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Best Document Management Systems 2025

Document Management Systems (DMS) help organizations capture, store, organize and secure documents and records in a centralized digital repository.

Jitesh Anbalagan May 2, 2025

Best Document Management Systems 2025

Document Management Systems (DMS) help organizations capture, store, organize and secure documents and records in a centralized digital repository. For HR, finance and legal teams, a DMS streamlines the handling of sensitive documents (employee records, contracts, invoices, etc.), ensures version control and enforces audit trails and compliance. In essence, a DMS replaces paper-based filing with searchable digital libraries, improving collaboration and efficiency while maintaining security and regulatory compliance.

What is a Document Management System (DMS)?

A Document Management System is software designed to centralize an organization’s content and document workflows. It typically includes features like document capture (scanning or uploading files), indexing (metadata tagging for easy search), version control and secure access permissions. For example, SharePoint is described as “a web-based collaboration and document management platform used by organizations to store, organize, share and access information securely”. DMS tools allow teams to manage the complete lifecycle of documents – from creation and review through archiving – while enabling collaboration (co-authoring, comments, alerts) and automating approval processes. For HR/finance/legal teams, a DMS ensures that confidential records (e.g. pay stubs, legal agreements, audit reports) are protected by role-based permissions and tracked through audit logs, reducing compliance risk.

Key Features of a Document Management System

Effective DMS solutions for various departments generally include:

    • Centralized Repository: All documents and records are stored in one secure digital archive (folder structures, workspaces or libraries). This single source of truth ensures teams access the right file versions and prevents duplication.
    • Security & Compliance: Granular access controls (role-based permissions, multifactor authentication) protect sensitive data. Many DMS platforms include audit trails and retention policies to meet regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, SOX). For example, SharePoint offers “granular permission settings” at site, library and item levels.
    • Version Control and Audit Trails: Automatic versioning tracks changes and maintains history, allowing HR/finance/legal users to review prior drafts or restore files. Activities are logged so that any edits or approvals are auditable.
    • Advanced Search & Metadata: Indexing documents with rich metadata (tags, categories, custom properties) and full-text OCR search helps staff quickly find files by keywords or properties. Many systems integrate AI-powered search. M-Files, for instance, “automatically classifies and organizes information” with AI so users can retrieve documents faster.
    • Workflow Automation: Document-centric workflows (e.g. invoice approvals, contract sign-offs, leave requests) can be automated. Users can configure approval routes, notifications and escalations. For example, dMACQ DMS+ highlights “AI-driven approvals, routing, compliance tracking” in its automated workflows.
    • Collaboration & Integration: Features like check-in/check-out, co-authoring (often via Office 365 integration), comments and shared workspaces enable team collaboration. Integration with other enterprise apps is also common: Box connects with 1,500+ apps (Microsoft 365, Salesforce, etc.) for seamless file sharing.
    • Mobile Access: Most modern DMS tools have web and mobile apps so that authorized users (e.g. traveling lawyers or auditors) can access documents from anywhere.

In summary, a robust DMS offers secure document storage, intelligent indexing/search, automated workflows, strict access controls and collaboration tools, all of which are crucial for HR, finance and legal teams to operate efficiently and compliantly.

Best Document Management Systems

Below are detailed profiles leading DMS platforms suited for various departments of the Organization:

1. dMACQ DMS+

dMACQ DMS+ is an AI-powered enterprise DMS built for industries including finance, HR and legal. It provides a unified, searchable repository with smart metadata management, robust security and automated workflows. The platform emphasizes quick retrieval via AI-driven OCR search and auto-tagging, as well as features like audit trails and user-friendly dashboards. dMACQ highlights “AI-Powered Search & OCR – find any document in seconds” and “Smart Metadata Management – Tag, categorize and organize documents” as core capabilities. It also offers mobile apps, Microsoft 365 integration and high security (bank-grade encryption and compliance with standards like ISO27001).

Pricing: dMACQ DMS+ offers tiered plans. The Starter plan begins at $15 per user/month (monthly billing). A Professional edition is $49/user/month and higher-volume Enterprise pricing is available on request. (A free trial is offered.) Pricing covers unlimited storage and workspaces.

