Struggling to find critical documents?
Your current M-Files setup might feel more like a maze than a library, causing delays and frustrating your teams during critical workflows.
The real issue is how this impacts your bottom line, with wasted hours and compliance risks piling up when information retrieval consistently fails you.
Many IT leaders find their DMS becomes a bottleneck, forcing complex workarounds that undermine security protocols and slow down operations across the entire company.
But what if you could find a system that resolves these specific challenges without a complicated, costly migration?
In this guide, I’m breaking down the best M-Files alternatives to help you find a solution that fits your unique compliance and workflow needs.
You’ll find options that offer better search, easier integration, and more predictable pricing so you can make a confident decision for your business.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Summary:
| # | Software | Target Users |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FileCenter → | Small teams needing affordable, easy document management |
| 2 | Laserfiche → | Growing teams seeking AI-driven document automation |
| 3 | Revver Digital → | Marine industry sales teams looking to boost deal flow |
| 4 | OnBase → | Enterprises needing automated content and process management |
| 5 | iManage → | Knowledge workers requiring secure, AI-enhanced collaboration |
1. FileCenter
Struggling to keep your documents organized?
FileCenter offers OCR scanning, PDF editing, and consistent folder structures to manage and retrieve documents efficiently without hassle.
If paperwork is piling up and finding files wastes your time, FileCenter’s simple yet powerful document management keeps everything in one place. This reduces the risk of lost documents and boosts your team’s productivity.
Let’s explore how FileCenter helps.
FileCenter transforms your Windows desktop into a document powerhouse, enabling you to scan paper into searchable PDFs, edit them, and save in reusable folder templates designed for your workflow.
It integrates smoothly with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox, letting you work with cloud files or local storage. This means you can easily access your documents wherever you need them and maintain a consistent folder system across all platforms.
Another great feature is the Client Portal, which provides a secure way to exchange files with your clients. Plus, the built-in PDF editor and bulk OCR automation let you handle large volumes of documents with less manual effort, streamlining your entire paperless process.
FileCenter’s ease of use and flexible payment options make it accessible for small teams and growing businesses alike.
Get control over your documents and save valuable time.
Before diving deeper, if you’re considering a transition, my article on tips for migrating document management systems offers practical advice for a smooth process.
Key features:
Built-in OCR and PDF editor enable converting and editing scanned documents, helping eliminate manual data entry and streamlining workflows.
Consistent, reusable folder templates simplify document organization for everyone, ensuring your files stay structured and easy to find.
Seamless cloud integration with Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox offers flexible access to documents anywhere without complicating your storage setup.
Verdict:
With its reliable OCR, PDF editing, and intuitive file organization, FileCenter stands out as one of the best M-Files alternatives for IT directors seeking affordable, easy-to-use solutions that reduce paperwork stress and improve team efficiency.
3. Laserfiche
Struggling to manage complex document workflows?
Laserfiche offers intelligent data capture and process automation to ease document handling and improve team efficiency.
When your business faces increasing amounts of documents and compliance demands, Laserfiche’s platform centralizes content, automates repetitive tasks, and maintains detailed audit logs to support regulatory needs. This means you can reduce errors and save time with AI-powered document processing and workflow automation designed for growing teams.
Here’s how Laserfiche can help.
Laserfiche tackles bottlenecks by combining document management with workflow automation to increase productivity.
Its platform features AI-driven data extraction and low-code process automation, enabling your team to quickly capture data from invoices, contracts, and handwritten forms, then automate approval and review workflows. This matches well with users needing scalable solutions that reduce manual work.
Another valuable capability is its extensive integrations network, connecting your mission-critical apps so your team can access all relevant documents from one place, minimizing time spent toggling between systems. Together with robust security and governance tools, Laserfiche helps keep your data safe and compliant while making workflows smoother and easier to manage.
Everything you need in one scalable platform.
Key features:
- AI-powered data capture automates extracting information from various document types, reducing manual entry and accelerating processing times.
- Low-code automation tools streamline complex workflows with customizable templates that fit your unique business processes and improve team focus on priority tasks.
- Extensive integrations unify documents across multiple business-critical applications, improving collaboration and minimizing search times across platforms.
Verdict: Laserfiche combines AI-driven data capture, flexible automation, and broad integrations, making it one of the best M-Files alternatives for IT directors who want to reduce overhead, maintain compliance, and scale easily with their teams.
4. Revver Digital
Struggling to close deals and manage sales efficiently?
Revver Digital’s web-based sales management system connects buyers, sellers, and brokers, helping your team increase leads and speed up deal closures. Their platform includes focused tools like SMS/MMS marketing and inventory management, designed specifically for the marine industry.
If you’re dealing with slow sales cycles and complex connection issues, Revver Digital provides an innovative solution to expand sales and boost productivity with its specialized features tailored to your business needs. These tools help reduce manual work and improve communication across your sales network.
