# Essential ERM vs Optro Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that AuditBoard excels in providing a comprehensive risk management solution, with users highlighting its ability to conduct thorough risk assessments and audits. The centralized workflow allows for easy access to all necessary documentation, enhancing compliance and governance processes.
- **Users say** that Essential ERM stands out for its intuitive interface, making it easy for both new and experienced risk managers to navigate. Reviewers appreciate the straightforward setup of risks and the ability to create a clear hierarchy of risk scenarios, which simplifies the risk management process.
- **According to verified reviews** , AuditBoard's user experience is generally praised for its modern design and ease of navigation. Users have noted that the initial setup is relatively simple, which helps teams get up and running quickly without significant hurdles.
- **Reviewers mention** that Essential ERM benefits from regular updates that keep the software relevant and aligned with user needs. This commitment to continuous improvement is seen as a significant advantage, ensuring that the tool remains effective for daily risk management tasks.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while AuditBoard has a strong overall satisfaction score, it faces challenges in specific areas like mobile access and flexibility compared to Essential ERM, which is noted for its superior performance in these aspects, making it more adaptable for various user environments.
- **Users report** that AuditBoard's support quality is commendable, but Essential ERM takes the lead with higher ratings in customer support and training resources. This difference can be crucial for teams that require ongoing assistance and learning opportunities to maximize their use of the software.



| | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.8 out of 5 | 4.6 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 42 | 1,595 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (37.5% of reviews) | Enterprise (59.6% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Free Trial | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Essential ERM

Pros:
- Customer Support (3 reviews)
- Ease of Use (3 reviews)

Cons:
- Improvement Needed (2 reviews)
- Document Management Issues (1 reviews)

### Optro

Pros:
- Ease of Use (384 reviews)
- Audit Management (237 reviews)

Cons:
- Limited Functionality (122 reviews)
- Improvement Needed (100 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.5 (31 reviews) | 8.7 (1335 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 9.6 (32 reviews) | 8.8 (1374 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.4 (27 reviews) | 8.1 (988 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.6 (23 reviews) | 8.4 (749 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 9.8 (32 reviews) | 8.6 (1299 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.9 (23 reviews) | 9.0 (757 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 10.0 (30 reviews) | 9.6 (1337 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Essential ERM

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Professional Edition

Price: Free Trial

Description: Suitable for medium-sized teams

Key Features:
- All Essentials features, plus:
- Action Plan workflow module
- Voting & data collection

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/essential-erm/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Optro

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Investigation Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Essential ERM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Optro** | N/A | N/A |

#### Case Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Intake** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Assignment** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Escalation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Analytics

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Metrics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Investigation Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Essential ERM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Optro** | 7.9/10 | 30 |

#### Data Collection

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Types** | Not enough data | 7.8 (29 reviews) | 
| **Data Sources** | Not enough data | 7.7 (30 reviews) | 
| **Third Party** | Not enough data | 7.1 (29 reviews) | 

#### Reporting

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Ratings** | Not enough data | 7.9 (28 reviews) | 
| **Investment** | Not enough data | 7.8 (28 reviews) | 
| **Public** | Not enough data | 7.8 (27 reviews) | 

#### Integration

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Governance, Risk & Compliance** | Not enough data | 8.5 (29 reviews) | 
| **Finance** | Not enough data | 8.0 (29 reviews) | 
| **Environmental, Quality and Safety Management** | Not enough data | 7.8 (27 reviews) | 

#### Risk Management - Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Communications** | Not enough data | 7.8 (20 reviews) | 
| **Risk Identification** | Not enough data | 7.8 (20 reviews) | 
| **Risk Assessment** | Not enough data | 7.8 (19 reviews) | 
| **Strategic Planning** | Not enough data | 7.5 (19 reviews) | 

#### Reporting - Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Benchmarking & Competitive Analysis** | Not enough data | 7.5 (19 reviews) | 
| **Actionable Insights** | Not enough data | 7.6 (19 reviews) | 
| **AI-Enabled ESG Reporting** | Not enough data | 7.6 (18 reviews) | 
| **Performance Tracking** | Not enough data | 7.1 (18 reviews) | 
| **Compliance Reporting** | Not enough data | 7.6 (15 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | 8.7 (5 reviews) | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 

