This tool helps you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Move away from messy spreadsheets,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Update clients with ease, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Track billable hours accurately, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Organize client requests and projects in one place. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s see how you can use Plaky to meet clients\u2019 expectations and bring order into everyday work!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Plaky](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Plaky-business-strategy-1-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhy consulting companies need Plaky by CAKE.com<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What consultants usually do is diagnose business problems and create tailored strategies to fix them \u2014 they\u2019re something like doctors for business matters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, to keep up with all client requests and projects, consultants need a reliable project management tool<\/a> as a sidekick. Here\u2019s why they usually go for Plaky: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Ease of use<\/strong> \u2014 Plaky\u2019s intuitive UI makes it easy to navigate through the app and organize clients, teams, and tasks in no time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Affordable plans<\/strong> \u2014 With Plaky, you don\u2019t have to break the bank to invite a client to a board as Plaky\u2019s Pro<\/a> and Enterprise<\/a> plans are totally pocket-friendly. Also, if you want to use Plaky for your company\u2019s needs only, you can do so free of charge as Plaky offers all basic project management features combined with unlimited users on its free forever plan. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- High visibility<\/strong> \u2014 In Plaky, you and your clients can view projects from different angles thanks to multiple board views<\/a>. Plus, you can use different custom fields<\/a> to add relevant details and structure workflows to suit your needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Great transparency<\/strong> \u2014 Plaky provides real-time information on project progress, so your client can always get an insight into a project\u2019s current status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Efficient billing<\/strong> \u2014 Once you integrate Plaky with Clockify (a time tracking app), you can track the time spent on creating strategy plans for clients, run time reports, and prepare invoices without fragmenting your workflow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nTop-notch consulting management software<\/h2>\n
Consultants need to deal with a lot, from demanding clients to tight deadlines. Don\u2019t let anything slip through the cracks \u2014 try Plaky by CAKE.com!<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/features.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Plaky by CAKE.com solves common challenges for consulting companies\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
From defining problems their clients face to creating effective solutions and managing their implementation \u2014 consultants have a lot on their plate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good thing is they can rely on a tool like Plaky by CAKE.com to keep everything in order.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As flexible consulting management software<\/a>, Plaky helps you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Organize projects and tasks<\/strong> and track their progress <\/strong>\u2014 Move away from complicated spreadsheets and organize all clients\u2019 projects and tasks within one board. You can add fields like due date, priority, status, assignee, or description to each task so that both you and the client know how work is progressing and who\u2019s working on what at any moment. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep track of clients<\/strong> \u2014 Gather all your clients in one place for easier tracking. Plaky\u2019s pre-built Contacts template<\/a> allows you to quickly build a board that will store all clients\u2019 info such as company, position, phone, email, etc. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Provide a real-time project overview to clients<\/strong> \u2014 Let your clients stay in the loop at all times via Plaky\u2019s activity log<\/a>. When invited to a board, each client can get an insight into the latest changes on the board or a particular task. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Control schedules and staff<\/strong> \u2014 Set your consulting team for success by assigning tasks to team members and defining deadlines to get the work done. With time tracking integration, you can track the time spent on tasks and use the results to improve deadline management. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep <\/strong>scope creep<\/strong><\/a> in check<\/strong> \u2014 Stay in control of all new clients\u2019 requests, and don\u2019t let your projects fall victim to scope creep. Use Plaky’s customer inquiries template<\/a> to create a board where you\u2019ll keep track of all requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manage talent acquisition<\/strong> \u2014 Keep the best people with you by planning the talent acquisition process from start to finish in Plaky. You can use Plaky\u2019s recruitment template<\/a> to set up a board where you\u2019ll manage the entire process and ensure it runs smoothly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Try Plaky by CAKE.com for free<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Plaky's](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Get-an-insight-into-all-task-updates-with-Plakys-activity-log-min.png\")
Get an insight into all task updates with Plaky\u2019s activity log<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plaky claims the top spot on our list of PM apps for consultants. Keep reading to discover the other essential tools we\u2019ve selected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Project Management Software for Consultants (12 Tools Tested)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how to use Plaky by CAKE.com for your consulting services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As a consultant, you\u2019re valued for your know-how. From problem solving and data analysis to new technology implementation and change management \u2014 your expertise is exactly what businesses need to make headway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, keeping an eye on different projects, clients, and invoices becomes an uphill struggle once your consulting business starts getting ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why a tool like Plaky is perfect to bring order into your everyday work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s see how you can use Plaky to streamline your processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 Create a neat project structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Good organization and structured workflows are a must for any consultant. With Plaky, you get a clear visual overview of all your project workflows<\/a> thanks to its practical hierarchy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Space<\/strong> \u2014 Spaces are the top layer in the hierarchy and represent a homebase for your department, team, or project group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Board<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Boards are located within a dedicated space, and you use them to build and manage projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Folder<\/strong> \u2014 Folders are optional, but useful for placing related boards together to enhance organization. For example, you can create a folder for a client and keep all project boards you\u2019re managing for that client within this dedicated folder. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Item groups<\/strong> \u2014 Item groups are color-coded sections created within a board that you use to group items<\/a> (single tasks, activities, or to-dos) effectively. You can organize items based on a project phase<\/a>, a time frame, or any other criteria that makes sense to you. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can start from scratch and build your first project in Plaky in less than 15 minutes<\/a>, or choose one of the ready-to-use templates from Plaky\u2019s template center<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sign up for Plaky by CAKE.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udca1 Check out Plaky\u2019s Organization and Hierarchy<\/a> article to get a deep understanding of how Plaky works.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Client](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Client-folders-and-first-project-board-in-Plaky-min.png\")
Client folders and first project board in Plaky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n #2 Manage your boards and tasks properly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With Plaky, you can create any type of project and set up completely different boards depending on your client\u2019s needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plaky provides flexibility that you won\u2019t find in spreadsheets. Namely, you can list your tasks and group them in any way you want to keep the board clear and transparent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, you can break down complex tasks into more digestible chunks thanks to subitems<\/a>. This will improve clarity and secure easier task prioritization.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Tasks](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Adding-tasks-and-subtasks-to-your-project-board-in-Plaky-min.png\")
Adding tasks and subtasks to your project board in Plaky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve listed your tasks, you can add different custom fields to personalize your board. There are 9 fields you can choose from to define key task details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Date<\/strong> \u2014 Set a start date, deadline, review date, or any other time-related info.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Status<\/strong> \u2014 Use color-coded labels to better track task progress and differentiate task statuses (To Do<\/em>, In progress<\/em>, Done<\/em>, Stuck<\/em>, etc.) and task priority (Low<\/em>, Medium<\/em>, High<\/em>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Person<\/strong> \u2014 Add assignees and reviewers to your tasks to keep track of who is working on what.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Number<\/strong> \u2014 Include any countable information like budget, costs, hours worked, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Text<\/strong> \u2014 Describe what task is all about, and give instructions to assignees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rich text<\/strong> \u2014 Add more context to your task by including links, checklists, emoticons, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Link<\/strong> \u2014 Attach relevant URLs directly to tasks. These can be files, client websites, social media posts, reports, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tag<\/strong> \u2014 Define keywords for each task to find what you need faster. You can tag teams, clients, departments, etc. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Timeline<\/strong> (available on paid plans) \u2014 Visually track task duration by adding start and end dates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Adding-relevant-custom-fields-to-your-Plaky-board-2-min.png\")
Adding relevant custom fields to your Plaky board<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n\ud83d\udca1 PLAKY PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plaky allows you to export a board in CSV format<\/a> and share it with stakeholders. Also, if you want to transfer your project data from another tool to Plaky, here are our detailed guides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Import Data From Trello Into Plaky<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Import Data From ClickUp into Plaky<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Import Data From Jira Into Plaky<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Import Data From Notion Into Plaky<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Import Data From monday.com Into Plaky<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Import Data From Asana Into Plaky<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
#3 Collaborate with coworkers and clients effectively<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
According to the 2025 Workplace Communication Statistics<\/em><\/a>, a stunning 63%<\/strong> of participants in one survey experienced wasted time at work<\/strong> due to broken communication<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, you won\u2019t have to worry about such issues with Plaky as it has great solutions for effective project collaboration<\/a> and communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Plaky, all task-related communication is kept within a task card so everyone involved can easily stay up to date. That said, team members can make comments<\/a>, give feedback, and share related files<\/a> within a task card, which speeds up the collaboration process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, if you @mention your coworker in the comment section, they\u2019ll be immediately notified and be able to react in due course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another plus? Plaky keeps everyone on the same page with real-time notifications<\/a>. They help team members track all project updates and ensure teams stay connected and work more efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Comments](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Comment-section-in-the-task-card-in-Plaky-min.png\")