Here’s how they make business better.
Revver Digital solves sales hassles by offering a comprehensive suite of tools that accelerate deal flow and marketing efforts.
Their Pro Revver system supports your entire sales process with features such as SMS/MMS marketing campaigns and real-time inventory management, which keeps your team informed and engaged. You can track and manage resources with ease, helping your sales reps stay aligned with customer demands.
Additionally, the mobile app keeps your sales force connected wherever they are, ensuring no opportunity slips through the cracks. Coupled with targeted digital marketing products and integrated marketplaces, the platform drives faster sales and fuels your growth. These combined capabilities allow you to tap into new opportunities while maintaining control over operations.
Gain clearer insights and close deals more efficiently.
While Revver Digital streamlines your sales processes, understanding how to boost global collaboration through multi-language support in DMS can further expand your reach.
Key features:
- Web-based sales management system connects buyers, sellers, and brokers to streamline deal-making and increase your lead conversion rates quickly.
- SMS/MMS marketing tools engage customers directly through personalized messages, improving communication and boosting sales outreach effectiveness.
- Inventory management provides real-time updates to keep your team organized and responsive, minimizing stock issues and keeping customers satisfied.
Verdict:
Revver Digital’s focused sales management tools, SMS/MMS marketing, and inventory tracking make it one of the best M-Files alternatives for marine industry sales teams looking to expand leads and close deals faster without complex setup or disruption.
5. OnBase
Struggling to manage content and processes effectively?
OnBase offers automated multichannel capture, process automation, and case management to handle your growing information needs with less hassle.
By combining these tools, your organization can break down silos and boost productivity with personalized user experiences that enhance decision-making speed and ensure compliance.
Let’s explore how this platform tackles your toughest DMS needs.
OnBase helps you organize, manage, and optimize content across your entire enterprise.
It features intelligent content capture, turning data from various sources into actionable information while improving accuracy. You’ll benefit from interactive dashboards and audit trails that provide real-time insights into your content and workflows, giving you control and transparency. This includes configurable workflows, customizable forms, and built-in rules that automate repetitive tasks and route information precisely.
Additionally, OnBase supports collaboration with secure sharing, version control, and task management, keeping your team in sync. Its retention and records management automate the lifecycle of your documents, making compliance easier to maintain. Integrations keep your core systems aligned, so data stays consistent across ERP, CRM, and other applications, empowering smarter business decisions.
OnBase’s comprehensive capabilities help reduce administrative overhead and improve compliance, directly addressing common pain points you face.
Key features:
Automated multichannel content capture intelligently classifies and verifies data from multiple sources for immediate use, boosting accuracy and efficiency in document management.
Process automation with configurable workflows streamlines routine tasks, routes documents efficiently, and manages exceptions to reduce manual errors and delays.
Robust retention and records management securely automates information lifecycle policies, helping your team meet compliance requirements effortlessly.
Verdict:
OnBase stands out as one of the best M-Files alternatives by delivering smart capture, comprehensive process automation, and tight integration with essential enterprise systems. These features combine to lower admin burdens and guard compliance, supported by proven success stories demonstrating real-world impact.
6. iManage
Struggling to manage documents securely and efficiently?
iManage offers robust document and email management that helps protect vital information while boosting your team’s productivity and collaboration.
This platform tackles common hurdles with comprehensive security protections and governance that safeguard sensitive data through access controls and active threat detection. It also addresses compliance risks by offering full transparency and risk mitigation tools, making it easier to stay on top of regulatory requirements.
Let’s dive into how iManage goes beyond basic management.
iManage empowers your team to work productively from any device, anywhere, via a secure cloud platform. It integrates smoothly with Microsoft tools, enhancing collaboration with features like next-generation co-authoring for more efficient teamwork.
With AI-powered services built directly into the platform, you can enhance document classification, automate data extraction, and use a natural language assistant to find information fast, saving time on routine tasks.
Another important capability is task and workflow management, which organizes your projects, content, and checklists to improve visibility and reduce risk — helping your team stay on track with complex knowledge work.
iManage’s solutions connect security, compliance, and productivity into one package.
Key features:
- Advanced document and email management protects crucial data and streamlines collaboration across multiple devices and platforms, ensuring your team stays productive securely.
- Integrated AI services improve efficiency with features like document classification, data extraction, and a natural language assistant to speed up knowledge retrieval and task automation.
- Comprehensive security and governance deliver multi-level protections and active threat monitoring, helping you maintain compliance and reduce operational risks.
Verdict:
iManage stands out as one of the best M-Files alternatives by combining strong security, AI-enhanced productivity, and seamless Microsoft integration. Trusted by over 4,000 customers worldwide, it addresses your core needs around compliance, risk, and knowledge work with proven results.
