24 Best Enterprise Content Management Software Reviewed in 2024
Best Enterprise Content Management Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best enterprise content management software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Enterprise content management software is valuable for many companies, helping teams boost collaboration and strengthen document security. However, with numerous options available, choosing the right software can be challenging.
Using my experience with marketing software, I tested and compared several of the top enterprise content management software available. From there, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best software for your needs.
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Best Enterprise Content Management Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top enterprise content management software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Laserfiche | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Egnyte | From $20 /user/month | Website |
| M-Files | Pricing upon request | Website |
| OpenText | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Box | From $16/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Alfresco platform | Pricing upon request | Website |
| GRM | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Oracle WebCenter Content | Pricing upon request | Website |
| IBM FileNet | Pricing upon request | Website |
| SharePoint | From $6/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose Enterprise Content Management Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your team’s needs? |
| Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools and systems? |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the software to your specific workflows? |
| Ease of Use | Is the interface user-friendly for your team? |
| Budget | Does the cost fit within your financial constraints? |
| Security Safeguards | Are there sufficient measures to protect your data? |
| Support | What kind of customer support does the provider offer? |
| Compliance | Does it meet the regulatory requirements of your industry? |
Best Enterprise Content Management Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best enterprise content management software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Laserfiche is a content management and business process automation software aimed at organizations seeking to enhance efficiency and productivity. It is popular among industries like government, education, and financial services for automating workflows and managing documents.
Why I picked Laserfiche: Laserfiche offers powerful workflow automation tools that help your team reduce manual processes and improve efficiency. It provides document capture and management features to ensure all your files are easily accessible and organized. The platform focuses on compliance and security, making it ideal for industries with stringent regulatory requirements. Its ability to transform paper-based tasks into digital processes sets it apart.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include document capture that encourages digital transformation from physical documents that allows your team to digitize paper documents quickly and efficiently. The software offers analytics tools and machine learning that provide insights into your processes, helping you make informed decisions. Customizable templates let you tailor the system to fit specific workflow needs.
Integrations include Salesforce, Google Workspace, ServiceNow, Docusign, SAP, Oracle, Dropbox, Box, and Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compliance-focused features
- Document capture capabilities
- Strong workflow automation
Cons:
- Limited out-of-box solutions
- Requires training for users
Egnyte is a ECM software and file-sharing platform aimed at businesses that need a central repository to manage and access files both on-premises and in the cloud. It serves industries like construction, finance, and healthcare by offering secure file-sharing and collaboration solutions.
Why I picked Egnyte: Egnyte excels in hybrid cloud storage, allowing your team to store and manage files across different environments efficiently. It provides strong security features to protect your data, whether stored locally or in the cloud. The platform's flexibility allows you to choose the best storage option for your needs. With Egnyte, you can easily collaborate with your team and external stakeholders, regardless of where your files are stored.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include granular permission controls, which let you manage access to files at a detailed level. The platform offers data governance tools to help you maintain compliance and protect sensitive information. Egnyte also provides real-time collaboration features, allowing your team to work together in tandem on shared documents.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack, Docusign, Adobe, Zoom, Autodesk, Trello, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Data governance tools
- Granular permission controls
- Strong hybrid storage options
Cons:
- Advanced features cost an extra
- Requires technical knowledge
M-Files is a document management platform tailored for industries such as management consulting, financial services, and manufacturing. It focuses on document creation, workflow automation, and external collaboration to enhance productivity.
Why I picked M-Files: M-Files uses a metadata-driven approach to document management, providing easy access and visibility to your documents. It features automated workflows that help your team organize and manage files efficiently. With integration capabilities with popular applications, M-Files ensures uninterrupted workflow access to information. Its emphasis on security and compliance reduces business risks, making it a reliable choice.
Standout features & integrations:
Standout features include metadata-driven document management and workflow automation. The best thing about this platform is that users can search files by document text or metatags, making categorization and identification a breeze. I feel this simplicity makes M-Files stand out as the best document management system for ease of use.
