What software tools or templates support VSME reporting?
Short answer: There are free and paid tools, including the official VSME Digital Template (Excel with XBRL export) and various software solutions (e.g., Tanso, MasterSustainability). These simplify data collection, validation, and report creation[38][55].
- VSME Digital Template (EFRAG): EFRAG offers a free Excel template with interactive checkboxes, validations, and automatic calculations. It includes dropdowns and hyperlinks to the VSME text, supports XBRL export, and is available in multiple languages[56]. The Dutch site vsme.nl notes there are no fees and a guide is included; visual styling is limited and no customer support is provided[57]. - VSME software from MasterSustainability/Tanso: Providers such as MasterSustainability, Tanso, and Zevero offer cloud solutions that automate data collection, data-point tagging, and report creation for VSME and other standards (CSRD, GRI)[35][58]. These tools often add CO₂ calculation, mapping to ESRS, and GRI compatibility.
Top tool recommendations by use case:
- Free template with XBRL: EFRAG Digital Template - Free Excel template, perfect for budget-conscious SMEs
- Affordable cloud solution: SUSTAIN REPUBLIC - From €149/year with AI assistance, guided data entry, and XBRL export
- With CO₂ integration: Planted - Free plan or from €169/month with carbon accounting included
Sources: [35], [38] VSME - Frequently asked questions answered (FAQ); [55], [57] VSME Digital Template - vsme.nl; [56] VSME Digital Template and XBRL Taxonomy | EFRAG; [58] VSME FAQ: Voluntary sustainability reporting for SMEs I Tanso Blog