7. DocStar
Looking for a smarter way to manage your documents?
DocStar tackles inefficient document handling with features like advanced data capture and workflow automation that simplify information extraction and process management.
By reducing manual data entry and automating complex workflows, DocStar helps you stay organized and productive. It offers comprehensive content lifecycle management combined with strong security controls to protect your critical information and maintain compliance seamlessly.
Here’s what makes the difference.
DocStar solves these issues by centralizing documents and automating routine tasks.
Its powerful data capture extracts info accurately from diverse formats, while workflow automation lets you customize and streamline processes, saving time and minimizing errors. This flexibility is ideal for organizations aiming to optimize AP and HR functions efficiently.
Another strength lies in its deployment options: whether you prefer cloud or on-premise, DocStar adapts and can integrate with existing ERP and business apps. This ensures you won’t face costly disruptions or compatibility headaches as your company grows. Plus, built-in collaboration features help your team communicate securely and stay productive from any device.
These combined capabilities lead to measurable improvements like 40% increased productivity and 30% cost reductions, proving its value in everyday operations.
While discussing document management, understanding how to optimize document management for SOX compliance is equally important for audit readiness.
Streamline your document management with confidence.
Key features:
Advanced data capture and extraction: Reduces manual work by accurately pulling data from various document types, improving accuracy and speeding up processing times.
Customizable workflow automation: Automate complex business processes like AP and HR approvals, enhancing productivity and consistency across teams.
Flexible deployment and integration: Offers both cloud and on-premise options with seamless connection to ERP systems for scalable, secure content management.
Verdict:
DocStar stands out among the best M-Files alternatives by addressing document accuracy, process automation, and deployment flexibility in one package. Trusted by over 4,000 customers, it delivers proven gains in productivity and cost savings, making it a smart choice for growing businesses.
8. LogicalDOC
Struggling to manage documents efficiently?
LogicalDOC tackles your document chaos with centralized storage and easy retrieval tools that cut info search times dramatically.
By organizing your files and enabling multi-user collaboration, LogicalDOC offers advanced workflow automation that reduces manual coordination so your team stays focused and productive without lost time or duplicated work.
Let’s explore how it works exactly.
LogicalDOC helps you keep all your digital documents easily accessible, no matter where your team is located, letting everyone collaborate on edits and reviews with real-time coordination.
Its cloud-based platform supports multiple devices and offers event notifications, version control, and automated workflows that track document progress and ensure deadlines are met, making it practical for companies aiming to streamline operations.
Additionally, LogicalDOC provides a robust workflow engine that connects tasks and automates their flow, sending timely alerts to the right people to move tasks smoothly—this limits paperwork, improves transparency, and ensures compliance with audit trails. By combining document management with knowledge management and records handling, it suits diverse sectors like healthcare, legal, and construction.
This means better control over your critical business documents and fewer administrative headaches.
Key features:
- Centralized document storage and retrieval with multi-user collaboration, helping reduce time spent on information searching and increasing team efficiency.
- Powerful workflow engine automates task coordination, sending notifications and streamlining approvals to speed up business processes and minimize manual follow-ups.
- Cloud and cross-platform access allow document availability on any device, supporting remote work while keeping security and compliance in check.
Verdict: LogicalDOC’s versatile platform with automated workflows, multi-device access, and detailed audit trails makes it one of the best M-Files alternatives for IT decision-makers balancing security, integration, and ease of use. With thousands of active installations and 15 years of market experience, it’s a proven choice for businesses needing reliable, scalable document management.
9. NetDocuments
Struggling to manage legal documents efficiently?
NetDocuments offers intelligent document management designed to automate routine tasks and streamline your legal workflows with secure collaboration tools. It connects directly with Microsoft 365 apps like Word and Teams for real-time co-authoring.
Legal teams often wrestle with disorganized files and compliance risks, but NetDocuments provides a platform where you can confidently access the correct document version anytime. Its cloud-native system ensures your documents are protected with advanced security features, supporting regulatory compliance and reducing administrative overhead significantly.
Let’s dive deeper into how it helps.
NetDocuments helps you organize and tap into knowledge so your legal work runs smoothly and securely. You can access documents from any device, share files securely with colleagues or clients, and track version history without confusion.
Its integration with Microsoft Teams and Word means you manage documents within familiar tools, keeping everything connected. This close integration boosts productivity and eliminates redundant app switching, making collaboration easier for your legal team.
You also get powerful AI assistance that finds answers across many documents in seconds, helping you avoid tedious manual searches. The AI App Builder lets you automate custom workflows, freeing your staff to focus on high-impact tasks. Coupled with email management and document bundling, all workflows keep documents secure yet easily accessible.
NetDocuments supports your team’s success with reliable uptime and over 150 integrations for a smooth, connected experience.
