BQE CORE Suite vs Bench

Clockify

Connecteam

NetSuite

Clockify is a time tracking app that helps teams track work hours across projects. Managers can measure employee productivity, track the progress of every project and do all necessary reporting and administration work in one place.

An all-in-one employee app that's both powerful, affordable and easy to use, especially for the mobile workforce.

NetSuite is an AI-powered cloud-based business management suite. It helps organizations streamline their operations and gain real-time insights into their performance. The suite caters to a range of industries such as manufacturing, retail, and professional services.

Owner

Customer service is AMAZING, you can call right from the app on your computer and they are available pretty much anytime, even when I'm working late.

legal assistant 

When I have an issue or a problem, and I login and support is logged in right away to shadow me on showing me how to do exactly what it is, I need to do. And most of the support people are very very nice and patient.

BQE CORE is a cloud-based software designed specifically for architecture and engineering firms. The platform integrates accounting, invoicing, project management, and resource planning features that streamline operations across entire organizations. BQE CORE enables firms to track time and expenses, manage projects profitably, and access real-time financial data through a centralized system that eliminates the need for multiple software solutions.

Accounting

Accounting Integration

Accounts Payable

Accounts Receivable

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Notifications

Approval Process Control

Approval Workflow

Attendance Tracking

Audit Trail

Automatic Billing

Automatic Time Capture

Bank Reconciliation

Batch Processing

Benefits Management

Billable Items Tracking

Billable & Non-Billable Hours

Billing & Invoicing

Billing Portal

Budgeting/Forecasting

Budget Management

Calendar Management

Case Management

Case Notes

Cash Flow Management

Client Management

Client Portal

Collaboration Tools

Contact Database

Contact Management

Contingency Billing

Contract/License Management

Core Accounting

Cost Estimating

Cost Management

Cost-to-Completion Tracking

CPA Firms

Credit Card Management

Credit Card Processing

Customer Statements

Customizable Fields

Customizable Invoices

Customizable Reports

Customizable Templates

Dashboard

Data Import/Export

Data Visualization

Document Management

Document Storage

Document Templates

Due Date Tracking

Electronic Payments

Employee Database

Employee Management

Employee Profiles

Employee Scheduling

Estimating

Expense Claims

Expense Tracking

Financial Analysis

Financial Management

Financial Reporting

For Accountants

For AEC Industry

For CPA Firms

Forecasting

For Legal Professionals

For Small Businesses

Fund Accounting

Gantt/Timeline View

General Ledger

Hourly Billing

Income & Balance Sheet

Invoice Creation

Invoice History

Invoice Management

Invoice Processing

Job Costing

Job Management

Job Scheduling

Job Tracking

Leave Tracking

Legal Case Management

Milestone Tracking

Mobile Access

Mobile App

Mobile Payments

Monitoring

Multi-Currency

Multi-Location

Multiple Billing Rates

Multiple Projects

Offline Time Tracking

Onboarding

Online Invoicing

Online Payments

Online Time Tracking

By industry, BQE CORE Suite reviewers are most commonly professionals in architecture & planning (31%). The most frequent use case cited by reviewers is time tracking (64%).

Users and use cases

Most reviewers indicate that BQE CORE Suite delivers good value for money, citing its cost-effectiveness and flexible pricing. However, some users report that costs can increase with additional modules or users, especially for smaller companies.

Value for money

The BQE CORE Suite integration most frequently cited by reviewers is QuickBooks Online, an accounting product rated 4.5 out of 5 for its integration with BQE CORE Suite.

Integrations

BQE CORE Suite is a trust accounting program with key features that include online time tracking, billing and invoicing, expense tracking, invoice creation, and more.

BQE CORE Suite

Web-based

iPhone

Windows

Android

iPad

Deltek Vision

QuickBooks Online

BigTime

QuickBooks Desktop

Replicon Time Tracking

Monograph

Sage Intacct

Wrike

Unanet ERP AE

WorkflowMax

Foundations 

Payroll and accounting limitations

58% of reviewers feel negative about payroll and accounting features. Some users report difficulties with payroll accuracy, such as incorrect time calculations and limited flexibility in editing entries. Reviewers mention challenges with accounting integrations, bank feeds, and invoice customization. They say that support staff sometimes lack accounting expertise, leading to unresolved questions. Some users feel that the system’s accounting processes are cumbersome, with extra steps required for certain transactions and limited international support.

Frequent lag and slow loading

Commissioning Engineer

Core's servers go down often for maintenance or other, making the software run very slowly.

Project Coordinator

The slowness of the site during peak hours and the occasional outages.

71% of reviewers feel negative about performance and speed. Some users report that the software often experiences slow load times, especially during peak hours or when handling large datasets. Reviewers mention delays when switching screens, submitting timecards, or searching records, which disrupts workflow. They say occasional outages and server maintenance further impact productivity. Some reviewers feel that lag and buffering are persistent issues, requiring repeated refreshes and causing frustration during daily use.

Challenging setup and transitions

42% of reviewers feel negative about process and transition. Some users report that migrating data or transitioning between versions is complicated and prone to issues. Reviewers mention confusing interface elements, sensitive refresh rates, and difficulties with filters and templates. They say that adapting workflows or managing multiple divisions can be especially challenging. Some users feel that the lack of flexibility and occasional need for repeated steps hinder smooth onboarding and ongoing use.

