Best Contract Management Software

Contract management software makes it much easier to manage contracts through one platform.

The leading tools on the market offer what is known as Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions, that help organizations stay on top of all of their contract needs. They assist in contract generation, they track the whereabouts of contracts and provide alerts when the cycle stalls, and produce detailed reporting. The leading systems can also keep you on top of regulatory requirements.

Here is our list of the best Contract Management software:

  1. SuperOps PSA EDITOR’S CHOICE A complete package for client and contract management together with other MSP management support software. This is a SaaS system that is partnered with an RMM bundle. Start a 21-day free trial.
  2. Agiloft Contract and commerce life cycle (CCLM) management software with a contract repository, AI, approval workflows, and more.
  3. Updraft Contract drafting and management platform with automated drafting, a central repository, custom reports, and more.
  4. ContractWorks Contract management software that lets you create a central contract repository, search contracts, and smart tag documents.
  5. OnitX Contract Lifecycle Management Contract lifecycle management tool with a central repository, automatic contract generation, and signature integration with DocuSign and Adobe Sign.
  6. SAP Ariba SaaS-based contract lifecycle management platform with contract templates and DocuSign e-signature support.
  7. PandaDoc Contract lifecycle management software with e-Signatures, automated approval workflows, and CRM integrations.
  8. Icerti Cloud-based contract management software with real-time custom dashboards and integrations.

The best contract Management Software

Our methodology for selecting a contract management system for your business 

We reviewed the market for contract management software and analyzed tools based on the following criteria:

  • Professional services automation (PSA) packages for MSPs
  • Contract lifecycle management
  • Customer relationship management features
  • Contract templates
  • E-Signature options
  • A free trial or a free demo for a cost-free assessment opportunity
  • Value for money that is provided by a reliable system marketed at a fair price

With these selection criteria in mind, we looked for contract creation and management systems that produce legally compliant contracts and offer guidance on contract creation, either through wizards or templates. It should also be possible to acquire templates from external advisors and store them in the system.

For the ranking the following list, we’ve kept a lookout for tools with features such as an easy to use GUI’s, automation, reporting, alerts, and more.

1. SuperOps PSA (FREE TRIAL)

SuperOps PSA chat

Contract Management is just one of the modules in the professional services automation (PSA) bundle supplied by SuperOps from its cloud platform. You can choose to take just the PSA system or subscribe to a complete package of MSP software from the SuperOps platform that includes RMM services.

Key Features

  • Part of a PSA package
  • Guided contract creator
  • Cloud-based service
  • Cloud storage space included
  • Contracts flow through to SLA management

Why do we recommend it?

The SuperOps PSA system includes all of the tools that a managed service provider needs to run its business. That is management tools rather than the systems that technicians within the business use to manage the systems of their clients. The PSA package includes a contact management system.

The Contract Management system caters to businesses of all sizes from independent technicians through to large MSPs because it offers off-the-shelf contract templates for those who don’t have the services of a large legal department but also allows customized contracts to be set up in the system.

This is a cloud-based service that includes storage space, so you don’t need to worry about on-site disasters damaging both paper and digital copies of your contracts – you’re all backed up by this service.

Contracts are not document images, they include searchable fields, and data from the Contracts Management module flows through the closed-loop system like an ERP, ensuring that related SLA conditions are met by the IT Operations team.

Who is it recommended for?

This package would only be of interest to a managed service provider. The companion RMM package could be used by an IT department as well as by an MSP. However, the PSA tools are specifically tailored to the needs of MSPs. This is a cloud-based system.

Pros:

  • A great option for MSPs with many custom agreements and contracts
  • Intuitive contract creator for manual contracts
  • Offers a range of plans fit for freelancers to enterprise service providers
  • Has a built-in search feature making it easy to find different agreements quickly

Cons:

  • Could benefit from a longer 30-day trial

SuperOps offers its PSA system in four editions and all of them include the Contract Management service. You can choose between plans that have only the PSA services or PSA plus RMM. The first plan, called Solo offers all PSA and RMM functions to independent contractors and it is free to use for the first year. You can get a 21-day free trial of any of SuperOps plan.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

SuperOps PSA is our top pick for a contract management service because it combines contract management functions with all aspects of client management. Ensure that you make consistent contact with clients and flow through SLA requirements to IT Operations standards with all of the integrated services in this package. Choose a PSA plan or get a subscription to a combined PSA and RMM package.

