Profisee offers thorough MDM capabilities for larger companies looking for a potentially more affordable alternative to the industry giants. However, compared to its competitors, it can still prove a tough buy-in, leaving users to look for better options. SQL Spreads emerges as a top alternative for teams looking for an effective – and cost-efficient – option.
Profisee – too complex for your needs?
Profisee is a Master Data Management platform designed to unify and govern data across multiple systems. Originally built by developers who also created MDS, it is known for strong Microsoft integration and promises a lower price tag compared to some enterprise MDM giants.
However, many users find the platform’s extensive features and setup requirements can be overkill if your organization doesn’t need full-scale MDM. For end users, a daunting interface may further complicate onboarding, and it can take time to master complex calculations.
While Profisee boast the most implementations under 90 days, many teams are finding their implementation to take far longer. Additionally, the need for a consultant and ongoing support can quickly escalate what initially seems a relatively low price tag.
Cons of working with Profisee
- Complex functionality can be challenging if you don’t need all the advanced features.
- Rising costs if you grow beyond basic usage and unclear price tag from the onset.
- The steep learning curve and limited documentation can prove frustrating, and prohibitive for less tech-skilled team members.
- Customer support is sometimes criticized for slow response and excessive back-and-forth.
As with many MDM solutions, buy-in can be tricky. Volume-based pricing, difficulty gauging the learning curve, and the need for ongoing consultant support can escalate both money and resources sunk into the efforts – and the lack of an upfront trial with all features can make it hard to convince one’s organization to take on the endeavor. The alternatives below may offer better value for the features your team needs.
Profisee alternatives in this article:
1. SQL Spreads
SQL Spreads is an Excel add-in that connects directly to SQL Server, enabling teams to update data in SQL Server right from Excel. The integration also allows users to manage, edit, and analyze their data with all the well-known functionality that the Excel environment provides, like graphs, formulas, and pivot tables. This familiarity keeps user training minimal and setup times short – putting you nearly at the finish line from the start, compared to trying to sell the team on a complicated system that no one knows.
What makes SQL Spreads a top alternative
SQL Spreads is a standout for its user-friendly approach: virtually anyone comfortable with Excel can update, validate, and share data in SQL Server. At the same time, clear permission roles ensure that only the Developer sets the parameters and any changes are always made within controlled limits. Its streamlined feature set offers only what most teams need, cutting down on the complexity and costs typically associated with enterprise MDM.
Compared to Profisee, SQL Spreads is far simpler and more cost-effective for day-to-day data tasks. Business users can comfortably handle data management, analyze data on other sheets, and perform quick bulk updates while the tech team can oversee workflow without involving external consultants. This leads many organizations to find SQL Spreads enough to cover their core needs without the overhead.
Pros
- Easy for non-technical teams: Anyone comfortable with Excel can update, edit, and save records directly in SQL Server.
- Minimal maintenance: Simple to configure, easy to roll out, and fewer training needs.
- Flexible analysis: Users can leverage Excel’s built-in formulas, pivot tables, and charts immediately.
- No limits on transactions: pricing is not volume based, so users can interact with as many transactions or as much data as they like without paying a premium – on all plans.
- Easy buy-in: transparent pricing, in-house set-up, and low maintenance needs make it an easy yes and a near-immediate solution for everyone.
Cons
- SQL Server only: Doesn’t support non-Microsoft databases out of the box.
- No advanced MDM governance: Lacks data-matching or multi-domain governance capabilities that large enterprises might need.
The easiest way to ascertain if a product is right for the business is to play around with its functions in a trial. Unlike Profisee, SQL Spreads offers an upfront free, 14-day trial with full functionality, letting you see in real time how it can work for your specific needs. (Pro-tip: contact the sales department for an extended 60-day trial, with no catch.)
Why overcomplicate?
Start at the finish line instead, with SQL Spreads’ minimal training and setup times.
Free trial – up to 60 days
2. Microsoft Master Data Services (MDS)
Microsoft Master Dada Services (MDS) offers a central data repository and an Excel add-in for editing records. While native to the Microsoft ecosystem, it’s gradually being deprecated, and some support may end as early as 2025 or 2026.
Pros
- Native Microsoft stack: Integrates directly with SQL Server, SharePoint, and other Microsoft products.
- Familiar Excel add-In: Some users already rely on MDS + Excel for table edits.
Cons
- Deprecated status: Support is gradually ending (various sources say 2025/2026).
- Complex configuration: Users frequently cite complexity and a clunky interface.
- Performance bottlenecks: Large data sets can slow MDS considerably.
MDS is free with SQL Server licensing but the fact that it is losing support means that most teams will be hesitant to take it on if they’re not already working with the system. In contrast, Profisee is actively developed, even though some users feel they’ve had a hard time keeping up with new developments in certain periods.
