Factor A/E
Factor A/E is a web-based practice operations platform for architecture and engineering firms that ties project budgets, schedules, time and expense entry, invoicing, and firm dashboards into one system.
When project data lives in separate spreadsheets and billing tools, teams often discover budget drift late. Factor A/E is built only for A&E workflows: you set up project budgets, schedule staff, track tasks and milestones, and watch spend against budgets in one place. The published price for teams of five or more is $30 per user per month for full access to core planning, tracking, billing, and reporting features (Factor pricing page, 2026). The product also highlights a 4.8 out of 5 Capterra score on its homepage as a third-party signal of adoption (Factor homepage, 2026).
Invoicing supports fixed fee, hourly, and phased work, with subconsultant tracking and a FactorPay flow that updates invoice status alongside QuickBooks Online. Dashboards cover portfolio health, revenue forecasting, and opportunity tracking so principals can compare projects side by side.
Time and expense capture feeds budgets and invoices, with templates and custom reporting included without extra module fees according to the vendor. Implementation is positioned as guided: the site states many firms begin time entry within weeks and reach invoicing by the next billing cycle after onboarding.
Because it is browser-based, teams access the same data from the office or the field without installing desktop clients. Integrations center on QuickBooks Online for accounting sync, which matters for firms that want project accounting inside Factor while keeping the general ledger in QuickBooks.
Specifications
Pricing
Platforms
Used for
Used by
Tasks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pricing is published per user for teams of five or more, which reduces guesswork during evaluation.
- Scope is focused on A&E firms rather than generic professional services.
- QuickBooks Online integration supports firms that already run accounting there.
- Custom reports and invoice layouts are included without extra module charges per vendor messaging.
Cons
- There is no public self-serve free tier; you typically book a demo to evaluate fit.
- A one-time implementation fee applies depending on firm needs.
- Heavy reliance on QuickBooks Online means firms on other ERPs should confirm integration plans.
Key features
Project planning: Budget templates, resource scheduling, and phase timelines that stay linked to time and billing.
Portfolio visibility: A single dashboard to compare active projects, hours, budgets, and forecasts.
Time and expenses: Capture entries with approvals so invoices reflect approved work.
Invoicing and payments: Client-facing invoices with progress tracking; FactorPay lets clients pay from the invoice with status updates.
Subconsultant tracking: Separate firm fees from subcontracted scopes while keeping contracts and billing aligned.
Reporting: Real-time KPI views, revenue forecasting, and opportunity tracking for pipeline planning.
Pricing
Per user (5+ users)
per month
$30.00
Listed on factorapp.com/pricing. Verify current price and fees.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Factor A/E cost?
- The published rate is $30 per user per month for teams of five or more, with full access to core features listed on the pricing page. Firms should confirm the latest numbers and any implementation fees on factorapp.com/pricing before buying.
Does Factor A/E work with QuickBooks?
- Yes. The vendor advertises QuickBooks Online integration so invoices and payments can stay in sync with your accounting system. Verify your QuickBooks edition and mapping needs during a demo.
Is Factor A/E only for large firms?
- The site showcases small and mid-size A&E practices in case studies. Pricing is per user, so cost scales with headcount. Book a demo if your team size or billing model is unusual.
Can clients pay invoices online through Factor A/E?
- FactorPay is described as a client payment flow tied to invoices, with statuses updating alongside QuickBooks Online. Ask the vendor about card fees, regions, and reconciliation steps.
What does onboarding look like for Factor A/E?
- Marketing materials describe hands-on setup help, including invoice customization and importing clients. The site states many firms adopt time entry within weeks and invoicing by the next billing cycle, but your timeline may vary.
How does Factor A/E compare to Deltek or BQE for A&E firms?
- Factor A/E markets itself as simpler, web-first A&E operations software with transparent per-user pricing. Competitors may offer deeper ERP features or different modules, so compare required workflows (CRM, payroll, ERP depth) side by side.