Projectworks vs. Productive.io vs Ignitionapp.com: A Deep Dive into PSA Software for Modern Agencies
Choosing the right PSA software can make or break your agency’s efficiency and profitability. This article compares three popular platforms - Projectworks, Productive.io, and Ignitionapp.com - to help Australian agencies find the best fit for their needs. Here's the gist:
- Projectworks: Focuses on financial control with features like work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, cash flow forecasting, and tax compliance for AUD. Best for established agencies with 20+ employees. Starting at AUD $19/user/month.
- Productive.io: An all-in-one tool for project management, resource scheduling, and financial tracking. Ideal for growing agencies looking for scalability and real-time insights. Offers flexible automation and reporting tools.
- Ignitionapp.com: Specialises in revenue automation, streamlining proposals, billing, and payments. Perfect for agencies aiming to fix cash flow issues but lacks project management features.
Quick Comparison:
| Platform | Strengths | Limitations | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projectworks | Financial tracking, WIP reporting, AUD support | Higher upfront costs, 10-user minimum | Established agencies prioritising financial control |
| Productive.io | Project management, automation, scalability | No multi-assignee tasks, advanced features in higher tiers | Agencies seeking a unified solution |
| Ignitionapp.com | Revenue automation, payment collection | No project management features | Agencies focused on billing and cash flow |
Each platform serves distinct needs, so your choice depends on your agency’s priorities - be it financial control, project management, or revenue automation.
What are the benefits of PSA?
1. Projectworks
Projectworks is a comprehensive PSA platform tailored for professional services firms in fields like engineering, architecture, management consulting, and software services. It’s designed to boost visibility, optimise profit margins, and support growth through its automation capabilities.
Key Project Management Features
Projectworks stands out in areas like time and expense tracking, earning a perfect 5.0/5 rating. It simplifies resource allocation with real‐time insights, helping businesses improve utilisation rates.
The platform supports AUD currency and complies with local tax regulations. Users can define tax types for specific currencies, while the system automatically applies the relevant tax type based on the company’s location. For currency conversion, Projectworks relies on daily rates from Fixer.io, ensuring accuracy for international billing. These capabilities set a strong foundation for further operational efficiency through its integration features.
Automation and Integration
Projectworks seamlessly connects with MYOB AccountRight, making invoicing and reconciliation much simpler. It also integrates with popular tools like Xero, QuickBooks Online, and HubSpot, minimising repetitive data entry and enhancing workflow efficiency.
In August 2023, GKC Limited, a tech company with 11–25 employees, switched to Projectworks after evaluating alternatives like Mavenlink, WorkflowMax, and Accelo. Natasha Kearney, their Finance Manager, shared:
"We have tried a number of different tools including Mavenlink, WorkflowMax and Accelo. Projectworks is our preferred choice for its balance of advanced features and simple functionality."
User Feedback and Performance
Projectworks boasts high user satisfaction, scoring 4.6/5 overall on GetApp. It receives particularly strong ratings for customer support (4.8/5) and ease of use (4.6/5), reflecting its user-friendly design and reliable assistance.
Pricing and Business Growth
With a starting price of AUD $19 per user per month, Projectworks offers competitive value. Businesses typically see a 20% growth in the first year, driven by improved billable utilisation, enhanced project margins, and streamlined processes. The platform supports various billing methods, including time & materials, fixed price, and manual invoicing. Its revenue forecasting tools allow agencies to align work plans and budgets with future invoicing, improving cash flow management.
| Feature | User Rating |
|---|---|
| Time Tracking | 5.0/5 |
| Project Time Tracking | 4.9/5 |
| Resource Scheduling | 4.8/5 |
| Customer Support | 4.8/5 |
| Billing & Invoicing | 4.7/5 |
| Forecasting | 4.7/5 |
2. Productive.io
Productive.io brings together resources, projects, and finances in one place, cutting out the need for multiple tools. It’s designed for agencies aiming to simplify operations while keeping a close eye on their processes in real time.
Resource Planning and Utilisation
One of the biggest challenges agencies face is low utilisation rates. For instance, spreadsheets often result in only 66% utilisation for non-director roles. Productive.io tackles this issue with tools like automated scheduling, capacity indicators, and real-time visibility into team availability. These features have helped agencies improve utilisation by nearly 10%. A great example is Hike One, which saw a 10% boost in utilisation after adopting Productive.io. With better resource management, agencies can also gain a clearer understanding of their finances.
Financial Transparency and Real-Time Profitability
Managing finances becomes much simpler with Productive.io, as it integrates salaries, expenses, and budgets into one system. This allows agencies to monitor profitability with precision. For some, this has been a game-changer. Ilija Brajković, CEO of Kontra Agency, shared his experience:
"We ended up terminating contracts with two of our oldest clients after only a few months of using Productive. We thought that we were at least at zero with them, or that we had some small earnings, but it turned out that we were losing money because the money they paid us did not cover salaries, fixed overhead per hour, and variable overhead per hour."
