In 2026, organizations are managing increasing volumes of digital content — from contracts and invoices to HR files and compliance records. A modern Document Management System (DMS) helps teams capture, organize, secure, and retrieve digital files efficiently, eliminating paper-based bottlenecks while improving governance and collaboration.
This page ranks the Top 10 DMS Software solutions of 2026, comparing features, use cases, automation, security controls, and scalability to help IT leaders choose the right platform for their enterprise.
Whether you need cloud-based DMS for remote teams or on-premise control for compliance, this guide has you covered.
Custom-built document management and workflow automation for modern enterprises
AscenWork’s Document Management System is built on Microsoft 365, helping organizations securely store, organize, approve, and govern documents with complete control. It combines SharePoint, Power Automate, and Power Apps to deliver a scalable, enterprise-grade DMS tailored to business-specific workflows and compliance needs.
Enterprise-ready DMS with automation, security, and full Microsoft 365 integration tailored to your business workflows.
- Centralized document
- Version control
- audit trails
- Approval workflows
- automation
- Role-based access
- Microsoft 365 integration
- StartUps
- SMBs
- Mid-Market
- Enterprise
Metadata-driven intelligent document management
M-Files replaces traditional folders with metadata-based organization, enabling faster document retrieval and smarter governance. It uses AI to classify documents and automate their lifecycle across cloud and on-prem environments.
AI-powered metadata-based DMS that improves document discovery, compliance, and lifecycle automation.
- Metadata-based
- AI-powered Search
- Automated workflows
- Compliance management
- on-prem deployment
Enterprise content management for regulated industries
OpenText Documentum is designed for large organizations that require strict document control, compliance, and governance. It supports complex document lifecycles and regulatory frameworks across industries.
Highly secure, compliance-focused DMS built for large enterprises with complex regulatory requirements.
- Records & retention
- Compliance and audit
- Lifecycle automation
- Enterprise integrations
- Scalable architecture
Cloud document management with workflow automation
DocuWare offers an easy-to-use cloud-based DMS that helps businesses digitize, store, and automate document workflows. It is popular among SMBs looking to eliminate manual paperwork.
Cloud-based DMS that simplifies document capture, storage, and automated workflows for growing businesses.
- Document capture
- Automated approval
- Secure cloud storage
- accounting integrations
- Version control
Open-source enterprise document management platform
Alfresco provides a flexible, open-source DMS platform ideal for organizations that require customization, integrations, and on-premise control. It supports enterprise-grade content management and workflows.
Highly customizable open-source DMS designed for enterprises needing flexibility and system integrations.
- Open-source architecture
- Version control
- Workflow automation
- API-driven integrations
- Cloud & on-prem support
Document management with intelligent process automation
Laserfiche combines document management with business process automation, helping organizations streamline operations, improve compliance, and gain insights through analytics.
Smart DMS platform combining document control, workflow automation, and compliance management.
- Intelligent document
- Automated workflows
- Records management
- Compliance tracking
- Reporting
Secure cloud document management and collaboration
Box provides secure cloud-based document storage and collaboration with strong governance and compliance controls, making it ideal for external and internal file sharing.
Secure cloud DMS focused on collaboration, governance, and enterprise-grade content security.
- Secure cloud storage
- External collaboration
- Compliance certifications
- Integration
- Access controls
Affordable document management for growing teams
Zoho WorkDrive is a cost-effective cloud document management solution that enables teams to store, share, and collaborate on files securely within the Zoho ecosystem.
Budget-friendly cloud DMS offering secure file storage and collaboration for small and mid-sized teams.
- Team folders
- File versioning
- Secure sharing
- Zoho app integrations
- Activity tracking
Enterprise document management and content services platform
Hyland OnBase is a leading enterprise document management and content services platform designed to manage, secure, and automate documents across the organization. It is widely used in regulated industries to improve document control, compliance, and business process efficiency.
Enterprise-grade DMS platform delivering secure document management, compliance, and workflow automation at scale.
- Mobile-first intranet
- Multilingual communication
- Targeted content delivery
- Analytics & engagement
- API integrations
| Platform | Best For | Deployment | Workflow Automation | Enterprise Ready |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AscenWork Technologies | Enterprise document workflows | Cloud / Hybrid | ✅ | ✅ |
| M-Files | Metadata & AI-driven DMS | Cloud / On-Prem | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| iManage Document | Legal & professional firms | Cloud | ⚙️ | ⚠️ |
| DocuWare | SMB process automation | Cloud | ⚙️ | ⚠️ |
| DMACQ DMS+ | Secure enterprise document control | Cloud / On-Prem | ⚠️ | ⚙️ |
| Laserfiche | Process automation & compliance | Cloud | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Box Content Cloud | Secure cloud collaboration | Cloud | ⚙️ | ⚠️ |
| Zoho WorkDrive | Cost-effective team DMS | Cloud | ⚙️ | ⚠️ |
| Hyland Document | Enterprise content services | Cloud / On-Prem | ⚠️ | ⚙️ |
Before you decide, evaluate:
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Document storage volume & growth
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Security & compliance needs
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Workflow complexity you require
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Cloud vs on-prem governance
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Integration with your business apps
As a Microsoft 365 & Digital Workplace specialist, AscenWork builds and customizes DMS solutions with SharePoint, Power Automate & Power Apps that match your business workflows — combining:
Unlike generic tools, our solutions are tailored to your processes and compliance requirements.
- Enterprise security controls
- Automated document lifecycles
- Intelligent search
- Microsoft 365 integration
Talk to a DMS Specialist
Have a question? check these answers.
A Document Management System (DMS) is software that helps organizations store, organize, secure and manage documents digitally.
Yes — SharePoint is one of the most widely used enterprise DMS platforms, offering versioning, metadata, workflows and collaboration.
Cloud is better for scalability and remote access, while on-prem suits strict compliance and data residency needs.
Look for version control, searchability, security controls, audit logs, workflow automation, and easy user access.