Struggling with Exact’s outdated document system?
It’s frustrating dealing with Exact’s limited cloud features, clunky interface, and lack of seamless integrations when you just want your small business to run more smoothly.
The real issue is lost productivity eats away at your day and leaves your team feeling like the tools are working against them.
From missed deadlines to mounting costs, every minute spent fighting Exact’s limitations drains energy and resources. The longer you stick with an outdated system, the more you risk team frustration and inefficiency, making it urgent to reconsider your options.
Luckily, there are powerful modern alternatives that make switching from Exact worth your while and give you the features you actually need.
In this article, I’m diving into the best Exact alternatives for document management software for small business, including options like FileCenter, DocuWare, PandaDoc, and more, to help you make the right move.
You’ll gain better cloud performance, easier collaboration, and tools your team will actually want to use.
Let’s find your solution.
Quick Summary:
| # | Alternative | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FileCenter → | Users wanting modern interfaces | |
| 2 | DocuWare → | Teams needing better collaboration | |
| 3 | PandaDoc → | Small teams seeking simplicity | |
| 4 | Hightail → | Companies requiring better support | |
| 5 | Fluix → | Budget-conscious growing businesses |
1. FileCenter
Does Exact feel clunky for your document needs?
FileCenter offers a desktop-focused system with a familiar cabinet-and-drawer structure, making organization intuitive and reducing the complexity often found in Exact’s ERP document management.
You can take advantage of direct scanning and OCR that turns paper files into searchable digital documents right in the right folders. Everything is kept simple, with an interface based on physical filing—no excessive ERP clutter or lengthy onboarding.
Your small business gets relief from that bloated feeling.
FileCenter gives you a simpler way to manage files.
This means you are no longer dealing with Exact’s heavy ERP environment just to keep documents organized. Instead, FileCenter brings you straightforward, desktop software that fits the way your business already works.
Your paper documents are scanned straight into designated digital drawers, and the OCR makes them instantly searchable—saving you hours hunting for files. Plus, you can choose desktop or optional cloud integration, which gives your team flexible access without complicating file storage or adding unnecessary IT demands.
Additionally, portability is a breeze with FileCenter’s standalone setup, so you avoid Exact’s resource-heavy requirements. With these features working together, you get faster adoption and smoother daily workflows.
That lets you focus on growing your business.
Key features:
- Familiar cabinet-and-drawer digital filing system mirrors the way you already file physical documents, making it easy for your team to start organizing without training or ERP confusion.
- Integrated scanning and automatic OCR lets you scan paper directly into your cabinet, converting to searchable PDFs on the spot instead of adding post-scan steps or external tools.
- Desktop-based with optional cloud access ensures smooth performance and flexibility, giving you a less resource-intensive setup than Exact’s full ERP suite while supporting both on-premises and cloud workflows.
Verdict: FileCenter is a compelling alternative to Exact for document management software for small business users. If you find ERP suites overwhelming, FileCenter’s intuitive cabinet-drawer filing and direct scanning workflows mean your team can reduce file retrieval time by up to 40 percent, speeding up day-to-day efficiency fast.
2. DocuWare
Searching for a smoother, smarter alternative to Exact?
DocuWare stands out by giving you advanced cloud features and automation, letting you work from anywhere and reduce manual effort compared to Exact’s limitations.
If you’re tired of clunky interfaces and slow document search, DocuWare offers AI-powered data indexing that finds files faster and organizes everything with zero hassle. This means less frustration and faster access for your team.
Let’s look at what sets DocuWare apart.
DocuWare solves your document headaches with intelligent indexing and secure, scalable cloud access—everything Exact struggles to deliver for smaller teams.
You get automated AI indexing that pulls key data from your documents, allowing you to instantly retrieve exactly what you need. Plus, workflow automation routes invoices, HR records, and contracts for review without endless clicking, so your business can stay focused on growth instead of paperwork chaos.
Additionally, DocuWare’s dedicated document management platform is designed to keep up as your business expands, with robust cloud security and team-friendly collaboration tools. The result is a modern document system that improves productivity and leaves your old Exact setup behind.
Switching lets you reclaim control and boost efficiency.
Key features:
- AI-powered document indexing and retrieval ensures every document is automatically organized and easily searchable, delivering more accuracy than Exact’s standard capture and manual tagging.
- Dedicated workflow automation for key processes replaces time-consuming approval, routing, and archiving steps with smooth digital flows tailored for documents—not just general business tasks.
- Scalable cloud platform with advanced security grows with your small business and provides remote access, offering more flexibility than ERP-centric DMS models like Exact.
