We are trying to find a new piece of software to manage resource allocation, time recording and resource analysis.
I run a consultancy business undertaking research projects for clients. The contractual arrangements we always have in place are for the delivery of a project for a fixed fee. It is NEVER the case that they put us on a retainer and we simply bill them for time spent on a project.
All of the systems we have reviewed so far assume that the total value of the project will vary. I.e. the total value of a project is a product of the amount of time worked and a fixed billing (fee) rate, either by day or hour.
We need to find one where the total amount billed to the client does not change, but the hourly (or daily) fee earned does change depending on how long it takes to deliver the project.
For example, if we take on a project for £5000, which we estimate should take 10 days each of our days is worth £500. The client will pay us £5000 regardless of how long it takes. If we deliver it in 5 days, then each day has actually been worth £1,000 for this project. If we deliver it in 15 days, then each day has been worth around £333.
Does anyone have any idea which systems do this, whilst also allowing for resource allocation and time recording (real time, not post hoc). We are looking for a relatively low cost solution - not SAP!