I Found 5 Best Vendor Management Software You’ll Love

As a marketer, my primary focus has always been on executing creative strategies that drive business outcomes. However, as my responsibilities expanded, I dedicated more time to managing vendor relationships.

The need to track contracts, ensure timely payments, manage budgets, maintain compliance, and monitor performance quickly became overwhelming. Frustrated by the lack of control and the chaos that ensued, I set out to find the best vendor management software.

Upon deploying the right tools, I was able to centralize all vendor information in a single platform, which made it easier to manage multiple stakeholders and align diverse vendor deliverables with business goals. Automated payment reminders ensured deadlines were met, while the system helped me stay on top of compliance requirements, ensuring that all processes remained within regulatory standards.

After evaluating more than 10 tools, I found those that truly delivered. Whether you're managing multiple vendors, overseeing finances, ensuring compliance, or seeking operational efficiency, these tools provide the optimal solutions for keeping everything organized and running smoothly.

My top 5 best vendor management software recommendations for 2025

Through my research, I discovered that vendor management tools aren’t one-size-fits-all. They generally fall into three categories:

• Enterprise & workforce management: Tools like SAP Fieldglass help large organizations manage external workforce and vendor relationships at scale.
• Security & compliance management: Vanta focuses on vendor security compliance, ensuring that businesses meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Spend & expense management: Solutions like QuickBooks Online, Airbase, and Ramp streamline vendor payments, procurement, and financial oversight.

And the stakes keep rising: breaches involving a third party doubled to 30% in 2025, underscoring why security and governance belong in any vendor management stack. 

In this review, I’ll describe who these tools are best suited for and what to consider when choosing the right vendor management solution.

What I look for in the best vendor management software

When evaluating the best vendor management software, I focus on the following key features:

• Vendor performance monitoring and analytics: I require robust vendor performance tracking capabilities, with deep integration of key performance indicators (KPIs) for each vendor. This includes delivery accuracy, response times, product/service quality, and adherence to service level agreements (SLAs). I look for built-in reporting tools that allow for real-time data visualization, with options for generating performance reports through business intelligence (BI) tools. Customizable dashboards with drill-down capabilities enable deeper insights into vendor performance trends and risk factors, with automated alerts when performance deviates from agreed thresholds.
• Contract lifecycle management (CLM): The software should enable seamless contract creation, tracking, and management, leveraging automated workflows and e-signature functionality. I need tools for managing the entire contract lifecycle, including contract authoring, review, approval, and renewal. The software must include version control to track edits and ensure compliance with the most recent terms. It should also offer automated reminders for key contract milestones (expiration dates, renegotiation periods, and payment schedules) to prevent lapses or missed opportunities. A document management system (DMS) integrated into the software ensures that all contracts are securely stored, easily searchable, and accessible by authorized personnel.
• Integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems: Seamless integration with ERP systems is vital for synchronizing vendor data with procurement, finance, and inventory management systems. This integration should allow for automatic data flow between platforms to avoid manual entry, reduce errors, and enhance operational efficiency. I expect the software to support standard integration protocols, such as application programming interfaces (APIs) and webhooks, for bidirectional data synchronization. Additionally, the ability to export data to common file formats (e.g., CSV, XML) or BI tools for reporting and analysis is critical. For businesses that want to unify procurement and payments alongside vendor oversight, best procure-to-pay tools can be a strong complement.
• Risk management and compliance tracking: The software must include functionality for vendor risk assessments, tracking compliance with industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, SOX), and ensuring adherence to internal policies. Risk management features should include automated vendor due diligence checks, including financial stability, certifications, and insurance status. I look for compliance tracking tools that provide audit trails, risk scoring, and automated alerts if vendors fail to meet compliance standards. A built-in audit management feature should also be available for monitoring vendor-related activities and generating compliance reports for internal or external stakeholders.
• Centralized vendor data repository and search functionality: A centralized database for storing all vendor-related data (e.g., contracts, performance metrics, invoices, communications) is essential for easy access and retrieval. The system should have robust data indexing and search functionality, allowing for advanced filtering by vendor name, contract status, KPI metrics, or risk factors. Full-text search capability across all documents, with metadata tagging, enables quick discovery of relevant information. I also look for the ability to categorize vendors by type (e.g., strategic, preferred, transactional) and manage complex vendor networks with hierarchical relationships.
• Cost management and budget tracking: I need the software to offer tools for managing vendor costs, budgeting, and tracking financial performance. Features for monitoring vendor spending against agreed budgets, analyzing cost breakdowns by vendor, and generating spend reports are essential. Integration with accounting systems can help automate invoice processing and ensure payments are made on time, reducing administrative burden. I also look for the ability to manage price changes, discounts, and volume-based pricing to ensure the best possible terms are being met.

