Key BQE Advantages
See how BQE CORE’s purpose-built A&E platform delivers alignment and scalability—unlike Unanet’s rigid, non-specialized solution
Key Differentiators
Purpose-Built for A/E
BQE CORE was designed by an architect and engineer specifically for architecture and engineering firms, with features that align with how your projects, people, and finances actually work.
Unanet A/E is a scaled-down rebuild of the legacy Clearview desktop product, offering only a fraction of CORE’s functionality and leaving A&E firms with a fragmented, limited experience. The browser based product doesn’t even offer the full toolset.
All-in-One, Not Pieced Together
BQE CORE delivers fully integrated project management, accounting, time tracking, billing, CRM, and reporting in one seamless platform. Data flows across the app so you have the information you need at your fingertips.
Unanet requires bolt-on tools and relies heavily on third-party integrations just to give you the basic tools you need to run a business. This creates a fragmented experience. Data doesn’t flow, meaning you still need to manually update separate spreadsheets.
Faster Adoption, Less Overhead
Intuitive and easy to adopt across your entire team. No steep learning curves or heavy and expensive IT lift required. Manage the software internally to cut down on consultant costs, and BQE’s excellent support services are an excellent value.
Unanet requires lengthy implementations and complex training just to begin. Necessary extensive customization and ongoing support is billed by the hour, and the need for outside consultants to make the software work makes it extremely expensive.
Feature comparison
Discover how CORE’s modern, intuitive platform outperforms Unanet's rigid system, giving your entire team the flexibility and efficiency to thrive.
Features
All-in-One Platform
Yes. Integrated project, CRM, time, billing, accounting & reporting tools
No. Requires external tools & add-ons. Most features limited to desktop
Modern, Intuitive UI
Yes. Clean, user-friendly design built for daily use by all roles
Outdated, "clunky" interface. Slow UI performance results in latency issues
Cloud-Based Platform
Yes. 100% cloud-native with full access from anywhere
Primarily desktop-based, limiting flexibility and remote access
Project Profitability Tracking
Yes. Real-time project profitability at every phase and task
No. Data lives in separate reports, with limited real-time profitability visibility
Firm Wide User Adoption
Yes. Intuitive for all roles, from PMs
to finance, minimal training required
to finance, minimal training required
No. Complex interface limits adoption outside of accounting & admin staff
Real Time Dashboards
Yes. Instant access to project and financial dashboards with live data
No. The limited dashboards need costly customization to show meaningful data
Contract and Fee Flexibility
Yes. Supports multi-phase or hybrid contracts and fee planning
No. Rigid contract structures lack flexibility for common types used in A&E
Retainers and Pre-Payments
Yes. Apply to projects, phases, or clients, for precise revenue application
No. Support for managing prepayments, retainers, or deposits tied to a contract
Customizable Billing Rules
Yes. Including T&M, Fixed Fee, Recurring, Milestone, % Complete, Unit-based
No scalable billing rule automation. Must manage billing manually each cycle
Resource Planning
Yes. Integrated and tied directly to projects and financials
Poor interface is not intuitive for PMs or team leads and it’s costly to customize
Consultant Management
Yes. Automated report scheduling, billing workflows, & timecard reminders
No centralized vendor data tied to projects, contracts, or invoices
CRM Built-in
Yes. Built-in, seamless CRM fully tied to project and financial data
No. CRM (Cosential) is an external solution, that requires an integration
Invoicing Speed
Invoicing is fast with intuitive templates that are easy to use
Designed for complexity with so many options people struggle
Customizable Reports
Yes. Easy customization of reports and dashboards by users
No. Customizations require expensive additional services or developer skills
Feature comparison
See how CORE’s intuitive and simplified interface compares to Ajera’s more traditional system, making it easier for teams to work efficiently and stay focused on what matters most.
Features
Integrated CRM
Yes, with the ability to build quotes & proposals
No
Integrated CRM
Yes, with the ability to build quotes & proposals
No
Integrated CRM
Yes, with the ability to build quotes & proposals
No
Integrated CRM
Yes, with the ability to build quotes & proposals
No
See BQE CORE's
Power for Yourself
The best A&E firms get even better with BQE CORE. See how firms like yours have benefitted from better firm management software.
“[CORE is] more of a speed boat than a cargo ship. The information's always there. It's always live. We can run reports and see where AR is. We can see if we're going up or down. CORE has...allowed us to make decisions quicker than in the past.“
Scott R, AIA
Heights Venture Architecture + Design
RESOURCES FOR PROJECT BASED FIRMS
The business of A&E is our business
Firms that leverage our 30 years of firm management expertise don’t just work smarter — they perform better. Learn and level up by taking advantage of our extensive resource library.
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