Top 5 Features:

    • AI-Powered Search & OCR: Instantly locate any document via intelligent search (OCR/text recognition and AI-tagging).
    • Smart Metadata Management: Customizable document types and metadata schemas let teams categorize and tag records consistently.
    • Automated Workflows: Configurable workflow engine for approvals and notifications (including “Maker-Checker” double approvals), streamlining processes like invoice or contract approvals.
    • Version Control & Audit Trails: Full version history and audit logs ensure every change is tracked, supporting compliance and rollback.
    • Integration & Security: Built-in integrations (e.g. with CRM/ERP), flexible cloud or on-premises deployment and advanced security (role-based access, encryption, multi-factor auth, ISO27001 certified).

G2 Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5 (based on user reviews)

Website: Try Free Trial Today!

2. Box

Box is a cloud content management and collaboration platform, often termed a “Content Cloud.” It enables teams to securely store, share and collaborate on documents across departments. Box targets enterprises of all types (including HR and legal) and promises a unified content lifecycle – from file creation to e-signature and retention. Its emphasis is on security (granular permissions, Box Shield for threat detection, watermarking) and integration: Box boasts “1,500+ pre-built integrations” with apps like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Slack and many more. Box users benefit from real-time co-authoring, advanced workflow tasks and mobile access, all within a secure cloud environment.

Pricing: Box’s Business Starter plan starts at $5 per user/month (minimum 3 users). Higher plans include Business Plus ($15/user/month) and Enterprise ($25/user/month) with more storage and admin controls. Box also offers individual plans (Pro) and enterprise pricing. (Free trials are available.)

Top 5 Features:

    • Secure File Sharing & Access Controls: Enterprise-grade security with two-factor auth, encryption and permission controls (view/edit/download rights, watermarking, digital rights management).
    • Rich Integrations: Connects with 1,500+ popular apps (Outlook, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, etc.), enabling collaborative editing and routing without leaving Box.
    • Co-Authoring & Collaboration: Real-time co-authoring of Office docs, built-in Box Notes and Tasks, file commenting and external sharing, fostering teamwork across HR/finance/legal groups.
    • Box Sign (E-signatures): Native e-signature functionality (Box Sign) allows sending and signing documents electronically, speeding up approvals of contracts and HR forms.
    • Smart Workflows & AI: Automation tools (Box Relay) let users create workflows (e.g. review/approve steps). Box AI features (like Box AI Q&A and content generation) help summarize and extract insights from documents.

G2 Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2/5

Website: Visit Box Website

3. Newgen

Newgen ONE is an enterprise digital transformation platform with a strong document management component. Its DMS (Enterprise Document Management System) provides a cloud-based centralized repository for business documents, supporting both physical and electronic records. Newgen’s solution is highly scalable, supporting the entire document lifecycle: scanning, storage, indexing, retrieval, retention policies and disposal. It also incorporates GenAI/AI for smarter document processing – for example, auto-assigning metadata and enabling prompt-based search. Newgen highlights features like “centralized cloud repository” and “full-text search with AI metadata tagging” to help organizations digitize and control documents.

Pricing: Newgen pricing is not openly published; it typically involves an enterprise license. According to industry sources, pricing is available by quoting the vendor (custom quotes). (Capterra notes typical ranges of ~$25–100 per user/month for cloud plans).

Top 5 Features:

    • Centralized Storage: Unified cloud repository for all content, with a standardized file structure and support for scanned docs, emails and files.
    • Version Control & Audit: Track document versions and maintain tamper-proof audit trails for regulatory compliance.
    • Automated Workflows: AI-driven approval workflows route documents (invoices, contracts, HR forms) automatically to the right personnel, reducing manual steps.
    • Security & Access Control: Role-based access permissions and encryption secure sensitive documents, with granular controls over who can view or modify content.
    • AI-Powered Search & Indexing: GenAI-assisted full-text search and metadata auto-indexing let users find documents by date, content, or context quickly.

