Asset Management

10 Best Contract Lifecycle Management Solutions

From startup hustle to enterprises, plays a crucial role in building vendor relationships. 

Contracts are the foundation of every business relationship, governing everything from vendor contracts to employment terms and partnership deals.  

According to a WCC study, organizations lose an average of 9.2% of their annual revenue due to contract mismanagement. 

This shows whether it is closing first big deal or managing thousands of contracts across departments, contract management solution helps businesses stay in control. 

In this blog, we will explore the 10 best contract lifecycle management solutions available today.

Quick Read

Summary generated by AI, reviewed for accuracy.

Looking for the best contract lifecycle management solutions in 2025? This blog compares the top 10 CLM tools that stand out for automation, security, integrations, and scalability. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, discover the platforms that streamline contract creation. 

What Is Contract Lifecycle Management Solutions and Why It Matters

Contract lifecycle management refers to the end-to-end process involved in creating, executing, managing, and renewing contracts. From initial request to post-execution compliance, the system streamline every stage using automation, collaboration tools, and centralized repositories. 

Why does CLM matter? 

  • It minimizes risks by ensuring compliance and version control 
  • Accelerates contract turnaround times 
  • Enhances visibility and collaboration between departments 
  • Improves audit readiness and reporting 
  • Reduces manual errors and administrative overhead 

In today’s digital-first business environment, implementing robust contract lifecycle management solutions is no longer optional it’s essential for operational efficiency and governance. 

Benefits of Contract Lifecycle Management

Contract lifecycle management solutions provide tangible advantages for businesses after purchase, directly impacting operations, decision-making, and profitability. Below are seven key benefits that highlight the specific value users gain. 

1. Faster Contract Approvals 
Manual contract processes can take days or even weeks to move from one stage to another. With a CLM solution, approvals happen faster because the entire process is automated and trackable. You no longer have to chase emails or wait for signatures. This means quicker deal closures and better use of time across teams. 

2. Reduced Legal and Compliance Risks
Contracts are legal documents. Small errors or missing terms can lead to big problems. Contract lifecycle management solutions help you follow standard templates and keep track of compliance rules.  

This reduces legal risks and ensures that every contract meets company and industry standards. You stay protected without needing constant legal reviews. 

3. Improved Contract Visibility
Many businesses lose control over contracts after they are signed. A good system keeps everything in one place. You can easily find any document, track changes, and know when contracts are due for renewal. This level of visibility helps avoid missed deadlines and supports better decision-making. 

4. Better Collaboration Across Teams
Contract management often involves many departments. Sales needs it to close deals. Legal needs it to check terms.  

Finance wants to track values and obligations. It brings everyone together. It provides a shared space where teams can work on contracts without confusion or delays. 

5. Accurate Tracking and Reporting
Knowing how many contracts are active, expiring, or under review is not easy without a system in place. The platform provides instant access to live dashboards and dynamic reporting tools. 

This contract analytics helps managers see trends, track performance, and make informed decisions. Users get control over the full contract lifecycle with just a few clicks. 

6. Lower Operational Costs
When contracts are managed manually, they require more time, people, and effort. A contract lifecycle management solutions reduces these overheads by automating routine work.  

Businesses save on printing, mailing, and administrative costs. More importantly, your teams can focus on high-value tasks instead of paperwork. 

7. Smooth Renewals and Auto Reminders
Overlooking renewal dates can result in financial losses or contractual penalties. Contract lifecycle management solutions send reminders before key dates like expiry or renewal.  

This ensures that contracts are reviewed on time and renegotiated if needed. You avoid last-minute rushes and make smarter business moves. 

Key Stages During the Contract Process

The contract process helps two or more parties agree on important terms before starting any work or deal. Each step in the process makes sure that everything is clear, fair, and legally correct. In this guide, we will walk you through the main stages of the contract process so you can understand how it works from start to finish. 

1. Contract Request & Intake

This is the first step where someone in the company fills out a request to create a new contract. Having a clear and organized way to collect this information helps avoid confusion, saves time, and makes sure nothing important is missed right from the beginning. 

