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Best Document Automation Software Shortlist

Here’s my shortlist of the best document automation software:

Managing a project means juggling countless documents, and you’re probably tired of dealing with repetitive tasks and manual data entry. That's where document automation software steps in.

In my experience, these tools save you time, reduce errors, and help your team focus on what really matters. I’ve tested and reviewed various software options to find the best ones for you.

In this article, I’ll share my unbiased reviews of top document automation solutions. You'll discover their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes each one unique.

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We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2012. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.

We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.

Compare Specs Side-by-Side

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top document automation software selections to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.

Best Document Automation Software Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of my picks for the best document automation software. 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.

Best for app integrations

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $20/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Zapier is a workflow automation tool that connects various applications so you can automate repetitive tasks. It caters to businesses of all sizes and lets you integrate your apps and improve productivity.

Why I picked Zapier: Its capability to integrate numerous apps makes it perfect for teams that rely on multiple software solutions. You can set up automated workflows, known as zaps, to connect apps and trigger actions. This reduces manual data entry and allows your team to focus on more important tasks. It offers a wide range of app connections, which is invaluable if you have a diverse tech stack.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include the ability to create custom workflows without coding, a user-friendly interface for easy setup, and real-time activity monitoring to keep track of your automations.

Integrations include Google Sheets, Slack, Mailchimp, Trello, Asana, Salesforce, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Shopify, and Dropbox.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy to set up
  • Reduces manual data entry
  • Connects a wide range of apps

Cons:

  • Limited functionality without paid plan
  • Requires ongoing management

Best for small business automation

  • Free trial available
  • From $9/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Cflow is a cloud-based workflow automation tool designed for small businesses. It helps automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency in approvals and document management.

Why I picked Cflow: Its focus on small business automation makes it accessible for teams without extensive technical resources. You can create workflows using a visual drag-and-drop interface. It offers pre-built templates to get you started quickly. The software's flexibility in customizing workflows is ideal for small teams with unique needs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a visual workflow builder that simplifies process creation, real-time analytics for tracking performance, and automated notifications to keep your team informed.

Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Zapier, Microsoft Teams, Trello, Asana, and Box.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Quick setup process
  • User-friendly interface
  • Suitable for small teams

Cons:

  • Not ideal for large enterprises
  • Limited advanced features

Best for enterprise document management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Square 9 is a document management solution designed for enterprises that want to improve their document workflows. It helps large organizations manage, store, and retrieve documents efficiently.

Why I picked Square 9: Square 9's platform provides centralized, secure document storage, so your team can access information instantly. Its dynamic web forms facilitate easy data capture and routing, which improves workflow efficiency. Additionally, the platform's workflow automation keeps information moving throughout your organization and reduces manual intervention.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include AI-powered data extraction that minimizes manual data entry, a user-friendly interface that simplifies document management tasks, and scalability to accommodate growing business needs.

Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, QuickBooks, SAP, NetSuite, Docusign, Adobe Sign, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and Box.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automates complex workflows
  • Suitable for large organizations
  • Secure document storage

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • May need regular updates

Best for compliance management

  • 30-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.3/5

M-Files is a document management solution designed for businesses that need strong compliance and data governance. It serves various sectors and makes sure documents meet regulatory requirements and are managed efficiently.

Why I picked M-Files: Its focus on compliance management makes it essential for industries with strict regulatory needs. You can organize and control documents based on metadata to reduce the risk of non-compliance. The software offers automated workflows so documents are reviewed and approved according to standards. It also provides audit trails, which help maintain accountability in your organization.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated workflows for document-centric processes, intelligent information management that uses AI for better data organization, and mobile access, so your team can manage documents securely from any device.

Integrations include Microsoft Office, Salesforce, SharePoint, SAP, NetSuite, Docusign, Adobe Sign, Google Workspace, Autodesk, and Okta.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides detailed audit trails
  • Automated document workflows
  • Metadata-driven organization

Cons:

  • May need regular updates
  • Requires training for new users

Best for invoice processing

  • 14-day free trial
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

Rossum is a document automation tool designed for businesses that focus on invoice management and processing. It serves finance teams by automating data capture and reducing manual entry.