Integrations include Salesforce, Sharepoint, Google Workspace, Electronic signatures, Network Folders, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Amazon S3, MFSQL, OpenText, Documentum, and eDOCs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Industry-specific solutions
- Automated workflows
- Metadata-driven access
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Complexity for new users
OpenText is an enterprise content management solution catering to large organizations across various sectors, including finance and healthcare. It focuses on managing and optimizing enterprise information to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
Why I picked OpenText: OpenText provides extensive content management capabilities suitable for large-scale enterprises. It offers document archiving, compliance management, and workflow automation as key features. The platform’s ability to handle vast amounts of data while ensuring security and compliance makes it unique. Its scalability and flexibility allow you to tailor it according to complex business needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced document archiving that helps your team store and retrieve information efficiently. Compliance management tools ensure that your organization adheres to industry regulations. Workflow automation streamlines processes, allowing your team to focus on more strategic tasks.
Integrations include Microsoft, SAP, Salesforce, Oracle, IBM, Google Workspace, ServiceNow, Box, Dropbox, and Amazon Web Services.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong compliance management
- Scalable for large enterprises
- Extensive content management
Cons:
- May require extensive training
- Slight learning curve for new users
Box is a cloud-based content management and collaboration tool designed for businesses seeking secure file storage and sharing capabilities. It caters to a wide range of industries, offering solutions that enhance collaboration and accessibility of documents.
Why I picked Box: Box provides a comprehensive cloud storage service that meets the needs of teams looking to store, share, and collaborate on files securely. It offers advanced security features like encryption and compliance support to protect your data. The platform allows for flexible access control, so you can manage who sees what. Box’s easy-to-use interface makes it simple for your team to adopt and use effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include version history, which lets your team track changes and revert to previous versions if needed. The platform offers automated workflows that streamline repetitive tasks and enhance productivity. Box also provides detailed analytics, giving you insights into how files are accessed and used within your team.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack, Adobe, Docusign, Zoom, IBM, Okta, and ServiceNow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible access control
- Strong data encryption
- Extensive cloud storage options
Cons:
- Occasional sync issues
- Limited offline access
The Alfresco platform is an open-source enterprise content management solution designed for businesses seeking customizable solutions. It serves industries like healthcare, government, and financial services, focusing on document management and business process automation.
Why I picked the Alfresco platform: This tool’s open-source nature allows you to tailor the software to fit your specific needs. Alfresco offers features like document management, collaboration tools, and workflow automation. The platform ensures scalability, supporting your business as it grows. Its strong focus on compliance and security makes it a reliable choice for regulated industries.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include collaboration tools that facilitate teamwork and communication within your organization. The platform provides powerful search capabilities, allowing your team to find documents quickly. You can also benefit from its version control, ensuring that you always have access to the latest document revisions.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, SAP, Amazon Web Services, Google Workspace, Oracle, IBM, Dropbox, Box, and ServiceNow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful search capabilities
- Version control features
- Open-source customization
Cons:
- Limited out-of-box features
- Some connectivity issues at times
GRM is a document management system designed for industries that require strict compliance and data security, such as healthcare and finance. It helps businesses manage and store documents while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Why I picked GRM: GRM excels in compliance-focused solutions, providing tools to manage sensitive data securely. It offers business process management features like document management and workflow automation, which help your team stay organized and efficient. The platform's focus on data security ensures that your information is protected at all times. Its ability to adapt to various compliance requirements makes it a reliable choice for regulated industries with strict information governance requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced data encryption, which ensures your sensitive information remains secure. The platform provides audit trails that track document access and changes, making it easy to maintain compliance. Additionally, GRM offers workflow automation, helping your team streamline repetitive tasks and improve productivity.
Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, Google Workspace, Adobe, IBM, Box, Docusign, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed audit trails
- Advanced data encryption
- Strong compliance support
Cons:
- May need extensive training
- Initial setup complexity
- Requires technical expertise
Oracle WebCenter Content is an ECM solution designed for large organizations seeking to manage and share content across departments. It helps businesses streamline content collaboration and approvals while improving information accessibility.
Why I picked Oracle WebCenter Content: Oracle WebCenter Content excels in enterprise collaboration, providing tools that facilitate content sharing and management. It offers top security features to ensure data protection across your organization. The platform's scalability supports growing businesses and their evolving content needs. With a focus on enhancing collaboration, it helps facilitate team access and better information management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a centralized content repository that simplifies the storage and retrieval of documents. The platform offers workflow automation to boost process efficiency and reduce manual tasks. It also provides detailed audit trails, enabling you to track document changes and access history.