The list below contains genuine user reviews from our best vendor management software category page. To qualify for inclusion in the category, a product must:

• Track, categorize, and monitor vendors with performance and compliance insights.
• Manage contracts with approval workflows, renewal alerts, and compliance tracking.
• Store vendor details, agreements, and performance records in a centralized system.
• Upload and sync vendor and contract data from various sources.
• Provide email support for vendor communication and issue tracking.

This data has been pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews have been edited for clarity.

1. SAP Fieldglass: Best for managing contingent workforce and vendor relationships

SAP Fieldglass is a vendor management system designed to help businesses manage their external workforce efficiently. According to G2 Data, 42% enterprise
and 39% mid-market businesses choose it for their day-to-day operations. 

I noticed that the intuitive interface for vendor onboarding made the process much smoother than expected. The workflows were well-structured, guiding me through each step without unnecessary complications. Tracking vendor performance was simple, and I could easily monitor compliance, contract statuses, and overall engagement within the system.

One of the biggest advantages I observed was the all-in-one service platform, which consolidates payments, reports, and other critical functions in a single interface. This eliminated the need for multiple tools, making vendor and workforce management more seamless. 

Another standout feature was automating routine tasks, such as onboarding, offboarding, and invoicing. Instead of manually handling these repetitive processes, the system streamlined them, significantly reducing the effort required. This not only saved time but also helped minimize human errors that could disrupt workflow efficiency.

What impressed me the most was the compliance management system within SAP Fieldglass. The platform actively tracked compliance with labor laws and regulatory requirements, flagging any potential risks before they became an issue. This feature seemed particularly useful for organizations that work with multiple vendors across different regions, as it ensured that all necessary legal guidelines were met.

However, during my evaluation, I, like other G2 users, found that while the platform offers powerful capabilities, the setup and integration process can feel time-consuming. The initial configuration requires a solid understanding of the system, so without prior experience or expert assistance, it may take a bit of extra effort to implement smoothly.

Another aspect I noticed is that although the platform is robust and reliable, the response times for support tickets can occasionally be slower than expected. At times, queries needed back-and-forth communication, which delayed resolutions and made troubleshooting less efficient, something other G2 users have also pointed out.

I also observed that while the system provides comprehensive functionality, certain workflows and reporting elements aren’t fully customizable. For businesses with very specific requirements, this slight lack of flexibility could present some challenges.

What I dislike about SAP Fieldglass:

• I noticed that the setup and integration process can be quite time-consuming. From analyzing G2 reviews, many users feel that implementing the platform without prior experience or expert guidance isn’t straightforward.
• Support responsiveness was another area of concern for me. While the platform is robust, I observed delays in resolving issues, often requiring extended back-and-forth. Several other G2 reviewers have raised similar points about slow response times.

What G2 users dislike about SAP Fieldglass:

"The implementation process for SAP Fieldglass can be lengthy, taking up to 10-12 months due to the extensive migration of master and transaction data."

- SAP Fieldglass Review, Harsh N.

2. Vanta: Best for automating security and compliance processes

Vanta is a trust management platform designed to automate security and compliance processes, reduce manual effort, and ensure continuous monitoring. 

I quickly realized that its automation capabilities are one of its strongest features. It reliably handled routine security monitoring tasks without requiring constant manual oversight. This significantly reduced the workload, allowing for more focus on addressing security issues rather than just tracking them.

