greater efficiency, productivity, and profit
Management by Design
Tallyfy allows businesses to design, evaluate, and repeat processes that work. There are no dropped balls, no “Did you get my email? When was that deadline again?” follow-ups. Everything is organized, and all the relevant supporting information is right there on a single dashboard.
Yes, professional services automation will not replace you or your people, but it will help your professional service business to deliver the best, most efficient service possible time after time. It’s good for your customers, it’s good for your competitive edge, and it’s good for your business’ profitability.
But why take our word for it? Take our clients’ case-studies into consideration too – and if you’re ready to try it, get started with Tallyfy right now.
Want to learn more about the software before trying it? Read up on how different workflow management systems stand apart, or start from the basics and learn what, exactly, is a workflow application.
Related Questions
What does a professional services automation tool do?
Professional services automation (PSA) tools help service businesses run smoothly by connecting all their work in one place. Think of it like a digital assistant that handles everything from tracking time on projects to sending invoices to clients. It’s the central hub where teams can see their tasks, share updates, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
What is the difference between PSA and ERP?
While both systems help manage business operations, PSA is specifically built for service companies, focusing on project delivery and billable work. ERP systems are like Swiss Army knives – they handle everything from manufacturing to inventory. Think of PSA as a specialized tool for architects, consultants, and lawyers, while ERP is more for companies that make or sell physical products.
What are the advantages of professional services automation software?
PSA software helps companies make more money while doing less busywork. It catches billable hours that might otherwise be forgotten, speeds up invoice creation, and shows exactly how profitable each project is. Teams can see what everyone’s working on, spot problems early, and make better decisions about which projects to take on.
Who uses PSA tools?
PSA tools are perfect for any business that sells expertise rather than products. This includes IT consultants, marketing agencies, law firms, accounting practices, and engineering firms. Even smaller professional service firms with just a few employees can benefit from PSA to stay organized and professional.
How does PSA software improve project delivery?
PSA software acts like a GPS for projects, showing the best route to completion and warning about potential delays. It helps teams share knowledge, stick to deadlines, and keep clients happy by making sure everyone knows what needs to be done and when.
Can PSA software integrate with other business tools?
Modern PSA systems play nicely with other software you already use. They can connect to your accounting software, email, calendar, and document storage. This means information flows automatically between systems, saving time and reducing errors from manual data entry.
How does PSA help with resource management?
PSA software shows you who’s available, who’s overbooked, and who has the right skills for each project. It’s like having a smart scheduling assistant that helps make sure your team’s time is used wisely and no one gets burned out.
What should companies look for in a PSA solution?
The best PSA software is easy to use, fits your way of working, and grows with your business. Look for features like time tracking, project management, billing, and reporting that match how your team works. It should make your life easier, not more complicated.
How does PSA impact client satisfaction?
When teams use PSA software, clients get better service because nothing falls through the cracks. Projects stay on track, billing is clear and accurate, and clients can get updates without having to chase anyone down. It’s like having a well-oiled machine working behind the scenes.
What’s the return on investment for PSA software?
Companies usually see returns through better time capture, faster billing, and more efficient project delivery. The real value comes from finding extra billable hours that were previously missed and completing projects more efficiently. Many firms report paying for their PSA investment within months through improved operations.
How long does it take to implement PSA software?
Setting up PSA software can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your company’s size and needs. The key is to start with the basics and add more features as your team gets comfortable. Think of it like moving into a new house – you don’t have to unpack everything on day one.
How does PSA help with business growth?
PSA gives business leaders a clear view of what’s working and what isn’t. It shows which projects are most profitable, which clients need attention, and where there’s room to grow. This insight helps companies make smart decisions about hiring, pricing, and which opportunities to pursue.