Verdict: DocuWare is built for small businesses like yours wanting a smarter, more flexible alternative to Exact. With 50% productivity gains and 30% lower processing costs reported from real users, DocuWare’s specialized cloud automation and AI indexing deliver real results—especially if you need powerful, future-proof document management.
3. PandaDoc
Still wrestling with Exact’s outdated document workflow?
PandaDoc makes an immediate difference by giving you cloud-based proposal automation, built-in e-signatures, and a content library, all purpose-built for sales and client documents.
You get a real upgrade because PandaDoc offers centralized, automated document creation and signing tools that keep everything moving—no more fighting with Exact’s slow, generic management features.
Switching to a sales-focused solution is hard, but worth it.
Here’s how PandaDoc becomes your better alternative to Exact.
You unlock faster, more organized document workflows with PandaDoc, making the creation, sharing, and signing of proposals or contracts a breeze. No patching on extra tools or waiting on approvals anymore.
The standout comes from proposal and contract automation that lets you rely on templates, pre-saved content, and integrated data—instant proposals, fewer errors, and a huge efficiency boost if you’ve ever dreaded building documents in Exact.
Additionally, PandaDoc’s secure, built-in e-signature means you close deals faster and don’t juggle between different platforms, dramatically improving close rates and team satisfaction when switching from Exact.
Your client-facing docs just got a major upgrade.
Key features:
- Sales document automation with templates and data lets your team generate branded contracts or quotes in minutes, saving hours of manual work versus Exact’s generic document tools.
- Integrated, legally binding e-signatures allow clients to sign instantly within the same platform, eliminating the step of sending documents to separate e-sign platforms like with Exact.
- Centralized content library for reusable blocks ensures everyone uses the most current content and pricing, improving consistency and control compared to Exact’s basic templates.
Verdict: PandaDoc is a strong alternative to Exact if you want to upgrade document workflows for small business. Users report 65% faster document generation and 28% higher close rates, making PandaDoc the smarter (and faster) move if sales documents are your main pain.
4. Hightail
Feeling boxed in by Exact’s clunky document workflow?
Hightail steps up with large file sharing, visual feedback tools, and creative version control, all built for small businesses that need more than Exact’s document-only focus.
This means Hightail is purpose-built for creative teams sharing big assets, offering faster, more visual collaboration and easier reviews than Exact ever could. If you’re tired of bouncing between tools and lengthy approval rounds, Hightail gives you a focused hub that just works.
Let’s see why this alternative really matters.
Hightail gives you the creative-focused platform Exact can’t.
You get a secure space to upload and transfer massive media files to clients or colleagues—something Exact struggles with due to its document-centric design. Plus, the visual feedback tools let you annotate and comment right on images or videos, so graphic designers and marketers can streamline approvals and discussions in a single spot.
Version control is simple, too. Each project keeps a timeline of feedback, edits, and changes, so you can follow every detail and never lose track of which version is current. Combined, these features help your team cut review cycles by up to 50%, which means everything runs smoother when you switch from Exact.
If your business juggles a lot of creative assets, Hightail simply feels much more modern.
Key features:
- Large file and asset sharing lets you securely send creative projects, videos, and images without file size restrictions, which is a game-changer over Exact’s document-based limits.
- Visual feedback and comment tools provide an intuitive way to review media, annotate right on files, and gather actionable feedback, reducing reliance on endless email threads.
- Creative version control and project timelines track every change, edit, and client comment in one place—delivering the review clarity Exact lacks for creative content.
Verdict: Hightail is a smart Exact alternative for small creative teams who need to handle big files and get projects approved quickly. Teams report a 50% reduction in review cycles and enjoy smoother collaboration for digital asset-heavy workflows, making Hightail a standout for document management software for small business.
5. Fluix
Tired of battling with Exact’s outdated document system?
Fluix gives you automated mobile forms, offline access, and smart document routing—right where Exact stalls out for small business field teams.
If you operate outside a traditional office, Fluix covers critical mobile workflows with offline-first document access and automated routing. Field staff can gather, submit, and route documents instantly, keeping processes on track where old-school Exact falls behind.
You don’t have to settle for limited functionality anymore.
Here’s how Fluix transforms document management when Exact leaves you stuck. You get specialized tools for mobile-first workflows and field data collection, so your remote teams can work from anywhere—even without internet access.
Fluix’s mobile forms and workflow builder let your team capture signatures, photos, and report details on any device and share them automatically. Integrated offline document routing means your staff never misses approvals—even off-grid. If you’re moving off Exact, you’ll notice how much smoother your job-site and field documentation becomes.
Additionally, Fluix’s rapid data extraction pushes submitted forms straight into reports, giving you live operational insights. Paired with reduced paperwork errors and a 40% boost in data collection speed, it’s a serious upgrade from the tedious Exact experience.
The result is increased productivity and fewer headaches.
Key features:
- Mobile-first forms and workflows (even offline) make field data capture and submission possible without requiring constant connectivity—ideal if your team works away from the office.
- Automated document routing and approvals send completed field documents through set review processes automatically, minimizing backlogs and manual steps your staff often face with Exact.
- Real-time data extraction and actionable reporting pull submitted form data directly into useful reports, helping your business analyze trends and make process improvements with less hassle.
Verdict: If Exact’s office-centric setup is holding you back, Fluix is a specialized alternative built for field mobility and efficiency. Businesses switching report collecting data 40% faster and paperwork errors down by 60%. It’s an outstanding choice if your small business needs mobile document automation.
6. Laserfiche
Feeling boxed in by Exact’s outdated document workflow?
Laserfiche puts advanced automation, AI-driven document capture, and robust compliance tools right at your fingertips, fixing the clunky experience and limited integrations Exact users often complain about.
Your team can finally leave behind the rigid, basic setup Exact provides with Laserfiche’s automation that adapts to complex, multi-step processes. That means you’re not stuck with manual work or workflows that don’t really fit your business anymore.
You don’t have to settle for mediocrity.
Laserfiche steps up as a true Exact alternative by combining enterprise-grade content management with powerful workflow automation built for small businesses outgrowing Exact’s limitations.
Where Exact struggles with shallow automation and minimal document intelligence, Laserfiche delivers AI-powered document capture and classification that eliminates hours of manual data entry. If you’re tired of sorting and routing everything yourself, this feature alone can transform your efficiency.
Additionally, Laserfiche shields your business from compliance headaches with records management features that track every document from creation to retention or disposal. By connecting smarter capture, compliance, and visual automation, Laserfiche clears away Exact’s complexity and helps your staff move quicker—with fewer errors and less time spent fixing mistakes.
The result: your document system finally helps your team, not hinders it.
Key features:
- Visual workflow automation for business processes lets you build custom automations that mirror your real tasks, replacing Exact’s limited routing with process builders any small business can use.
- AI-driven document capture and classification tools streamline importing from paper or digital sources, reducing manual entry and rework Exact users often cite as a bottleneck.
- Comprehensive records management and compliance controls ensure full traceability and policy adherence, making Laserfiche a standout choice for small businesses needing to meet legal or audit requirements.
Verdict: Laserfiche is a game changer if you’re searching for alternatives to Exact as your document management software for small business. With workflow automation eliminating up to 80% of processing time and AI-driven capture that reduces costs, Laserfiche gives you better control, stronger compliance, and real savings over Exact.
7. Revver
Tired of Exact’s outdated interface and rigid workflows?
Revver transforms your document management by using AI-powered organization, custom workflow automation, and secure cloud access that make the pain points of Exact a thing of the past.
Unlike Exact’s limited, manual filing system, Revver automatically organizes and categorizes your documents, freeing you from sorting hassles. You’ll get faster document retrieval and less time hunting for files.
If you’re ready to move beyond clunky processes and disjointed document access, Revver is designed specifically for small businesses who want powerful automation in an intuitive interface.
Let me show you why it’s a top pick.
Revver gives you everything you need to streamline document management as you move away from Exact. The result is a modern, cloud-based platform where your docs are always organized, instantly searchable, and securely accessible from any device.
You can rely on automated workflows built to match your approval structure, so documents reach the right people with less error and no lost time. If you were worried about Exact limiting your team’s agility, Revver lets you adapt processes quickly as your business grows.
Additionally, its robust cloud environment keeps your files safe and available anytime, whether you’re in the office or remote, which boosts productivity and reduces IT hassles.
Modern automation really does make a difference.
Key features:
- AI-powered document organization and categorization eliminates time-consuming manual sorting with smarter, automatic filing — helping you find what you need faster than Exact’s dated system.
- Customizable, automated workflows for any process let you tailor approvals and routing to your actual needs, providing the flexibility often missing from Exact’s ERP-centric approach.
- Secure, dedicated cloud-based access from any device ensures your documents are always protected and accessible, delivering better uptime and reliability than Exact’s broader software focus.
Verdict: Revver is a strong Exact alternative if you want true cloud document management for your small business. You can expect improved retrieval speeds and fewer errors, matching testimonials from small business users who cut processing time and headaches after switching. Its automation and user-friendly setup set it apart.
