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7 Best governance, risk and compliance software in 2025

Updated on
April 7, 2025

These are the 7 best governance, risk and compliance software tools in 2025:

  1. Dcycle
  2. Workiva
  3. Prophix One™
  4. IBM OpenPages
  5. SoftExpert GRC
  6. AuditBoard
  7. Brightest

In an increasingly regulated business environment, having good governance, risk and compliance software isn't a luxury, it's the bare minimum.

If we don’t organize our ESG data and comply with regulatory demands, we’re shooting ourselves in the foot.

Sustainability management is no longer about creating nice-looking reports.

It’s about how we make decisions, how we reduce real risks, and whether we’re ready to enter markets that don’t tolerate chaos.

And what if we don’t know where to start? We get it.

That’s why in this article we’re cutting to the chase: what GRC is, why everyone’s talking about it, how it’s used, and the real benefits it brings.

Top 7 Best Governance, Risk and Compliance Software for CSRD

1. Dcycle

Dcycle is an ESG solution designed for companies that want to do things right without drowning in paperwork.

We’re not auditors or consultants.

Our goal is to help you measure, manage and communicate your ESG impact without having to reinvent your operations.

We centralize all your ESG information and organize it automatically so you can use it across the board: CSRD, EINF, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISOs, whatever you need.

Why choose Dcycle? Because it saves you time, reduces errors, and gives you a clear picture of what’s happening in your company.

With Dcycle, you can:

  • Upload your data quickly and securely.
    We automate collection so you’re not stuck in endless spreadsheets.

  • See your ESG indicators in real time.
    Know what’s working, what’s not, and where to act.

  • Generate reports that meet all regulations.
    No need to start from scratch every time.

  • Align with any standard without duplicating effort.
    The platform adapts your data to each use case.

  • Save time and money.
    Fewer errors, less duplicated work, more focus on what matters.

Dcycle turns the sustainability mess into a competitive advantage.

And today, that makes all the difference.

2. Workiva

Workiva connects data and teams in a collaborative environment.

Ideal for those who need real-time visibility and full traceability.

It automates processes and improves data control.

This way, you can comply with CSRD without relying on manual workflows.

3. Prophix One™

Prophix One™ centralizes your ESG information in one single repository.

This reduces inconsistencies and improves reporting quality.

It’s easy to integrate with your current systems.

A solid option for companies with multiple data sources.

4. IBM OpenPages

IBM OpenPages offers a comprehensive approach to risk management.

You can model scenarios, track policies, and automate audits.

It targets large companies with complex structures.

Ideal if you need a robust and customizable solution.

5. SoftExpert GRC

SoftExpert helps manage risks, audits, and controls on a single platform. Flexible and scalable according to your company size.

Performs well in demanding regulatory environments. You can adapt it to the specific needs of your sector.

6. AuditBoard

AuditBoard specializes in centralizing ESG information and supporting audit teams.

Very useful if you already have an internal control department.

Automates tasks and improves traceability.

Ideal for companies that want to move away from manual processes.

7. Brightest

Brightest stands out for its collaborative approach and ease of use.

It lets you manage emissions, social impact, and ESG data without complications.

An interesting option if you’re just getting started or want something highly flexible.

It integrates well across different areas of the company without the need for restructuring.

Why Governance, Risk and Compliance Software is Essential for CSRD

CSRD is not just another regulation. It’s a game changer forcing companies to take their ESG data seriously.

The problem? If you don’t have a solution to help organize and report your data, compliance becomes impossible.

And these requirements are increasingly tied to sustainable finance frameworks that define how companies access capital and prove responsibility.

It’s not about making a pretty report.

It’s about proving with clear data that you’re aligned with what the market (and the rules) demand.

What You Need to Know About CSRD and Its Impact on Companies

CSRD requires ESG reports to be detailed, auditable, and comparable. Anything won’t cut it.

The data must align with standards like ESRS and be public.

It affects thousands of companies, even non-listed ones.

And the key is traceability: where the data comes from, how you manage it, and what decisions you make based on it.

Can we relax? Not quite. If you’re not ready, you’ll be out of the market. Literally.

How to Choose Good Software to Comply with CSRD

1. Adaptability to Different Regulatory Frameworks (EINF, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISOs)

Your software must speak the language of all regulations.

Today it’s CSRD, tomorrow SBTi, and next week they ask for ISO 14001.

A good ESG solution adapts to all of this without making you redo the work.

2. Ability to Centralize and Automate ESG Data

Having ESG info spread across a thousand spreadsheets is an operational disaster.

The software must collect, organize, and keep data updated without drama.

And it should automate what used to be manual.

This way, your team is freed from tedious tasks and can focus on what matters.

3. Integrations and Ease of Use with Other Business Tools

Already using ERP, CRM, or HR platforms?

Then your ESG solution should connect seamlessly.

The easier it is to integrate, the faster you’ll start seeing results.

4. Report Generation and Audit-Ready Analytics

CSRD requires clear, traceable, and auditable reports. Your software must help you generate them painlessly.

It’s not about exporting a PDF. It’s about having full traceability ready when they ask for it.

Dcycle: Your Ally for Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance

Why Dcycle Leads the ESG Software Sector

Dcycle is designed for companies that need to manage their impact and comply with any ESG regulation.

We gather, organize and distribute your ESG data so you can use it for CSRD reports, EINF, Taxonomy, SBTi, ISOs... whatever you need.

We help you move from chaos to full control, without wasting time or involving half the company in calculations they don’t understand.

What Sets Dcycle Apart from Other Platforms

We are not consultants. We are not auditors.

