MasterControl Quality Excellence vs Arena QMS

KAWAK

Isolocity

Mitti (by SafetyCulture)

kawak is a business management and document control solution that helps businesses manage audits, equipment, risks, human talent, and more from a centralized platform. It allows staff members to utilize the built-in customer service module to set up PQRS

Isolocity is a top-rated, cloud eQMS that digitizes compliance and eliminates paperwork. Deploy ISO, GMP, and FDA standards in as little as 30 days. Automate document control, CAPA, audits, and inventory to cut required resources by up to 50%. Integrates with SharePoint, Shopify, and ERPs.

Mitti (by SafetyCulture) connects your people, operational data and workflows into one operating picture. Every inspection, issue and action becomes intelligence teams can use to improve every day.

We found a lot of bugs and their customer service was lacking for the overall cost.

The customer support team really tries to work with you to solve issues.

Assistant Director of PI & Regulatory Compliance

The support team has been incredible in both my transition, as well as our transition from 2018.3-2023.3.

Software to meet FDA, EMA, and ISO requirements, including quality event management (CAPA), document control, training, and more.

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Escalation

Alerts/Notifications

Approval Process Control

Archiving & Retention

Audit Management

Audit Planning

Audit Trail

Automated Scheduling

Bills of Material

Business Process Control

Change Management

Collaboration Tools

Commenting/Notes

Communications Management

Complaint Management

Compliance Management

Compliance Tracking

Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)

Cost Tracking

Customer Complaint Tracking

Customizable Forms

Customizable Reports

Customizable Templates

Dashboard

Data Import/Export

Data Security

Data Visualization

Defect Tracking

Design Management

Digital Signature

Document Automation

Document Capture

Document Check-in/Check-out

Document Coding & Control

Document Generation

Document Management

Document Review

Document Storage

Document Templates

Electronic Signature

Email Alerts

Environmental Compliance

Equipment Management

FDA Compliance

Feedback Management

File Sharing

For Engineering Documents

Forms Management

Full Text Search

Incident Management

Internal Controls Management

Inventory Management

ISO Compliance

ISO Standards Management

Issue Management

Issue Tracking

Maintenance Management

Mobile Access

Monitoring

Multi-Location

Nonconformance Tracking

Operational Risk Management

Order Management

Predictive Analytics

Prioritization

Product Data Management

Production Scheduling

Project Management

Quality Assurance

Quality Control

Quality Management

Real-Time Data

Real-Time Reporting

Real-Time Updates

Reminders

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting & Statistics

Response Management

Revision History

Risk Analysis

Risk Assessment

Risk Management

Risk Reporting

Risk Scoring

Root Cause Analysis

Routing

Safety Management

Scheduling

Search/Filter

Secure Data Storage

Status Tracking

Supplier Management

Supplier Quality Control

Task Management

Third-Party Integrations

Traceability

By industry, MasterControl Quality Excellence reviewers are most commonly professionals in pharmaceuticals (33%). The most frequent use case cited by reviewers is quality management (72%).

Users and use cases

MasterControl Quality Excellence is a document management solution with key features that include document storage, electronic signature, version control, access controls/permissions, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and more.

MasterControl Quality Excellence

Web-based

Android

iPhone

iPad

Qualio

Octave Reliance

Greenlight Guru

Ideagen Quality Management

QualityQuest

QT9 QMS

Qualityze Suite

Basic

Standard

Complete

Complex and non-intuitive navigation

Document Control Specialist

Can be hard to navigate with the classic 20 version.

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Getting to the point of navigating through documents can be a little confusing.-Buttons on upper left-hand side of screen provide little direction towards where they navigate the user to.

59% of reviewers feel negative about Navigation. Users say navigating MasterControl often requires too many clicks, multiple steps, and significant system knowledge, making routine tasks cumbersome. They report that the interface is not intuitive, especially for new users, and that inconsistencies between screens and toolbar icons add to the confusion. Reviewers mention that finding documents or features can be difficult, with dashboards and menus sometimes feeling overwhelming or cluttered. Some users indicate that the learning curve is steep and that navigation challenges hinder overall usability.

