The VSME standard (Voluntary SME Standard) offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a structured and cost-effective way to report their sustainability efforts transparently. Although companies with fewer than 1,000 employees are exempt from the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) for the time being under the current proposal of the Omnibus Regulation, pressure from stakeholders is steadily increasing. ESG criteria are becoming increasingly important for investors, banks and the company's own employees. In addition, medium-sized companies are obliged to disclose their sustainability data as part of the supply chain of larger companies.
A professional VSME tool is therefore essential for uncomplicated and efficient reporting and offers real competitive advantages.
The topic in a nutshell
- VSME standard: The VSME standard helps SMEs to record and report their ESG data without having to fulfill the extensive CSRD requirements of CSRD reporting.
- Automated data collection: With modern VSME software such as Planted, companies can implement all their ESG documentation precisely and save valuable resources.
- Future-oriented reporting: The VSME standard creates a solid basis for sustainable corporate management and strengthens long-term competitiveness.
What is a VSME tool?
A VSME tool is a specialized software solution that supports companies in collecting, processing and reporting according to the VSME standard. These tools offer functions such as:
- Automated data acquisition
- Structured CO₂ balancing
- Integrated reporting
With VSME software, companies can effectively track their sustainability goals and easily meet the requirements of the standard.
{{expert-tip}}
VSME tool: The decisive advantages for your company
Although the implementation of a professional VSME tool is not mandatory, it offers a number of significant advantages in the creation of a meaningful VSME report:
- Improved data quality: Structured recording and intelligent automation optimize the quality of your ESG data and ensure complete traceability.
- Simplified documentation: A modern VSME tool guides you intuitively through the entire VSME reporting process and ensures that all relevant requirements of the standard are met.
- Central data management: All relevant ESG data is stored centrally and can be used efficiently by different departments in your company.
- Significant time and cost savings: The intelligent automation of processes saves valuable resources and speeds up the creation of your VSME report.
- Automatic plausibility checks: Input errors or missing information are detected at an early stage, increasing the accuracy and reliability of your ESG data and minimizing the risk of errors.
Always up to date: High-quality VSME tools are continuously adapted to the latest regulatory requirements and relevant legislative changes to ensure compliance. Planted guarantees that it is always up to date.
VSME tool vs. Excel: The challenge without a software solution
Many companies initially use Excel for VSME reporting. This offers apparent advantages:
- Lower initial costs
- No complex purchasing process
- Familiar application
- No technical know-how required
However, there are considerable operational disadvantages:
- High manual time expenditure: Manual data collection and processing requires a considerable amount of time and human resources.
- Increased susceptibility to errors: Manual data entry can easily lead to errors that negatively affect the accuracy and validity of reporting.
- Limited traceability: Changes in Excel or similar spreadsheet programs are often difficult to trace, which makes the VSME report much more difficult to audit.
Specialized VSME software offers clear advantages over Excel-based solutions through automation and improved data quality.
Comparison of the top 5 VSME tool providers (2025)
In the following comparison, we present the five leading VSME software solutions and explain the key features and benefits they offer for SMEs.
1. planted
Functions:
- AI-supported data acquisition
- API interfaces for simple system connection
- TÜV-certified CO₂ balancing
- Automated reporting in relevant formats
Advantages:
- User-friendly and easy to implement
- Up to 70 % time savings compared to manual solutions
- Onboarding, support & advice from ESG's team of experts
- Flexible pricing models and comprehensive support
- Performance tracking
About Planted
Planted's ESG software supports companies with AI-supported and expert advice on their individual ESG strategy: from double materiality analysis, carbon footprint, decarbonization, ESG management to VSME / CSRD reporting and local environmental protection.
2. EQS
Functions:
- Flexible selection of relevant data points
- Transfer to the ESRS data points (on request)
- AI-supported report generation
- CO2 footprinting
Advantages:
- Simple adaptation to the needs of SMEs
- Efficient reporting with automated processes
- VSME data easily shareable with stakeholders
- Performance tracking
About EQS
EQS is a cloud-based ESG and sustainability management solution for the efficient collection, analysis and reporting of ESG data.
3. leadity
Functions:
- Integrated VSME templates
- AI-supported reporting
- Interface integrates existing data sources
Advantages:
- Quick access and simple operation
- Onboarding with practical templates and guidelines
- Optional critical review by professionals
About Leadity
Leadity is a web-based software solution that supports companies in the implementation and reporting of their sustainability strategy. It enables companies to achieve their ESG and climate targets in an efficient, legally compliant and scientifically sound manner.
4. weShyft
Functions:
- AI-based data capture and intelligent approval workflows
- Automated report generation for VSME and ESG reports
Advantages:
- Focus on digital transformation in ESG reporting
- Automation of processes that increase efficiency
AboutWeShyft
WeShyft offers an AI-supported platform for ESG and sustainability reporting that enables companies to efficiently collect sustainability data, create carbon footprints and produce auditable sustainability reports.
5. multiply
Functions:
- Fast analyses through AI
- Automatic calculation of CO₂e data
- Geographical overview of business relationships
- Reporting over several years
Advantages:
- Saving time with KI
About Multiplye
Multiplye is an independent carbon accounting and climate strategy platform that helps companies decarbonize. It combines technological precision with regulatory know-how and helps to implement effective reduction strategies.
VSME tool comparison: These features make a good software solution
Support & consulting: Comprehensive support is crucial for sustainability reporting. Qualified providers offer personal contacts, regular meetings and workshops - from implementation to final reporting.
User-friendliness: As VSME tools are often used across teams, operation must be intuitive, guided and self-explanatory.
Adapted pricing models: Flexible license models should fit your company's budget and requirements.
Regular updates: Regular and automatic adjustments to new regulatory requirements are essential to ensure long-term compliance.
Support from a team of experts: The demanding requirements in ESG reporting often require specialized knowledge. A high-quality software solution is therefore supported by a team of experts who are on hand to advise on questions and challenges.
Integration of carbon accounting and materiality analysis: Comprehensive solutions also cover carbon accounting and ideally offer support with materiality analysis as the basis for the ESG strategy.
How to find the right VSME tool for your company
To find the right VSME software for your company, you should consider the following points.
- Detailed needs analysis: Clearly define which specific modules and functions you actually need (e.g. CO₂ accounting, supply chain management, comprehensive ESG reporting).
- Use independent comparison platforms: Obtain comprehensive information about comparison portals in order to obtain an initial selection of suitable providers.
- Arrange a meaningful demo: test usability and support in a free trial or detailed product demonstration.
- Ensure seamless integration: Check compatibility with your existing IT infrastructure.
- Transparent review of the pricing model: Make sure that the costs and scope of services match your budget.
VSME as an introduction to a holistic sustainability strategy
The VSME standard offers SMEs an ideal starting point for a comprehensive sustainability strategy. It enables the first important steps towards responsible corporate governance and increases transparency towards stakeholders.
As an experienced partner, Planted supports you in this important step. Our innovative all-in-one ESG platform not only offers an intuitive VSME tool, but also comprehensive support in the development and implementation of your entire ESG strategy.
Contact us today to find out how Planted can best support your company on the path to greater sustainability and long-term success.
.jpg)
