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Best Document Management Systems in 2025: Full Comparison Guide

Discover the best Document Management Systems of 2025 for engineering, construction & enterprise teams—secure, scalable & built for compliance.

August 27, 2025

A Document Management System (DMS) is software that helps organizations store, organize, share, retrieve and secure digital documents across teams and workflows. In 2025, DMS adoption is mission-critical as organizations accelerate digital transformation, navigate stricter compliance requirements and support hybrid collaboration, without compromising security or efficiency.

The right DMS centralizes content, controls access, maintains version integrity and automates approvals, enabling teams to move faster with confidence.

Document Management Systems Comparison Table

Software Key Features Pros Pricing

Accruent RedEye Logo

Accruent Redeye

Cloud-native Engineering Drawing Management (EDMS)
Unified database as a single source of truth
Global access to engineering documents
Real-time audits and controlled handovers
Offline/mobile access with barcode/QR scanning
Integrates with EAM/CMMS, ERP, MS Office
Multi-language support
Unlimited user licensing
Advanced search and workflows

Unlimited user licensing (encourages collaboration)

Strong search, filtering, workflow capabilities

10+ years of services expertise

SaaS delivery for lower cost and auto-updates

Built for engineering teams

Highly scalable

1. Basic: $1,333/month

2. Advanced: $4,000/month

3. Enterprise: $6,666/month
(12-month minimum)

Request a demo

Accruent Meridian Logo

Accruent Meridian

Asset lifecycle-focused EDMS
Unified platform for a single source of truth
Global document access
Real-time audits and controlled data handover
Integration with EAM/CMMS (SAP, IBM, etc.), CAD, MS Office, etc.
Offline/mobile access
Strong workflows, multi-language support
Trusted in the pharmaceutical and utilities industries
SaaS or hybrid deployment

Proven track record (20+ years)
Customer success (1,800+ happy customers)
Ideal for process manufacturing
Reduced TCO with SaaS
Supports highly regulated industries

Based on the number of users – subscription/license options

Request a demo

Bentley

 Project-oriented platform (OpenRoads, OpenRail)

CAD/BIM compatibility, ISO19650 compliance

3D design and digital twin workflows

Large ecosystem and brand recognition

Long market presence

Enterprise licensing, project-specific, typically custom quoted

SharePoint

 Highly configurable collaboration platform

File sharing, document management

Microsoft ecosystem integration

Widely adopted, integrated with MS Office

Plan 1: $5/user/month

Plan 2: $10/user/month

Autodesk

CAD-focused ecosystem

BIM workflows

Autodesk Vault, BIM Collaborate, BIM 360

Integrations with Autodesk authoring software

Industry-standard in design/construction

Strong transmittal and CAD support

1. Vault Professional: $770–$2,820/year

2. BIM Collaborate: $705/year

3. BIM Collaborate Pro: $945/year

 

 

Best Document Management Systems

1. Accruent RedEye (Cloud EDMS)

RedEye Drawings_all devicesAccruent RedEye is a cloud-based Engineering Document Management System (EDMS) built to simplify collaboration and control across engineering teams. Designed for industries such as utilities, mining and oil and gas, RedEye enables secure, real-time access to engineering drawings and documents from any device, supporting compliance, accuracy and digital transformation.

Key Features

  • Cloud-native platform: Unlimited users, real-time access and reduced TCO.
  • Unified database: Single source of truth for engineering content.
  • Compliance and control: Version tracking, audit trails and strong workflows.
  • Collaboration: Seamless handover between contractors and internal teams.
  • Mobility: Offline access and barcode/QR scanning for asset data.
  • Enterprise integration: Connects with EAM, CMMS, ERP, Microsoft Office and more.
  • Global support: Backed by 10+ years of engineering document expertise.

Plans & Pricing:

Accruent Redeye offers tiered pricing based on company size and feature needs:

  • Basic: $1,333/month
  • Advanced: $4,000/month
  • Enterprise: $6,666/month
    • Requirement: 12-month minimum contract

Why Choose Accruent RedEye?

