M-Files vs OnBase

January 09, 2025 | Author: Michael Stromann
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M-Files
The M-⁠Files metadata-⁠driven document management platform enables knowledge workers to instantly find the right information in any context, automate business processes, and enforce information control. This provides businesses with a competitive advantage and substantial ROI as they deliver superior customer experiences and higher-⁠quality work with lower risk.
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OnBase
OnBase, Hyland’s flagship product, is a single enterprise information platform designed to manage your content, processes and cases. OnBase centralizes your important business content in one secure location, and then delivers relevant information to you when you need it, wherever you are. Increase productivity, deliver excellent customer service and reduce risk across your entire enterprise.

M-Files and OnBase have a peculiar lot in common, much like two intergalactic spaceships built for the same purpose but with slightly different manuals. Both are designed to manage documents, automate workflows and ensure compliance, all while keeping your data secure. They each come with apps that allow you to access your precious files on your phone, because nothing says "modern" like managing paperwork while sitting on the bus. They both also integrate with Microsoft Office, as though they’ve decided to co-opt the most popular spaceship in the galaxy and ride along. And yes, they both claim to improve collaboration, which, in the universe of enterprise software, is no small feat.

Then, there’s M-Files, which, since 2006, has been quietly zooming through the Finnish cosmos with its metadata-driven approach. It’s all about tagging documents, like giving each file its very own galactic identity. The interface is user-friendly, like a cup of tea served by a friendly robot and it integrates with cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Drive, so you can store your data in the virtual equivalent of a cloud fortress. M-Files tends to cater to small and medium-sized businesses, the kinds that might have one or two serious problems but not enough to require a whole fleet of starships.

OnBase, on the other hand, has been around since 1983 and it's American, which is probably why it’s far more serious about scaling up and tackling enormous, complex workflows. It’s the kind of tool built for enterprises that have so many files, you'd need a planet just to store them. With its traditional file-based document management, OnBase offers specialized solutions for industries like healthcare and finance—because when you’re running a hospital, the last thing you need is a file missing. OnBase is built for organizations that might span galaxies and require serious enterprise-wide deployment and they don't mind dealing with something as massive as a galactic data center.

See also: Top 10 ECM software
Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email [email protected]