9 min read
Christina Miranda
Choosing the correct enterprise content management platform will automate your document management and business processes with accurate data. Find the perfect tool for you in this 10 best ECM software list.
Your company is generating more data than ever but over 80% of it is unstructured.
Without an ECM, most of that knowledge disappears into email threads, random folders, and employee desktops.
With these 10 best ECM software, choose the best ECM to manage your company’s content efficiently.
Enterprise Content Management is a set of tools and strategies that are designed to handle your company’s content throughout its whole lifecycle.
Some processes included in enterprise content management include capture, storage, retention, editing, sharing, etc.
ECM platforms organize all types of enterprise content, including emails, scanned documents, forms, multimedia files, and unstructured data, while integrating automated workflows, compliance controls, and collaboration tools.
By converting raw or scattered information into structured, actionable knowledge, ECM helps you improve your business’ efficiency, regulatory requirements, and processes like approvals, contract management, and invoice processing.
Essentially, ECM turns fragmented content silos into a cohesive and secure knowledge ecosystem.
Document management systems (DMS) and enterprise both focus primarily on document storage and workflow automation, however, a DMS is a much more basic system that lacks some advanced features and automation that an ECM software can offer.
A DMS is focused on document storage, organization, and retrieval. It offers features such as version control, metadata tagging, access permissions, and basic document search.
This type of tools are very useful for smaller organizations that handle large amounts of documents such as invoices, inventory, etc. They are great for businesses in manufacturing, schools, small medical clinics or HR departments.
However, if you have a large enterprise that handles more than just plain documents, you will need to upgrade your tool set to an ECM platform.
An ECM platform can automate business processes, handle unstructured content, and provide advanced compliance, collaboration, and analytics.
ECM platforms are suited for larger organizations or businesses with complex workflows, regulatory requirements, or high volumes of content.
Typical ECM use cases include multi-department contract approvals, invoice processing, government record management, and enterprise-wide content governance.
So, basically, if your company needs to integrate document management with workflow automation, AI-driven data capture, and cross-system collaboration, ECM is the solution; if you only need document storage and retrieval, a DMS may be just enough.
If you’re looking to upgrade from a DMS or even a basic online document storage solution, you should understand how an ECM software can impact your business.
You will gain the ability to preserve operational memory.
In other words, a modern ECM system quietly captures version histories, approval paths, and contextual notes, allowing you and your team to reconstruct why something happened and not just what happened. This provides protection from productivity dips and knowledge loss.
An ECM can provide detailed document lineage through automated workflows. You can see exactly the path a specific document followed so you can know exactly when something was edited and by whom.
Finally, your documents will be secure. Most ECM solutions offer advanced security measures through double-factor authentications or strict roles and permissions that can expire automatically.
If you’re still on the fence and not sure which ECM solution will fit your business’ needs, we have gathered 10 of our favorite and most popular enterprise content management systems to help you find the perfect fit.
| ECM Tool | Best Feature | Limitation | Best For | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dokmee | Advanced workflow automation (code + no-code) with powerful capture | AI features still expanding | Organizations wanting flexible, scalable ECM with modern UI | Read Full Review |
| Laserfiche | Highly structured governance + process automation | Steep learning curve; limited integrations | Governments, education, and regulated industries with complex workflows | Read Full Review |
| DocuWare | Fast search and strong workflow automation | Expensive; limited offline access | Teams needing digital workflows for invoices, HR, and compliance tasks | Read Full Review |
| M-Files | Metadata-driven architecture + powerful AI classification | Requires manual metadata setup; outdated UI | Cross-department teams needing contextual document retrieval | Read Full Review |
| DocStar ECM | Strong AP automation and rules-based routing | Struggles with large volumes; limited customization | Accounting teams, AP departments, mid-market companies | Read Full Review |
| OnBase (Hyland) | Enterprise-grade process automation + case management | Complex to deploy; requires governance maturity | Large enterprises in healthcare, government, finance | Read Full Review |
| Hyland ECM | Modular ecosystem with cloud-native automation | Confusing product structure; expensive | Enterprises needing unified content, workflows, and analytics | Read Full Review |
| DocuShare | Deep Xerox hardware integration + strong capture | Outdated UI; limited scalability | Organizations with high paper volume or Xerox-centric environments | Read Full Review |
| FileBound | Fast implementation and simple workflow automation | Limited advanced features; fewer integrations | SMBs, schools, non-profits, HR departments | Read Full Review |
| Microsoft SharePoint | Deep Microsoft 365 integration + easy collaboration | Basic ECM capabilities; requires add-ons for advanced workflows | Teams already working in Microsoft 365 (SMB → enterprise) | Read Full Review |
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2: 4.5/5 | Capterra: 4.7/5
Overview
Dokmee ECM is a modern software that offers both DMS and ECM features.