I also found Vanta’s security and compliance reports to be highly insightful. The platform continuously monitored the security and compliance status of our systems and tools, making it easy to detect vulnerabilities before they become serious problems. The real-time alerts were particularly useful, whenever an issue was detected, I was notified immediately.

A feature that stood out during my evaluation was the regulatory compliance documentation. The "starter guide" provided a well-structured introduction, making it easier to navigate the complexities of compliance. For those without prior experience, this is an excellent starting point, breaking down what needs to be done without overwhelming technical jargon.

I also appreciated the seamless integrations available within Vanta. Connecting existing tools was simple, and the pre-built integrations worked as expected. What really impressed me was the ability to build a "private integration," which allowed me to track multi-factor authentication (MFA) settings directly within Vanta. This level of flexibility makes it more useful for organizations with unique security tracking needs. 

However, I noticed that some of Vanta’s compliance processes were rigid. While the platform is excellent at ensuring compliance, the predefined workflows and requirements didn’t always align perfectly with specific needs. A bit more flexibility in tailoring compliance processes would have been beneficial.

Another issue I observed was the delay in updates reflecting on the platform. When a team member completed a task in the platform’s computer section, it sometimes took minutes or even hours for the changes to show. This lag led to confusion about task statuses and progress, making it difficult for some G2 users to track real-time updates. 

Lastly, I found that Vanta has a steep learning curve. The application, while powerful, could be more intuitive. Even with the starter guide, it took some external assistance from consultants to fully grasp how to navigate and optimize the platform. 

What I dislike about Vanta:

• I found some of Vanta’s compliance workflows to be quite rigid. The predefined processes didn’t always match our specific needs, and several G2 reviewers mentioned wishing for more flexibility in customization.
• I noticed delays in task updates appearing on the platform, which made real-time tracking challenging. Other users on G2 also highlighted this lag as a common frustration.

What G2 users dislike about Vanta:

"Vanta excels at maintaining compliance, but its rigid workflows don’t always align with our specific needs. Occasional syncing issues between platforms can cause delays, which is especially frustrating during time-sensitive tasks like audits."

- Vanta Review, David C.

3. QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive accounting platform that brings together expense management, payments, and payroll in one place.

When I evaluated the tool, I quickly noticed how intuitive and user-friendly its interface is. Despite having a range of features, the platform is designed to be accessible, making it easy to navigate even for someone who isn’t an accounting expert. Its ease of use makes it a top choice for small businesses. In fact, according to G2 Data, 82% of small businesses use QuickBooks.

One of the biggest advantages I found was the automation capabilities. Features like invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation are fully automated, saving a significant amount of time. This not only speeds up accounting tasks but also reduces the chance of manual errors, which is critical for maintaining accurate financial records.

A feature I particularly appreciated was the seamless integration with bank accounts and credit cards. Transactions are updated in real-time, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This is a game-changer when it comes to effortlessly tracking cash flow and expenses. Additionally, the ability to work from anywhere without being tied to a single device made workflows much more flexible.

Another aspect that stood out to me was the mobile app. Being able to send invoices and run financial reports directly from the phone adds an extra layer of convenience. Teams don't have to be in front of a laptop to manage finances, which is a huge plus for busy professionals who are always on the go.

However, I observed a few downsides. While QuickBooks Online has a well-designed interface, the learning curve can be steep for new users, especially for those unfamiliar with accounting software. It still takes some time to understand how everything works, particularly without prior experience.

Another limitation I noticed, like several G2 users, is the restricted customization options. QuickBooks Online offers many built-in features, but businesses with very specific needs might find them somewhat limiting. Greater flexibility in tailoring reports or workflows would make the tool even more powerful.

One aspect I observed during the evaluation is that while the platform is feature-rich, performance can occasionally lag. During peak usage hours, the platform sometimes became sluggish, which made working efficiently a bit challenging. Optimizing performance could significantly enhance the overall experience.

What I dislike about QuickBooks Online:

• I noticed that the learning curve can be steep, particularly for new users or those not familiar with accounting software. Even though the interface is well-designed, it takes time to fully understand how it works, and some users may require extra support.
• The platform’s limited customization options felt restrictive for businesses with unique needs. While the built-in features are useful, having more flexibility to tailor reports and workflows would make the platform more versatile—a point many G2 users have also highlighted.