Integrations include Oracle Cloud, Oracle E-Business Suite, SAP, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, IBM, Adobe, Box, Google Workspace, and Microsoft SharePoint.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong workflow automation
- Detailed audit trails
- Centralized content repository
Cons:
- Performance can vary
- Limited customization options
IBM FileNet is an enterprise content management solution tailored for large organizations focusing on document management and process automation. It serves sectors like banking, insurance, and government, helping them manage large volumes of data efficiently.
Why I picked IBM FileNet: IBM FileNet offers a scalable platform that supports extensive content management needs throughout the content lifecycle, making it suitable for enterprises dealing with vast amounts of information. It also features advanced document capture and automated workflows that enhance operational efficiency. Its industry-grade security features ensure that your data is protected at all times. The platform's ability to integrate with other IBM products adds to its lifecycle scalability and functionality.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include document capture capabilities that simplify the digitization of physical documents. The software also provides advanced analytics tools that offer insights into your content and processes, enabling better decision-making. Additionally, IBM FileNet supports extensive metadata tagging, which helps your team organize and retrieve information quickly.
Integrations include IBM Cloud, Watson, SAP, Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Oracle, Box, IBM Content Navigator, IBM Datacap, and Microsoft SharePoint.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced metadata tagging
- Integration with IBM products
- Advanced document capture
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- May need extensive training
SharePoint is a versatile enterprise content management and collaboration platform widely used by businesses of all sizes. It allows teams to store, share, and manage documents efficiently while facilitating collaboration.
Why I picked SharePoint: Integration with Microsoft products is a key strength, providing a cohesive experience for users already on Microsoft 365. SharePoint offers document libraries that organize your files and make collaboration easy. Its intranet capabilities help your team communicate and share resources effectively. The platform’s customizable workflows enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include document versioning that ensures your team always works with the latest files. The platform also provides site templates to help you quickly set up collaborative spaces. Additionally, SharePoint includes search functionalities that enable your team to find documents and information swiftly.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Yammer, Power BI, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Azure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed search functionalities
- Document libraries for organization
- Customizable workflows
Cons:
- Limited non-Microsoft integration
- Configuration complexity
Other Enterprise Content Management Software
Here are some additional enterprise content management software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Adobe Experience Manager
For personalized asset delivery across platforms
- SER Group (Doxis4)
For document-centric processes
- Contentstack
For agile content delivery
- Brightspot
For media companies
- Contentverse
For small to medium businesses
- LogicalDOC
For multilingual support
- Templafy
For brand compliance
- DocStar ECM
For AP automation
- Xerox
For document scanning solutions
- Storyblok
For headless CMS architecture
- AODocs
For Google Workspace users
- Everteam
For records management
- ELO ECM Suite
For modular software design
- Zoho WorkDrive
For team collaboration
Enterprise Content Management Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best enterprise content management software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like document security and workflow automation. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Document storage
- File sharing
- Organization and structuring
- Access permissions
- Workflow automation
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced analytics
- Customizable dashboards
- Integration with AI tools
- Compliance tracking
- SEO and metadata management
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive navigation
- Clean interface design
- Minimal learning curve
- Customization options
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Pre-built templates
- Access to webinars
- Supportive chatbots
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Live chat options
- Dedicated account managers
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Response time efficiency
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparent fee structure
- Feature set offered
- Discount for long-term contracts
- Free trial availability
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Reported ease of use
- Reliability of service
- Frequency of updates
- Quality of customer support
- Overall satisfaction rating
Trends in Enterprise Content Management Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different enterprise content management software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-driven content analysis: AI is increasingly used to analyze and tag content, making it easier for users to find and organize information. This trend helps businesses save time by automating the categorization of large volumes of documents. Vendors like IBM FileNet are incorporating AI to enhance content management capabilities.
- Enhanced security protocols: As data breaches become more common, ECM solutions are focusing on advanced security measures. This includes features like encryption and multi-factor authentication, providing users with peace of mind. Companies such as GRM are emphasizing security to meet compliance needs.
- Collaborative content creation: More ECM tools are offering features that enable teams to work together on documents in real-time. This trend supports remote work by allowing users to edit and review content simultaneously. Adobe Experience Manager has embraced this by offering collaborative editing options.