Get a 21-day free trial: superops.ai/signup

Operating system: Cloud-based

2. Agiloft

Agiloft

Agiloft is a contract and commerce life cycle (CCLM) management software designed for motoring contract process. The platform comes with a contract repository, which allows you to search for contracts and files via the search function. With contract templates, you can instantly create new contracts with clause libraries.

Key Features

  • Contract lifecycle management
  • Editions for different professions
  • Contract templates
  • Searchable storage

Why do we recommend it?

Agiloft is a contract lifecycle management platform and it is a standalone product, not integrated into a PSA. Features in the package include a cloud and obligations tracing system, which ensures that your team understands exactly what they are signing up to. The system is available for sales and procurement contracts.

Approval workflows enable teams to check and approve contracts efficiently. The platform integrates with Adobe Sign and DocuSign so that users can sign-off on contracts within the software. Email and SMS messaging helps users stay up to date on contract progress.

To help manage your resources throughout the contract lifecycle, Agiloft has custom reports. Reports provide you with an overview of the status and budget of the contract you’re working on. Automatic alerts notify you about new tasks and escalations that require a response from the user.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a cloud-based SaaS package and it includes storage space for documents. So, it is also a secure vault that prevents your own technicians from being able to read contracts or sell information. Access to the vault can be tightly controlled, ensuring confidentiality. All but small businesses would be interested in Agiloft.

Pros:

  • Can easily create, monitor, and document the contract process
  • Supports searchable storage for easy access
  • Integrates with tools like DocuSign and Adobe Sign

Cons:

  • Must get a quote for pricing

Agiloft is an excellent option for enterprises that want a complete contact management software. The tool is available as a license and a SaaS or On-Premise subscription. You can access a demo or contact Agiloft for a price estimate.

3. Updraft

Updraft

Updraft is a contract drafting and management platform that uses algorithms to automate the drafting process. Create a central repository of contracts to give you complete control over your contractual obligations. To keep track of deadlines you can use a color-coded inbox customized to the user.

Key Features

  • Contract creator
  • Contract repository
  • Contract management workflows

Why do we recommend it?

Updraft is a contract creation package and it helps a team to collaborate over that process. The system takes a contract through to signing and then compliance. This system is designed to manage a large volume of contracts simultaneously and plans include the services of over-the-phone legal experts for consultation.

The MatterMap workflow system uses data analytics and algorithms to understand the content of workflows and guide users through the workflow process. New workflow tasks can be launched automatically once an earlier stage of the process has been completed. The MatterMap system is searchable so you can find any contracts or project documents you need.

To give the user a more visual experience, Updraft offers a business intelligence feature. You can use contract data to create forecasts. Once you’ve finished reviewing the data you can then create a custom report to share with the rest of your team.

Who is it recommended for?

This is a system that would be useful for a large organization or a mid-sized company that works intensively with contracts. You would need to be dealing with a range of contracts on a daily basis to justify using this tool, not just the repeated application of the same contract template.

Pros:

  • Leverages artificial intelligence to automate contract drafting
  • Offers numerous templates making it easy to get started
  • Automatically keeps track of deadlines through alerts

Cons:

  • Better suited for small to medium-sized companies

Updraft is ideal for companies that want an all-in-one contract management solution that enables them to take control of contract workflows. Updraft has a custom pricing structure, and you can contact the company for a quote. The Updraft system can be examined by accessing a demo.

4. ContractWorks

ContractWorks

ContractWorks is a contract management software that leverages AI to help you manage contracts. You can monitor your contracts through a central contract repository. The drag-and-drop contract repository makes it easy to add new documents.

Key Features

  • AI-aided contacts management
  • Searchable document storage
  • E-Signature feature

Why do we recommend it?

ContractWorks is a cloud-based system with storage space included in the subscription price. The platform supports the creation, verification, and ongoing management of contracts. You also get a digital signature system in the bundle and an AI-based clause generator. You will be able to track contract-related goals and obligations.

There are a number of features that support navigation in ContractWorks. For instance, you can use the search function to find any documents that you need. Smart document tagging uses AI to automatically tag the agreement type, end date, initial term, and renewal term so that you can see the core data you need to keep track of when using the contract.

The OCR and advanced search feature allow you to search throughout the entire repository and find specific clauses within your contracts. When it comes time to sign off on contracts the built-in electronic signature allows you to fill out contracts within the tool.

Who is it recommended for?

ContactWorks manages high volumes of contracts per month, so it is only of interest to very large businesses. The lowest package will handle 2,500 contracts, so it isn’t going to be suitable for small businesses. Law offices that draw up contracts on behalf of many customers would particularly benefit from this package.

