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What Is DocuWare? A Complete Guide to DocuWare DMS & Workflow Software

Laura Bulmer Author: Laura Bulmer

DocuWare is a document management software system used by over 20,000 organisations across 100 countries. DocuWare can be purchased as a cloud offering, on-premise document management system or even a hybrid option. DocuWare contains a workflow automation platform that helps organisations securely route documents and digital forms. Their data capture is extremely high level with inbuilt AI and the best DocuWare providers are able to integrate DocuWare with your ERP, finance and other 3rd party systems. DocuWare replaces paper files, SharePoint reliance, shared drives and manual approval processes with intelligent digital workflows. 

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DocuWare is an intelligent document management and workflow automation platform that helps organisations securely capture, store, manage and retrieve business documents while automating everyday processes. Available as both a cloud and on-premise solution, DocuWare integrates with leading ERP, finance and business applications to improve productivity, strengthen compliance and reduce manual administration.

More than simply storing documents, DocuWare transforms the way organisations manage information. By replacing paper files, shared drives and manual approval processes with intelligent digital workflows, businesses can work more efficiently, improve visibility across departments and give employees instant access to the information they need.

Whether you're looking to automate invoice processing, digitise historical archives, manage HR records or improve compliance, DocuWare provides a secure, scalable platform that grows with your organisation.

What is DocuWare used for?

Common Automation Opportunities (6)DocuWare is used by organisations of all sizes to streamline document management and automate business processes across multiple departments. Rather than relying on paper documents, disconnected systems or manual processes, teams can securely manage information from one central platform.

Common uses for DocuWare include:

  • Accounts payable automation
  • Invoice processing and approval workflows
  • Employee document management
  • Contract management
  • Customer and supplier records
  • Quality management documentation
  • Purchase orders and delivery notes
  • Health and safety records
  • Compliance and audit management
  • Digital document archiving

Because every organisation works differently, DocuWare is highly configurable and can be tailored to support your existing processes rather than forcing you to change the way you work.

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How does DocuWare work?

DocuWare follows a simple but powerful process that captures documents, stores them securely and automates how they move through your organisation.

1. Capture

Documents can be imported automatically from a wide range of sources, including:

  • Scanners
  • Email inboxes
  • Shared folders
  • Mobile devices
  • Microsoft Office
  • ERP and finance systems
  • Electronic forms

Using Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), DocuWare can automatically recognise information such as supplier names, invoice numbers, dates and values, dramatically reducing manual data entry.

2. Store

Once captured, documents are securely archived in a central digital repository.

Every document is indexed, making it fully searchable. Instead of remembering where a file has been saved, users simply search using information such as:

  • Customer name
  • Supplier
  • Invoice number
  • Purchase order
  • Date
  • Project
  • Reference number

Documents can be retrieved within seconds, regardless of who originally filed them.

3. Automate

Workflow automation removes repetitive manual tasks.

For example, purchase invoices can automatically be routed to the appropriate manager for approval, while HR documents can trigger onboarding workflows for new employees.

Automated workflows reduce delays, eliminate bottlenecks and ensure processes are completed consistently.

4. Retrieve and Share

Authorised users can securely access documents from anywhere using a web browser or mobile device.

Role-based permissions ensure employees only see the documents relevant to their role, helping organisations maintain security and compliance.

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What are the benefits of DocuWare?

SMEs (1)Organisations invest in DocuWare because it delivers measurable improvements across the business.

Key benefits include:

  • Find documents in seconds
  • Reduce paper storage and printing costs
  • Eliminate manual filing
  • Automate repetitive business processes
  • Speed up invoice approvals
  • Improve collaboration between departments
  • Increase productivity
  • Strengthen GDPR compliance
  • Maintain complete audit trails
  • Support remote and hybrid working
  • Improve customer service through faster response times

By giving employees instant access to information and removing unnecessary manual tasks, organisations can spend more time focusing on activities that add value.

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Which departments use DocuWare?

One of DocuWare's greatest strengths is its flexibility. It can support almost every department within an organisation.

Finance

Finance teams commonly use DocuWare to:

  • Automate accounts payable
  • Capture invoices automatically
  • Route invoices for approval
  • Match invoices against purchase orders
  • Reduce payment delays
  • Improve audit readiness

Invoice automation reduces manual administration while improving visibility throughout the approval process.

Human Resources

HR departments use DocuWare to securely manage:

  • Employee records
  • Contracts
  • Training certificates
  • Performance reviews
  • Recruitment documentation
  • Right to work documentation
  • Holiday requests
  • Disciplinary records

Automated retention policies help organisations comply with GDPR and employment legislation.

Operations

Operational teams use DocuWare to manage:

  • Quality documentation
  • Health and safety records
  • Standard operating procedures
  • Delivery notes
  • Project documentation
  • Customer records
  • Supplier documentation

Employees always have access to the latest version of every document, reducing duplication and improving consistency.

Which industries use DocuWare?

DocuWare is trusted by organisations across virtually every industry.

These include:

At DocTech, we've successfully implemented DocuWare across many of these sectors, designing solutions that reflect each organisation's unique processes and compliance requirements.

