# Essential ERM Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Essential ERM the right Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) solution for you? Explore 26 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/176625/Essential-ERM/reviews --- Essential ERM 4.7 (26) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated January 15th, 2026 # Reviews of Essential ERM Ease of use 4.8 Customer Service 4.9 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews KM Kate M AnalystNon-Profit Organization Management, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It offers straightforward interface and fictionality.“ November 21, 2025 PH Peter H Enterprise Risk ConsultantGovernment Administration, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The ability to establish risk portfolios for highly diverse and complex organizations with consolidation is a brilliant feature.“ December 1, 2022 PH Peter H Enterprise Risk ConsultantGovernment Administration, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The Essential ERM design and support team are very progressive, creative and repsosnive to industry developments and client needs.“ December 1, 2022 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 26 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Bob N. Chief Operating Officer Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Essential ERM implemented a solution and engaged more like a partner than a supplier." October 1, 2019 4.0 We wanted to formalize and create a structure for our risk management process that engaged teams across the organization to easily & effectively add/change/delete risk events, and both assess and manage risk. has proven to be a very cost-effective and adaptable tool to achieve our goal. The company understands the needs of the not-for-profit sector and have been very committed to our success. Pros The software is flexible in meeting our needs and growing with us, as well as encouraging collaboration across our organization. While does provide great training and support, the software is intuitive and easy to pick-up. Cons We are relatively new users, and have not found any issues of concern. Review Source KM Kate M. Analyst Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "a clear and structured tool. " November 21, 2025 5.0 My overall experience with the tool has been positive. The platform provides a clear structured way for leading and supporting our organization in ERM. Pros is helpful tool for organizing and tracking risks. It offers straightforward interface and fictionality. it is a solid choice for teams that are building transparent, structured and resilient ERM process. I appreciate the clear structure of the platform, Functionality: 1. Risks visibility 2. Voting 3. Option to maintaining consistent risk register The platform is amazing 10/10 Cons I would appreciate having the option to connect directly to power BI as it would significantly enhance reporting capabilities and streamline dashboard creation. Review Source AF Ahmed F. Reviewer Accounting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Comprehensive review " August 5, 2021 4.0 Pros This program is considered very wonderful for several reasons, firstly that it provides new methods in the ways of managing business and institutions and facilitating communication by providing a suitable software environment to complete businessIt and is easy to use and its intervention in the work is very useful Cons There is one thing I did not like that it takes more time than I expected to master it, but after you master it, it will be comfortable to use Review Source RR Robert R. Senior Compliance Manager Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "A good product" October 9, 2024 5.0 \* Flexible \* Dynamic \* Trail period with full training \* Understandable functionality \* Straightforward to use \* Customisable Pros Our initial introduction with was very positive. They listened to what we already have in place and clearly demonstrated what their solution could offer. This is a very comprehensive package, that can be started in a small way and then extra added as and when the business users become more familiar. The demonstration went through the full offering and it was easy to understand how it could fit within our businesses. The analytics reporting is excellent and ideal for high level reporting to Boards or individual business units. Cons From the experience we have using the trial and demo, we could not think of any cons. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer ERM Manager Banking Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Essential ERM is straightforward and stregthens the ERM Program " January 20, 2024 4.0 Pros provides a single view of the risks in real time and links to risk appetite and strategies. The indicators are easy to track and monitor. The workflows and other functionalities improve decision making and collaboration. It can be implemented in a very short time (2-6 weeks) even without IT implementation experience and their team is prompt and responsive. Its a must have as risk assessments should be dynamic and risk data are quickly changing. An entity can use every day to know whats top of mind or emerging risks and escalations that must responded to. Cons Because audiences are different, report customizations would help. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Contract Insurance Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "User friendly & supportive team" August 13, 2018 5.0 At this time we are not solving any current problems because the software does not have the capability to provide us with management reports in dollars. Our experience with the software and the people at Tracker Networks has been excellent. Once reports are generated that are useful to the Board, and our regulators, we will be able to cease using an excel spreadsheet for our risk register. Until then we will continue to populate and manage the manual process - so, unfortunately, we are doubling our work effort. Pros I like that the software is very user friendly. I can navigate easily. The sorting capabilities are appropriate for our business. Whenever I run into a situation customer service promptly investigates and provides guidance. So far we have been using a risk register designed on a spreadsheet. The Bowtie format has made us think about the root cause and mitigation more specifically rather than a broad view/approach. Cons For our business, the Board want us to quantify the risks and impact to the business in dollars. For us to be able to successfully implement using , we need to be able to produce various reports with dollars. ie Top 10 risks; Summary report of all risks; Risk Category; Key Measures Report (which is required for reporting to the regulators). Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Consultant Management Consulting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Essential ERM is Fantastic, A Must Use!" October 26, 2022 5.0 Allows me to uncover potential problems before they become real issues. Allowing me to plan, prepare, and be more productive! Pros provides a unique outlook on the factors involved with business, clients, and personnel. It allowed me to find issues that I would otherwise have missed, or forgotten about. Not to mention that is super easy to use! Cons Despite the lack of issues with , since the program worked great, the part I dislike most is that Essential ERM highlights a lot of the issues, mistakes, or problems that have been hidden from me. Highlighting my issues only shows that the way to improve this part I dislike is solely on me now. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Manager, Information Security Airlines/Aviation Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Easy to use and focused risk management solution" October 11, 2022 5.0 Great team to work with and great tool. The whole process was a breeze, very supportive company. Pros It was the perfect solution to increase our risk management maturity. We have a much clearer view of our program and risk profile after we started using the tool. Cons There could be some more reporting options and report types, but overall it fulfill our needs very well. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Senior Consultant, Risk Advisory Financial Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Essential ERM - Your company's 1 stop for everythign ERM" August 2, 2018 5.0 Very happy with the tool! helps automate the process which people go through to identify, prioritize and manage the risks of their organizations. It allows both the risk function as well as the front line to understand the ERM framework and provide useful insights. Looking forward to the integration of voting coming soon! Pros Intuitive, easy to use design allowing for very easy customization. Some of the top selling features: -Real-time, web-based and accessible world-wide -Allows users to create and prioritizing custom risks -Automatic follow-up on action items -Automatically creates adjustable and comparable risk heat maps - Uses ERM best-practice a bow-tie approach for individual risks Cons Some functionalities still under development, but this does not alter our use of the tool. Review Source Bill W. Speaker / Instructor Accounting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Easy to understand, easy to access, extremely valuable as a management tool" July 27, 2018 4.0 Extremely useful and accessible tool Pros Professionally done. Connects with what Risk Management needs. And as noted above - very easy to understand and access Cons Haven't used it enough to determine how "real time" customer support is. But overall, Miles and his team have a great Risk Management tool here. Review Source PO Paul O. Risk Manager Insurance Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Loving Essential ERM software." October 10, 2024 5.0 The team is extremely helpful in bringing newbies up to speed and the software is quite intuitive. Also the price is amazing for the functionality provided. Pros The optionality of the tool within the individual modules. Cons I would like a bit more control over the format of printable reports but this is very minor. Review Source PH Peter H. Enterprise Risk Consultant Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Essential ERM - Setting the Standard for Strategic Risk Management" December 1, 2022 5.0 My overall expereiewnce has been excellent. The Executive and Design Team have bene highly repsonsive to our suggestions for platform enhancements. It has been an incredible journey with the team over the past several years with major benefits to the enterprise risk management world. Pros The software is based on the Bow Tie Methodology and grounded in the ISO 31000. It's core architecture is tied to strategic objective setting with great features for risk appeptite