### Third Party & Supplier Risk Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Essential ERM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Optro** | 8.0/10 | 64 |

#### Risk Assessment

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Scoring** | Not enough data | 8.3 (52 reviews) | 
| **AI** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

#### Risk Control

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Reviews** | Not enough data | 8.4 (59 reviews) | 
| **Policies** | Not enough data | 8.5 (55 reviews) | 
| **Workflows** | Not enough data | 8.9 (62 reviews) | 

#### Monitoring

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Vendor Performance** | Not enough data | 8.3 (54 reviews) | 
| **Notifications** | Not enough data | 8.4 (60 reviews) | 
| **Oversight** | Not enough data | 8.5 (57 reviews) | 

#### Reporting

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Templates** | Not enough data | 8.5 (60 reviews) | 
| **Centralized Data** | Not enough data | 8.7 (59 reviews) | 
| **360 View** | Not enough data | 8.0 (52 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Third Party & Supplier Risk Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | 6.3 (10 reviews) | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | 5.9 (9 reviews) | 

### IT Risk Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Essential ERM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Optro** | 7.2/10 | 85 |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | 7.5 (83 reviews) | 

#### Monitoring - IT Risk Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Monitoring** | Not enough data | 7.0 (28 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - IT Risk Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | 6.8 (27 reviews) | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | 7.4 (27 reviews) | 

### Audit Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Essential ERM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Optro** | 7.9/10 | 686 |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 7.5 (450 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | 7.5 (451 reviews) | 

#### Workflows - Audit Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Audit Trail** | Not enough data | 8.5 (422 reviews) | 
| **Recommendations** | Not enough data | 8.2 (412 reviews) | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | 8.2 (410 reviews) | 
| **Integrations** | Not enough data | 7.4 (398 reviews) | 
| **Planning & Scheduling** | Not enough data | 7.6 (401 reviews) | 

#### Documentation - Audit Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Templates & Forms** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Checklists** | Not enough data | 8.0 (408 reviews) | 

#### Reporting & Analytics - Audit Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dashboard** | Not enough data | 7.9 (414 reviews) | 
| **Audit Performance** | Not enough data | 8.3 (406 reviews) | 
| **Industry Compliance** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

### Regulatory Change Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Essential ERM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Optro** | 7.0/10 | 25 |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | 8.0 (25 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 7.8 (24 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Regulatory Change Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | 6.2 (7 reviews) | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | 6.9 (7 reviews) | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | 6.7 (7 reviews) | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | 7.6 (7 reviews) | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | 5.6 (6 reviews) | 

### Security Compliance

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Essential ERM** | N/A | N/A |
| **Optro** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI - Security Compliance

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Predictive Risk** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Automated Documentation** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

### Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Essential ERM** | 9.3/10 | 28 |
| **Optro** | 7.8/10 | 395 |

#### Risk Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Risk Identification** | 9.6 (25 reviews) | 8.1 (330 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Risk Classification** | 9.5 (25 reviews) | 8.2 (327 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Risk Methodology** | 9.6 (25 reviews) | 8.1 (327 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Goals Monitoring** | 9.2 (23 reviews) | 7.8 (302 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Business Continuity Management

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Recovery Plans** | 8.5 (9 reviews) | 7.4 (230 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Procedure Templates** | Feature Not Available | 7.7 (249 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Crisis Management** | 8.3 (8 reviews) | 7.3 (222 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | 7.1 (158 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 7.1 (158 reviews) | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integration** | 8.2 (11 reviews) | 7.7 (276 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Security & Privacy** | 9.4 (21 reviews) | 8.3 (290 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Mobile Access** | 9.2 (15 reviews) | 6.9 (261 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Flexibility** | 9.2 (25 reviews) | 8.2 (299 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Services

| Feature | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Implementation** | 9.9 (24 reviews) | 7.9 (306 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Training & Learning** | 9.4 (24 reviews) | 8.3 (312 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Customer Support** | 9.9 (26 reviews) | 8.4 (308 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Professional Services** | 9.6 (17 reviews) | 8.1 (287 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (3):** [Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/enterprise-risk-management-erm), [Regulatory Change Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/regulatory-change-management), [Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/environmental-social-and-governance-esg-reporting)