  • It starts when a requester submits details using a standard form. 
  • Once submitted, the request is automatically routed to the right person or team. 
  • From there, the request is logged into the system, so teams can track its. 

2. Authoring & Drafting

Once the request is received, the legal or contract team begins preparing the draft. Using ready-made templates and clauses speeds up this part and keeps everything consistent. 

  • The system pulls in pre-approved templates and clause libraries based on the contract type. 
  • Then, the legal team customizes the draft by adding specific terms. 
  • Once done, the initial version is saved and ready to move into the review stage. 

3. Review & Negotiation

Now the contract draft is shared with internal and external parties for feedback. This step helps make sure everyone agrees before the contract is finalized. 

 

  • First, team receive the draft and suggest changes using comments and redlines. 
  • As feedback comes in, version control ensures that all updates are tracked, and no work is lost. 
  • After rounds of edits and approvals, the final version is agreed upon by all parties. 

4. Approval & Execution

With the final draft ready, it needs approval and signatures from the right stakeholders to become official. 

  • The contract is automatically sent through an approval workflow based on company rules. 
  • Once all required approvals are done, the document is sent for e-signature to speed up the process. 
  • After signing, the system creates an audit trail for legal proof and stores the completed contract. 

5. Storage & Access

Once contract signed, the contract is safely stored in a centralized digital repository. This makes sure it’s easy to find and secure. It also ensures that teams across departments can access the latest version anytime without relying on email chains or manual file sharing. 

  • The system automatically saves the contract in a structured folder with tags and metadata. 
  • Based on roles and permissions, access is given to only the right people across departments. 
  • Whenever needed, users can quickly search and retrieve contracts without digging through emails or folders. 

6. Compliance Management

It’s essential to track the contract to confirm that all agreed-upon terms are being properly enforced throughout the organization. 

  • The system sets up alerts and reminders for key dates like renewals, deadlines, or payments. 
  • Teams get regular updates and checklists to track if obligations are being met on time. 
  • If anything goes off track, the system flags it early to avoid breaches or legal issues. 

7. Renewals & Amendments

As the contract nears its end or requires changes, this stage helps manage updates without losing track of the original terms. This ensures that every renewal or contract amendment is properly documented, reviewed, and aligned with current business needs. 

  • Automated reminders notify contract owners before expiry. 
  • If changes are needed, users can create an amendment request. 
  • The new version is saved along with the original, keeping a full history of changes. 

8. Reporting & Analytics

This final step helps teams understand how well contracts are performing and where improvements can be made. It turns contract data into useful insights, helping businesses reduce risks, improve efficiency, and make smarter decisions moving forward. 

  • The contract lifecycle management solutions pulls data from all contract stages and shows it on dashboards. 
  • These insights help teams identify challenges, risks, or missed opportunities. 
  • With this data, leaders can make smarter decisions. 

Top 10 Contract Lifecycle Management Solutions

Choosing the best contract lifecycle management solutions can streamline workflows, reduce risks, and enhance compliance. Here are the top 10 tools to consider. 

1. CLM 365

CLM 365 is a great contract lifecycle management solutions built to meet the needs of modern enterprises.  It is a complete contract platform built to streamline, secure, and simplify every step of the contracting process. Whether businesses drafting, negotiating, approving, or renewing agreements, CLM 365 empowers legal, procurement, HR, and sales teams to collaborate effortlessly and reduce contract turnaround time. Users can find the tool in MS AppSource as well.  

Key Features: 

  • Integrates with MS Team, Outlook, SharePoint and Power BI 
  • Clause library with version tracking 
  • Customizable workflows and templates 
  • Role-based access control 
  • AI-powered contract summary and risk detection 
  • Track every stage with a centralized dashboard 
  • Store all contracts in one secure location 
  • Enable safe and easy e-signatures 
  • Control access with role-based security 
  • Ensure compliance with smart monitoring tools 

Ideal Use Cases 
Legal teams, procurement departments, and enterprises using Microsoft 365 seeking a unified experience 

Pros and Cons: 

  • Deep Microsoft 365 integration 
  • Intuitive UI with customizable dashboards 

Cons 
Limited integrations outside Microsoft tools 

Pricing 
Starts at $29.99 per month 

Why It Stands Out 
CLM 365 shines in organizations already invested in Microsoft tools, offering a familiar and secure environment with powerful automation. 