- Cloud-native architecture: Cloud-native solutions are on the rise, offering greater scalability and flexibility than traditional on-premises software. This trend allows businesses to easily adapt to changing storage needs without significant infrastructure costs. Vendors like Box and Egnyte are leading the way with cloud-centric offerings.
- User-centric design enhancements: ECM platforms are prioritizing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces to improve the user experience. This trend focuses on reducing the learning curve and making it easier for users to navigate the software. SharePoint and Zoho WorkDrive have made significant strides in enhancing their interfaces for better usability.
What is Enterprise Content Management Software?
Enterprise content management software is a tool that helps organizations efficiently store, manage, and organize documents and content. IT administrators, compliance officers, and project managers use these tools to enhance information accessibility and collaboration.
Key features like document storage, access permissions, and workflow automation assist in organizing data, securing it, and improving team productivity. These tools simplify content management and support overall business operations.
Features of Enterprise Content Management Software
When selecting enterprise content management software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Document storage: Allows you to organize and store files securely for easy access.
- Workflow automation: Streamlines processes by automating repetitive tasks, saving time and effort.
- Access permissions: This enables you to control who can view or edit documents, enhancing security.
- Version control: Keeps track of document changes, ensuring your team always works with the latest version.
- Data encryption: Protects sensitive information from unauthorized access, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Real-time collaboration: Lets multiple users work on documents simultaneously, improving team productivity.
- Content personalization: Tailors user experiences by delivering relevant content to different audiences.
- Mobile app capabilities: Provides access to documents on-the-go, supporting remote work and flexibility.
- Analytics tools: Offers insights into content usage and performance to guide decision-making.
- Audit trails: Tracks document access and changes, helping maintain compliance and accountability.
Benefits of Enterprise Content Management Software
Implementing enterprise content management software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved collaboration: Real-time collaboration features allow your team to work together more effectively, even from different locations.
- Enhanced security: Data encryption and access permissions protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Increased efficiency: Workflow automation reduces manual tasks, letting your team focus on more important work.
- Better compliance: Audit trails and compliance tracking help ensure your business meets industry regulations.
- Easy document retrieval: Document storage and version control make it simple to find and use the right files when needed.
- Better organization: Organize various types of content and unstructured information with streamlined tools that make managing diverse content types easier and more accessible.
- Cost savings: By reducing the need for physical storage and minimizing errors, ECM solutions can save your business money.
Costs and Pricing of Enterprise Content Management Software
Selecting enterprise content management software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in enterprise content management software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Enterprise Content Management Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic document storage, limited access permissions, and community support. |
| Personal Plan | $5 - $15/user/month | Document storage, basic workflow automation, and version control. |
| Business Plan | $20-$50/user/month | Enhanced security features, advanced workflow automation, and real-time collaboration. |
| Enterprise Plan | $60-$100/user/month | Comprehensive data encryption, custom integrations, and full compliance support. |
Enterprise Content Management Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about enterprise content management software:
How does an enterprise content management system work?
An ECM system organizes digital files in a centralized location, storing document metadata in folders for easy access. This setup makes content available to the right people at the right time, reducing downtime spent searching for documents. By centralizing your documents, you enhance your team’s productivity and efficiency.
What are the components of enterprise content management?
ECM systems typically include document management, records management, workflow automation, capture and scanning, search and retrieval, and content security features. These components help streamline content-related operations by providing a cohesive solution for managing your organization’s information. They ensure that your content is both accessible and secure.
What is the difference between content services and ECM?
ECM systems store and manage documents within a shared repository, typically using a client/server model. In contrast, content services platforms store and manage content across a cloud-powered application ecosystem. While both serve to manage content, content services offer more flexibility and integration with other cloud applications.
How can ECM improve compliance?
ECM solutions improve compliance by providing audit trails, data encryption, and access controls. These features help ensure that your organization meets industry regulations and maintains secure document-handling practices. By using ECM, you reduce the risk of non-compliance and protect sensitive information.
Why is workflow automation important in ECM?
Workflow automation in ECM helps reduce manual tasks, allowing your team to focus on higher-priority work. It streamlines processes by automating repetitive actions, increasing efficiency and productivity. Automation ensures that tasks are completed consistently and on time, enhancing overall business operations.
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