It offers full customization in document storage, capture, retention policies, roles and permissions, and more.
As it designed to be fully flexible, it can be deployed on the cloud, on-premise, or with a hybrid implementation so it is suitable for industries ranging from finance and healthcare to legal firms, construction companies, and global enterprises with strict compliance needs.
Dokmee ECM offers automated capture, powered by intelligent OCR, data extraction, and classification tools that convert paper-based processes into structured digital workflows.
This automated foundation connects directly to a powerful workflow engine, where teams can design, route, and approve documents using an intuitive drag-and-drop workflow builder.
This low-code approach allows businesses to standardize approvals, track tasks in real time, and eliminate bottlenecks that slow down document-heavy environments.
Dokmee also places strong emphasis on collaboration and secure content governance. With enterprise-grade permission controls, audit trails, encrypted storage, and customizable retention rules, organizations can maintain compliance with regulatory requirements while ensuring that documents remain accessible to the right people. I
Dokmeem delivers advanced features without sacrificing automation, accessibility, security, and a clean interface.
It is designed to scale with growing organizations thanks to its modular system, where you can add extra products as need be.
The best features include:
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2 4.7/5 | Capterra 4.5/5
Overview
Laserfiche is one of the first ECM solutions to appear on the scene.
Laserfiche aims to convert manual, paper-based or ad-hoc document workflows into a fully digital, highly structured ecosystem.
It’s especially suited for organizations with complex, multi-stage processes.
For example, government bodies, higher-education institutions, financial organizations, or any company where compliance, record-keeping, and formal approval chains are critical.
However, it is targeted toward organizations who have resources such as IT support and a governance policy set in place.
Thanks to advanced security measures, it is a good option for government archives and legal departments.
Laserfiche is less about “simple file storage” and more about governance and automation within workflows.
It divides its features in 4 main blocks:
Source: G2
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2: 4.4/5 | Capterra 4.6/5
Overview
DocuWare is more of a DMS that focuses automation toward process and task management.
DocuWare provides secure storage, version control, and audit trails. You can track down your documents thanks to metadata tags and other advanced search capabilities.
Its best features include intuitive document retrieval, integration capabilities, and customizable workflow automation.
It is designed to simplify processes such as invoice approvals, contract management, onboarding, and compliance tasks.
While it is suitable for many businesses, some advanced modules and add-ons can be relatively expensive, especially for smaller organizations.
Features include:
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2: 4.3/5 | Capterra: 4.4/5
Overview
M-Files is an intelligent ECM platform that used metadata-driven architecture so users can fund documents based on context.
This storage and organization philosophy is what makes M-Files stand out as a unique ECM. It is a good fit for businesses who share documents across departments, however, it does takes manual labour to classify your documents by metadata.
The platform supports workflow automation and integrates with common business systems like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and SAP.
It includes features such as role-based permissions, audit trails, and version control to protect sensitive data and meet regulatory requirements.
Additionally, its AI-powered tools help automatically classify content and suggest metadata, improving accuracy and efficiency.
M-Files is available as an on-premises, cloud, or hybrid solution.
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2: 3.8/5 | Capterra: 4/5
Overview
DocStar ECM is an ECM system that digitizes, organizes, and automates the flow of documents across different departments.
It allows you to capture, index, and store documents in a centralized document library, making them accessible through advanced search features that rely on metadata and keywords.
DocStar offers access controls, encryption, and audit trails that help organizations meet industry compliance standards.
Additionally, version control and document history features ensure accountability and reduce the risk of errors.