Recurring glitches and instability

71% of reviewers feel negative about bugs and issues. Reviewers indicate that frequent glitches, crashes, and incomplete updates disrupt their work and require manual corrections. Some users say that bugs affect core functions like time entry, reporting, and integrations, sometimes causing data loss or incorrect outputs. They mention that resolving these issues often takes significant time and support intervention. Reviewers feel that the need for constant troubleshooting and occasional downtimes undermines reliability.

Personalized and visual dashboards

Accounts Manager

Key performance indicators and customizable dashboards offers the foodies who eat with their eyes an appetizing experience using Core.

90% of reviewers feel positive about dashboard customization. Reviewers indicate that dashboards are visually appealing and offer a variety of customization options to fit different business needs. Some users say they can tailor key performance indicators and layouts for better project tracking and decision-making. They appreciate the ability to access dashboards on both desktop and mobile, and mention that the system supports ongoing improvements to workflows. Reviewers value the actionable insights provided by personalized dashboards.

Flexible and accurate time tracking

Project Admin

I also enjoy the timer feature so that I can easily start and stop to track my time throughout the day.

Accountant

Since we only use it for one feature, the thing that I like most about the product is the time tracking feature.

100% of reviewers feel positive about the time tracking features. Reviewers indicate the software offers multiple, intuitive ways to log hours, such as timers and manual entry, which suit different work styles. They say tracking billable and non-billable hours is straightforward and appreciate the ability to view historical data for projects and employees. Some users report that mobile access makes it easy to update records on the go, and they find it convenient for both individual and team tracking. Reviewers feel it is essential for project management and payroll accuracy.

Comprehensive expense management

I really appreciate the ability to track time and expenses in real-time, generate detailed reports, and the software's integration with popular accounting and CRM tools.

93% of reviewers feel positive about expense tracking. Reviewers indicate the software streamlines real-time entry and reporting of expenses, allowing for easy management of project costs and employee reimbursements. They appreciate the integration with accounting tools and the ability for remote staff to submit expenses from anywhere. Some users report that the system automates previously manual processes, making it easier to stay within budgets and improving transparency. They value how the software supports detailed tracking for multiple projects and clients.

Intuitive and simple interface

Finance Intern

Billing Analyst

I like how easy it is to make changes in Core.

95% of reviewers feel positive about the ease of use. Some users say the software is straightforward to navigate, making daily tasks and transitions between features seamless. Reviewers appreciate that the learning curve is minimal, allowing new users to adapt quickly. They mention that the interface is visually clear and the workflow logical, which helps them complete tasks efficiently. Some reviewers find that the mobile and desktop versions are equally accessible, and they value how the system simplifies complex processes, reducing the risk of errors.

Responsive and helpful support

91% of reviewers feel positive about customer support. Some users report that support staff are knowledgeable, patient, and quick to resolve issues, often providing guidance through phone, email, or online resources. Reviewers appreciate the availability of tutorials, webinars, and user communities for ongoing learning. They say the support team assists with customization and troubleshooting, making transitions and updates smoother. Some reviewers feel the support is attentive to their needs and consistently follows up on inquiries.

Accountant-administrator

As an example, when we are now trying to decide which project and phase we want to select, we are faced with a list that compresses information like client, project manager, etc, which is not relevant to our selection. Because of space constrains, we no longer can see the full text of the projects and phases,  which makes it very difficult to figure out which phase we want to select.   

We have requested the company to fix this issue, their response has been that we need to change our project phasing system and make our headings shorter.

Principal

Core worked well for us for a few years, until our team grew and started using it for more features, at which point the user interface became increasingly an issue.

The first two years with BQE were great, we felt it was good value for the money, we arranged with them to customize some reports and invoice templates.

Senior Associate

The dashboard is extremely useful as it provides a snapshot of all the information important to me (e.g. performance, PTO balance etc.).

It is particularly bad on Monday mornings when the employees are trying to complete their timecards from the week before.

Interior Designer

In my organization, the program is set up with autosave as time is entered so it if a mistake is made you only have a few seconds to correct it yourself without needing an admin to go in and adjust it for you.

Chief Administrative Officer

Ability to address different bill rates across account base and properly generate invoices and cost accounting.   

Custom reports need to be created by BQE (for a fee).  

Electrical engineer

Using BQE is very simple, additionally, time can be entered day by day and you are sent reminders when you have not entered time in the projects.

I switched to this system after using another finance system for 18 years and it was an easy interface and allowed for minimal training so even our entry level staff picked it up quickly.

Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager

I am struggling to view or change forecast dollars and hours in the same window without having to refresh the page to switch from one to the other.

Pricing isn't exhorbitant, but not the most budget friendly.

Customer Manager

BQR CORE also enbles us to quickly track and control our expenses in real-time.

Architectural Intern

For example, I'll compress all drop downs on the timecard so that it is easier to read but when I log back in the next time, they are all expanded again.

Tech

its been very positive, lots of options and it tracks everything and helps us create documents for all aspects of our operation

Somewhat complex and not intuitive user interface.  

Accounting Manager

Needs to improve features like adding email to each project; being able to make notes only visible to us on an invoice; seeing payment dates while looking at invoice (this takes several steps by going to the project tab); CORE can be slow and I find I have to enter 2-3 times before it will respond (Server issue?); Being able to create our own "template" for what assignments need to be used when creating a project and there's more not specified here.

At times when using the mobile app, I am unable to see narratives for time entries.

Construction Engineer

I am able to track my time that I spend on each project very easily, which in turn helps me prioritize my tasks for the upcoming weeks.

BQE CORE Suite vs Bench Comparison (2026)

BQE CORE Suite

Bench

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives