There is a ton of free document management software (DMS) out there but which ones really work? I’ve compiled a list of the top free systems out there and all allow you to modify their source code should you need it.
To get started, simply select the DMS that sounds interesting to you, download the software and give it a go. I’ve listed enough that if one doesn’t meet your needs, the others should.
Maarch Archiving DMS
Some organizations are legally required to store documents for a certain number of years; on top of that, there may requirements to record and monitor any changes to the document or prevent changes all together.
This software is an Integrated Document Archiving and Retrieval System (IDARS) and complies with record management regulations such as Sarbanes-Oaxley and ISO-15489.
Includes an excellent import system to get all your documents indexed and up to speed, a fantastic imaging module and great export options.
This free document management software is designed just for such an environment and built using PHP with storage into a MySQL DB. The entire system is web based and completely open source.
Site: maarch.org/en/
LogicalDoc DMS
This is a web based document management system that is compatible with both .PHP and .NET and others due to the code being programmed with Java.
With this package, you get full indexing services, folder organization, tag clouds, ability to discuss documents like you would comments on this site, and much more.
A large variety of DMS Databases can be used, such as SAL, MySQL, PostgreSQL and much more.
Site: sourceforge.net/projects/logicaldoc/
Archiv Document Management
Stickily a DMS for the Microsoft operating system, Archiv offers a complete management package for the entire enterprise (ECM) that includes the ability or scan documents and control workflow.
Archiv was developed using Delphi, runs on NT / XP and designed in German with translation to English.
Site: bitfarm-archiv.de
ArchivistaBox
This software is also a web based DMS that can run on most systems, however, it’s big feature is the ability to turn all documents in PDF so that they are searchable.
Although I have not used this software, I don’t understand why you would want to convert all your documents in PDFs rather than simply search the database for the document.
Site: sourceforge.net/projects/archivista/
We are adding to our list so please and welcome suggestions. If you have used any of the document management software mentioned here, please leave a comment and share your experience.
“…I don’t understand why you would want to convert all your documents in PDFs …” – actually that’s great for the project I’m working on. Need the ability to search for things that the database may not pull out – the less than “obvious” things from articles and such. That may work for me… including the option to find and read the document right on the screen. I worry it will cause storage issues however. We’ll see…
This is totally off topic, but Ive been browsing your site for about 3 hours now, and just wanted to say well done, thank you. Im very skeptical of sites like these, but you have truly presented your tools and information to the public very professionally and free of charge. I commend you sir!
Hi Becky,
That canon all-in-one scanner / printer should do just fine with any DMS you might use – good name too!
I am new to DMS. My husband and I started our own small business and have trouble keeping up with receipts. We are wondering if a DMS would be right for us? We have a Canon all in one printer that scans nicely. Would that work with a DMS application? Thanks for any feedback
Hi,
I am looking for a Drawing Management Tool which essentially need to be a web based tool with capabilities of change / version control and facility to assign security in different layers. I am looking for a tool from open source so that I don’t have to spend money on that. I really feel lucky if I get any free tool which works on windows.
Thanks & Regards,
KP
Hi,
I am searching Document Management System Software . to help me to stored scaned file, email, pdf files etc. safely and when i want i can search it imegetly.
Hi,
I’m looking for a DMS in which a PDF or Word document can be found by putting a name, number or text into a box and the DMS can look for it and retrieve the document. The 2 limitations I have are:
1) that it cannot be in a web-based system.
2) that it can be installed in a any computer and only read specified documents.
What do you suggest I use?
Michael K
Thank you for the information about DMS. I am searching for Web based DMS.
Good job. How exactly do i download maarch archiving DMS. Thank you.
Ur site is realy helpful for students and people who wanna know abt dms in detail……..
Thanx Sir!
Good Work.
I have some DMS that are helpful for this sites. but they are not open source.
OpenDocMan is another free DMS that runs on PHP/MySQL. It is lightweight, and includes a “reviewer” feature which puts each new document into a review queue before it is published to the site.
site: opendocman.com