Document automation software has become an important tool for businesses that handle large amounts of documents on a regular basis. The software helps to streamline document creation, speeding up the process and reducing the likelihood of errors. However, businesses face a challenge when purchasing document automation software: pricing. Document automation software pricing can vary significantly.

In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence document automation software pricing, common pricing models, and provide tips on how to compare providers to find the best fit for your business.

The Basics of Document Automation Software: What is It?

Document automation software is revolutionary technology that has transformed the way businesses create, assemble, and deliver documents. With the help of this software, you can streamline their document creation process, reduce errors, and save valuable time and resources.

Document automation software uses pre-designed templates, fields, and data sources to generate documents. It allows businesses to create customized documents that meet their specific needs, while also ensuring accuracy and consistency. Going beyond document generation, it also automates what happens after a document is created such as signing and storage.

Whether you are creating contracts, proposals, or invoices, document automation software can help you do it faster and with fewer errors.

Key Features and Benefits of document automation software

The benefits of using document automation software are numerous. One of the most significant benefits is increased productivity. With document automation software, businesses can create documents faster, allowing them to focus on other important tasks.

Another benefit of document automation software is increased accuracy. The software uses data validation and formatting to ensure that documents are error-free and consistent. This is particularly important if you deal with legal or financial documents, where even a small error can have serious consequences.

Some key features of document automation software include:

• Pre-built templates for various documents such as contracts, proposals, and invoices. These templates can be customized to meet specific needs.
• Ability to populate documents with data from other sources such as CRMs or questionnaires. This reduces the need for manual data entry and ensures that data is accurate and up-to-date.
• Data validation and formatting to ensure accuracy and consistency. This feature helps to reduce errors and ensure that documents comply with industry standards.
• Batch document creation and automated delivery to save time. With document automation software, you can create multiple documents at once and automate their delivery, saving valuable time and resources.

These are just a few of the features that the average document automation software solution brings to the table. Oftentimes, you’ll get much more and even have access to advanced features.

Factors Influencing Document Automation Software Pricing

Several factors influence document automation software pricing. Understanding these factors is essential when comparing providers to find the best fit for your business. Below, we’ll discuss the key factors that influence document automation software pricing and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Number of Users

One of the most significant factors that influence pricing is the number of users. This is one of the metrics that software solutions use to calculate the price that you’ll be charged for taking advantage of the solution. The more users you have, the more expensive the software will be. However, the cost per user may decrease as you add more users or vary based on your subscription plan.

When selecting the number of users for your software purchase, be sure to consider your needs and budget carefully. If you have a small team, you may only need a few users. However, if you have a large team, you may need to purchase a software package that allows for unlimited users.

Deployment Options

Another factor that influences pricing is deployment options. Document automation software can be deployed in two ways: cloud-based and on-premise. Cloud-based software is hosted on the provider’s servers and accessed via the internet, while on-premise software is installed on your company’s servers.

Cloud-based software typically has a lower upfront cost, while on-premise software requires a larger upfront investment. However, on-premise software may be more cost-effective in the long run, as you may not have to pay ongoing subscription fees.

Integration and Customization

The ability to customize and integrate the software with your existing systems is another factor that influences pricing. Integration with other systems, such as CRMs or document management systems, can be crucial for businesses that rely on these systems.

Consider the level of customization you require and the requirements for integration when comparing software providers. Some providers may offer more customization options than others, which may be reflected in the price.

Support and Maintenance

Finally, the level of support and maintenance that the software provider offers can affect pricing. Some providers offer 24/7 support, while others only offer support during business hours. Additionally, some providers require ongoing maintenance fees to keep the software up to date.

When selecting a document automation software provider, be sure to consider the level of support and maintenance that you require. If you have a small team and do not require 24/7 support, you may be able to select a provider that offers lower-priced support options.

On the other hand, if you don’t have the expertise in-house to expand and improve the software over time, you may opt for a subscription service.

In conclusion, selecting the right document automation software provider requires careful consideration of several factors, including the number of users, deployment options, customization, and support and maintenance. By understanding these factors and comparing providers, you can select the software that best meets the needs of your business.

Common Pricing Models for Document Automation Software

Document automation software providers offer various pricing models. Here are some of the most common:

Subscription-Based Pricing

Subscription-based pricing is the most common pricing model for document automation software. Users pay a monthly or annual fee to use the software. This model is ideal for businesses that want to spread out the cost of the software over time and avoid a large upfront cost.

Per-User Pricing

Per-user pricing is another common pricing model for document automation software and is often combined with subscription pricing. Users pay a set fee for each user of the software. This model can be cost-effective for smaller businesses with a limited number of users.

Pay-As-You-Go Pricing

Pay-as-you-go pricing allows users to pay for the software on a per-document basis. This model is ideal for businesses that have a large number of one-off documents or infrequent document needs.

Custom Pricing

Custom pricing is often used for enterprise-level businesses or businesses with complex requirements. With this model, the provider will work with the customer to create a custom pricing plan that meets their specific needs.

Comparing Document Automation Software Providers

When comparing document automation software providers, the first step is to figure out what you need and what you can do away with. From there, you can start to evaluate features and functionality, and analyze cost-effectiveness.

Assessing Your Business Needs

Before selecting a provider, assess your business needs. Determine what types of documents you create most frequently and what features would be most helpful. Additionally, consider the level of integration and customization required. Consider creating a shortlist of the nonnegotiable features and use cases and using that to guide your decisions.

Evaluating Features and Functionality

When evaluating features and functionality, consider ease of use, the level of customization, and integration with other systems. Additionally, consider whether the software includes features such as data validation, formatting, data collection tools, etc. This is where you compare the features against the shortlist you created.

Analyzing Cost-Effectiveness

When analyzing cost-effectiveness, consider the pricing model that works best for your business and the total cost of ownership. Additionally, consider ongoing maintenance fees and the level of support offered by the provider. Do you have chat support, email support, a community forum, or a combination of different support channels?

Conclusion

Document automation software is a valuable tool for businesses that handle a lot of documents. When selecting a provider, consider the factors that influence pricing, common pricing models, as well as your business needs, the features and functionality you require, and the cost of ownership. By taking the time to research and compare providers, you can find a provider that meets your needs and budget.