What G2 users dislike about QuickBooks Online:

"Customization of accounting ledgers in QuickBooks Online can be challenging. An audit log with time and location tracking would help supervise contractor activity. Pre-configured GAAP/IFRS forms for audits and securities reporting would be a valuable addition. The platform also lacks stable connectivity to resource tracking tools like inventory or fleet management, leading to synchronization errors. Clearer instructions for per-project accounting are needed to prevent duplicate partner entries in the system."

- QuickBooks Online Review, Andrii L.

4. Airbase

Airbase has proven to be a game-changer in streamlining company spending. The platform combines procurement, payments, and expense management into one cohesive system, reducing friction and mitigating risks associated with financial processes.

During my evaluation, I was impressed with how easy it was to generate and use virtual cards. Teams could quickly create their own virtual card within the platform, making it convenient to manage transactions securely and efficiently. This feature has been particularly useful when making online purchases or managing recurring payments.

One of the standout features for me was the in-app communication functionality. Airbase makes it simple to initiate and track discussions with stakeholders. Whether it’s about approvals or clarifications, teams could easily keep track of conversations within the platform. This can help teams ensure there are no delays or confusion, as all communication is neatly organized and readily accessible.

A feature that I found particularly convenient was having vendors email receipts directly to my Airbase account, where they are automatically matched to a transaction. This could save teams countless hours of manually uploading receipts and matching them to credit card statements. It’s a simple yet effective solution that ensures all expenses are accurately documented with minimal effort.

Additionally, I studied Airbase's features to realize it integrates expense management, bill payments, and corporate cards (all of them!), which can greatly streamline financial processes. Instead of managing multiple systems for these tasks, everything is consolidated in one place. This integration can significantly save team time and reduce complexity in handling financial workflows.

However, as powerful as Airbase is, there are a few areas where I think it could improve. For one, while the platform provides solid standard reports, the ability to create highly customized reports could be more flexible. Being able to tailor reports to specific organizational needs would make Airbase even more effective for teams with unique reporting requirements.

Another minor inconvenience I observed, also noted by other G2 users, is the absence of a bulk download feature for bills from the same vendor. Currently, each bill must be downloaded individually, which can be a bit cumbersome when managing a large volume of transactions.

What I dislike about Airbase:

• I found that creating highly customized reports could be more flexible. While the standard reports are useful, the limited options for tailoring them to specific organizational needs make it less effective for teams with unique requirements.
• From analyzing multiple G2 reviews, I noticed that the lack of a bulk download feature for bills from the same vendor is a common frustration. Downloading each bill individually can become tedious, especially when managing large transaction volumes.

What G2 users dislike about Airbase:

"Airbase offers some customization capabilities, but more options would be beneficial, especially for use cases specific to our business. Currently, there are a few processes we can't tailor to fit our exact needs. This presents a growth opportunity for the platform. Additionally, while the existing integrations add value, having access to an API would allow us to build custom integrations and better leverage the inflow and outflow of data to meet our specific requirements. This flexibility would enhance our experience and make Airbase more adaptable to our workflows."

- Airbase Review, Andy P.

5. Ramp

Ramp is a spend management platform that seamlessly integrates with various tech stacks. It has been integral to vendor relations teams of all sizes in managing company cards, travel expenses, and bill payments via an automated clearing house (ACH).

One of the most impressive aspects of Ramp is how it automates the accounts payable (AP) process. I observed how users could forward bills directly from an email inbox or upload them directly into the platform.

The AI-driven automation was incredibly accurate in reading the bills and auto-filling the details, saving a lot of manual entry. I believe this feature could drastically cut down on the time spent entering data, reducing both the chance for errors and the workload. 

I also discovered from various reviews that using virtual cards through Ramp makes payments easier and safer. One time, when Ramp noticed suspicious activity on a virtual card, it immediately sent a team member an alert. This meant stakeholders didn’t have to worry about canceling a physical card or dealing with the usual complications of fraud. According to G2 Data, 94% of users praised Ramp for sending such automatic reminders. 

