Best document management software of 2020: DMS systems for managing files

By Nicholas Fearn, Steve McCaskill, Jonas DeMuro, Brian Turner December 30, 2019

Manage your files online in the cloud

• Editor's note: Looking for a document management system or software for your business? If you're looking for information to help you choose the one that's right for you, use the questionnaire below to have our partner site, BuyerZone, provide you with information from a variety of vendors for free

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Software - Provides management of files in electronic format

Imaging System - Converts paper documents to electronic files

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Document management is becoming easier as the concept of a paperless office is increasingly an everyday reality, especially with the growth in cloud storage services.

This means that instead of having to keep paper in clunky file cabinets, documents can now be stored securely online. However, it's not just about archiving information as much as making the whole process of document management easier, covering everything from branded templates, improving workflows, working with collaboration tools, as well as being able to sort through sometimes technical information.

Good document management software (DMS) also has to be able to work with different digital file types, not just from office software, but also technical plans, images and designs, and anything else you could imagine previously being printed on paper, including from legacy file formats.

However, a lot of suppliers and contractors will still deal with paper, so any DMS needs to have a document scanning solution so that any such paper invoices, receipts, or other documents can be scanned so that a digital copy can be archived while the paper version is recycled. 

The paperless office has been a long-time in coming, but it's finally here for those who want to embrace it. Here then are the best in document management software solutions.

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Best DMS - at a glance

1. Templafy
2. M-Files
3. Docuware
4. MasterControl Document Control
5. Xait

(Image credit: Templafy)

1. Templafy

An all-in-one document management solution

Easy-to-use interface

Mobile apps

Hidden pricing

Templafy is one of the best document management tools out there. The system aims to integrate essential office suites and solutions used by businesses on a daily basis.

If there’s one thing that can be frustrating, it’s having to create brand documents using different software. This can become time-consuming and fragmented, but Templafy can help. With it, you can create a range of files within the system and manage them from a single feed.

The software is compatible with a range of devices and uses the cloud to let you access all your documents across computers, tablets and smartphones. There are also automatic compliance checks, and you can give feedback to employees easily, too.

Contact is required for a pricing quote, and not surprisingly, the exact cost depends on the number of users, features and add-ons chosen.

• Sign up for Templafy here

(Image credit: M-Files)

2. M-Files

Document software that detects duplication

Handy integrations

Mobile apps

May be too limited

When it comes to document management, M-Files aims to improve internal workflows, and to ensure important information is kept secure at all times. Its customers include many large corporations such as Comcast and Yokohama.

There’s a single vault for a plethora of files, and you can easily find them by client, project, date, status or other criteria. The software aims to avoid duplication – it’s quite common to end up with two copies of the same report, or possibly more. M-Files will alert you if a document has been saved twice by analyzing names and project data. You get some great integrations too, including Microsoft Office and Salesforce CRM.

There is a free trial available, but pricing isn’t stipulated on the site, so you have to get in touch for a quote.

• Sign up for M-Files here

(Image credit: Docuware)

3. Docuware

Document organization moves to the cloud

Covers full range of document tasks

Cloud-based storage

Mobile support

Hidden pricing

Docuware takes a cloud-based approach to document management. It integrates cloud storage and office automation to create a digital workplace. This paperless approach to the full spectrum of office tasks is another example of the digital transformation which is driving many processes these days.

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Docuware offers services to create a ‘cloud workflow’ when it comes to documents. It allows services to be purchased on a small scale as needed, and then as use-case scenarios are created, and reliability is ensured, the service can be scaled up for a larger deployment.

Mobile apps that can integrate into this workflow are also offered, facilitating the likes of scanning receipts on the go, approving invoices for speedy payment, and signing forms directly on the device.

While Docuware does offer a demo, there is no free trial, and the pricing, which of course depends on the services chosen, is otherwise hidden and requires the prospective buyer to get in touch for a custom quote.

• You can sign up to Docuware here

(Image credit: MasterControl )

4. MasterControl Document Control

DMS focused on compliance

Mobile optimized

Supported by regulators

Lack of integrations

Within big organizations, there are often processes and regulations put in place to ensure documents are compliant and follow company guidelines. But when you have a ton of files, it can be hard to follow such rules.

MasterControl, which is used by some of the world’s largest regulatory bodies, is document control software that addresses complex regulations and standards around the globe. It aims to reduce compliance cost and increase internal efficiency.

The system fully automates routing, delivery, escalation and approval of vital documents. It also sports a centralized, secure archive where you can store and search for business files.

There is no indication of a free trial, and pricing requires contacting the company for a quote.

• Signup for MasterControl DMS here

(Image credit: Xait)

5. Xait

Cloud-based collaboration at its best

Fully cloud optimized

Smart collaboration features

Salesforce integration

Lack of forms management

If you’re looking for a cloud solution for creating documents, then you should definitely check out Xait.

The great thing about this system is that it’s extremely flexible. You’re able to collaborate and work on documents with colleagues simultaneously, and you can easily share feedback with each other. It also manages all aspects of workflow, so you don’t have to worry about formatting, numbering and layout.

Xait has some useful tricks on the integrations front, as well. The software can work with Salesforce, Oracle, SAS, Microsoft Office and Dynamics, SharePoint, OpenText and Dropbox. And it’s currently used by some 45,000 firms across the globe.

While there is a demo available, there is no free trial, and pricing requires getting in touch for a quote.

• Sign up for Xait here

Other DMS platforms to consider

While there are a number of dedicated office and document platforms we could mention, not least Office 365, LibreOffice, and Adobe Document Cloud, these are more focused on creating documents and managing those, rather than managing and storing documents from multiple sources and formats. Therefore we'll continue this list by featuring some of the other DMS solutions worth considering:

Samepage is a little different to standard document management as it's more about creating a single focal point for all communications, projects, and document sharing tools. The aim is to simplify everything in a single app as opposed to having multiple software applications for different tasks. The interface is simple and easy to use, with collaboration built into the heart of it. In that regard it makes Samepage a potentially flexible solution to cover multiple needs.

Dokmee advertises itself as an enterprise content management solution, to organize, secure, and manage files. It supports a number of document formats, and also provides document imaging and data capture as part of its service. Everything can be smartly indexed using AI, with files automatically stamped for indexing, as well as rules-based routing to make storage and archiving easier, which is all done through secure hosting in the cloud. As expected, collaboration is supported, with permissions and auditing options available for easier file management. 

eFileCabinet is a document management software solution that uses smart automation to organize, name, and store files according to their content. Templates are available to customize the document folder tree throughout your system. Permissions, file/folder expiration, and notifications can also be set up for file sharing and for sending file requests, all of which is done using a secure URL. General accessibility rules can also be set up according to company policy.

Abbyy are perhaps most famous for their file reader and scanning services, but they also provide a digital document archiving service which allows for the secure storage and use of documents. Access can be tracked and logged, and existing documents can be reused and edited as required for reissue. Meta keywords can be applied for easy search on top of normal search functions, and distributed easily via the web or email as required. One potential limitation is that Abbyy services are primarily built to store documents in PDF format. 

SUMBER: https://www.techradar.com/best/best-document-management-software