Pros:

  • Uses AI to help manage contracts between clients
  • Features a simple but powerful search function
  • Provides built-in e-sign

Cons:

  • Pricing and features are more tailored to enterprise companies

ContractWorks is a tool aimed at enterprises that want a simple contract management experience that gives you a top-down perspective of contracts and clauses you need to keep an eye on. Pricing starts at $600 (£467) per month. You can start the free trial.

5. OnitX Contract Lifecycle Management

Onit Contract Lifecycle Management

OnitX Contract Lifecycle Management is a contract lifecycle management tool that has a dashboard where the user can monitor the progress of contracts. The central contract repository lets you store all of your legal documents in one place so that they’re accessible when you need them. The user can also configure update notifications to notify users about new contract events, tasks, or comments.

Key Features

  • Contract lifecycle management
  • Searchable contract library
  • Integration with DocuSign and Adobe Sign

Why do we recommend it?

OnitX Contract Lifecycle Management is a workflow automation tool that will integrate with your contract creation tools and allocate responsibilities to team members. This means that you set up a group of employees in the system and allocate each of them a responsibility, such as the creator, reviewer, and signer.

The included automation is very useful out of the box. Automatic contract generation creates contracts and automatically adds or excludes clauses based on the guidance of a rules engine. From then on users can manage documents with features such as version control, which makes it easier for teams to work on contracts.

The software also enables the user to build custom project workflows. Workflows can be customized and routed to members of your team to ensure contract conditions are fulfilled promptly. Integrations with DocuSign and Adobe Sign allow users to sign-off on contacts in the workflow.

Who is it recommended for?

This package is aimed at companies that deal create contracts on a daily basis. So, it is suitable for a large business or a legal firm. As well as allocating tasks to employees, the tool will track progress, remind members of time goals, and provide a manager with an overview of progress and work volumes.

Pros:

  • Uses simple visuals for management and contract tracking
  • Integrates with other document signing platforms
  • Can quickly include or exclude clauses on different agreements

Cons:

  • Must contact for pricing

OnitX Contract Lifecycle Management is a tool that enhances visibility over the entire contract management process. It’s easy to use and suitable for teams. To find out the pricing information for the product you will need to contact the company directly. You can schedule a demo.

6. SAP Ariba

SAP Ariba

SAP Ariba is a SaaS-based contract lifecycle management platform that lets you manage contracts from one location. It also supports e-signatures with DocuSign, enabling the user to sign contracts easily. The platform also offers integration for contract data and workflows with a range of external services including Salesforce.

Key Features

  • Automated contract creation to management
  • Contract assembler
  • DocuSign integration

Why do we recommend it?

SAP Ariba is a cloud-based contracts manager for sales and procurements. The package includes secure, encrypted storage for contracts, which has a file integrity monitor built into it. Asa well as storing the full contract, the tool retains contract content data in its console and is able to alert on elements, such as deadlines.

Managing contracts is easy with SAP Ariba, as you can use contract templates to start producing contracts. Types of contracts supported include sales, procurement, intellectual property, internal agreements, and more.

There is also a clause library, which allows you to create contracts faster with less administration. Being able to create and manage templates quickly makes for a smoother contract management experience.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool is great for businesses that already run the SAP ERP or CRM systems. The package is a standalone service, so those who aren’t already SAP users could get this system as a standalone service. However, the data exchanges from SAP’s main tools make this a more attractive package for SAP using businesses.

Pros:

  • Highly enterprise focused
  • Offers excellent visuals to track and manage contracts
  • Includes build-in workflows for contract management

Cons:

  • Better suited for enterprise environments

There are two versions of SAP Ariba available to purchase: a basic version and a professional version. The basic version offers simple contract management features but doesn’t have the templates and integrations offered by the professional version. You must contact the company directly for a quote. You can find out more information from this link here.

7. PandaDoc

PandaDoc

PandaDoc is a contract lifecycle management tool with automated approval workflows. It streamlines the contract creation process with over 200 contract templates. Once a contract has been created you can share it with the rest of your team. Notifications remind users when a contract requires their signature.

Key Features

  • Automated approvals workflow
  • E-signature feature
  • Contract templates

Why do we recommend it?

The PandaDoc is a convenient service for the creation and storage of contracts. The package tracks the creation task with responsibility allocated to team members and you can set up deadlines for each phase of the contract creation process. That creation is eased by templates and you can automatically flow in data from third-party tools, such as Salesforce.

Users can sign contracts with e-Signatures. PandaDoc uses its own electronic signature solution that’s ESIGN and UETA compliant. After signing the software will generate an electronic certificate to verify the signing took place.