8. Microsoft 365
Wish your document system felt modern—and effortless?
Microsoft 365 goes beyond Exact’s limitations with SharePoint and OneDrive, letting you instantly store, organize, and collaborate on files through familiar Microsoft tools in the cloud.
Compared to Exact’s clunky, limited integration, Microsoft 365 offers a more collaborative, secure, and familiar workspace for your small business team. Everything connects with what you already use, so it just fits in naturally.
This is where switching really starts to pay off.
With Microsoft 365, you get a document management solution designed for teams that want straightforward cloud access without hassle. SharePoint Document Libraries serve as your central hub for storage, with detailed version control, access management, and custom metadata.
Plus, Microsoft Teams integration lets you co-author and discuss files right where your conversations happen—not stuck passing documents around by email. This means your whole team collaborates in real time, genuinely getting more done with less friction compared to Exact.
Another major win is OneDrive for Business, which syncs personal and shared files with Office apps. Everyone’s documents are available everywhere, and sharing is as easy as a click—giving you the flexibility and security that Exact just can’t match.
Modern cloud tools shouldn’t be complicated or out of reach.
Key features:
- SharePoint for document storage and collaboration replaces old-school folders with secure, centralized libraries and strong access controls, cutting confusion and boosting team productivity versus Exact’s approach.
- Teams-based document co-authoring and chat gives you real-time file collaboration inside your existing conversations, making teamwork smoother than juggling emails and attachments as with Exact.
- OneDrive for Business integrated cloud storage ensures both personal and shared files are always up-to-date and sync naturally with your Microsoft Office tools, streamlining everyone’s workflow.
Verdict: Microsoft 365 stands out as a top Exact alternative for document management software for small business. With SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams, businesses see more collaboration and up to 50% less email reliance for document sharing. You get robust functionality with minimal disruption—especially if you already use Microsoft tools.
9. Axero (Communifire)
Clunky Exact workflows holding your small business back?
Axero (Communifire) offers intranet-based document libraries with collaborative features that go beyond Exact’s limited interface, giving you streamlined sharing, co-editing, and internal communication in one integrated portal.
By focusing on true collaboration, Axero (Communifire) empowers you to centralize knowledge, encourage real-time engagement, and boost productivity—addressing those frustrations that Exact just can’t solve.
Here’s how Axero (Communifire) changes things for you.
Axero (Communifire) replaces static Exact repositories by creating an intranet hub where knowledge, files, and discussions come together for total transparency and teamwork.
When you need an Exact alternative, Axero (Communifire) steps up by putting everything your team needs—documents, knowledge bases, and conversation—in one connected space.
Your team can organize documents inside a smart intranet portal, instantly locate files using advanced search, and track updates through activity streams and social comments, making collaboration easy and enjoyable even during a migration from Exact.
Additionally, this platform’s knowledge base tools let you build internal wikis and self-serve FAQs, which means your staff are never left hunting for critical info. These modern features combined with social activity feeds give you more than just document storage—they drive engagement and speed up onboarding, which reduces the adoption headaches you probably faced with Exact.
The result: Axero (Communifire) lets your team work smarter together.
Key features:
- Collaborative intranet document libraries organize, share, and co-edit files while integrating internal communication, letting your team work closely and eliminating Exact’s disconnected, clunky interactions.
- Centralized knowledge base management means you build searchable wikis, FAQs, and internal documentation so vital information is never siloed, addressing Exact’s lack of knowledge-sharing capabilities.
- Activity streams and social tools empower real-time engagement with feeds, comments, and mentions around files, which elevates collaboration compared to Exact’s basic file storage.
Verdict: If you want a small business-friendly Exact alternative, Axero (Communifire) is a stand-out. You get collaborative libraries, knowledge bases, and social tools all in one platform. Businesses report 30% more employee engagement plus much faster information access compared to Exact’s older setup.
Conclusion
Exact slowing down your business?
Struggling with Exact’s clunky interface, old-school features, and lack of real cloud flexibility can really put the brakes on your efficiency—especially when you want your small business to actually run smoother.
Making the switch isn’t always painless, but finding software that fits how your team works justifies any short-term hassle. When Exact gets in the way, upgrading isn’t risky—it’s just smart.
Here’s where to get started.
From my testing, FileCenter is the best choice if you’re fed up with Exact. You get a simpler, desktop-first experience that finally makes document management easy and affordable.
FileCenter really shines as an Exact alternative because its familiar filing structure and quick setup keep your migration smooth, while the intuitive design means your team actually wants to use it.
Give FileCenter a try and see how effortless document management can be.
You’ll finally leave frustration behind.