Leave comments in the designated section in Plaky\u2019s task card<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n But, how can you keep clients in the loop with Plaky?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, Plaky\u2019s paid plans allow you to add clients as viewers<\/strong> and subscribe them to both open and private boards. This role allows clients to read all the content available (read: keep track of project progress and see files, documents, and comments), but doesn\u2019t give them editing permissions. Viewers get access to the user menu and can see team members and teams as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note<\/strong>: Each paid seat in your Workspace allows you to invite up to 5 viewers at no additional cost.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Adding](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Add-your-clients-as-viewers-read-only-access-to-Plaky-project-boards-by-sending-them-an-invitation.png\")
Add your clients as viewers (read-only access) to Plaky project boards by sending them an invitation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n #4 Easily track your project\u2019s progress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Providing your clients with a first-rate service leaves little room for mistakes and missed deadlines<\/a>. That\u2019s why tracking projects\u2019 progress is essential for any consulting team \u2014 and Plaky\u2019s got your back here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, Plaky gives you 4 types of board views you can use to view your project from different perspectives, depending on what you need to keep tabs on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Table view<\/strong> \u2014 A default spreadsheet-like overview of your project tasks. You can use it to easily list tasks, group them, and add key fields. For example, if you have a dedicated board for your clients\u2019 requests, this view is ideal to group requests per client or per status (e.g., Active<\/em>, Completed<\/em>, On hold,<\/em> etc.) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kanban view<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 This view shows your tasks as cards organized into columns based on their status (or another category of your choice). You can detect bottlenecks easily and drag and drop your cards around the board to reprioritize them. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Gantt chart view<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 This is the view all consultants love. With Gantt view, you\u2019ll be able to get a visual roadmap<\/strong> of your project with each task appearing as a horizontal bar spanning its start and end dates. It\u2019s a perfect view to monitor task progress and understand how tasks and deadlines relate to each other.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chart view<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 This view allows you to see your project progress in the form of interactive visuals. You can choose a pie or bar chart to spot trends and understand proportions of the work that is complete, in progress, or yet to be done.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
\n![\"Gantt](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Easily-spot-the-tasks-that-overlap-in-Plakys-Gantt-chart-view-min.png\")
Easily spot the tasks that overlap in Plaky\u2019s Gantt chart view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Mind you, these views are fully customizable and offer a good deal of sorting and filtering<\/a> options so that you can find the data you need in a jiffy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bonus? With Plaky\u2019s conditional coloring<\/a>, you can track deadlines more effectively. This feature allows you to highlight an item as the deadline approaches, so you always know what to focus on first. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Conditional](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Use-conditional-coloring-in-Plaky-and-never-miss-a-deadline-again-2-min.png\")
Use conditional coloring in Plaky and never miss a deadline again<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Having trouble hunting your tasks among a bunch of others? Go to My tasks<\/a> tab in Plaky\u2019s sidebar, and find all the tasks assigned to you right here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 Accurately track billable hours and streamline billing process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With tight deadlines and clients breathing down your neck, tracking the time you and your consulting team spend on tasks comes to the fore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, while you\u2019re juggling your tasks and clients at the same time, the last thing you want is to waste time on tracking billable hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Kanban view<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 This view shows your tasks as cards organized into columns based on their status (or another category of your choice). You can detect bottlenecks easily and drag and drop your cards around the board to reprioritize them. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Import Data From ClickUp into Plaky<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Status<\/strong> \u2014 Use color-coded labels to better track task progress and differentiate task statuses (To Do<\/em>, In progress<\/em>, Done<\/em>, Stuck<\/em>, etc.) and task priority (Low<\/em>, Medium<\/em>, High<\/em>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Board<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Boards are located within a dedicated space, and you use them to build and manage projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Space<\/strong> \u2014 Spaces are the top layer in the hierarchy and represent a homebase for your department, team, or project group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep track of clients<\/strong> \u2014 Gather all your clients in one place for easier tracking. Plaky\u2019s pre-built Contacts template<\/a> allows you to quickly build a board that will store all clients\u2019 info such as company, position, phone, email, etc. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Affordable plans<\/strong> \u2014 With Plaky, you don\u2019t have to break the bank to invite a client to a board as Plaky\u2019s Pro<\/a> and Enterprise<\/a> plans are totally pocket-friendly. Also, if you want to use Plaky for your company\u2019s needs only, you can do so free of charge as Plaky offers all basic project management features combined with unlimited users on its free forever plan. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ease of use<\/strong> \u2014 Plaky\u2019s intuitive UI makes it easy to navigate through the app and organize clients, teams, and tasks in no time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Time](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Start-the-timer-or-add-time-manually-in-any-of-Plakys-task-cards.png\")
![\"Creating](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Creating-invoices-for-Plakys-tasks-in-Clockify-min.png\")