and mitigation tracking. The design and support team are very progressive, creative and repsosnive to industry developments and client needs.The ability to establish risk portfolios for highly diverse and complex organizations with consolidation is a brilliant feature.The risk profiles of individual projects or intiitatives can also managed within Essential ERM. Cons The Team have been highly responsive to requests for improvement in dasboard reporting, voting technology and key risk indicators. The interface capability to industry standard rporting tools such as Power BI has been significantly improved. I can't say at this point I have any major dislikes of the software. Reason for choosing Essential ERM Core architecture - well grounded in staretgic risk decsion making, the Bow Tie Method and ISO 31000 risk management standard.Ease of use and intutiive interface and dashboard.Strong customer support from the Executive, Design and Support teams.A very progressive view of risk management from strategic enterprise , operational and portfolio risk management. Review Source PR Pat R. Exexutive Advisor, Corporate Strategy and Risk Insurance Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good easy to use Enterprise Riaks Management Application" October 24, 2022 5.0 has created efficiencies in our risk tracking and reporting process. Pros is easy to configure and use. Manual processes can be automated to make ERM administration and reporting much more efficient. Cons Transitioning from another application or manual risk tracking requires some effort to enter all of the data for the first time. However, the efficiencies after initial configuration and data entry quickly outweigh the effort and time for initial entry. Review Source SW Samantha W. Enterprise Risk and Audit Director Textiles Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Essential ERM, excellent customer service and flexibility for ERM processes" November 4, 2022 5.0 Fantastic. It is a quality product that was easy to implement and teach to our BUs. Customer service is prompt and extremely helpful. Pros The product is easy to use and to implement. Cons Would love integration with audit software. Reason for choosing Essential ERM The flexibility to customize the program to our business structure and it was the only software that focused on what I need to risk management. The other software companies focus on audit software first and ERM is an afterthought. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Vice President, Chief Information, Privacy & Security Officer Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Good solution that meets our needs" October 1, 2019 5.0 We have multiple organizations working on a large, multi-year shared program. Tool is used to manage the shared enterprise risks; all orgs have access and use it to review and document progress to mitigations. Also use the tool for other internal risks; the added feature to allow segregation of risks by org or people is helpful. Pros Easy to use and onboard my staff. Did not need a lot of education on how to technically use and navigate the software. Functionality to capture the risk with pre, post mitigation and events is helpful for staff to think through what is important to document for a risk. Appreciate the functionality for risk velocity and other prioritization factors; helps focus our regular reviews. Vendor is open to feedback and enhancing the solution. Cons Reporting is still improving; hard to change our old habits of presenting risks at a meeting without using the tool in the meeting. Like the trending of how a risk is progressing; expect in time it could be presented differently or available in different parts of the application. Reason for choosing Essential ERM While the insurance tool was free and was a good tool with, it was setup for use by healthcare for risks that are common to delivering healthcare programs; so its features and capability actually became a limitation as they did not support us adding new risk types, categories, etc. We were using MS Excel in meantime. was a very good alternative to the free tool and Excel. Review Source DW Deryck W. CFO Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A great product" November 3, 2022 5.0 Risk management. We have many we have to deal with, as a result of the nature of our operation. Pros I found it easy to use, and especially like the way we can integrate it - with our strategy and with our work plans, so it is a living process. Cons Truly, I don't find anything missing. We've had great support, the site is fast and reliable and secure. I like the way they stay on top of the ERM trends and keep improving the product. Reason for choosing Essential ERM Easily best value for money. Review Source CW Carol W. ERM Consultant Management Consulting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Easy to Implement for ERM Beginners" October 1, 2019 4.0 Using the software gets you out of using spreadsheets, which is a definite plus. The ability to link risks to objectives is important for executives. The support for has been extremely responsive to questions. Pros If you don't have any existing ERM processes, is a great way to jump start a consistent method for identifying and managing risks in your organization. It is easy to use and encourages true understand of the risks so you can address the reason the risk exists, not just the consequence. Cons The software is harder to