Exact holds a well-established position in the European business management software landscape. Based in Delft, in the Netherlands, the software provider helps businesses keep their accounts, organize their operations and monitor their performance. Its offering rests on one principle: connecting financial data with day-to-day processes to reduce duplicate data entry and give business leaders a more coherent view of their company.
A software provider born alongside the computerization of businesses
Founded in 1984, Exact grew as computers became more widespread among SMEs. Initially focused on accounting software, the group gradually expanded into integrated business management to cover more functions within organizations. This trajectory explains its current positioning at the intersection of accounting and operational tools.
Its history also includes several changes in ownership. After a period as a publicly listed company and then under Apax’s ownership, Exact was acquired in 2019 by Hg, an investor specializing in software and technology services. The group continued to grow through product development and acquisitions.
Accounting, ERP and collaboration with accounting firms
Exact Online is one of the pillars of its cloud offering. The solution combines accounting with management features tailored to different business sectors, particularly wholesale trade, manufacturing and project-based activities. Depending on the modules and markets, it enables users to track sales, purchases, inventory and project costs. The aim is to connect business transactions more closely with their accounting entries.
The portfolio also includes Exact Globe and Exact Synergy. These solutions address financial management, resource planning and internal process coordination needs. They cater in particular to organizations whose operations require broader functionality or specific configurations.
Accounting firms are another key audience. Exact’s tools facilitate information sharing between firms and their clients, as well as the automation of certain recurring tasks. This relationship places the software within an ecosystem bringing together businesses, professional accountants, systems integrators and partner applications. Available offerings nevertheless vary by country and its regulatory requirements.
What comes next?
For Exact, the next steps revolve around automation, data integration and changing accounting requirements. The widespread adoption of electronic invoicing in several European markets reinforces the importance of connections between software, businesses and public authorities. Artificial intelligence also opens up opportunities to assist users or detect anomalies, without eliminating the need for human oversight. The challenge will be to develop these tools while preserving their reliability, ease of use and alignment with local rules.