As a small managed service provider, managing multiple clients and workflows can be a daunting task. That's where PSA (professional services automation) software comes in handy. The right PSA software can help small MSPs streamline operations, improve customer service, and boost the bottom line. But with so many software options available on the market, how do you choose the best one for your business?

In this post, we'll discuss critical factors to consider when choosing PSA software for your organization and one option that is ideally suited to help smaller MSPs optimize workflows and sustain top-notch customer service.

Factors to Consider When Choosing PSA Software

When comparing different PSA solutions, it can be difficult to weigh all the options and benefits that each offers. With so many different inclusions, it’s important to narrow down the most important factors for your individual MSP. For example, most PSAs will include time tracking, ticket management, invoicing, and reporting capabilities. These are crucial to help successfully manage any MSP, but it’s important to ensure that these features can be easily integrated into your organization and are right for your current operations.

Other factors are important as well.

Does the solution offer dedicated customer support? When your software goes down or you need technical assistance, it’ll be crucial that someone is available to help get you back online as soon as possible.

Does the PSA support integrations? As your business grows, tools such as CRM and accounting software will become more important, and they should ideally integrate seamlessly into your PSA. And, of course, as a small MSP, price is always an important factor. While PSAs can save money in the long run, it’s crucial to budget for them accordingly.

Zest Is an Ideal PSA for Small MSPs

A common pain point that many smaller MSPs experience is inefficient workflows. When managing multiple clients and varying demands, it can be difficult to retain top-notch service with so many backend processes. Between service requests, invoicing, time tracking, and reporting, things can quickly become overwhelming. Zest helps small MSPs automate these workflows, ensuring a smoother operation and less of a burden on technicians and managers. Routine processes will be handled automatically, freeing up your team to focus on more important priorities.

Whether you have only a handful of customers or are ready to take on dozens more, the platform is designed to keep up with your current demands.

Zest’s included time tracking feature ensures technician time is appropriately accounted for and spent productively. When it comes time to invoicing customers, the platform can handle that for you with automated billing and reminders. And with robust project management integrations, you’ll be able to manage tasks more effectively and focus on efforts to take your MSP to the next level.

How Zest Stacks Up Against Other PSA Software

Luckily for MSPs, the market is stacked with PSA options all vying for business. While some may be seemingly popular solutions, each has strengths and weaknesses that should be considered before taking the leap. For example, Atera is one popular, affordable solution that offers a suite of benefits, but it is not well-suited for smaller MSPs. The interface can be challenging to navigate, and its features are better tailored to larger enterprises.

ConnectWise is another option that many MSPs initially consider. While its features are robust and practical, users often complain of continuous downtime and outages. No matter how many customers you serve, any pause in business operations is detrimental. ConnectWise simply isn’t a reliable solution, and its complexity can complicate the operations of smaller enterprises.

Zest, on the other hand, is well-suited for small MSPs. Its capabilities are right-sized for businesses with smaller teams and it is always online when you need it, ensuring your MSP never stops running.

Try Zest For Free Today

Don’t get overwhelmed by choice in deciding among PSA options. While some popular solutions can offer a comprehensive suite of features at a fair price, not all are right for smaller MSPs. It’s important to consider how these tools will integrate into your operations today and what training and expertise may be involved.

Zest is an excellent choice for small MSPs looking for an affordable option to optimize workflows and deliver superior customer service. With easy-to-use features including invoicing, time tracking, project management, and automation, Zest offers an accessible solution out of the box. And while it’s well-suited for smaller organizations, it’s also capable of growing with your business as you expand and take on more customers.

Don’t buy into a solution that isn’t right for your business today. Take Zest on a free trial run to see how it can support the needs of your small MSP.