The OpenWater Blog

Top 5 Awards Management Software Systems for 2023

If you are reading this article it means that you run an awards program for your organization and are looking for the right tool for the job.

If your awards have been running for a while, you’ve likely got a decent amount of submissions and are starting to feel the pain. Late submissions, large file uploads, letters of recommendation. Applicants and judges not following simple directions. Coordination with judges all over the world. All problems that a growing awards program will face.

The key to managing the submission and review process for your awards is getting the best tool for the job.

Below we’ve compiled the best awards management software systems that exist in the world as of 2023.

1. OpenWater

OpenWater has been the trusted leader in Awards Management Software since its inception in 2012. The platform has the most features, the most clients using it and has undergone the most security scrutiny of any other awards management software system, making it the most reliable and safest choice for organizations.

2. AwardForce

AwardForce has done a tremendous job creating a niche for itself in the international awards market. Based in Australia and having a fully remote team, AwardForce continues to improve its platform and security over time.

3. Submittable

Submittable has a slick user interface and is a versatile platform. The software is best suited for Grant programs, but some award administrators have mentioned that the grants use case workflow can also apply to awards programs.

4. Evalato

Evalato is a relatively new awards platform that keeps improving. The company touts a low price point that makes it an affordable option for up and coming award programs. The feature set is perfect for a simple awards program that does not need any bells and whistles.

5. WizeHive

WizeHive used to be one of the premier award management software systems out there, but after their pivot to Zengine a few years back, they closed down the trusted awards platform. Like Submittable, they focus mostly on Grant programs now and while their system might be able to accommodate some award workflows, it’s clear Awards is not the priority of their organization.

Timothy Spell

Timothy Spell co-founded OpenWater in 2007 with the goal of helping organizations tackle and better manage the oftentimes overlooked awards and contests industry. As an author and speaker in the awards industry, Timothy provides unique insight on how to use awards to boost membership, social media followers and search engine traffic.

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