The best part? The hierarchical authorization system within Ramp. The flexibility to submit receipts on the spot or automatically submit them via Gmail or Amazon makes it incredibly easy for teams to manage transactions. Moreover, I noticed that the option to code receipts directly into the General Ledger on the fly helped eliminate accounting delays, ensuring that everything was updated in real time.

However, during my evaluation, I noticed a few areas for improvement. One key thing I felt was missing was a built-in sync dashboard. Many G2 reviewers also wished for a more centralized view that would display the sync status of AP, reimbursement, and credit card transactions with the accounting system.

Additionally, while the tool provides robust reporting capabilities, the reporting interfaces can be a bit tricky to navigate. Recreating the same exports for monthly and quarterly closes often took more time than expected, something other G2 users have also experienced.

Another aspect I observed is that the platform has a short period between charge and payment date. All payments are processed on the same date, whether the charge was made recently or 30 days ago, which can feel a bit limiting compared to other credit cards that offer a longer float.

What I dislike about Ramp:

• I found the absence of a built-in sync dashboard a bit overwhelming. Having a centralized view showing the sync status of accounts payable, reimbursements, and credit card transactions would make monitoring much easier.
• Navigating the reporting interfaces felt cumbersome. Recreating the same exports for monthly and quarterly closes took longer than expected, and several G2 users have also mentioned similar frustrations with report generation efficiency.

What G2 users dislike about Ramp:

"While Ramp offers a solid travel booking feature, it does have some limitations. The travel options are restricted to Priceline, which excludes certain airlines like Southwest, and there is no support for booking trains, such as Amtrak, which is often used by employees traveling between cities like DC and New York. Additionally, while it's possible to set up an employee as a delegate to manage receipts for someone else, it would be beneficial if delegates could also have the ability to book travel on behalf of their managers, further streamlining the process."

- Ramp Review, Kim T.

Best vendor management software: frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Which vendor management system offers the most advanced contract tracking?

SAP Fieldglass — track contract statuses, renewals, SLAs, and compliance in one system with robust workflows and audit trails.

2. What is the best platform for onboarding and evaluating suppliers?

SAP Fieldglass — structured onboarding plus performance and compliance monitoring make supplier evaluation straightforward at scale.

3. Which vendor provides AI-driven vendor risk analysis?

Vanta — automated, continuous security/compliance monitoring with real-time alerts and evidence collection to surface vendor risk quickly.

4. What platform integrates vendor management with procurement systems?

Airbase — unifies procurement, approvals, bill pay, expense management, and corporate cards in a single platform.

5. Which solution supports multi-tier vendor relationships?

SAP Fieldglass — built for complex, multi-entity vendor and contingent-workforce programs across regions and business units.

6. What is the most affordable vendor management software for SMBs?

Ramp offers low per-user pricing (from $15/user/mo) and automation for spend/AP; QuickBooks Online (from $17.50/mo) is a budget-friendly choice when you also need accounting + vendor payments.

7. Which vendor offers advanced vendor performance analytics?

SAP Fieldglass — KPI dashboards for delivery, quality, responsiveness, and SLA adherence with alerts on deviations.

8. What platform provides compliance tracking for vendor agreements?

Vanta — centralized, continuous compliance tracking with controls, documentation, and alerts mapped to frameworks and policies.

9. Which tool supports global vendor data consolidation?

SAP Fieldglass — central repository for vendor records, contracts, and performance data with multi-region compliance oversight.

10. What is the top-rated vendor management platform for enterprises?

SAP Fieldglass for enterprise-scale vendor and external-workforce programs; Vanta for enterprises prioritizing security and regulatory compliance across vendors.

Running like a well-oiled machine

I can't imagine a workday without vendor management automation. Different vendor relationships require different functionalities, from risk assessment and compliance monitoring to procurement, spend management, and contract negotiation. For me, using multiple platforms tailored to specific needs works best.

Using one or more tools together helps organizations stay on top of vendor performance, monitor financial stability, and reduce complexities in working with third-party vendors. The key is selecting tools that align with your organization's needs and integrate seamlessly

Start using the best expense management software to optimize spend tracking and improve vendor relationships.