G2 Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5

Website: Visit Newgen Website

4. Laserfiche

Laserfiche is an established enterprise content management (ECM) solution emphasizing records automation and compliance. It centralizes content in a secure repository and adds automation. Laserfiche helps HR/finance/legal teams “unlock unstructured data” through features like records classification, retention management and automated workflows. As a Gartner-recognized leader, Laserfiche supports content governance across industries. It integrates with Microsoft 365 (Office co-editing, Outlook) and offers AI capabilities (like document summarization and data capture). Users can automate classification of invoices or contracts and apply retention policies to stay compliant.

Pricing: Laserfiche offers multiple tiers. For cloud-hosted editions, Cloud Starter begins at $50 per user per year (roughly $4/user/mo). The Cloud Professional is $69/user/month (billed annually, 5 user min) and Cloud Business is $79/user/month (billed monthly). Self-hosted (on-prem) pricing is sold as perpetual licenses (from ~$540/user/year).

Top 5 Features:

    • Records Management: Automated classification and retention – Laserfiche applies record classes and retention rules and triggers disposition workflows to delete or archive documents per policy.
    • Enterprise Security: Granular permissions, folder-level access, encryption and detailed audit logs ensure compliance. Laserfiche prominently offers “detailed audit logs” and fine-grained controls.
    • Collaboration & Search: Full-text document search and SmartFolders let teams find files fast. Integrated Office co-authoring and annotation enable team collaboration without leaving the platform.
    • AI-Driven Automation: Laserfiche AI tools (like Document Summarization, Optical Character Recognition) help extract key information and automate data entry. Its process automation (Laserfiche Workflow) accelerates approval workflows and form routing.
    • Unified Content Repository: Everything is stored in a centralized, secure repository (intranet portal) acting as a “single source of truth” for documents.

G2 Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7/5

Website: Visit Laserfiche Website

5. DocuWare

DocuWare provides cloud and on-premises document management and workflow automation tailored to businesses of all sizes. It focuses on digitizing paper-heavy processes (e.g. invoice processing, contract management) to improve efficiency. DocuWare “delivers smart digital workflow and document control for substantial productivity gains”. It boasts easy setup (especially in cloud) and many integrations (email, CRM, ERP). The platform offers secure storage, indexing (including OCR of scanned files), advanced search and flexible workflow templates. DocuWare serves 20,000+ organizations worldwide, emphasizing simplicity and compliance features for finance, legal, HR and other teams.

Pricing: DocuWare’s cloud plans are tiered by user count/storage. Plans (Cloud 4, 15, 40, 100) vary in storage and user limits, but pricing is by quote. Industry estimates suggest about $25–$100 per user/month for its full-featured cloud system. DocuWare requires contacting sales for exact pricing and offers a 30-day free trial.

Top 5 Features:

    • Document Capture & Indexing: Includes a PaperScan mobile app to capture paper docs via smartphone and powerful OCR/auto-indexing to extract keywords and metadata from documents.
    • Workflow Automation: User-friendly workflow designer (drag-and-drop) lets administrators create approval processes (e.g. purchase order routing) without coding.
    • Full-Text Search & Retrieval: Every document is indexed and instantly searchable (by content or metadata). Version history and file annotations help trace changes.
    • Integrations: Pre-built connectors to 500+ systems (SharePoint, Salesforce, SAP, etc.) and scanners/MFPs ensure DocuWare fits into existing IT ecosystems.
    • Security & Compliance: Role-based access and secure storage protect sensitive data. Compliance tools include audit logs and configurable retention policies.

G2 Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.4/5

Website: Visit Docuware Website

6. Krystal DMS

Krystal DMS (by Primeleaf Consulting) is an enterprise document management system marketed largely in India. It provides a secure, centralized repository with features aimed at SMBs and larger organizations alike. Krystal emphasizes collaboration, productivity and security. For example, its site highlights that “collaboration lies at the heart of success” and promises “real-time access, version control and secure sharing” for teams. It also advertises robust security (access controls, encryption, audit trails) to keep data safe. Krystal is used by various Indian organizations (banks, manufacturers, government agencies) to digitize records and workflows.