Ratings 

G2:  4.8  

Capterra:4.8  

Microsoft AppSource:4.9 (79 reviews) 

2. Ironclad

Ironclad is more than just a contract lifecycle management solutions it’s a powerful legal operations engine designed to bring speed, structure, and clarity to the contract process. From initiation to execution, Ironclad helps legal teams automate repetitive tasks, collaborate effortlessly across departments, and gain real-time visibility into every contract. 

Key Features: 

  • No-code workflow builder 
  • Real-time collaboration with redlining 
  • Legal playbooks for faster review 
  • Smart contract repository 
  • Salesforce integration 

Pros 

  • Excellent UX and workflow automation 
  • Powerful integrations 

Cons 

May require onboarding support 

Why It Stands Out 
Ironclad’s intuitive interface and powerful automation make it a favourite for legal tech adopters. It streamlines the entire contract lifecycle, enabling faster approvals and stronger compliance. 

Ratings 

G2: 4.5 

Capterra:  4.4 

3. DocuSign CLM

From the creators of the most trusted e-signature tool, DocuSign CLM delivers robust contract lifecycle management with native integrations into Salesforce and other key platforms. 
It helps organizations automate agreement workflows, reduce risk, and accelerate deal closures all in a secure, scalable environment.  

Key Features 

  • Automate contract workflows effortlessly. 
  • Access a centralized clause library. 
  • Set role-based permissions for control. 
  • Use native e-signature support. 
  • Gain real-time visibility into contracts. 
  • Apply conditional rules for reviews. 
  • Let Legal define pre-approved clauses. 
  • Route contracts automatically for reviews. 
  • Integrate easily with pre-built connectors and APIs. 

Pros  

  • Trusted brand with strong integrations 
  • Easy deployment with Salesforce 

Cons 
Learning curve for complex workflows 

Why It Stands Out: 
DocuSign CLM delivers an all-in-one workflow—from contract creation to finalization—integrated smoothly with its electronic signature capabilities. 

Ratings 

G2: 4.3 

Capterra: 4.5 

4. Agiloft

Agiloft is a highly customizable and no-code contract lifecycle management solution known for its flexibility and scalability, ideal for companies with complex contracting needs. It empowers teams to automate workflows, ensure compliance, and adapt quickly to evolving business requirements. 

Key Features: 

  • No-code customization 
  • Automated workflows and approvals 
  • AI-enabled contract analytics 
  • Integrations with ERP, CRM, and e-signature tools 
  • Audit trails and compliance features 
  • Get automatic notifications and reminders. 
  • Store all contracts in a centralized database. 
  • Ensure contract compliance with ease. 
  • Access detailed reports and visual dashboards. 

Pros  

  • Extremely flexible 
  • Strong AI capabilities 

Cons 
Configuration may require time 

Why It Stands Out: 
Agiloft offers unmatched customization for organizations with complex and evolving contract requirements. 

Ratings 

G2: 4.6 

Capterra: 4.8 

5. ContractWorks

ContractWorks is one of the user-friendly contract lifecycle management solutions focusing on simplicity, quick deployment, and affordability. It offers essential features like secure storage, e-signatures, and automated alerts perfect for teams seeking fast, reliable contract control without complexity. 

Key Features: 

  • Smart document tagging 
  • Drag-and-drop file uploads 
  • Built-in e-signatures 
  • Role-based permissions 
  • Get alerts for key contract dates. 
  • Manage renewals with ease. 
  • Use OCR and advanced search to find documents fast. 
  • Streamline drafting with built-in workflows. 
  • Sign documents with integrated e-signatures. 

Pros  

  • Easy to use and implement 
  • Transparent pricing 

Cons 
Limited customization 

Why It Stands Out: 
ContractWorks is ideal for businesses that want a simple yet powerful solution without complexity or heavy onboarding. 

