Like Trello, but fully integrated to ConnectWise Manage

Trello vs TopLeft Visual

If you're an MSP with Connectwise Manage, HaloPSA or Datto Autotask already struggling with 180+ open tickets and projects running 30% over budget, you know you need a better way. But with stressed engineers and unhappy clients, the thought of implementing a new system might feel overwhelming. You're not alone, many MSPs hesitate to make changes even when they know their current process isn't working. 

To help you move forward confidently, we're diving into Trello vs. TopLeft and examining the key differences between them. We'll show you why hundreds of MSPs have successfully overcome their implementation concerns and transformed their operations with TopLeft. 

Examining The Features in Depth

"Our team won't adopt another system". We hear this concern often. That's why TopLeft integrates seamlessly with your existing workflows. While both platforms offer visual organization, TopLeft specifically addresses MSP needs: 

• Direct PSA integration that preserves your system of record 

• Real-time project and ticket deadline tracking and alerts 

• Advanced resource allocation and workload balancing 

• Client-facing boards that reduce meeting overhead 

Just look at what TEBA accomplished. Within six months of implementing TopLeft, TEBA transformed their project operations after recognizing their previous ticket management system along with their methods and mindset were fundamentally flawed. 

The real power comes from TopLeft's understanding of MSP’s deep workflows. Unlike general-purpose tools like Trello, TopLeft was built specifically for managed service providers like TEBA who need to: 

• Handle high-priority incidents without disrupting ongoing work 

• Track billable time across multiple clients and projects 

• Manage both reactive tickets and proactive maintenance 

• Balance resource allocation across different service types 

This specialized focus delivers transformative benefits for MSPs: dramatically reduced overhead through automated prioritization, clear visibility into resource allocation, and streamlined client communication. The visualization layer eliminates the need for lengthy status meetings while ensuring every team member knows their priorities. With real-time updates and integrated project and ticket tracking, MSPs can optimize their service delivery, improve client satisfaction, and scale their operations more effectively, all while maintaining their existing PSA as the system of record. 

PSA Integration

Our PSA should be enough" is a common belief. But here’s the reality, while your PSA is powerful, it wasn’t built for efficient project and service management. That’s where TopLeft’s PSA integration capabilities come in, enhancing your workflow without replacing your existing system. 

• Sync all your projects and tickets directly with ConnectWise Manage, Autotask, and HaloPSA 

• Maintain real-time ticket synchronization 

• Avoid duplicate data entry and context switching 

• Keep your PSA as the system of record while improving visualization 

Unlike low-code integration tools like Zapier, Make, and PowerAutomate, TopLeft isn’t just a quick workaround. Those tools lack true PSA integration, meaning they can’t handle bi-directional PSA integrated ticket updates, time entries, or deep workflow automation. 

And forget about Trello, no other project management platform offers the same level of PSA integration as TopLeft. If you want real-time visibility and seamless workflows without duct-taping tools together, TopLeft is the solution. 

Workflow Optimization  

Many MSPs believe their unpredictable work environment isn't suited for Kanban systems due to the lack of integration with their PSAs. However, TopLeft's workflow capabilities are specifically engineered for dynamic MSP environments: 

• Workload balancing preventing engineer burnout 

• SLA tracking ensures client commitments are met 

• Client-facing boards reduce status meetings and emails 

Beyond features, TopLeft transforms your operational foundation in a way Trello cannot. Its visual boards empower your team to: 

• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks before they impact clients 

• Decrease the need of excessive routine status updates and client communications 

Let the impact speak for itself: Appalachian Network Services saw their SLA adherence soar from 60% to over 90% with TopLeft's workflow features. Their initially skeptical engineering team became enthusiastic advocates within weeks, actively requesting expanded functionality. 

Team Collaboration 

TopLeft enhances team workflow through thoughtfully designed features that support rather than complicate your processes: 

• Real-time Communication 

• Whether a ticket status is updated, a new note is added, or a project reaches a new milestone, the information is updated instantly in your PSA  

• Visualization of neglected work to reduce MSP work interruptions

• Cross-team Coordination  

• Resource allocation across multiple teams and projects

• Workload balancing to prevent burnout 

These integrated features work seamlessly together to create a natural flow in your team's daily operations. All your engineers can maintain their productivity while staying connected, clients gain transparency without creating overhead, and teams collaborate effectively across projects. The result is a smoother, more efficient service delivery process that adapts to your team's needs rather than forcing them to adapt to the tool. 

While Trello offers basic collaboration features, it lacks the MSP-specific functionality that makes TopLeft so powerful. Without features like its Kanban Boards, Swimlanes for visually grouping work by technician, project, or team, and real-time PSA updates, TopLeft provides MSPs with a level of workflow clarity and efficiency that Trello lacks. Swimlanes allow all your team members to see work distribution in one dashboard, ensuring tasks are properly assigned and bottlenecks are easily identified, which is essential for managing service delivery effectively. 

The difference is clear: Trello is a generic task board that you adapt to MSP work, while TopLeft is purpose-built to optimize MSP operations. 

Implementation and Adoption 

 "We tried something like this before and it failed" – we understand this hesitation. That's why TopLeft offers: 

• 30-day Money Back Guarantee Onboarding Program

• Dedicated implementation that supports a PSA-preserving integration approach 

This is something that Trello does not offer. In addition, our implementation process is built on lessons learned from hundreds of successful MSP deployments: 

Week 1: Initial setup and PSA integration 

• Preserve existing workflows while adding visualization

• No disruption to current operations

• Engineers can immediately see benefits 

Week 2-3: Team onboarding and optimization 

• Personalized training for different roles

• Gradual feature rollout based on team feedback

• Quick wins that build confidence 

Week 4: Advanced features and client engagement 

• Client portal setup and training

• Custom workflow refinement

• ROI measurement and optimization 

TopLeft's implementation process delivers immediate value through core features, then gradually expands based on your MSP team's feedback. By week 4, you'll have a fully optimized workflow with client portal integration, which is a streamlined approach that builds confidence while maximizing ROI. 

Most MSPs see a strong return on investment within 90 days by: 

• Cutting down overtime costs 
• Making projects more profitable 
• Using resources more efficiently 
• Increasing billable hours 
 

Trello vs. TopLeft: Which One is Better for MSPs? 

Trello is a great tool for general task management, but TopLeft is built for the specific needs of MSPs. With seamless PSA integration, you won’t waste time entering the same data twice. You’ll get a real-time view of your service pipeline, making it easier to stay on top of everything. The client portal keeps communication simple, and built-in SLA tracking helps you meet your service commitments.  

Both platforms have similar uses, but some key differences set them apart. TopLeft offers advanced workflow visualization, PSA integration, and MSP-specific tools—features Trello doesn’t include. Unlike Trello, TopLeft supports horizontal swimlanes and Work in Progress (WIP) Limits, both essential for an effective Kanban system. 
 
Swimlanes in TopLeft allow MSPs to visually organize tasks by key categories such as technician, project, or company. This makes it easier for teams to track work, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks and workloads stay balanced. WIP Limits, shown at the top of each swimlane, help prevent bottlenecks and keep tasks moving at a steady pace. This results in smoother operations and improved service delivery. 
 
Trello, on the other hand, does not have built-in swimlanes or WIP Limits. To get similar functionality, users must rely on third-party add-ons. 

 
 
Start Running Your MSP More Smoothly with TopLeft 

We get it, change can be hard, especially when your team is already stretched thin. But sticking with outdated processes only makes things worse. MSPs like TEBA, Appalachian Network Services, and Morgan Birge have used TopLeft to simplify their work and boost efficiency. You can, too.