Brendon Nicholas from DotDev also noted the benefits of the platform’s financial tracking:
"Having a platform that considers everybody's salaries, as well as operating expenses, and feeds that into project budgets gives us a much more real‑time and accurate view of the profitability of specific projects."
Automation and Workflow Optimisation
Automation is another highlight of Productive.io. The platform allows users to set up workflows that handle repetitive tasks - like opening projects, generating invoices, sending Slack messages, or updating project statuses - without manual input. Even better, you don’t need coding skills to create custom automations.
Features like project templates, which copy tasks and assignees, and customisable views make teamwork smoother. Degordian, for instance, saved 2 hours per week on reporting thanks to these tools. Daniel Ackermann, the company’s CEO, summed it up well:
"Our company could work without Productive, but the benefits that we get from it make it really hard to imagine living without Productive."
These workflow improvements integrate effortlessly with other essential business tools.
Integration Capabilities
Productive.io works seamlessly with popular tools like Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, Jira, Google Calendar, Slack, and HubSpot. It also supports over 1,000 apps through Zapier and Integrately, thanks to its open API. Roberto Ciarleglio from Contra Agency demonstrated how this flexibility works by using a webhook to integrate Productive.io with QuickBooks, ensuring 20 years of financial data remained intact while accurately linking service lines to income streams.
Growth and Performance Results
Agencies using Productive.io have reported impressive growth and performance improvements. Born Social achieved a 27% annual growth rate in less than a year, DotDev maintained over 50% year-on-year growth for three consecutive years, and Infinum expanded their team from 70 to 350 people over five years. Additionally, the platform offers over 50 pre-built reporting templates tailored for agencies and supports custom fields for tracking unique metrics. Users frequently commend its responsive support team, smooth implementation process, and intuitive design.
| Growth Metric | Agency | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Growth | Born Social | 27% in under a year |
| Year-on-Year Growth | DotDev | 50%+ for 3 years |
| Team Scaling | Infinum | From 70 to 350 people in 5 years |
| Utilisation Improvement | Hike One | 10% increase |
| Time Savings | Degordian | 2 hours per week on reporting |
3. Ignitionapp.com
Ignitionapp.com takes a unique angle on PSA software by zeroing in on revenue automation. It simplifies processes like proposals, agreements, billing, and payment collection, making it a go-to solution for agencies struggling with cash flow. While it doesn’t provide full project management capabilities, Ignition shines in automating the client lifecycle - from the initial lead to final payment.
Revenue Automation and Client Lifecycle Management
Ignition is built to eliminate time-consuming tasks that bog down operations. By consolidating proposals, client payments, invoicing, and the deals pipeline into one system, it has delivered impressive results. Users of Ignition have collectively generated over A$9 billion in revenue, with an average growth rate of 24% within a year.
For example, in 2025, digital agency Leaders Online saw a staggering 6,812% growth after automating its revenue processes. This automation solved accounts receivable headaches, eliminated manual reconciliation, and created a more predictable cash flow. Similarly, Pavago, a global recruitment firm, cut accounts receivable by half and saved hundreds of hours in just six months of using the platform.
Financial Tracking and Cash Flow Management
Unpredictable cash flow is a common struggle for agencies - 63% face this issue, and 57% lose between A$1,000 and A$5,000 monthly on unbilled projects. Ignition tackles this by collecting client payment details at the proposal stage and automating the billing cycle. This approach ensures smoother cash flow, with 91% of payments being collected automatically.
Sarah Lawrance, Founder of Hot Toast, shared her experience:
"We haven't had a single collection issue since using Ignition. It's just completely removed that burden."
Loz Markham from DEFACTO CO echoed this sentiment:
"We don't even think about chasing payments anymore. It's taken care of."
Operational Efficiency and Scalability
Ignition’s automation doesn’t stop at billing. It has significantly boosted operational efficiency for agencies. Dillon Business Advisors, for instance, improved efficiency by 83%, saving 25 minutes per engagement letter and increasing recurring accounting revenue by 60% through QuickBooks Online integrations. For fast-growing agencies, Ignition’s scalable workflows are a game-changer. Some users have expanded their client base from 10 to 100 clients in just six months.
Integration and Workflow Automation
Ignition integrates effortlessly with popular accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks, along with CRM and project management tools via Zapier. Its dashboard provides real-time insights into revenue, deal stages, and cash flow, empowering teams to make informed decisions. The Pipeline Management feature, with its Kanban-style view, allows agencies to track every deal stage, forecast revenue, and identify bottlenecks before they become problems.
| Performance Metric | Agency | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Rate | Leaders Online | 6,812% after automation |
| Efficiency Increase | Dillon Business Advisors | 83% improvement |
| Revenue Growth | Little Fish | 30% year-over-year increase |
| Accounts Receivable Reduction | Pavago | 50% decrease |
| Time Savings | Multiple agencies | 25 minutes per engagement letter |
While Ignition excels in automating revenue and managing client lifecycles, agencies seeking comprehensive project management features may need to pair it with other specialised tools.