Cumbersome and limited reporting tools

Quality Analyst

Reports are difficult to use and must be exported to manipulate further to get what we need.

QA Manager

The reports are cumbersome and it is difficult to obtain the information I need.

57% of reviewers feel negative about Reporting. Users report that generating, customizing, and extracting reports in MasterControl is difficult and not user-friendly. They say the reporting modules, especially JReports, are clunky, lack flexibility, and often require exporting data for further manipulation. Reviewers indicate that standard reports are unreliable, dashboards are limited, and building new or custom reports can be confusing without extensive training. Some users mention that these challenges make it hard to obtain the information they need for decision-making and compliance tracking.

Frequent bugs and system instability

Manager, QA

The adapt platform has code updates quite often which seems to impact our systems with the introduction of bugs and defects on a regular basis.

International QA System Administrator

Too many bugs in necessary utilities like Action Items and Extension Requests, Management of Change module not up to our quality standards, Jreports are very user unfriendly

79% of reviewers feel negative about Bugs and Issues. Users report that MasterControl is prone to recurring bugs, glitches, and technical inconsistencies, especially after updates or in specific modules. They say these issues disrupt daily operations, slow down workflows, and sometimes undermine confidence in the platform’s reliability. Reviewers mention difficulties with incomplete configurations, repeated problems, and slow resolution times, which can be particularly challenging in regulated environments. Some users indicate that technical debt accumulates over time, making the system harder to maintain and less efficient.

Unintuitive and rigid user interface

IT Senior Application Specialist

The interface can feel unintuitive for new users, requiring more training than expected to become fully comfortable.

Quality Assurance Officer

It's hard to navigate to items that you want to view such as training history, past exam results, document history.

52% of reviewers feel negative about the User Interface. Users think the interface is not intuitive, requiring significant training and experience to use effectively. They report that the design can feel outdated, cluttered, and rigid, with limited customization options. Reviewers mention that navigation, search, and workflow features are often disjointed or cumbersome, making it difficult for both new and experienced users to perform tasks efficiently. Some users indicate that updates sometimes reduce usability, and that the overall user experience is more complicated than necessary.

Centralized and efficient document control

Quality specialist

Everything is on one place, it's easy to control documents and manage training

Sr Manager Document Control

Definitely made things so much better to keep control of documents.

100% of reviewers feel positive about Document Control. Users think MasterControl makes managing, organizing, and controlling documents significantly easier, both for on-site and remote teams. They say the system’s centralized repository, robust change control, and access management streamline daily work and support compliance needs. Reviewers appreciate the shift from paper-based to electronic processes, which increases efficiency and allows a single document controller to handle a larger workload. They indicate that document control has become a proactive strength, making it simple for users at all levels to maintain control and access the documents they need.

Streamlined regulatory compliance

QA Specialist

MasterControl Qx excels at digitalizing quality processes, reducing reliance on paper, and helping organizations remain in compliance with regulatory standards

Director of IT

Once configured, MasterControl Qx runs smoothly and ensures we meet regulatory requirements with confidence.

97% of reviewers feel positive about Compliance and Validation. Reviewers appreciate that MasterControl provides comprehensive tools to meet strict regulatory requirements, such as 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 13485. They say the platform’s automation, pre-validation, and electronic signatures help maintain data integrity and simplify audits. Users indicate that the system reduces manual work, ensures organizations remain inspection-ready, and increases overall compliance rates. Some users mention that the platform’s focus on compliance and validation gives them confidence during regulatory inspections and helps them stay ahead in highly regulated industries.

Unified training and document oversight

Sr Dir Quality Affairs

I love the integration/navigation of the tool and the connection between docs and training - auto creating courses!