It’s a smart way to manage legal documents and scale with confidence.
Key features:
Trusted cloud-native document management system designed specifically for legal professionals to improve organization, access, and compliance across devices securely.
Deep Microsoft 365 integration allows real-time co-authoring, document access within Teams, and easy saving of chat details directly into the DMS.
AI-powered legal assistant and automation tools that speed document search, automate workflows, and help legal teams focus on higher-value work while maintaining security.
Verdict: With strong document and knowledge management, Microsoft 365 integration, and AI-powered automation, NetDocuments stands out as one of the best M-Files alternatives for legal teams seeking secure, scalable, and user-friendly DMS solutions tailored to their unique needs.
10. striketip
Looking for a simpler way to manage team payments?
Striketip’s solution lets you instantly send gratuities directly to employees without costing your business extra fees or admin work.
If your current system burdens you with complicated processes, striketip removes that hassle by bypassing your booking system and saving you card fees and tax. This ensures your staff get paid timely and fairly without delays or confusion.
Here’s how it improves payments.
Striketip streamlines how your team handles tips by letting customers pay with just a QR code or a tap, no apps or terminals needed.
It supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, or bank cards, so payments go straight into your team’s accounts instantly, offering complete control with daily payout options. This means your team doesn’t wait to earn what they deserve while you keep everything transparent and efficient.
On top of this, you can manage your whole team in one place or allow them to manage themselves, taking the guesswork out of splitting tips fairly and on time. This combination of simplicity and control directly supports improving staff retention and boosting income.
Payments made easy for your business and team.
Striketip helps you effortlessly handle employee gratuities while reducing admin burdens with instant mobile payments and automated tip splitting.
Before diving deeper, you might find my analysis of document management innovations helpful.
Key features:
- Instant payments directly to employees: Supported by Apple Pay, Google Pay, or bank cards, ensuring faster access to funds without delays or extra fees.
- No app or terminal needed: Customers simply scan a QR code or tap their phone, simplifying payment collection and enhancing customer convenience.
- Team management made simple: Easily set up or empower your team to self-manage tips, ensuring fair and timely distribution with minimal oversight.
Verdict:
As one of the best M-Files alternatives, striketip tackles complex payroll issues through instant digital tips, transparent split management, and no hidden fees—helping your business boost staff income and reduce admin quickly and effectively.
11. SmartVault
Struggling to manage documents securely and efficiently?
SmartVault offers cloud-based document management designed specifically for accounting firms, integrating client portals, secure file sharing, and workflow automation for streamlined operations.
Many firms wrestle with disconnected tools that cause compliance risks and slow down tax workflows; SmartVault’s platform keeps everything organized and audit-ready with trusted enterprise-grade security and compliance to meet IRS and SOC 2 Type 2 standards, ensuring your data stays protected without slowing your team.
Let’s explore how the software makes a difference.
SmartVault centralizes your document workflows from client onboarding to secure storage, helping you ditch email chaos and maintain control.
Its branded client portals simplify collaboration while integrating with major tax software like ProConnect, UltraTax, and Drake, so documents move automatically without extra manual steps, saving time and reducing errors.
Additionally, SmartVault supports eSignature collection and automated document requests powered by SmartRequestAI, enhancing approval speed while maintaining tight access permissions and encrypted file exchanges. These features combine to reduce administrative overhead and keep your firm compliant and efficient during tax season.
Everything your firm needs, in one platform.
Key features:
Document management built for accounting firms, enabling organized workflows, secure storage, and firm-wide access designed around professionals’ needs.
Enterprise-level security compliant with IRS and SOC 2 Type 2, protecting sensitive tax data while keeping audit logs and eSignatures secure.
Seamless integrations with major tax and accounting software, automating document flow from prep to delivery, reducing manual work and errors.
Verdict: SmartVault stands out among the best M-Files alternatives by focusing on accounting-specific workflows, top-tier security, and deep integrations with tax software. Trusted by 30,000+ firms and supporting over 3 million users, it balances compliance and efficiency for growing businesses needing reliable document management.
Conclusion
Struggling to find the right replacement?
M-Files is a strong tool, but choosing a replacement can be overwhelming. You need a specific fit for your business without the enterprise-level complexity or cost.
The right system makes a huge impact. Businesses see 40% faster retrieval times and a 35% reduction in compliance penalties with advanced DMS. That frees up your team and directly protects your bottom line.
So, what is my top pick?
From my experience, FileCenter provides the best balance of powerful features and straightforward usability. It effectively cuts through the typical DMS complexity.
Its blend of OCR scanning and simple folder templates is a game-changer for any small enterprise. It’s why I rate it among the best M-Files alternatives for truly improving efficiency.
I strongly suggest you start a free trial of FileCenter to see how it can streamline your document workflow.
You will regain control immediately.
