IBM OpenPages vs Workiva Wdesk comparison

IBM and Workiva are both solutions in the GRC category. IBM is ranked #7 with an average rating of 8.0, while Workiva is ranked #8 with an average rating of 7.0. IBM holds a 2.6% mindshare in G, compared to Workiva’s 2.9% mindshare. Additionally, 71% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 71% of Workiva users who would recommend it.

IBM OpenPages

Read 9 IBM OpenPages reviews

2,383 Views
2,169 Comparison Views

71% willing to recommend

Workiva Wdesk

Read 7 Workiva Wdesk reviews

3,586 Views
2,187 Comparison Views

71% willing to recommend

IBM OpenPages

Workiva Wdesk

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 4, 2025

IBM OpenPages and Workiva Wdesk compete in enterprise governance, risk, and compliance management. Workiva Wdesk appears to have an advantage with its superior integration capabilities and data aggregation flexibility.

Features: IBM OpenPages has strong risk management features, robust regulatory frameworks, and effective compliance handling. Workiva Wdesk provides powerful collaborative tools, comprehensive reporting capabilities, and exceptional platform integration for seamless data management across departments.

Room for Improvement: IBM OpenPages could enhance user interface intuitiveness, reduce implementation time, and offer more flexible integration options. Workiva Wdesk could benefit from addressing compatibility issues with more diverse software environments, reduce costs of advanced features, and further enhance reporting customization options.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: IBM OpenPages typically requires a detailed implementation process, offering significant customization. Workiva Wdesk stands out with its cloud-based deployment, providing streamlined setup. Workiva's customer service is appreciated for its responsiveness and proactive support throughout and post-deployment phases.

Pricing and ROI: IBM OpenPages involves a higher initial investment, suitable for organizations that expect long-term savings from risk management. Workiva Wdesk offers flexible pricing with high ROI potential, appealing to businesses focusing on scalability and cost efficiency.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM OpenPages vs. Workiva Wdesk Report (Updated: April 2026).

Buyer's Guide

IBM OpenPages vs. Workiva Wdesk

April 2026

Download the complete report

Helped 892,943 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

IBM OpenPages

Ranking in GRC

7th

Average Rating

7.2

Reviews Sentiment

7.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

IT Governance (3rd)

Workiva Wdesk

Ranking in GRC

8th

Average Rating

7.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Business Performance Management (12th), Financial Close Software (6th)

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2026, in the GRC category, the mindshare of IBM OpenPages is 2.6%, down from 6.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Workiva Wdesk is 2.9%, down from 7.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

GRC Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
IBM OpenPages	2.6%
Workiva Wdesk	2.9%
Other	94.5%

GRC

Featured Reviews

Gabriele Meneguzzi

GRC Practice Leader at Stratos Analytics

Have improved operational control and simplified internal workflows through a clear user interface

The most useful features in IBM OpenPages are the workflow features and front-end. The workflow feature in IBM OpenPages is very flexible, easy to configure, and can help design every kind of process, while the front-end is very useful, clear, simple, and dynamic. The benefit of a centralized platform in risk management, such as IBM OpenPages, is that it allows sharing information and guarantees a central framework of risk and control. The dashboards in IBM OpenPages help with monitoring processes for different users and profiles, and we use the dashboard extensively to show the state of different processes to control them. IBM OpenPages integrates effectively with other tools and existing infrastructure for my customers as we integrate other tools, using APIs to match different information, though some other tools may better support integration. IBM offers Connect, an add-on for integration, but we do not use it, relying solely on API. The reporting tools in IBM OpenPages have very strong potential because they are linked with Cognos IBM, a business intelligence tool, allowing for very good and complex reports, though creating these reports requires skills in business intelligence to get the most out of IBM OpenPages.

Read full review

reviewer2510292

Corporate ESG Analyst at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees

Has cross-functional connectivity but improvement is needed in script encoding

The tool's deployment is quick. Once the program is set up, you're ready to collect data and connect it to your report. The deployment team's size depends on the size of the company and how many different data providers you're utilizing. Some companies have one person doing everything, while others have a huge team. We're on the latter end of it, with many people involved. One great thing about the platform is that everything is consolidated in one place, providing a single resource for everyone. This is a benefit. The maintenance of the solution depends on the experience of the person managing the company's program. The company might have a contractor handling the back end and software management if they're low-level and only analyzing the data. However, if you have someone experienced with software and script encoding, that person might be the analyst and managing the program. Generally, most people are just analysts and not managing the software. There's an opportunity for improvement in user management of their software, and I hope they address this gap before the year ends.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"IBM OpenPages saves time in my work as a developer."