91% of reviewers feel positive about Training and Document Management. Users report that MasterControl enables seamless tracking and management of documents and training within one platform. They appreciate the automation of training assignments linked to document changes, which ensures employees remain up to date. Reviewers say the integration of training, document workflows, and electronic approvals saves time, reduces manual errors, and provides clear oversight of compliance status. They find the system invaluable for standardizing processes, managing records, and maintaining quality across the organization.

Integrated quality management processes

Quality Compliance Specialist

I really liked how MasterControl Quality Excellence integrates all quality processes in one place.

Quality Engineer

I love that MasterControl works toward being a one stop shop for everything quality.

93% of reviewers feel positive about Quality Management. Users say MasterControl allows them to manage various quality events—such as CAPA, nonconformance, and change control—in a single, integrated system. They appreciate the ability to link quality events, customize workflows, and standardize processes globally. Reviewers indicate that the platform increases accountability, provides automation, and improves visibility into quality activities. Some users highlight that the system is adaptable to different industries and company sizes, and they value the ongoing improvements and innovations that support evolving quality management needs.

Responsive and supportive customer service

IT Analyst

I have been working with MasterControl since 2/2011, v9.3.  I cannot say enough about the support I have received over the years - you have an excellent team and I am grateful to them for all of their help.  

89% of reviewers feel positive about Customer Support. Users indicate that MasterControl’s support team is responsive, knowledgeable, and proactive in resolving issues. They appreciate the guidance provided during implementation and ongoing use, noting that support staff are accessible and effective at addressing questions and technical challenges. Reviewers say customer feedback is valued, and enhancements are often based on user suggestions. Many users highlight the reliability and reassurance provided by the support team, which contributes to a smoother experience and greater confidence in the system.

Quality compliance specialist

It is a reliable and mature solution for managing quality systems in regulated environments and it supports digital transformation initiatives effectively. While there are areas that could be improved in terms of usability and flexibility, the platform provides strong compliance support and helps standardize quality processes across different functions and sites.

MasterControl Quality Excellence is a solid and comprehensive eQMS platform, particularly suitable for highly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Qa specialist

This gives our company the ability to keep track of documents, training, investigations, and other forms and records to ensure quality at our organization.

Sr QA Specialist

Example, customization of task list, adding a star to favorite your documents from the document list instead of the infocard, not having a prefiltered supplier list, or even favoriting the most recent version of the document and making that a dynamic link not static with the version favorited.

Sr Document Control Specialist

MasterControl offers a perfect range of modules that focus on the quality compliance needs for our company including document management, learning management, change control and supplier management.

Some modules could benefit from a more modern and user-friendly interface, and system performance may occasionally slow down when handling large processes or extensive datasets.

Senior Manager of Quality Systems

Overall, the system has many bells and whistles: Enhanced Search, which includes a full text search, linking to related documents, custom approval workflows, and control of which users can view, create, revise and approve documents.

Corporate Quality systems Computerized systems validation senior manager

These customizable workflows help us work independently while cutting down validation time and deliverables.

eQMS Coordinator

Document management - being able to configure Qx workflows so that the documents can automatically be routed to correct departments for approval

The reporting and dashboard capabilities are useful for trending and KPI monitoring.

Sr. Manager, SQA

The Process module is highly powerful for organizations with the expertise to build and maintain custom business processes with web technology (HTML, JS, CSS); otherwise, support or pre-built templates are typically required to get the most out of it.

Jr MasterControl Sys Admin

Some of the pain points are the cost of licensing, not having the ability for multiple collaborators to edit the same document simultaneously, and search functionality being tough for users who aren't as familiar with document numbers/names.

IT QMS Software Administrator

The performance on "on prem" version, pdf publishing time and constant issues with pdf not beeing generated, issues with custom forms created by MC.

MasterControl Quality Excellence vs Arena QMS Comparison (2026)

MasterControl Quality Excellence

Arena QMS

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives