For AV, IT/MSP, and security integration firms, QuickBooks is often the go-to tool for accounting and bookkeeping—but on its own, it isn’t designed to handle professional proposals, or the unique workflows of system integrators. Portal.io fills that gap, providing an industry-focused platform for product data, proposals, and sales workflows; and connects seamlessly with QuickBooks. By integrating the two, firms can keep using QuickBooks for financial management while letting Portal.io handle the quoting and customer-facing side, turning a generic accounting system into a tailored business solution for integrators.
About Portal.io
Portal is designed specifically for integrators who need to move quickly from scope to signature. It combines structured product data, professional proposals, and flexible payment options. Whether you are collecting deposits, sending retainers, or invoicing from the field, Portal gives your team the tools to present clean, client-friendly documents and get paid faster.
Key Benefits
Fast proposals: Generate polished proposals with upsell options, optional items, and built-in digital signatures. No templates to manage or training required.
Product catalog with dealer pricing: Access 2M+ structured SKUs with metadata and real-time vendor pricing. Skip the spreadsheets and catalog maintenance.
Payments built in: Collect deposits and progress payments directly from the proposal. Invoice with context and sync it to QuickBooks without extra steps.
Bring your own processor: Use Stripe, Square, or QuickBooks Payments. Portal also supports convenience fees.
Ideal For
Sales teams and smaller integrators who want to streamline quoting and collections. Larger firms use it to modernize their front-end while keeping QuickBooks for financials.
About QuickBooks
QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting platforms for small and mid-sized businesses, offering powerful tools for managing finances, payroll, and compliance. Available in both cloud-based (QuickBooks Online) and desktop versions, it provides flexible options for a variety of business needs.
Key Benefits:
Comprehensive Accounting: Manage income, expenses, invoices, and bill payments with detailed financial tracking.
Payroll Processing: Handle employee payroll, tax calculations, and direct deposits.
Bank Integration: Sync with bank accounts and credit cards for automated transaction imports and reconciliation.
Tax Preparation & Compliance: Generate tax-ready financial statements and support for sales tax, VAT, and payroll taxes.
Ideal For
Businesses of all sizes that require reliable, easy-to-use accounting software with robust financial management features and a proven track record of supporting millions of users worldwide.
Feature Comparison Chart: Portal vs. QuickBooks
Feature | Portal.io | QuickBooks |
Proposal Generation | Yes | Yes |
Platform Type | Cloud-based | Cloud-based or Desktop |
Product Catalog | 2M+ SKUs with real-time vendor pricing | Manual entry only |
CRM | Light CRM or integrate with Zoho or Salesforce | Not Available |
Change Orders | Client-facing with digital signature | Handled as additional transactions |
Document Handling | Attach drawings, specs, and files | Not Available |
Payments and Invoicing | Yes, integrated with QuickBooks | Yes |
Payment Processor Options | Stripe, Square, QuickBooks | QuickBooks Payments only |
Convenience Fees | Supported | Not supported |
Field Invoicing | Technician logins with Permissions | Limited Permissions |
Reporting and Analytics | Not Available | Full accounting reports |
Mobile Access | Yes | Yes |
Pricing | Starting at $29 per month | Starting at $30 per month plus add-ons |
Conclusion
QuickBooks delivers the core financial management and accounting capabilities that businesses need, while Portal.io provides the quoting, proposal, and product data tools built specifically for AV, security, and IT integration workflows. When connected, the two systems create a seamless bridge between the sales process and back-office accounting—reducing duplicate data entry, improving accuracy, and keeping financial records aligned with project activity.
For integrators, this combination means they can continue leveraging QuickBooks’ proven accounting features while benefiting from Portal.io’s industry-focused automation, making it easier to manage the entire process from first quote to final payment.
Rather than replacing QuickBooks, Portal.io extends its value—transforming a general accounting platform into an integrated business solution for technology integrators.