"The ability to keep a record of internal incidents in the company, and also the monitoring of Key Indicators."

"Everything about IBM OpenPages is valuable, particularly when compared to other solutions in the market like MetricStream, from which we switched due to its feasibility, user-friendliness, and performance."

"IBM OpenPages provides time savings in recording risk management components."

"With OpenPages, the risks and controls are registered and monitored continuously."

"The most valuable features are the workflow engine, calculations, and security rules."

"Good in ORM and compliance, analytics, custom reporting, features for our board including risk management, and good support for Basel regulations."

"The content, reporting, and workflow features stand out as the most valuable aspects."

More IBM OpenPages pros

"The cross-functionality between connectivity, whether through API connections between different software platforms or the connection of data collection to the actual written ESG report, is highly valuable. The connectivity of all these aspects significantly aids in data assurance, which I consider a bonus."

"It helps you to maintain a backup of your data, including the connectivity with the tables, which provides a user-friendly way to handle and access your files."

"Workiva Wdesk has a flow diagram that is standardized, making it easy for people to file documents on ECDAs, which are in HTML format."

"The most valuable feature is its ability to easily upload and update financial results, creating a dynamic data sheet."

"It makes the compliance process more efficient and more effective."

"Workiva Wdesk is pretty good in terms of getting the data from the system, automating the reporting schedules...It has a very good integration with ERP tools."

"The collaboration within the platform is valuable."

Cons

"The reporting tools in IBM OpenPages have very strong potential because they are linked with Cognos IBM, a business intelligence tool, allowing for very good and complex reports, though creating these reports requires skills in business intelligence to get the most out of IBM OpenPages."

"Some self-relationships are not available in OpenPages' relationship model."

"IBM OpenPages could improve by adding more conditions to workflows, as some existing conditions might not work and can produce errors."

"IBM OpenPages needs improvement in its UI. Currently, it is difficult to see the relationships (associations/parents) between all items unless you click on the item itself."

"IBM needs to work on pricing for organizations with around 100 users, as the licensing model is not competitive enough for SMEs."

"Pricing! It's very expensive just for the licenses."

"I believe there's room for improvement in establishing connections with external information."

"It would be useful to have more out-of-the-box functionality, especially triggers and calculations."

More IBM OpenPages cons

"The speed must be improved."

"Regarding the solution, reporting has certain areas that can be considered for improvement."

"With this product, it's more about the integrated data model where you can have a one-to-many/many-to-one relationship between your policies and processes, risks, and controls. They need to showcase how you can put those pieces together."

"One area where Workiva Wdesk could improve is by ensuring that its cloud-based system is fully compatible with the most current versions of PowerPoint and Excel."

"The most critical issue is the need to shift between uppercase and lowercase."

"The tool's script encoding needs to be updated to make it more user-friendly and less of a manual process when changes are made to a company's program. Those changes happen frequently due to mandatory or voluntary reporting requirements, leading to lost linkage connections that must be manually reset each time a change is made. This aspect is not functional now, and I see it as an opportunity for improvement."

"At this point, I don't see a compelling reason to invest in Workiva. It may be necessary for compliance and controlling the version of SCC, but not everyone needs its high-end capabilities."

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available

"Our clients in Asia think that the solution is too expensive."

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which GRC solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

892,943 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

25%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Outsourcing Company

Financial Services Firm

16%

Manufacturing Company

Construction Company

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	9
Midsize Enterprise	1

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	1
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	5

Questions from the Community

What needs improvement with IBM OpenPages?

There is nothing in particular that needs improvement in IBM OpenPages, although reporting could be improved to make it easier to create reports.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for IBM OpenPages?

My customers' main use cases for IBM OpenPages include ICT risk, operational risk management, and regulatory and compliance management.

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering IBM OpenPages?

For those planning to use IBM OpenPages, I recommend defining exactly what you want and understanding how IBM OpenPages can help you before starting to use it. I rate IBM OpenPages a nine out of ten.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Workiva Wdesk?

The tool's script encoding needs to be updated to make it more user-friendly and less of a manual process when changes are made to a company's program. Those changes happen frequently due to mandat...

See all answers

What advice do you have for others considering Workiva Wdesk?

I've been working with the tool's script encoding departments and top management to address gaps in their script encoding. They are working towards closing these gaps to ensure we can continue usin...