There is also a range of integrations that come with PandaDoc as well. Integrations include a range of vendors such as Salesforce, Microsoft, and HubSpot, giving you control over how you manage contracts. You can even use the API to connect to an external tool of your choice.

Who is it recommended for?

PandaDoc is suitable for any business size, although very large businesses might think that the tool is over-simplified. There is a free edition, which is limited to just e-Sign and storage functions. This is limited to five contacts a month, so that’s ideal for small businesses. The three paid plans are reasonably priced.

Pros:

  • Comes with over 200 templates making it easy to get started quickly
  • Contracts are sharable among team members and partners
  • Features its own e-sign option

Cons:

  • Would like to see a longer trial period

PandaDoc is ideal for SMEs that want a simple contract management software that supports team management. There is a Free edition supporting up to five documents per month. There is also a custom enterprise pricing model that you can contact the sales team for a quote. You can start a free 14-day trial.

8. Icertis

Icertis

Icertis is a cloud-based contract management platform with Icertis a customizable dashboard. Through the dashboard, you can view real-time data on workflows, compliance, and user actions to get a holistic perspective of your contract lifecycle. The platform is integrated with Microsoft Office so the user can create contract templates with the assistance of the Icertis clause library.

Key Features

  • Highly automated
  • Built-in standards compliance checks
  • Collaboration workflows

Why do we recommend it?

Icertis is a cloud-based system that is able to exchange data for automated contract generation with Microsoft, Salesforce, and SAP ERPs and CRM. This is a high-end tool for large businesses that need automated processes to reasonably conclude a lot of contracts in a short space of time. This isn’t a bespoke contact solution but a way to bulk process them.

One of the greatest strengths of Icertis is its automation. It can identify and assign contract tasks so that users can collaborate on contracts. The automation helps create contract workflows so that users can complete the necessary tasks to complete a contract on time.

The platform also offers a range of integrations with external services and an API. Other services supported by Icertis include Salesforce, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, and more. Integrating other services makes Icertis work alongside the rest of your environment more effectively.

Who is it recommended for?

This package is designed for use by big businesses. The client list of Icertis includes Microsoft, Google, and Johnson & Johnson. So, you would need to be dealing with multinational-levels of contract creation to be interested in this tool. It isn’t a system that small businesses would use.

Pros:

  • Includes contract lifecycle management features
  • Offers robust automation features
  • Integrates into other platforms such as Salesforce, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics

Cons:

  • Must contact sales for demo

Icertis is a complete contract management solution that would fit well within any enterprise looking to manage a group of users to deliver contracts efficiently. If you want to find out pricing information, you will have to contact the company directly. You can register for a demo.

Choosing Contact Management Software

Managing contract clauses and ensuring that the terms are met can be tricky when managing one document – let alone dozens. Contact management software makes the document management process more straightforward by providing you with a central hub to manage agreements.

Out of all the tools on this list, our editor’s choice for this article is Agiloft. It’s integrations with Adobe Sign and DocuSign make it convenient for users to sign contracts and have features like reports to enable support teams to stay compliant with current regulations.

Contract management software FAQs

How do I choose a contract management software?

A number of standard steps will help you find the contract management software for your business. Consider the following:

  1. Current and projected contract creation volume – does your business just have a few contracts that endure or due you issue contracts every week?
  2. The direction of supply – are you managing contracts as a customer or are you a supplier?
  3. Legal constraints – does the business need to comply with specific legally enforced standards?

These three points tell you what capacity you need to look for in a new system, whether you are interested in creating contracts and so need a service that includes templates, whether you need a service level agreement (SLA), and whether you need mechanisms for checking on the delivery of goods or services that also tie into invoice processing systems.

The industry standards that you list will give you the compliance modules that you need to look for in your contract management software.

What is the best way to manage contracts?

You can improve your business’s contract management with these tips:

  1. Centralize responsibility for contracts
  2. Create templates to standardize contracts
  3. Identify service levels for SLAs – this could possibly be different for each contract
  4. Build a contract team communication channel
  5. Integrate contract delivery tracking

What are two useful tools for managing contracts?

Here are two tools that provide excellent contract management services:

  • SuperOps PSA is designed for managed service providers – a sector that relies on contracts and service level agreements for its existence. This cloud-based package includes a contract creation and storage unit and automated connections to operations modules to track service-level agreement compliance.
  • Agiloft Contract Lifecycle Management is a good tool for businesses that issue a lot of contracts both as suppliers and consumers. The package includes a contract library manager, approval workflows, and other contract management utilities. The tool is offered in versions for sales and procurement.