Pricing: Krystal DMS is offered in editions (Premium, Enterprise, etc.) with pricing listed in Indian rupees. According to vendor sources, Premium Edition starts at ₹262 per user/month (approx. $3.5). An Enterprise edition starts at ₹630/user/month. (All prices are subject to GST and may vary by contract; quotes are typically required for larger deployments.)

Top 5 Features:

    • Document Capture & Upload: Bulk upload and web-based scanning modules enable fast digitization of paper documents into the system.
    • Centralized Document Storage: A secure, web-accessible repository replaces chaotic folder structures, making it easy to organize and retrieve files.
    • Global Search: An integrated “Global Document Index Search” lets users quickly locate files across the repository by keywords or metadata.
    • Access Control & Security: Administrators define user permissions via ACL templates, controlling who can view or edit each document.
    • Workflow Automation: Built-in document workflow engine automates routine processes (e.g. approvals, transmittals) to reduce manual tasks.

G2 Rating: N/A (Krystal DMS does not have a public G2 listing).

Website: Visit Krystaldms Website

7. M-Files

M-Files is a metadata-driven document management platform that delivers “AI-Powered Document Management” aimed at improving workflows and compliance. Instead of using folder structures, M-Files organizes content by what it is (via metadata) rather than where it’s stored. This creates a single source of truth even when files are scattered in different systems. It emphasizes intelligent automation: M-Files leverages AI to classify and index documents automatically (e.g. recognizing an invoice or contract), streamlining tasks. It supports both cloud and on-prem deployments, integrates with existing file systems and SharePoint and offers version control, check-in/out and audit trails for legal/regulatory needs. Its AI features (M-Files Aino) help answer queries and automate approval workflows, boosting productivity up to 70%.

Pricing: M-Files does not publish list pricing; it is typically licensed per user. Interested customers must contact M-Files for a quote. (Industry estimates indicate enterprise pricing; no standard “starting price” is widely published.)

Top 5 Features:

    • Metadata-Based Organization: Documents are tagged with intelligent metadata (such as Document Type, Project, Client) enabling instant search and eliminating duplicate storage. Users find documents by metadata, not by remembering folders.
    • AI & Automation: Built-in AI automatically classifies content and can answer natural-language queries about documents. It also powers workflows and notifications (e.g. routing for approval).
    • Collaboration & Sharing: Co-edit Office documents in real time, share securely via links and integrate with Teams/Outlook. M-Files tracks check-in/out and changes, making collaboration smooth.
    • Security & Compliance: Granular permissions and encryption protect sensitive files. M-Files automates access rules so that only authorized personnel see specific documents.
    • Integration & Flexibility: M-Files consolidates content from various repositories (file shares, SharePoint, cloud storage) into one view. It also offers mobile access and can be customized with forms (metadata templates) and Power Automate workflows.

G2 Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.3/5.

Website: Visit M-Files Website

8. OpenKM

OpenKM is an open-source DMS that offers both a free Community edition and paid Professional/cloud versions. It is a Java-based platform suitable for a variety of industries. OpenKM’s features include document capture, versioning, advanced search, automated workflows and collaboration tools. It touts flexibility and customization (via modules and APIs) to fit specific business needs. Users can deploy OpenKM on-premises or use its cloud service. Key capabilities include document routing (for approvals), OCR scanning and integration with external apps. Its modular design lets organizations add components like records management or business process management as needed.

Pricing: OpenKM Community Edition is free to use. The Professional Edition and hosted Cloud versions require licensing or subscriptions. Official pricing is available on request. (Capterra notes contact vendor for pricing.) Thus, its starting cost can be as low as zero for the community version.

Top 5 Features:

    • Document Capture & Version Control: Scanning and importing tools capture new documents. Every file is versioned, so users can review changes and restore previous versions easily.
    • Advanced Search: Supports full-text search within documents and metadata queries, enabling quick retrieval of information.
    • Workflow Automation: Configurable workflows route documents for review and approval (e.g. expense report or contract sign-off flows).
    • Collaboration & Sharing: Users can comment on documents, share folders and work on files together within the platform, improving team collaboration.
    • Integration & Flexibility: OpenKM integrates with various systems and offers APIs for customization. It can enforce business processes through BPMN workflows, linking content with business rules.