use if your organization has an established process or methodology, as the system has limited customization available. Ensure that the way the software is built will fit your organization and its needs. Reason for choosing Essential ERM Pricing and simplicity Review Source TH Tom H. UK Operations Manager Religious Institutions Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "A solid, intuitive, developing risk management tool" September 26, 2019 5.0 The customer service, particular from our Account Manager, has been excellent Pros It's user-friendly, intuitive and thorough. Everything works as you should expect, and the risk process has a very good flow. Cons As it is a developing piece of software there are some features that are still to be added, such as the reporting capabilities, but the response to ideas and queries has been excellent, and I'm confident things will continue to grow/improve! Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Risk Management Consultant Banking Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Essential ERM provides what is needed" August 2, 2018 5.0 I am using in support of my consulting practice. Pros This software is simple while providing the essential requirements to enable leaders to identify and manage risks, adding valuable insights to help them be more successful. Cons Creating and maintaining a valid value added risk assessment is challenging. Leaders and teams often struggle to identify and describe risks in ways which add value. Libraries and industry data can provide management with a reference point and in identifying "blind spots". Effective risk management is being able to consider the unlikely and undesired, biases get in the way. provides a solid database. Management may face bias challenges. Review Source NM Navin M. na Accounting Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Optrimizing Risk information " August 13, 2018 5.0 Trying to get a handle on management risk information from across differing entities in the organization proved to be a challenge. The solution was simple to use, efficient and great at reporting. Made an impact on communicating risk information. Pros Ease of use, flexibility, cost, user interface, support team and the innovative mindset of the developers Cons Integration with other assurance functions and reporting seems to be evolving and is still new Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Managing Director, Technology Risk & Security | Advisory Services Financial Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Essential ERM is an essential tool for any organization to manage their ERM outside of spreadsheets." August 18, 2018 5.0 Pros The software is seamless, very easy to implement and extremely user friendly. There is no clutter and any complicated functionality. Very easy to configure and has very good reporting options. Cons The product needs more reports, but I am sure they are being developed and will be part of the upcoming releases. Review Source CS Carolyn S. Director, Pension Modernization Government Administration Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Essential ERM software review" October 8, 2019 5.0 Great. Pros Methodology - Bow Tie. Voting capability. Risk event views. Reporting views. Ability to see and address gaps Cons Big issue - If I have the same action repeated for several risks it shows up as different actions. Minor issue - Lack of printable /sharable risk event view (when needing to share outside of software, e.g. in a meeting) Review Source SD Steve D. Director of Finance & Controller Insurance Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Tracker Business Partner review" August 7, 2018 5.0 The business problems we are solving with ERM is creating engagement with our teams who have responsibility for assessing and documenting risks within our ERM process. Those with little prior experience in SOX or other types of risk evaluation find the tool intuitive, logical and provides the ability to link the outcomes in a more streamlined and visual fashion. Pros The Software is an intuitive dynamic tool that takes a relatively complex subject area and allows the user to simplify the process of risk assessment, quantification and tracking of identified risks. this has been a big help to our team as we look to expand the knowledge base and accountabilities of our team as we look to embed ERM into our orgainzation. Cons At this point we have not identified any significant issues or challenges with the software. The Trackers team has been great at taking feedback and incorporating changes to the product where it makes sense. Review Source MB Mishma B. Risk Analyst Financial Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Essential ERM" October 1, 2019 4.0 Pros \- User friendly - Great Bow-tie functionality - Great pricing Cons \- Reporting functionality needs to be developed more - KRI functionality missing Reason for choosing Essential ERM Better pricing Review Source UK Urooj K. Manager Privacy and Risk Management Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Essential ERM Review" August 3, 2018 4.0 Pros Ease of use, User friendly Easy to create risk categories Easy to conduct analysis Cons Some of the features are under development. Although, the development team is very recptive to suggestions Review Source ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. Talk to a Capterra advisor for free and get results within 15 minutes.