**Unique to Essential ERM (1):** [Investigation Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/investigation-management)

**Unique to Optro (4):** [Security Compliance Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/security-compliance), [Third Party & Supplier Risk Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/third-party-supplier-risk-management), [Audit Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/audit-management), [IT Risk Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/it-risk-management)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Essential ERM | Optro | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 30.0% | 19.8% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 32.5% | 20.7% | 
| **Enterprise** | 37.5% | 59.6% | 

### By Industry

#### Essential ERM

- **Management Consulting:** 12.5%
- **Financial Services:** 10.0%
- **Oil & Energy:** 7.5%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 7.5%
- **Medical Devices:** 7.5%
- **Banking:** 5.0%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 5.0%
- **Education Management:** 5.0%
- **Accounting:** 2.5%
- **Airlines/Aviation:** 2.5%
- **Other:** 35.0%

#### Optro

- **Financial Services:** 11.1%
- **Accounting:** 6.6%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 6.2%
- **Insurance:** 6.0%
- **Manufacturing:** 5.5%
- **Banking:** 5.4%
- **Retail:** 4.0%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 3.9%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.9%
- **Computer Software:** 3.7%
- **Other:** 43.6%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Essential ERM

- [Workiva](https://www.g2.com/products/workiva-workiva/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (2145 reviews)
- [Sprinto](https://www.g2.com/products/sprinto-inc/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (1638 reviews)
- [Relativity](https://www.g2.com/products/relativity/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (635 reviews)
- [Logikcull](https://www.g2.com/products/logikcull/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (516 reviews)
- [Visualping](https://www.g2.com/products/visualping/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (429 reviews)
- [Pirani](https://www.g2.com/products/pirani/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (333 reviews)
- [Workday Adaptive Planning](https://www.g2.com/products/workday-adaptive-planning/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (307 reviews)
- [Hyperproof](https://www.g2.com/products/hyperproof/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (216 reviews)
- [LogicGate Risk Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/logicgate-risk-cloud/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (190 reviews)
- [Ncontracts](https://www.g2.com/products/ncontracts-ncontracts/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (181 reviews)

### Alternatives to Optro

- [LogicGate Risk Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/logicgate-risk-cloud/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (190 reviews)
- [Archer](https://www.g2.com/products/archer-technologies-archer/reviews) — 3.6/5 stars (20 reviews)
- [SAI360](https://www.g2.com/products/sai360/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (115 reviews)
- [ServiceNow Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)](https://www.g2.com/products/servicenow-governance-risk-and-compliance-grc/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (108 reviews)
- [Hyperproof](https://www.g2.com/products/hyperproof/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (216 reviews)
- [Sprinto](https://www.g2.com/products/sprinto-inc/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (1638 reviews)
- [Diligent One Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/diligent-one-platform/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (149 reviews)
- [Resolver](https://www.g2.com/products/resolver/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (179 reviews)
- [Vanta](https://www.g2.com/products/vanta/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (2433 reviews)
- [Workiva](https://www.g2.com/products/workiva-workiva/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (2145 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Essential ERM

- Title: [What does ERM software do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/essential-erm-what-does-erm-software-do) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Help to identify and manage risks within a business "

### Optro

- Title: [Is there any possibility of reviewing the work papers within tool rather than downloading them.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/12286-is-there-any-possibility-of-reviewing-the-work-papers-within-tool-rather-than-downloading-them) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "I think if you view the work paper in the embedded testing section you don't have to download.  Additionally, the work papers in the supporting documentation..."
- Title: [What is AuditBoard used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-auditboard-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Managing the Audits and Risk, DR"
- Title: [What is audit management software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-audit-management-software) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Software to help organize your workpapers for audits and projects along with surveying and follow-up tools with your clients.  It also can help you with your..."
- Title: [What is Soxhub?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-soxhub) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Tool for internal controls documentation and Sarbanes Oxley required testing of controls"

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/essential-erm-vs-optro)