Why I picked Rossum: It excels in invoice processing, which is crucial for finance teams dealing with high volumes. You can automate data extraction from invoices, minimize errors, and speed up the accounting process. The platform supports multi-format documents, so it’s versatile for different invoice styles. It also offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the onboarding process for your team.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time validation against your business rules to make sure data is accurate and comprehensive audit logs that maintain compliance by tracking all document interactions.​

Integrations include SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Xero, NetSuite, Salesforce, FreshBooks, Workday, and HubSpot.Handles high invoice volumes

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Reduces manual data entry
  • Multi-format document support
  • Handles high invoice volumes

Cons:

  • Higher cost for small businesses
  • May need training for complex tasks

Best for print and mail automation

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 5/5

Inkit is a document automation tool focused on print and mail solutions and caters to businesses that require physical document delivery. It helps automate the sending of printed materials and offers a streamlined approach to direct mail campaigns.

Why I picked Inkit: Its specialization in print and mail automation is perfect for teams that need to integrate physical document delivery into their workflows. You can automate the printing and mailing of documents to reduce manual handling. The platform provides tracking capabilities, so you know when documents reach their destination. This helps with timely delivery and direct mail efficiency.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated document generation that reduces manual input and a user-friendly dashboard for managing print campaigns. 

Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, Adobe, Oracle, Shopify, Microsoft Dynamics, Zapier, Intercom, and Segment.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy integration with existing workflows
  • Real-time tracking available
  • Specializes in physical document delivery

Cons:

  • Higher cost for small teams
  • Not ideal for digital-only needs

Best for form generation

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $50/month (billed annually)

Formstack is a versatile document automation tool aimed at businesses that need to create and manage forms efficiently. It caters to various industries and simplifies data collection and form processing.

Why I picked Formstack: Its strength lies in form generation, which is crucial for businesses that rely on data collection. The platform offers drag-and-drop functionality, so it’s easy to design forms without technical skills. It also provides workflow automation to speed up data management and approvals.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include the ability to create custom forms and real-time analytics for tracking the performance of those forms.

Integrations include Salesforce, Mailchimp, HubSpot, PayPal, Google Sheets, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Stripe, Zapier, and Slack.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Streamlined workflow automation
  • Drag-and-drop functionality
  • Customizable forms for specific needs

Cons:

  • Higher cost for small teams
  • Limited advanced features

Best for sales teams

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $19/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

PandaDoc is a document automation software designed primarily for sales teams to manage proposals, contracts, and quotes. It streamlines the document workflow, making it easier to create, send, and track documents.

Why I picked PandaDoc: Its focus on sales teams makes it a valuable tool for managing client-facing documents. You can create professional proposals and contracts with customizable templates. The software provides real-time tracking, so you know when a document is opened and viewed.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a built-in eSignature tool to facilitate quick approvals, analytics to track document performance, and a content library that stores reusable document components.

Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho CRM, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Slack, QuickBooks, Stripe, Shopify, and Zendesk.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Improves approval process
  • Built-in eSignature capabilities
  • Customizable templates for proposals

Cons:

  • Limited offline access
  • Requires setup for custom workflows

Best for template-based documents

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $29/month

Docupilot is a document automation tool tailored for businesses that want efficient document generation. It caters to various industries and allows you to create and manage documents using customizable templates.

Why I picked Docupilot: Its focus on template-based documents makes it ideal for teams that need consistency. You can create templates for different document types, which reduces the time spent on manual entry. The software supports conditional logic, which helps tailor the documents to your specific needs. It also offers automated delivery options so your documents reach the right people.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a drag-and-drop template editor that simplifies document design, support for conditional logic to customize outputs, and automated document delivery via email or cloud storage. These features help your team maintain consistency and efficiency.

Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, QuickBooks, Slack, Zapier, OneDrive, and Box.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated document delivery
  • Supports conditional logic
  • Flexible template customization

Cons:

  • Basic reporting capabilities
  • Not ideal for high-volume needs

Best for receipt processing

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Klippa is a document automation software tailored for businesses that need efficient receipt and invoice processing. It serves industries like finance and retail, and helps to improve expense management and data entry tasks.

