Why It Is Not a Good Idea to Use Free Entity Management Software
May 8, 2023
The term "entity management" is becoming increasingly common for achieving the crucial objectives of corporate governance, regulatory, and compliance responsibilities. An entity management software (EMS) intends to perform the following critical tasks:
Eliminating manual procedures, hastening the creation of new units, and satisfying specific regulatory requirements increases efficiency by allowing legal teams to devote more time to the organization's long-term objectives
Achieving higher governance, regulatory, and risk standards guarantees adherence to the complex web of rules and laws that your organization must follow in the overlapping jurisdictions where it works
Unifying the data sources and verifying their accuracy will improve your capacity to handle them successfully and enable your personnel to call up accurate data quickly
Entity professionals are forced to weigh the benefits of a specific platform against its costs when looking for an effective EMS solution, just like with other duties. Some businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, are turning to free platforms as a way to cut costs to "or just above" the bone. However, in general, you get what you pay for when it comes to business decisions and other software solutions.
While free entity management software may seem like a cost-effective solution, it's important to consider its potential drawbacks. Here are some common limitations associated with free entity management software:
Limited Features: Free software often offers limited features compared to their paid counterparts. You might miss out on essential functionalities such as advanced reporting, integrations with other systems, document management, or collaboration tools. This can hinder your ability to manage your entities efficiently.
Scalability and Customization: Free software typically has restrictions on scalability and customization options. As your business grows and your entity management needs become more complex, you may need help to accommodate those changes within the limitations of the free software.
Support and Updates: Free software usually provides limited or no customer support. You might not receive timely assistance if you encounter issues or have specific requirements. Additionally, free software may not receive regular updates, leaving you with outdated features, potential security vulnerabilities, or compatibility issues with newer technologies.
Data Security: This is the most crucial one. Free software might have weaker security measures than paid solutions. It's crucial to ensure that the software you choose protects sensitive entity data and complies with relevant privacy regulations. Free software may not offer robust encryption, data backup, or access controls, increasing the risk of data breaches or loss.
Advertisements or Restrictions: Some free software providers offset their costs by displaying advertisements within the software or limiting certain functionalities unless you upgrade to a paid version. These ads can be intrusive, distracting, or compromise user experience.
Vendor Stability: Free software providers may need more financial stability or long-term commitment to consistently maintain and enhance their products. This can result in discontinued support or even the discontinuation of the software itself, leaving you stranded without a solution.
Lack of Integration: Free software may not offer seamless integration with other systems or tools you use, such as accounting software, CRM systems, or document management platforms. This can lead to manual data entry, duplication of efforts, and reduced efficiency.
Although Traact isn't free, it features many sophisticated and practical solutions that align with your desire for more informed choices. Our cloud-based solution can seamlessly integrate achieving your organization's compliance department's short, intermediate, and long-term goals, whether you're a heavily regulated multinational organization with hundreds of entities or a young, mid-market company.
We can operate as a starting point for your organization's finest governance practices and a dependable partner. To discover more about our solutions, request a demo today.
It's essential to carefully evaluate your entity management requirements, long-term goals, and the critical features you need before deciding on a free software solution. Consider the potential drawbacks and weigh them against the benefits to make an informed decision for your business.