DocStar emphasizes workflow efficiency and integration with line-of-business applications, particularly in accounts payable automation. It offers tools like intelligent data capture, electronic forms, and rules-based routing to reduce the need for manual intervention in document-heavy tasks.
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2 4.4/5 | Capterra 4.3/5
Overview
OnBase, developed by Hyland, is an ECM and process automation platform designed to centralize documents, build automated workflows, and manage cases with records governance.
OnBase combines storage, workflow automation, case management, records retention, and real-time analytics, so content is directly linked to the business processes it supports.
It offers low-code configuration tools so you can tailor workflows and interfaces to your needs, and it integrates with ERP, CRM, HR and other enterprise systems. Supported integrations include tools like Microsoft 365, SAP, Salesforce, Workday, Epic, and Oracle.
Some features include:
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2 4.2/5 | Gartner 4.2/5
Overview
Hyland ECM refers to Hyland’s broader enterprise content management ecosystem, where you can find OnBase (explained above).
Hyland’s Content Innovation Cloud is a cloud-native architecture built to unify unstructured content, automate business processes, and turn documents into actionable business intelligence.
Hyland uses its Enterprise Context Engine that basically connects processes, people, content and other platforms in your tool stack (such as CRM or ERP) to constantly update your records.
You can build workflows with a drag‑and‑drop designer, where you can configure complex workflows that route content, enforce business rules, send notifications, and handle approvals.
It supports case management too: all documents, data, tasks, and communications related to a “case” are brought together in a single, structured workspace, making it easier to track multi-step, multi-role processes.
Although choosing the product you need can be confusing, Hyland organizes products and tools by tasks, features, and departments to help you out.
Some products in Hyland’s stack include:
… and many more
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2 4/5 | Capterra 4.3/5
Overview
DocuShare is Xerox’s ECM platform. It evolved from a basic DMS into a full ECM suite aimed at organizations that need centralized content governance, metadata-driven organization, and integration.
DocuShare combines AI-driven document capture, metdata extraction, workflow automation, and secure access control.
It is a good fit if you handle large amounts of paper documents and work in a highly regulated industry.
Despite this, users often find the experience divided: the capabilities are strong, but performance issues appear at scale, and the interface feels dated compared to more modern ECM tools.
DocuShare offers a tight integration with business systems such as Microsoft 365 and ERP platforms.
This ECM works best for companies already invested in Xerox infrastructure or those prioritizing compliance and hardware-driven capture above interface modernity and ease of use.
Among its features you can find:
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2 3.9/5 | Capterra 3.8/5
Overview
FileBound is a DMS and ECM platform oriented toward document management, workflow automation, and records management, especially for administrative and back-office processes.
It’s known for being lightweight, easy to deploy, and cost-effective for mid-sized organizations or departments that need to digitize paper workflows, streamline approvals, and centralize records without the complexity of an enterprise-grade platform.
It is a good fit for non-profits, schools, and HR departments who handle large amounts of documents but can’t afford to waste time implementing or adapting the team to a complex system.
It offers basic features such as:
✅ Pros
Cons
Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
G2 4.0/5 | Capterra 4.4/5
Overvie
Microsoft SharePoint, especially in its cloud version (SharePoint Online), is widely used as a content management and collaboration platform with ECM features.
Through document libraries, metadata, version control, access governance, retention policies, and Power Automate workflows, SharePoint can function as a practical ECM solution for Microsoft 365 organizations.
Its tight integration with Teams, OneDrive, and Office makes it deeply convenient for everyday collaboration.
While SharePoint may not be one the most advanced ECM systems available, it is quite useful for smaller teams who rely heavily on the Microsoft 365 package. Especially, if you’re currently using OneDrive for your document storage.
However, it is a pretty basic ECM platform.
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
If you work in industries such as governments, manufacturing, construction, human resources, healthcare, or any other similar industry, the answer is absolutely.
An ECM will manage all of your enterprise’s documents in centralized file cabinets that will allow your team to work as a whole with up-to-date information.
Other features that will benefit your teams efficiency include:
✔️ Automated workflows
✔️ AI-powered capture
✔️ Audit trail
✔️ Mobile access
If you’re ready to level up your document management, check out a free demo with Dokmee.
Christina Miranda 