Can DocuWare integrate with existing business systems?

Yes. One of DocuWare's biggest strengths is its ability to integrate with the software your organisation already relies on.

Common integrations include:

  • Sage 200
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Business Central
  • MCS Rental Software
  • Microsoft 365
  • Outlook
  • SharePoint
  • SQL databases
  • CRM systems
  • Line of business applications

By integrating with your existing software, employees can access supporting documents directly from the applications they use every day, eliminating duplicate data entry and improving productivity.

Is DocuWare Cloud based?

Yes. DocuWare is available as:

  • Cloud
  • On-premise
  • Hybrid deployments

This flexibility allows organisations to choose the solution that best fits their IT strategy, security requirements and operational needs.

Cloud customers benefit from automatic software updates, high availability and secure hosting, while on-premise deployments provide complete control for organisations with specific compliance or infrastructure requirements.

Is DocuWare secure?

Security is built into every aspect of DocuWare.

Features include:

  • Role-based user permissions
  • Encrypted data storage
  • Secure cloud hosting
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Comprehensive audit trails
  • Version control
  • Automated retention policies
  • GDPR-friendly document management

Every document activity is recorded, providing complete visibility of who accessed, edited or approved information.

Can DocuWare replace paper filing systems?

Absolutely.

Many organisations begin their digital transformation journey by replacing paper filing cabinets and off-site archive storage with DocuWare.

Historical documents can be scanned, indexed and securely archived, making them instantly searchable. This not only frees up valuable office space but also reduces storage costs, improves disaster recovery and allows employees to retrieve information in seconds instead of searching through paper files.

Combined with high-speed document scanning and intelligent indexing, organisations can digitise decades of archived records while creating a more efficient and environmentally responsible workplace.

Why choose DocTech as your DocuWare Partner?

Choosing the right implementation partner is just as important as choosing the software itself.

DocTech has been helping organisations transform document management and business processes since 1984. As one of the UK's most experienced DocuWare specialists, we've delivered hundreds of successful projects across manufacturing, housing, hospitality, education, professional services and many other sectors.

Our experienced consultants manage every stage of your project, from initial discovery and solution design through to implementation, training and ongoing support. We also specialise in integrating DocuWare with finance systems, ERP platforms and industry-specific applications, ensuring your solution fits seamlessly into your existing technology landscape.

Whether you're looking to automate accounts payable, digitise paper archives, improve compliance or streamline everyday business processes, we'll work with you to design a solution that delivers lasting value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DocuWare?

DocuWare is a document management and workflow automation platform that helps organisations securely manage business documents while automating repetitive processes such as invoice approvals, HR workflows and document archiving.

What is a document management system?

A document management system (DMS) is software that stores, organises, secures and retrieves digital documents. Modern document management systems also automate workflows, improve collaboration and support compliance with data protection regulations.

Is DocuWare a Cloud solution?

Yes. DocuWare is available as a cloud, on-premise or hybrid solution, allowing organisations to choose the deployment model that best suits their business.

Can DocuWare automate invoice processing?

Yes. DocuWare captures invoices automatically, extracts key information using Intelligent Document Processing, routes invoices through approval workflows and integrates with finance systems to reduce manual administration and improve visibility.

Does DocuWare integrate with Sage?

Yes. DocuWare integrates with Sage 200 and many other finance and ERP systems, allowing users to access supporting documents directly from within Sage while automating invoice processing and document management.

Is DocuWare suitable for small businesses?

Yes. DocuWare scales from small businesses through to large enterprises, allowing organisations to start with a single process and expand as requirements grow.

Is DocuWare secure?

Yes. DocuWare includes encryption, role-based permissions, audit trails, version control, retention policies and secure cloud hosting to help organisations protect sensitive business information.

Can DocuWare help with GDPR compliance?

DocuWare supports GDPR compliance by providing secure access controls, audit trails, document retention policies and controlled disposal of information. While software alone cannot guarantee compliance, it provides many of the tools organisations need to manage information responsibly.

How much does DocuWare cost?

DocuWare pricing depends on several factors, including the number of users, deployment model, workflows, integrations and storage requirements. Every organisation has different needs, so it's best to speak with an experienced DocuWare partner to discuss the most appropriate solution.

Why choose DocTech?

With more than four decades of experience in document management and business process automation, DocTech provides consultancy, implementation, integration, training and ongoing support. Our experienced team works closely with organisations to deliver tailored DocuWare solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs and support long-term digital transformation.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has answered your questions around 'What is DocuWare?' and that it's clear to see the benefits the solution can provide.  DocuWare stands as a powerful tool for organisations looking to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve document-based collaboration across departments.  It reduces the reliance on paper and digital, yet manual tasks, replacing them with enhanced, automated processes.

By leveraging the unified platform and diverse applications, businesses can streamline operations, maintain compliance, and focus on strategic growth initiatives across the entire organisation.

Are you ready to transform your document management processes with DocuWare with expertise from DocTech?  Discover how it can empower your organisation today by speaking with us today.

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Contact us now for more information 0161 647 7040