G2 Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.8/5

Website: Visit OpenKM Website

9. DocPro

DocPro DMS (by Chrome Infosoft) is a document management and workflow solution used in sectors like banking (BFSI), telecom, government and education. It provides centralized document storage and workflow automation. According to its Microsoft AppSource listing, DocPro “enables digital management of documents” – allowing organizations to track and store all important files (guidelines, strategies, etc.) in a controlled way. It highlights an array of advanced features: workflow automation, full-text indexing, collaboration tools, advanced search, versioning and robust security. DocPro aims to be cost-effective, with an emphasis on safety and information integrity for enterprise content.

Pricing: DocPro DMS is sold per user/license. One source (Capterra) indicates a Basic version is ₹8,000 (approx. $100) as a one-time flat fee. (This may represent a single-user or base package price.) Other editions (e.g. Professional) and multi-user licensing would be higher; customers must request a quote.

Top 5 Features:

    • Workflow Automation: Advanced routing and approval workflows for document-driven processes (e.g. expense approvals, form reviews) are built-in.
    • Full-Text Search & Indexing: All documents are indexed for keyword search, making retrieval easy. The platform supports advanced search filters to locate information quickly.
    • Collaboration & Sharing: Users can share documents securely and work together. Integration with standard protocols means files can be distributed to external users while respecting access controls.
    • Versioning: DocPro automatically manages version history of documents, so changes are tracked and prior versions can be retrieved if needed.
    • Security & Access Control: Granular permissions protect confidential information. The system logs access and edits to ensure data integrity.

G2 Rating: N/A (No public G2 rating available for DocPro DMS).

Website: Visit Docpro Website

10. Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft SharePoint is a widely used collaboration and document management platform, integral to Microsoft 365. It provides intranet and team site capabilities with robust content management. SharePoint’s document libraries support versioning, metadata, co-authoring (via Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and enterprise search. It tightly integrates with other Microsoft tools (Teams, Outlook, Office apps) for seamless teamwork. For example, every Teams channel has an associated SharePoint site for file storage. SharePoint helps organizations build internal portals and automate processes through Power Automate. As Microsoft describes, SharePoint lets organizations “store, organize, share and access information securely” and streamlines workflows via intranet portals.

Pricing: SharePoint Online is licensed by user. There are two main plans: SharePoint Plan 1 at $5 per user/month and Plan 2 at $10 per user/month. These plans can be purchased standalone or included with broader Microsoft 365 subscriptions (e.g. Office 365 E3 includes Plan 2 features).

Top 5 Features:

    • Document Libraries with Version Control: Store files in SharePoint libraries with automatic versioning and metadata columns. Every edit is tracked and previous versions can be restored.
    • Collaboration & Co-authoring: Multiple users can co-edit Office documents in real time. SharePoint integrates with Teams, enabling conversations and file sharing in one workspace.
    • Security & Compliance: Granular permission settings allow admins to control access at the site, library and document level. It includes data loss prevention and eDiscovery tools for compliance.
    • Enterprise Search: SharePoint provides powerful enterprise search – users can quickly find people, files and sites. The platform’s search engine indexes content and metadata across sites.
    • Workflows & Portals: Built-in workflows (and Power Automate integration) automate approvals and notifications. SharePoint sites can be customized with web parts, team sites, or department intranets to manage knowledge, announcements and projects.

G2 Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0/5.

Website: Visit Microsoft Sharepoint Website

Each of these DMS platforms offers robust solutions for HR, finance and legal teams. When choosing a system, decision-makers should consider factors like deployment model (cloud vs on-prem), integration needs (e.g. with HR/ERP systems), compliance requirements and user adoption. By providing secure, searchable and automated document workflows, the right DMS will help organizations reduce paper, improve productivity and maintain rigorous control over critical corporate information.

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