Ratings 

G2: 4.8 

Capterra: 4.8 

6. LinkSquares

LinkSquares offers an AI-powered CLM suite focused on post-signature contract management and legal insights. It helps legal teams analyse contracts at scale, uncover key data points, and drive smarter business decisions. 

Key Features 

  • AI-driven contract analytics 
  • Smart contract repository 
  • Customizable reporting 
  • Pre-built integrations 
  • Automated metadata extraction 
  • Integrates with Google Drive, Salesforce and Slack 
  • Gain insights with advanced contract analytics. 
  • Edit contracts directly within the platform. 
  • Use pre-approved contract templates to save time. 

Pros  

  • Strong AI analytics 
  • Fast contract search and analysis 

Cons 
Limited pre-signature features 
Why It Stands Out 
It stands out with AI-powered analytics, automated data tagging, and real-time insights, helping legal teams extract key data and track obligations faster and more accurately. 

Ratings 

G2: 4.7 

Capterra: 4.2 

7. Conga CLM

Conga CLM provides comprehensive contract management with a focus on sales and revenue operations. It streamlines the contract process from creation to renewal, helping teams close deals faster and drive consistent revenue growth. 

Key Features: 

  • End-to-end CLM automation 
  • Salesforce-native integration 
  • Redlining and version control 
  • AI-driven insights 
  • Automated renewals 
  • Templates creation and flexibility  
  • Contract collaboration 

Pros  

  • Built for Salesforce users 
  • Strong contract automation 

Cons 

Customization may require support 

Why It Stands Out 
Conga CLM seamlessly extends the Salesforce ecosystem with robust contracting features. 

Ratings 

G2: 4.2 

Capterra: 4.2 

8. Icertis Contract Intelligence (ICI)

Icertis offers enterprise-grade contract lifecycle management solutions with advanced AI and analytics tailored to global organizations. It enables businesses to manage risk, ensure compliance, and unlock the full value of their contracts across geographies and departments. 

Key Features: 

  • AI-powered risk management 
  • Multi-language and global compliance 
  • Contract intelligence insights 
  • Configurable workflows 
  • Industry-specific templates 
  • Integrates with Microsoft, SAP and Salesforce 

Pros and Cons: 

  • Best-in-class analytics 
  • Suitable for complex enterprise needs 

Cons 
Requires technical setup 

Why It Stands Out: 
Icertis is known for its deep analytics and enterprise-grade compliance capabilities. 

Ratings 

G2: 4.2 

Capterra: 4.4 

9. PandaDoc

PandaDoc is a document automation platform with CLM features designed for sales, HR, and procurement teams. It simplifies document creation, streamlines approvals, and speeds up e-signatures to help teams close deals and complete processes faster. 

Key Features 

  • Document templates and collaboration 
  • E-signature support 
  • CRM integrations 
  • Automate approval workflows with ease. 
  • Track contract status in real time. 
  • Edit contracts directly on the platform. 
  • Create signature-ready documents quickly. 
  • Collect signatures on the go with mobile support. 
  • Manage the entire signature workflow seamlessly. 

Pros  

  • Affordable and easy to use 
  • Excellent sales enablement tools 

Cons 
Customization options can be restrictive 

Why It Stands Out: 
PandaDoc balances affordability and ease of use for fast-growing teams. 

10. Zoho Contracts 

Part of the Zoho business suite, Zoho Contracts is a modern contract lifecycle management solution designed to simplify contract creation, collaboration, and compliance for growing businesses and enterprises alike. 

Key Features 

  • Intuitive contract authoring and editing 
  • Approval workflows and obligation management 
  • Pre-configured contract templates 
  • Real-time collaboration and version control 
  • Detailed audit trails and activity logs 
  • Native integration with other Zoho apps (CRM, Books, etc.) 

 

Pros  

  • Seamless integration with the Zoho ecosystem 
  • Clean, modern UI with a short learning curve 

Cons 

Limited third-party integrations outside Zoho suite 

Why It Stands Out 

Zoho Contracts delivers a balanced blend of usability, automation, and affordability making contract lifecycle management accessible for businesses without compromising on functionality. It’s especially valuable for teams already using Zoho products, providing a truly unified business management experience. 