See all answers

Comparisons

RSA Archer vs IBM OpenPages

Compared 18% of the time

MetricStream vs IBM OpenPages

Compared 13% of the time

Formalize vs IBM OpenPages

Compared 5% of the time

ConvergePoint Policy Management Software vs IBM OpenPages

Compared 5% of the time

ACL Analytics vs IBM OpenPages

Compared 3% of the time

More IBM OpenPages Competitors

AuditBoard vs Workiva Wdesk

Compared 8% of the time

RSA Archer vs Workiva Wdesk

Compared 4% of the time

Scytale vs Workiva Wdesk

Compared 4% of the time

OneStream XF vs Workiva Wdesk

Compared 4% of the time

CCH Tagetik vs Workiva Wdesk

Compared 4% of the time

More Workiva Wdesk Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

GRC

April 2026

Download IBM OpenPages product report

Buyer's Guide

Workiva Wdesk

April 2026

Download Workiva Wdesk product report

Also Known As

OpenPages

Wdesk

Overview

IBM OpenPages provides a robust platform for reporting, content management, and workflows. Its integration with Cognos supports advanced reporting alongside enhanced risk management, compliance, and workflow capabilities catering to complex operational needs.

IBM OpenPages stands out as a comprehensive platform that integrates rich reporting and risk management features. Cognos integration allows access to standard reports, charts, and dashboards, enhancing analytic capabilities. Valuable functionalities include compliance support, workflow flexibility, and a user-centric front-end experience. Its centralized risk management framework and effective information-sharing capabilities make it highly reliable. Strong data extraction and API integrations further its utility, particularly appreciated in industries for operational risk management and policy enforcement. However, areas such as integration with external data systems, navigation improvements, and more competitive pricing for smaller enterprises offer scope for enhancement.

What are the key features of IBM OpenPages?

Reporting: Offers insightful standard reports, charts, and dashboards.
Risk Management: Centralized framework for effective risk sharing.
Content Management: Integrates with workflows for comprehensive management.
Compliance Support: Robust functionalities that support compliance needs.
Workflow Flexibility: Adaptable workflows catering to varied needs.
User-Friendly Front-End: Designed for ease of use and effectiveness.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

Centralized Risk Management: Effective sharing and management of risk information.
Robust Data Extraction: Enhanced data handling through strong extraction capabilities.
API Integrations: Supports diverse functionalities through API connections.
Performance: Often outperforming alternatives like MetricStream.
Operational Utility: Widely used for operational risk management.

IBM OpenPages is predominantly used in financial services to manage risks related to operations, IT, ESG, data privacy, compliance, and audits. Its capabilities in scenario planning, reporting, dashboards, and IT governance support users across different sectors in effective control management, risk assessments, and workflows, backed by integrated tools and document management features.

IBM

Workiva Wdesk specializes in updating financial results with seamless API connectivity and strong data assurance. Valued for its effective compliance processes, the platform enhances collaboration, making it efficient for financial data handling and reporting schedules.

Known for its integration with ERP tools, Workiva Wdesk supports standardized data flow, easing management and document replication for updates. Its user-friendly interface facilitates efficient collaboration for tasks like SOX, internal audit, and SEC filings. However, users point out the need for better compatibility with PowerPoint and Excel features, improved search functionality, and enhanced data linkage management. There are also concerns regarding encoding, data loss during server refreshes, and workflow inefficiencies.

What are the key features of Workiva Wdesk?

Seamless API Connectivity: Allows for easy integration with existing systems.
Data Assurance: Provides robust backup and security.
User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies navigation and task management.
ERP Integration: Supports standardized data flow and document updates.
Collaboration Tools: Enhances teamwork with multiple contributors on projects.

What benefits should users expect?

Improved Financial Reporting: Streamlined report generation for SEC filings and financial reporting.
Enhanced Compliance: Effective processes for SOX and internal audits.
Efficient Data Management: Standardized data flow and document handling.
Increased Productivity: User-friendly interface aids swift adoption and use.

Workiva Wdesk is extensively used across industries for creating and managing board deck presentations, aiding teams in generating annual reports and preparing detailed reports including data tables. It facilitates collaboration in financial settings, addressing needs in compliance, risk management, and audit preparation.

Workiva

Sample Customers

Nationwide, Process Innovation AG, OSRAM Licht AG, Dep‹sito Central de Valores (DCV), Delta Lloyd Group, Unum

Noodles Company, eBay, Winnebago, American Assets Trust, AmericanEnterprise, Calpian, Capstone Infrastructure, Cascades, Circor International, Coeur Mining, Davey, Dr Pepper Snapple

Buyer's Guide

IBM OpenPages vs. Workiva Wdesk

April 2026

Free Report: IBM OpenPages vs. Workiva Wdesk

Find out what your peers are saying about IBM OpenPages vs. Workiva Wdesk and other solutions. Updated: April 2026.

DOWNLOAD NOW

892,943 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our IBM OpenPages vs. Workiva Wdesk report.

See our list of best GRC vendors.

We monitor all GRC reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.