Pros and Cons
This section highlights the main advantages and challenges of each PSA platform, helping Australian agencies make well-informed decisions.
Each platform brings its own set of strengths and limitations tailored to different business needs.
Projectworks stands out for its financial management capabilities, particularly in work-in-progress (WIP) reporting and cash flow forecasting. It integrates seamlessly with Australian accounting tools like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks Online, simplifying financial processes. However, it comes with higher upfront costs, including a minimum user requirement and onboarding fees, which might deter smaller agencies. Users often praise its balance between advanced features and ease of use.
Productive.io offers a versatile all-in-one platform that excels in project management. It boasts high user ratings (G2: 4.7, Capterra: 4.6) and scalability. That said, it lacks multi-assignee task functionality and reserves advanced forecasting tools for its higher-tier plans.
Ignitionapp.com focuses on automating revenue and managing the client lifecycle, transforming sales, billing, and payments into a streamlined process. Its main drawback is the lack of project management features, which may require agencies to use additional tools for a complete solution.
| Platform | Key Strengths | Main Limitations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projectworks | WIP reporting, cash flow forecasting, Australian accounting integrations | Minimum 10 users, A$1,000 onboarding fee | Established agencies needing financial control |
| Productive.io | All-in-one features, competitive pricing, scalability | No multi-assignee tasks, advanced features in higher tiers | Agencies seeking an all-in-one solution |
| Ignitionapp.com | Revenue automation, client lifecycle management | Limited project management capabilities | Agencies focused on streamlining billing and revenue processes |
Conclusion
When choosing PSA software, it's important to consider your agency's specific needs and growth plans. Each platform is designed to address different priorities within the Australian professional services market.
Projectworks is a great fit for established agencies prioritising financial control and cash flow management. Its detailed work-in-progress reporting and seamless integration with widely-used Australian accounting systems make it an excellent choice for handling complex financial operations.
Productive.io offers a versatile, all-in-one solution that works well for growing agencies. With strong customer support and competitive pricing, it provides a solid mix of project management tools and scalability to accommodate future growth.
Ignitionapp.com focuses on automating revenue processes and managing client workflows. It's particularly useful for consultancies and service providers looking to streamline billing and improve their sales-to-payment processes.
Each platform addresses different operational needs, so your choice should align with your agency's priorities. For example, Projectworks excels in financial reporting and managing intricate project finances. Smaller agencies or those just starting their digital transformation journey might find Productive.io's Essential plan a practical entry point, with room to scale as their needs evolve.
Ultimately, selecting the right PSA tool is about matching your operational challenges with the strengths of each platform. This approach ensures you choose a solution that not only improves workflow efficiency but also boosts profitability.
FAQs
What should agencies consider when selecting between Projectworks, Productive.io, and Ignitionapp.com to meet their needs?
When deciding between Projectworks, Productive.io, and Ignitionapp.com, agencies should prioritise their unique operational requirements and goals. The decision-making process should take into account factors like how user-friendly the software is, compatibility with current tools, ability to grow with your agency, and overall cost.
Additionally, it's crucial to evaluate key features such as project management tools, resource planning capabilities, financial tracking options, and the level of support provided by the vendor. Matching these features to your agency’s specific workflows and objectives can help ensure the software improves productivity and delivers better results.
Integration Features in PSA Tools
Platforms like Projectworks, Productive.io, and Ignition offer integration features that allow Australian agencies to work more efficiently. By connecting essential systems and automating repetitive tasks, these tools make daily operations smoother and more manageable.
With seamless data sharing between tools, these integrations help reduce manual errors and save valuable time. They also streamline workflows, making it easier for teams to collaborate and stay aligned. For agencies in Australia, this translates to improved project tracking, better operational efficiency, and a noticeable boost in productivity - all while catering to local requirements and business practices.
How do the pricing models of Projectworks, Productive.io, and Ignitionapp.com differ, and what impact could these have on an agency's budget?
Projectworks operates on a per-user subscription model, with pricing starting at around $19 per user per month, scaling up to $45 per user per month, depending on the chosen plan. In contrast, Productive.io offers tiered pricing, ranging from $9 to $28 per user per month, accommodating varying levels of functionality. Meanwhile, Ignitionapp.com opts for a flat monthly fee structure, charging between $39 and $249, with plans designed to suit both small businesses and larger organisations.
These pricing models can have a noticeable impact on an agency's budget, influenced by factors like team size, the features required, and overall operational priorities. Agencies need to evaluate which pricing approach best matches their scale and financial objectives to maximise the return on their investment.