Ratings 

G2: 4.5 

Capterra: 4.4 

How to Effectively Implement Contract Lifecycle Management Solutions?

Implementing a CLM solution is more than just installing software it is a strategic initiative that transforms how organizations handle contracts. A well-planned implementation ensures adoption across departments, reduces legal and financial risk, and creates long-term value. The following steps outline an effective CLM implementation process: 

1. Assess Contract Management Needs

Understanding the current contract management challenges is the foundation of any successful CLM implementation. 

This phase typically involves 

  • Identifying contract bottlenecks across departments 
  • Auditing existing tools, systems, and processes 
  • Gathering input from legal, sales, procurement, HR, and IT teams 

Focusing on critical challenges like regulatory lapses, process delays, and lack of contract transparency. 

2. Define Clear Implementation Goals

Establishing clear objectives ensures alignment between stakeholders and solution capabilities. It also provides a measurable framework to evaluate the success and impact of the system implementation over time. 

  • Reducing contract turnaround times 
  • Enhancing audit readiness and compliance 
  • Improving visibility into contract obligations and risks 
  • Streamlining cross-functional collaboration 

3. Select the Right System

Choosing a solution that fits both current needs and future growth is critical to long-term success. 

Consider scalability and ease of configuration 

  • Evaluate integration capabilities with existing tools (e.g., MS Team, Outlook and MS Word) 
  • Analyze vendor support, onboarding process, and training resources 
  • Compare feature depth automation, reporting, compliance, and templates 

4. Establish Implementation Team and Governance

Assigning clear roles and governance ensures ownership and accountability throughout the project. It fosters cross-functional coordination, minimizes implementation delays, and supports smoother decision-making. 

  • Form a cross-functional implementation team 
  • Define roles for legal, IT, procurement, and finance departments 
  • Create a governance model to oversee progress, resolve conflicts, and drive adoption 

5. Migrate Contracts and Configure the System

A structured migration plan ensures clean data transfer and system readiness. It also reduces the risk of data loss, maintains contract integrity, and sets a solid foundation for system adoption. 

  • Digitize and organize legacy contracts 
  • Map out contract metadata and key fields 
  • Set up user roles, permissions, and approval workflows 

Configure templates, clause libraries, and rule-based triggers 

6. Conduct Training and Drive User Adoption

Successful adoption depends on how well teams understand and use the system. Consistent training and engagement help build user confidence and drive long-term usage across departments. 

  • Offer tailored training for each department 
  • Encourage hands-on learning and feedback loops 
  • Create process documentation and onboarding guides 

Highlight early wins to build momentum 

7. Monitor, Optimize, and Scale

Ongoing oversight reveals inefficiencies and uncovers areas where performance can be enhanced. It enables timely adjustments, supports ongoing optimization, and ensures the contract lifecycle management solutions evolves with business needs. 

  • Track KPIs such as contract cycle time, renewal rates, and compliance issues 
  • Review system usage and feedback regularly 
  • Fine-tune workflows and templates based on evolving needs 
  • Expand CLM use cases across departments over time 

Adopting an effective system isn’t a single-step process it is a continuous journey of organizational evolution. 

Conclusion

Selecting the right Contract Lifecycle Management solutions is essential for organizations looking to reduce risk, improve compliance, and streamline workflows. Each platform offers unique features from AI-powered insights and post-signature analytics.  

For businesses seeking high-end security, intelligent automation, and simplified contract workflows, CLM 365 is an ideal solution. Book a free demo and explore the product with a 14-day free trial. No credit card required. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

CLM helps businesses reduce risk, improve compliance, enhance visibility, and streamline workflows throughout the contract process.

Key stages include contract request, drafting, negotiation, approval, execution, obligation tracking, renewal, and termination. 

CLM software automates and centralizes contract-related tasks like drafting, tracking, approvals, and compliance monitoring. 

CLM software is essential for legal, procurement, finance, HR, and sales teams in startups, SMBs, and enterprises. 

AI in CLM helps extract contract data, suggest clauses, identify risks, and generate actionable insights. 

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