Organizations trust RedEye in energy, utilities, mining and infrastructure where accurate, up-to-date documentation is mission-critical. While traditional systems focus on static storage, RedEye enables real-time collaboration, reducing errors and delays caused by outdated files.

Customers report improved compliance readiness, faster project delivery and reduced operational risk. RedEye’s cloud-first architecture allows teams to spend less time managing infrastructure and more time driving results. Deep integration with ERP and asset management systems ensures documentation supports decision-making across the organization.

Its scalability and enterprise-grade security make it an excellent choice for businesses embracing digital transformation while maintaining strict compliance.

See how RedEye can modernize your document management
Learn more

 

2. Accruent Meridian (Hybrid DMS)

meridian

Accruent Meridian is a hybrid Engineering Document Management System (EDMS) designed to manage complex technical documentation across the asset lifecycle. Built for industries like process manufacturing, Meridian offers both cloud and on-premise flexibility, ensuring secure, compliant and collaborative document control.

Key Features

  • Hybrid deployment: Fully SaaS-enabled with on-premise options for flexibility.
  • Unified database: Single source of truth for engineering content.
  • Global access: Immediate availability of business-critical documents.
  • Compliance and control: Ensures users work on the most current documentation.
  • Regulatory support: Real-time compliance for documents and asset data.
  • Auditability: Tracks changes with e-signature-enabled workflows.
  • Collaboration: Seamless handover between contractors and internal stakeholders.
  • Mobility: Offline access and barcode/QR scanning for asset data.

Plans & Pricing:

  • Enterprise licensing based on deployment type and scale
  • Custom pricing available

Why Choose Accruent Meridian?

Meridian is built for organizations where engineering and operations must stay aligned. Unlike siloed solutions, Meridian bridges project delivery with long-term asset management, ensuring technical documents remain accurate and accessible across the asset lifecycle.

Users report reduced downtime, faster handovers and improved compliance. With automated workflows and CAD integration, it reduces rework while enabling collaboration across teams. 

Its hybrid deployment model allows organizations to align infrastructure choices with regulatory or IT policy needs.

 

See Meridian in action
Learn how Meridian keeps your engineering documentation accurate and compliant.
Learn more

 

3. Bentley ProjectWise

Bentley ProjectWise

ProjectWise is an engineering-first DMS designed for AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) and infrastructure programs. It excels in collaborative design, BIM workflows and project-level governance across complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Key Features 

  • Project management oriented 
  • CAD/BIM compatibility and ISO 19650 compliance
  • 3D design and digital twin workflows

Plan & Pricing

  • Bentley’s eStore for small & medium-sized business: Prices vary per region.
  • ProjectWise 365 (Cloud) subscription: $260.
  • ProjectWise ‘Explorer’ (Desktop) subscription: $860/Prices vary per region. 
  • ProjectWise Enterprise level: Price is per request.

Why Choose Bentley ProjectWise?

ProjectWise is ideal for large infrastructure projects where BIM and engineering workflows are central. For construction firms managing complex data across multiple stakeholders, it provides structure, version control and compliance tools necessary for success.

 

4. Microsoft SharePoint

sharepoint-dms

Sharepoint is a flexible DMS integrated with Microsoft 365, suitable for organizations of any size seeking document collaboration, workflow automation and a familiar user experience across Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.

Key Features

  • Configurable workflows
  • Integration with Microsoft Office and Teams
  • File sharing and document collaboration
  • Co-authoring, version control and metadata search

Plans & Pricing

Lower software prices, but with a much more expensive TCO

  • Plan 1: $5 user/month
  • Plan 2: $10 user/month
  • Office 365 E3: $23 user/month

Why Choose SharePoint?

SharePoint is a go-to option for organizations already in the Microsoft ecosystem. Its intuitive interface and seamless app integration make it a natural fit for teams that prioritize collaboration and governance, without steep learning curves.

