The Modern BQE Core Alternative.For Design & Engineering Firms.
An effective BQE Core alternative must replace complex enterprise overhead with streamlined phase-based project accounting, mobile time tracking, and automated progress billing. While BQE Core offers extensive legacy ERP depth, TimeTrackerOn delivers modern AIA G702/G703 billing, real-time Work-in-Progress (WIP) tracking, and bi-directional General Ledger sync without the multi-month implementation cycles, bloated user interfaces, or opaque per-module pricing. Pair it seamlessly as your primary time and billing software.
Live in under a week versus lengthy, consultant-heavy ERP deployments.
Intuitive web and mobile apps eliminate employee friction and missing timecards.
All-inclusive time tracking, WIP reporting, and client invoicing without surprise contract fees.
Stop Chasing Missing Timesheets: 30-Second Mobile Entry vs. 12 Nested Submenus
The biggest hidden cost of legacy software like BQE Core is low team adoption. When architects, engineers, and project managers dread logging their hours, timesheet submissions get delayed until month-end—resulting in estimated hours and lost billable time.
- Native Mobile Apps: Log hours and capture receipts on job sites with offline syncing, geolocation stamps, and phase-code tagging.
- Frictionless Web Timers: Start, stop, and switch tasks across multiple client projects with a single shortcut, preserving real-time accuracy.
- Pre-Loaded Phase Structures: Staff select projects with predefined WBS codes (SD, DD, CD, CA), eliminating guesswork and incorrect accounting allocations.
| Description | Scheduled | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Schematic | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Design Dev | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Constr. Docs | $110,000 | $92,400 |
Turn Approved Timecards Into AIA G702/G703 Invoices in Under 60 Seconds
BQE Core provides comprehensive billing rules, but configuring progress schedules often requires specialized administrative training.
- Automated Application for Payment: Pull verified timesheets from our architecture time tracking software and expenses directly into certified AIA G702 and G703 continuation sheet schedules.
- Real-Time WIP Aging Ledger: Track unbilled labor and project expenses the second they occur. Flag aging WIP items before they turn into end-of-quarter client write-downs.
- Flexible Fee Mechanics: Run Stipulated Lump Sum, Not-to-Exceed (NTE) caps, Hourly T&M, or Percentage of Construction contracts simultaneously without spreadsheet workarounds.
Open Ecosystem Architecture vs. Vendor Lock-In
Modern finance teams need their project time tracking to communicate seamlessly with specialized financial cores.
- Native ERP Integration: Connect bi-directionally with Sage Intacct expense management and timesheets to sync projects, tasks, departments, and GL journal entries automatically.
- QuickBooks Online & Xero Sync: Eliminate double data entry by keeping payroll, invoices, and expenses reconciled in real time.
- Comprehensive REST API & Webhooks: Build custom automations, sync with CRM platforms, or connect project management pipelines without paying enterprise lock-in penalties.
- + Base License Fee
- + Time Tracking Add-on
- + Invoicing Add-on
- + Multi-Year Lock-in
- All features included
- Pay per active user
- No implementation fees
Predictable, Simple Per-Seat Costs Without Contract Gotchas
BQE Core often bundles features into proprietary modules—charging separate fees for project management, time tracking, billing, and accounting modules, frequently accompanied by long annual lock-ins and implementation service charges.
- Transparent All-In Pricing: Everything you need—time tracking, receipt OCR, WIP tracking, client invoicing, and reporting—is included in a simple per-user fee.
- No Multi-Thousand-Dollar Implementation Fees: Self-serve data migration tools and dedicated onboarding support get your team up and running without costly consulting overhead.
- Flexible Scalability: Add or remove seats as project workloads and subconsultant headcounts fluctuate throughout the year.
Complete Technical Comparison
| Feature & Operational Capability | BQE Core | TimeTrackerOn |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Implementation Time | 60–90+ Days | Under 5 Business Days |
| User Interface & Design | Complex, multi-level menus | Modern, intuitive web & mobile UX |
| AIA G702 / G703 Export | Yes (Manual template config) | Automated 1-click export |
| Mobile Receipt OCR Scanning | Basic mobile attachment | High-speed computer vision OCR Learn more |
| Work-in-Progress (WIP) Tracking | Complex multi-report generation | Dynamic, real-time dashboard |
| Not-to-Exceed (NTE) Budget Alerts | Standard reports | Real-time pre-submission alerts |
| Timesheet Submission Workflow | Standard multi-click review | 1-click multi-tier approval |
| Multi-Entity Intercompany Sync | Add-on module | Native automated due-to/due-from |
| ERP Ecosystem Connectivity | Closed / Proprietary | Open REST API, Sage, QBO, Xero |
| Pricing Structure | Opaque quote-based per module | Simple, transparent per-user |
| Contract Commitments | Multi-year locked contracts | Flexible monthly or annual plans |
| Customer Support Response | Tiered support ticketing | Direct in-app chat & dedicated rep |
How We Migrate Your Firm from BQE Core Without Operational Downtime
Switching software doesn't mean halting billing. Our white-glove migration team handles your historical data imports. We map your existing BQE Core phase codes, client contract rates, and employee records directly into TimeTrackerOn, ensuring zero unbilled time slips through the cracks.
Day 1–2: Export
Export active projects, clients, WBS phase codes, and staff rates from legacy system.
Day 3–4: Map
Upload CSVs to our automated mapping wizard; configure GL dimensions seamlessly.
Day 5: Launch
Onboard project managers and staff in a 30-minute session; retire legacy software.
Questions from firms making the switch
What makes TimeTrackerOn the best alternative to BQE Core?
Can we retain our existing chart of accounts and general ledger?
Will our staff need extensive training to transition?
How does TimeTrackerOn handle complex rate structures?
Ready to Upgrade to Modern Project Accounting?
Trade clunky legacy menus, delayed billing cycles, and complex licensing for a fast, intuitive time tracking and billing platform built for professional services.