Why I picked Klippa: Its focus on receipt processing makes it ideal for businesses handling large volumes of expenses. You can automate the extraction of data from receipts and invoices to reduce manual entry errors. The software supports multi-currency and multiple languages.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time data extraction that minimizes manual input and compliance checks to make sure you’re adhering to financial regulations.

Integrations include Exact Online, QuickBooks, Xero, Visma, AFAS, Twinfield, Sage, FreshBooks, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and SAP.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers compliance features
  • Handles large volume of receipts
  • Supports multiple languages

Cons:

  • Higher cost for small teams
  • Limited customization options

Other Document Automation Software

Here are some additional document automation software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but which are still worth checking out:

  1. Nanonets

    For OCR capabilities

  2. HotDocs

    For legal document creation

  3. Jotform

    For customizable online forms

  4. Revver

    For secure document storage

  5. DocuWare

    For invoice management

  6. Templafy

    For brand compliance

  7. Conga

    For contract lifecycle management

  8. ClickUp

    For project management integration

  9. MasterControl

    For regulated industries

  10. airSlate

    For no-code automation

Related Reviews

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for here, check out these other tools that we’ve tested and evaluated:

Document Automation Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best document automation software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like reducing manual data entry and keeping documents accurate. 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:

  • Automating document generation
  • Providing electronic signatures
  • Managing document templates
  • Offering document storage and retrieval
  • Allowing 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 data extraction
  • Multi-language support
  • Integration with CRM systems
  • Customizable reporting tools
  • Mobile access and functionality

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Ease of navigation
  • Clear and concise instructions
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Aesthetic design

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Access to templates and guides
  • Interactive product tours
  • Presence of chatbots for support
  • Regular webinars and workshops

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered whether each tool offered the following:

  • Live chat support
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Comprehensive help center
  • Dedicated account managers
  • Response time to queries

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the availability of the following for each tool:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Key features at each price point
  • Free trial
  • Discounts for longer commitments
  • Transparent pricing structure

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on ease of use
  • Reviews on customer support quality
  • Comments on reliability and uptime
  • User experiences with features and tools

How to Choose Document Automation 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:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityMake sure the software can grow with your company. Check if it can handle increased document volumes and additional users without compromising performance.
IntegrationsLook for tools that connect with your existing systems like CRM, ERP, or cloud storage solutions. This will streamline workflows and reduce manual data entry for your team.
CustomizabilityChoose software that allows you to tailor templates and workflows to fit your specific business needs. This flexibility can save time and improve efficiency.
Ease of UseOpt for intuitive interfaces that require minimal training. Make sure team members can quickly adapt to the system in order to reduce downtime and maximize productivity.
BudgetEvaluate total costs, including subscription fees, setup charges, and potential add-ons. Make sure the solution fits within your financial constraints while meeting your needs.
Security SafeguardsPrioritize software that offers robust security features. Look for data encryption, access controls, and compliance with standards like GDPR to protect your sensitive information.
SupportConsider the level of customer support available. Check for 24/7 assistance, availability of training materials, and the responsiveness of the support team to help your team succeed.

In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different document automation software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:

  • AI-driven insights: Vendors are offering AI features that can analyze document data and provide actionable insights. This helps you identify patterns and optimize processes. Some tools also offer predictive analytics to forecast trends and improve decision-making.
  • Blockchain integration: Tools are using blockchain technology to improve document security and authenticity. This trend is particularly relevant for industries like finance and legal, where document integrity is crucial.
  • Voice recognition: Voice-activated document management is gaining traction. This feature allows you to manage and retrieve documents hands-free, which improves accessibility and efficiency, especially in busy work environments.
  • Collaboration: More tools are offering real-time editing and collaboration on documents. This trend supports remote work by allowing your team to work together regardless of location.
  • Eco-friendly features: There's a growing focus on reducing paper usage. Vendors are introducing features that promote digital signatures and electronic documentation, which is great if your business wants to reduce your environmental impact.

What Is Document Automation Software?

Document automation software is a tool that automates the creation, management, and processing of documents. These tools are commonly used by professionals in legal, finance, and business sectors to save time and reduce errors. 

Features like AI-driven insights, real-time collaboration, and eco-friendly options help with efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability. Overall, these tools provide significant value by improving productivity and maintaining accuracy in document handling.

Features of Document Automation Software

When selecting document automation software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • AI-driven insights: This feature analyzes document data to provide actionable insights and help you optimize processes and make informed decisions.
  • Collaboration: Allows multiple users to edit and collaborate on documents simultaneously to improve teamwork and productivity.
  • Automated workflows: Streamlines document processing by automating repetitive tasks and reducing manual intervention and errors.
  • Customizable templates: Provides the ability to tailor document templates to specific business needs, which saves time and maintains consistency.
  • Metadata-driven organization: Organizes documents based on metadata, which means faster and more accurate retrieval.
  • Audit trails: Tracks document history to maintain accountability and compliance, which is essential for regulated industries.
  • Security safeguards: Offers features like data encryption and access controls to protect sensitive information and maintain compliance with standards like GDPR.

Benefits of Document Automation Software

Implementing document automation software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Increased efficiency: Automating document workflows reduces manual tasks, which saves time and allows your team to focus on more important work.
  • Improved accuracy: Features like AI-driven insights and automated data extraction minimize errors to make sure your documents are accurate and reliable.
  • Better collaboration: Real-time collaboration tools let your team work together effectively, no matter where they are located.
  • Cost savings: Reducing paper usage and manual labor cuts down on expenses, so your operations are more cost-effective.
  • Stronger security: With features like blockchain and security safeguards, your documents are protected against unauthorized access and data breaches.
  • Environmental impact: Eco-friendly options promote digital processes, so you can reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainability goals.
  • Better compliance: Audit trails and metadata-driven organization help maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards and reduce legal risks.

Costs and Pricing of Document Automation Software

Selecting document automation 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 document automation software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Document Automation Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic document creation, limited storage, and community support
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthDocument templates, basic integrations, and email support
Business Plan$30-$60/user/monthAdvanced workflows, better security features, and priority support
Enterprise Plan$70-$120/user/monthCustomizable solutions, dedicated account management, and comprehensive compliance tools

Document Automation Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about document automation software:

How do I automate documentation processes?

Automating the documentation process involves several steps. Start by improving document quality with pre-processing techniques like noise reduction. Use classification to separate pages and identify content. Use extraction tools to capture data accurately, and then validate the data using rules and AI to make sure it’s accurate.

What data is used in document automation?

Document automation pulls data from various sources and inserts it into document templates. These templates can include text, tables, graphs, and images. The data used depends on the document’s purpose and the information required for its completion.

What does a document automation specialist do?

A document automation specialist implements and manages automation tools. They design, plan, and deploy these tools, provide training, and handle maintenance and upgrades. Their role makes sure document processes are efficient and meet organizational needs.

How can document automation improve compliance?

Document automation improves compliance by making sure your documents meet regulatory standards. Automated workflows reduce human error, and audit trails provide a history of document changes. This helps your team maintain accountability and adhere to legal requirements.

How does document automation affect productivity?

Document automation boosts productivity by reducing manual tasks and errors. It allows your team to focus on higher-value activities and use time and resources more efficiently. Automated workflows also speed up document processing and approvals.

What industries benefit most from document automation?

Industries like finance, legal, and healthcare benefit greatly from document automation. These sectors handle large volumes of documents and require high accuracy and compliance. Automation helps manage these demands efficiently and securely.

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Hermann Fink
By Hermann Fink

Hermann Fink is a technology enthusiast and the co-founder of Rünna Advertising, a multinational digital agency that has been active for over a decade and served clients like Ford, AstraZeneca, Disney, and Didi. In addition to being a business owner, Hermann gathered corporate experience in project management during his time at Hewlett Packard in the mid-2010s.