Why CSR Teams Are Looking Beyond Spreadsheets
Managing CSR programmes manually can become difficult as an organisation grows
A company may work with several NGOs across different states, manage multiple grants, monitor milestones, and track thousands of beneficiaries Each implementation partner may collect information differently and submit reports in different formats.
Some data may arrive through Excel files Other information may come through emails, PDFs, photographs, or manual reports.
The result is often a fragmented information environment
CSR teams may have to spend significant time consolidating data, checking inconsistencies, following up with NGO partners, and preparing reports More importantly, it can become difficult to establish whether the final numbers accurately represent activities and outcomes on the ground.
The growing importance of ESG assurance has made this challenge even more significant
SEBI's BRSR Core framework introduced a phased requirement for reasonable assurance on selected ESG KPIs, with the top 1,000 listed entities included from FY 2026-27
For companies covered by these requirements, simply producing an ESG report may not be enough Organisations also need dependable information behind the reported numbers
If an assurance provider asks about a particular metric, the company may need to explain how the figure was calculated and show the information that supports it.
This is why modern CSR platforms need to address the complete data journey, from collection and programme execution to monitoring and reporting.
Relific: Building a Connected Impact Operations System
Relific takes a data-centred approach to CSR management
The platform is designed around the idea that reliable reporting starts with reliable operational data When information is collected inconsistently at the field level, teams often have to spend considerable time cleaning and consolidating it before it can be used.
Relific aims to reduce this problem by connecting field data collection with programme management and impact reporting.
The objective is to create a more continuous flow of information between what happens during a CSR programme and what ultimately appears in organisational reports
Surve-R Helps Capture Field Data
Surve-R is Relific's mobile-first solution for collecting information from the field
The platform uses AI-guided adaptive forms to support structured data collection Its offline functionality is also designed for locations where internet connectivity may be unreliable
Field teams can also use features such as GPS tagging and photo capture to add additional context to programme activities
These capabilities may be especially useful for CSR initiatives in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and climate action
In these programmes, important information often originates far away from the corporate office. Improving the way that data is captured at the source can help reduce the amount of manual correction required later
The basic principle is simple: better data collection at the beginning can lead to more reliable information throughout the CSR reporting process
ProGran Supports Grants and Programme Management
Relific's ProGran module focuses on the operational management of CSR programmes and grants
It supports activities such as programme design, grant applications, NGO onboarding, milestone tracking, disbursement management, monitoring and evaluation, and outcome reporting
This can be particularly useful for companies working with multiple implementation partners.
As an NGO network grows, CSR teams may need to manage a large volume of documentation, funding information, deadlines, milestones, and reports.
Bringing these processes into a connected workflow can provide greater visibility across the programme lifecycle and reduce reliance on disconnected spreadsheets.
Voluntee-R Brings Employee Volunteering Into the Picture
Employee volunteering is another area covered by Relific.
Voluntee-R is designed to help organisations manage volunteering activities and track employee participation and volunteering hours
When this information is connected to wider CSR operations, companies can develop a more complete understanding of their social impact activities
It can also make it easier to include employee engagement information in broader CSR reporting
Drive-R Adds an Intelligence Layer
Drive-R acts as an intelligence and analytics layer for impact information
The broader Relific ecosystem is intended to connect data collected from field activities with programme management, analysis, and reporting
This changes the way organisations can think about reporting.
Instead of waiting until the end of a reporting period and manually gathering information from different sources, the aim is to make reporting a natural output of ongoing CSR operations.
Where Relific May Stand Out
Relific's focus on source-level data is one of its key differentiators
For companies preparing for BRSR Core assurance, the ability to connect a reported figure with its original source can be valuable
When data is collected in a structured manner from the beginning, organisations may have a clearer trail connecting field activities to the metrics eventually included in reports
Relific also focuses on multi-NGO programme management Companies can use its platform to manage areas such as partner onboarding, milestones, disbursements, monitoring, and outcomes
Another notable aspect is the use of AI across operational workflows.
AI is incorporated into areas such as adaptive data collection, anomaly detection, programme recommendations, and document processing.
However, companies should also consider the platform's relative market maturity
Relific is younger than established CSR consulting organisations. Although its customer base is growing, businesses that place significant value on a long operating history and extensive enterprise references may want to evaluate this factor before making a decision
Implementation should also be considered carefully
A CSR platform is only effective when internal teams and NGO partners adopt it successfully Training, onboarding, and change management can influence both the implementation timeline and the overall cost
SoulAce: A Consulting-Led Approach to CSR Technology
SoulAce takes a different route by combining technology with CSR consulting
Founded in 2009, the organisation has more than 15 years of experience in CSR advisory services, programme management, impact assessment, and related areas
Its technology offerings cover areas such as CSR grant management, ESG reporting, and employee volunteering
This combination of consulting expertise and digital tools is one of SoulAce's major strengths.
SoulAce states that it has worked with more than 150 corporate clients across more than 200 districts and 26 states. Its published case studies include organisations from sectors such as insurance, pharmaceuticals, steel, and FMCG
For companies that want to work with an experienced CSR partner while also using technology, this background may be an important consideration.
Security and Enterprise Requirements
Security is an important part of the software selection process, particularly for large organisations.