We are a solution for companies that want to control their sustainability with real data.

We connect to your systems, automate data collection, and give you clear visibility. All in one platform.

And we make it easy.

No endless processes or never-ending training.

Most Common Use Cases Dcycle Solves

CSRD and EINF reports without starting from scratch.

Audit preparation with solid, traceable data.

Tracking SBTi goals and complying with Taxonomy.

Centralized management of supplier, energy, waste or emissions data.

How to Get Started with Dcycle in Your Company

Getting Dcycle up and running is simple.

We connect to your data sources, configure your needs, and in no time you’re ready to start reporting.

No interruptions, no reinventing the wheel.

You just need to be clear that you want to do things right and start measuring what matters.

Because if you don’t measure, you don’t improve. And if you don’t improve, you fall behind.

5 Strategic Benefits of Using ESG Software

Why use an ESG solution?Not just out of obligation.

You do it to comply, compete, and make better decisions.

Here are the key benefits you’re missing if you don’t use proper GRC software.

1. You Comply With Regulations Without Headaches

CSRD, EINF, SBTi, ISOs, Taxonomy...

Regulations keep piling up.

And you can’t keep improvising every time something new comes along.

A good ESG software prepares you for everything.

Centralizes, automates, and gives you audit-ready reports without panic.

2. You Make Better Decisions Thanks to ESG Data

What impact does what we do have? Where are we failing?

If you don’t have reliable data, you’ll never know.

With well-managed ESG information, we make informed decisions.

We don’t go blind or improvise.

3. You Become More Competitive in Bids and International Markets

More and more markets require ESG data to let you in.

And we’re not talking pretty reports, but real traceability.

Software gives you those data at hand and lets you respond quickly. If not, you miss opportunities.

4. You Optimize Resources and Operational Efficiency

Having everything scattered and doing it manually is wasting time and money. Simple as that.

A well-integrated ESG solution eliminates duplicates, automates tasks, and improves processes. It’s efficiency, not vanity.

5. You Reduce Reputational and Legal Risks

Not having control of your ESG info can cost you dearly.

From fines to reputation crises.

With a system that organizes and documents everything, you’re covered.

And if something happens, you know exactly where to look.

3 Challenges When Implementing GRC Software for CSRD

Yes, there are benefits.

But there are also challenges.

And it’s best to be aware of them from the start to avoid stumbling.

1. Complexity in ESG Data Collection

Many companies have scattered data, with no standardization and no clear responsibility.

The challenge is to map, digitize, and automate.

The good news is that with the right solution, this can be solved quickly.

2. Organizational Changes and Internal Resistance

Changing how we work always creates resistance. Especially if it means more visibility or control.

You need to involve teams from the start and show them the benefits. If not, you won’t move forward.

3. Lack of Technical Knowledge About ESG Regulations

CSRD, Taxonomy, ESRS... nobody is born knowing this stuff.

And often, companies don’t have an internal ESG team.

That’s why it’s crucial to have a solution that guides you and makes things simple.

You don’t need to be an expert to comply properly.

Our Vision as ESG Software Experts

At Dcycle, we’ve been helping companies manage their impact without complications for years.

We’re not consultants or auditors. We are a solution that turns your ESG data into a real management tool.

Because if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. And if you don’t improve, this market will leave you behind.

Our goal is to help you use sustainability for what it truly is: a competitive advantage, not a burden.

3 Key Recommendations Before Implementing Software for CSRD

Before jumping into choosing a solution, you need to do your homework.

Not everything that shines will work for your company.

Here are three basic keys you shouldn’t skip.

1. Evaluate Your Current and Future Needs

It’s not enough to cover today’s needs.

Ask yourself: what frameworks will you need to comply with in 6 or 12 months?

Your ESG solution must be ready to grow with you.

If it falls short, you’ll waste time and money adjusting it later.

2. Make Sure Your Team is Ready

No matter how good the tool is, if no one uses it properly, it’s useless.

You need a team that understands what’s expected and how to use the system.

Get people involved from the beginning.

The sooner they’re on board, the better everything will work.

3. Choose a Scalable Solution With Ongoing Support

There’s nothing worse than a platform that leaves you hanging when the rules change. And in ESG, that happens often.

Look for a solution that updates and supports you constantly.

Not just software, but a team behind it that understands what’s coming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is governance, risk and compliance software?

It’s a solution that allows you to control your ESG data, manage risks, and comply with regulations. All from a single platform. It gives you traceability, automation, and real control over what you do.

Why is it important for CSRD compliance?

Because CSRD isn’t just about reporting, it’s about demonstrating how you manage your impact. A GRC software helps you collect, organize, and report information rigorously and on time.

Which companies are required to comply with CSRD?

Large companies, listed ones, and soon SMEs that work with them. If you’re in Europe or do business with European companies, you’re included. And if you’re not prepared, it can get very expensive.

How long does it take to implement a GRC tool?

It depends on your starting point and the solution you choose. But with an agile platform, you can be up and running in just a few weeks. What matters is having a clear view of what you need to measure and who’s responsible for what.

Does Dcycle meet CSRD requirements?

Yes. Dcycle is specifically designed for that. We collect, organize, and generate reports that comply with CSRD, EINF, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISOs and more. And we do it without driving you crazy.

Does GRC software also work for frameworks like EINF or ISOs?

Absolutely. In fact, the ideal solution works for everything. A good ESG platform adapts your data to each framework without duplicating work. That’s the difference between just any software and one that truly works.

Take control of your ESG data today.
Take control of your ESG data today.
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Cristina Alcalá-Zamora
CSRD Specialist | Content Creator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.