3. CluedIn
CluedIn automates data ingestion, quality checks, and mapping from various sources. It is frequently praised for its strong Azure integration and entity resolution features.
Pros
- Automated integration: CluedIn automates many data prep tasks, including cleansing and mapping.
- Solid Microsoft integration: It’s often praised for working well in the Azure ecosystem.
Cons
- High tech barrier: Requires technical expertise for optimal setup.
- Potential consulting costs: Smaller teams might need outside help, inflating costs.
- Pricing: Not always transparent and can become expensive at scale.
Both CluedIn and Profisee target enterprise-level data unification, but both can be too much for simpler needs. For teams working exclusively in Azure, CluedIn may be the right choice, while Profisee can integrate with a wider range of systems.
4. Semarchy xDM
Semarchy xDM promotes a no-code interface and quick deployment. It allows businesses to define and manage relationships across different domains without heavy coding or consulting.
Pros
- User-friendly: The no-code approach allows teams to start quickly without advanced development skills.
- Quick setup: Allows for rapid deployment and flexibility for diverse business scenarios.
Cons
- Scalability concerns: Some users report challenges with very large data volumes.
- Cost for add-ons: Advanced features can drive up licensing costs, especially for larger deployments.
Semarchy xDM can be easier for mid-sized deployments thanks to its no-code design, compared to a more complicated tool like Profisee, but many users mention cost as a prohibitive factor.
5. Informatica MDM
Informatica MDM is a long-standing, enterprise-grade solution that delivers a wide range of master data management features. It’s recognized for handling large, complex, multi-domain MDM initiatives but also comes with a steep learning curve and high licensing costs. While it’s improved in recent years, many users still feel that parts of the software feel outdated.
Pros
- Rich data governance tools: Offers advanced matching, record survivorship, and robust data quality features essential for large-scale deployments.
- Highly scalable: Designed to manage massive data volumes across multiple regions or business units without sacrificing performance.
Cons
- Expensive licensing: Known to be one of the costlier MDM solutions, often beyond the reach of smaller budgets.
- Steep learning curve: Requires specialized MDM expertise or data management skills, which can slow initial rollout.
- Consultant involvement: Many organizations rely on external consultants for advanced setup and ongoing support, adding to the total cost.
Both Profisee and Informatica MDM focus on master data management, but Informatica typically offers broader enterprise-level capabilities at a higher price, and may be more suitable for large organizations and global enterprises.
You could spend 6 months implementing a complicated MDM or you could spend just one minute on this video to find out why
SQL Spreads, with its quick set-up, is the Profisee alternative for you.
Quick comparison table: Profisee vs competitors
| Profisee | SQL Spreads | MDS | CluedIn | Semarchy xDM | Informatica MDM | |
| Simplicity | Moderate | Very high (Excel) | Low (deprecated interface) | Moderate (technical) | High (no-code) | Low (enterprise-focused) |
| Setup time | Months | Days to weeks | Weeks to months | Weeks to Months | Weeks | Months for large deployments |
| Skills/consultants | MDM expertise recommended; often needs consultants | Minimal | Moderate | Often needs consultants | Minimal | Specialized MDM/data experts |
| Price | Mid-range to high | Low | Low | Mid-range to high | Mid-range | Expensive |
Which Profisee alternative is right for you?
Deciding on the right replacement largely depends on your team’s data governance needs, budget, and technical expertise.
If you want a lean, user-friendly solution that leverages Excel, SQL Spreads stands out. MDS is on its way out, though it remains free with SQL Server. CluedIn and Semarchy xDM can work for mid-market scenarios needing a balance of automation and usability. Informatica MDM is often the choice for very large enterprises that demand wide-ranging data management capabilities despite high costs.
By mapping out your data sources, deciding how much governance you really need, and setting a realistic budget, you can zero in on the best alternative.
Let SQL Spreads be your easy choice
If you’re looking to move away from Profisee, SQL Spreads offers a straightforward strategy that lets your team stick to Excel (which your business users will love you for) without sacrificing key data management features. You can leave the complexity and ballooning pricing with Profisee, and step straight into a SQL solution that’s up and running the same day.
But since seeing is believing, why not dive into our free trial and test all the functionality for yourself? And just between us, if you reach out to us directly, we’ll sneak you an extension that lets you try SQL Spreads for a full 60 days – totally free.
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Our free trial gives you access to all the benefits, like better performance, safeguarded database through permission roles, and data validation with minimal setup time
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Want more info before reaching out? Explore testimonials from real SQL Spreads users or see everything SQL Spreads has to offer on our features page.