SoulAce publicly documents ISO 27001:2013 certification and SOC 2 compliance Its technology infrastructure also includes AWS hosting, AES-256 encryption, VAPT audits, and multi-factor authentication
These credentials may be relevant for enterprise organisations that have strict technology procurement and security requirements
Companies whose IT, legal, and procurement teams require documented security controls may find these credentials valuable when evaluating a potential vendor.
ESG Framework Coverage
Another area where SoulAce has a broad offering is ESG reporting.
Its ESG platform supports GRI, BRSR, SASB, and CDP
This can be useful for organisations that need to manage multiple ESG reporting standards or operate across different markets
Relific has a different emphasis
Rather than focusing primarily on broad framework coverage, its approach is more centred on the operational data infrastructure behind impact management and BRSR traceability
This difference can help organisations determine which platform is closer to their requirements
Companies looking for broader ESG framework support and consulting expertise may find SoulAce more aligned with their needs
Organisations focused on improving field data collection, managing multiple NGOs, and strengthening source-level traceability may find Relific more suitable
Which Platform Makes More Sense for Your Organisation?
The right choice should begin with your organisation's biggest CSR challenges
Relific may be a strong option if your organisation:
● Manages field-intensive CSR programmes
● Works with multiple NGO implementation partners
● Operates in locations with unreliable internet connectivity
● Needs stronger source-to-report data traceability
● Wants AI integrated into daily CSR workflows
● Needs employee volunteering information connected to wider CSR data
SoulAce may be a better fit if your organisation:
● Wants technology and CSR consulting from one partner
● Values an established CSR track record
● Has strict enterprise security and compliance requirements
● Needs support for GRI, BRSR, SASB, and CDP
● Prefers working with a provider that has established corporate references
● Requires strategic CSR advice in addition to software
This is why a simple feature-by-feature comparison may not be enough
The best platform is the one that fits your organisation's actual operating environment
Evaluate the Platforms With Real-World Scenarios
A product demo can show how a platform works, but it may not reveal the challenges that appear after implementation
Companies should ask practical questions before making a final decision.
One important question is how long it will take to produce the first board-ready report after implementation
Another is how the vendor handles NGO onboarding
If a company works with 15 or 20 independent implementation partners, every partner may need to learn how to use the new system Training, support, and adoption can have a major impact on the success of the project.
Organisations should also test source-to-report traceability
Choose one specific BRSR or ESG KPI and ask the vendor to demonstrate how the final reported number can be traced back to the original field record
This can provide a more realistic understanding of the platform's ability to support data integrity and reporting requirements than a standard presentation
Customer references should also be carefully selected
A company managing a single CSR programme will have very different needs from an organisation managing multiple initiatives across several states with dozens of NGO partners
Ideally, reference customers should have a similar level of operational and reporting complexity.
Don't Focus Only on the Licence Fee
The software subscription or licence price is only one part of the overall investment.
Companies should consider the total cost of ownership over several years
This may include software fees, implementation, configuration, NGO onboarding, employee training, internal resources, change management, and system integrations
The cost of onboarding NGO partners deserves special attention
If implementation partners require extensive training or ongoing support, the overall cost of the project can increase significantly
Understanding these costs before signing an agreement can help organisations make a more accurate comparison between platforms
Could a Hybrid Approach Work?
Not every organisation has to choose one platform exclusively.
Some companies may consider using a combination of technology and consulting services
For example, Relific could be used for field data collection, programme management, NGO workflows, and BRSR data tracking.
SoulAce could potentially support the organisation through strategic CSR consulting or independent impact assessment services.
This approach could combine the operational capabilities of a technology-focused platform with the experience of a CSR consulting organisation.
However, a hybrid model requires careful planning
Companies need to establish clear rules about data ownership, system responsibilities, integration, and reporting They should also decide which platform acts as the primary source of information
Without clearly defined processes, using two systems could create additional data silos and increase complexity
Final Thoughts
Relific and SoulAce offer two distinct approaches to CSR management in an environment where data quality, transparency, and accountability are becoming increasingly important
Relific focuses on AI-powered impact operations, structured field data collection, multi-NGO programme management, employee volunteering, and source-level traceability
SoulAce combines CSR technology with more than 15 years of consulting experience, an established corporate client base, enterprise security credentials, and support for several ESG reporting frameworks
If your organisation is struggling with fragmented field data, complex programme operations, and multiple NGO partners, Relific may be the better fit
If your organisation needs an established CSR partner that can combine technology with consulting expertise and strategic support, SoulAce may be more suitable
Ultimately, the decision should be based on your specific circumstances.
Consider the number of NGOs you work with, the geographic spread of your programmes, how field data is currently collected, which ESG frameworks you need to support, your preparedness for BRSR assurance, and the amount of advisory support your CSR team needs.
In 2026, effective CSR management is increasingly about connecting real-world impact with reliable evidence. Companies need to show not only where their CSR funds are being used, but also what those investments achieve and whether the information supporting their claims can be trusted.
The right technology should make this connection easier
Whether your organisation chooses Relific, SoulAce, or a combination of both, the ideal solution is the one that aligns with your operational structure, reporting requirements, technology expectations, and long-term CSR strategy.