 

5. Autodesk

Autodesk

Autodesk Docs powers design and construction documentation, tightly integrated with AutoCAD and Revit—ideal for AEC organizations standardizing on Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Key Features

  • Full ecosystem for design and construction
  • Built-in support for 3D and BIM workflows
  • Seamless integration with Autodesk design software
  • Support for digital signatures and transmittals

Plans & Pricing

  • Vault Professional: $770–$2,820/year
  • BIM Collaborate: $705/year
  • BIM Collaborate Pro: $945/year

Why Choose Autodesk Docs?

Autodesk Docs streamlines design collaboration and construction documentation, helping teams stay aligned on the latest versions. It’s best for firms already using Autodesk tools that need reliable, integrated workflows across projects.

 

Key Features to Consider in a Document Management System

When selecting a document management system, prioritize capabilities that protect integrity and speed up work:

  • Centralized Storage and Search

Consolidate documents in a governed repository with rich metadata, OCR, and federated search to surface the right version instantly.

  • Version Control

Ensure accuracy with check-in/check-out, comparison and markup,  as well as immutable revision histories, to avoid rework and compliance risk.

  • Access Permissions and Security

Enforce role-based access, least privilege, MFA/SSO, and encryption at rest/in transit. Look for data residency options and review the associated retention policies.

  • Collaboration and Workflow Automation

Support co-authoring, redlining, task routing and automated approvals to move deliverables from draft to released status faster.

  • Integrations

Connect to ERP/EAM, CAD/BIM, GIS, IoT and line-of-business systems via APIs and prebuilt connectors to keep data synchronized.

  • Compliance and Audit Trails

Maintain traceable activity logs, electronic signatures and change controls for ISO, FDA, SOX, NERC, OSHA, or industry regulations.

  • Deployment Flexibility

Choose cloud for scale and speed, on‑prem for data control, or hybrid to meet IT strategy, network constraints or regulatory mandates.

 

Benefits of Using a Document Management System

1. Boost Productivity

A DMS eliminates time-consuming manual processes by centralizing documents in a searchable repository. Teams can retrieve the latest versions quickly, reducing delays and eliminating duplicate work. Automated workflows streamline approvals and notifications so employees can focus on high-value tasks.

2. Improve Compliance

Built-in audit trails, version histories and access controls make it easier to meet compliance standards. A DMS ensures every change is logged, approvals are recorded and retention policies are enforced for regulations like ISO, FDA or SOX.

3. Enhance Collaboration

With real-time co-authoring, markup tools and centralized access, teams work together efficiently—whether in the office or across continents. A DMS reduces email clutter and version confusion, ensuring teams stay aligned.

4. Secure Information

Enterprise-grade security features like encryption, role-based permissions and automated backups protect sensitive documents. Authentication tools like SSO and MFA add layers of protection against cyber threats.

5. Support Scalability

As your business grows, so does your content. A scalable DMS can handle millions of documents across multiple locations, ensuring consistent performance with cloud and hybrid deployments.

 

Explore Accruent Document Management Solutions

The right document management system doesn’t just store files—it drives compliance, collaboration and business efficiency.

With Accruent RedEye for cloud-based document management and Accruent Meridian for hybrid deployments, Accruent offers flexible, enterprise-grade DMS solutions trusted across industries. Whether your focus is compliance, engineering accuracy or global collaboration, Accruent has a solution designed to scale with you.

FAQs

What is a Document Management System (DMS)?

A DMS is software that centralizes storage, organization, retrieval and governance of digital documents. It includes features like version control, permissions and workflow automation.

How is a DMS different from generic cloud storage?

Cloud storage offers basic file storage and sharing. A DMS adds structure: versioning, metadata, audit trails, retention policies, approval workflows and compliance features.

Should we choose cloud, on-prem or hybrid?

It depends on your IT strategy, data sensitivity and regulatory needs. Cloud offers scalability and accessibility, on-prem gives more control, and hybrid offers a balance of both.

What criteria were used to compile this list of top document management systems?

We evaluated platforms commonly adopted by engineering, construction, energy, infrastructure and enterprise teams. Our criteria included user reviews, core and advanced features, security posture, scalability, integration depth, deployment flexibility and industry relevance.

Special attention was given to systems that support engineering documentation, BIM/CAD workflows and audit-ready compliance.

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August 27, 2025