You might remember the last time you handled a contract — the back-and-forth emails, the manual data entry, and the constant worry about security. Contract automation changes all of that.
What is contract automation?
Contract automation turns your legal document process into an efficient digital system. When you use contract automation tools, you can create, store, and secure contracts all in one place. This technology acts as your personal contract assistant, managing templates, tracking changes, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
What problems does contract automation solve?
Your business likely faces several contract-related challenges that eat up time and resources. The most common issues include:
- Lost documents (and time) in endless email threads
- Incorrect versions being sent and signed
- Significant delays in approval processes
- Security risks from unsecured file sharing
- Hours wasted on repetitive data entry
Not to mention the negative customer experience that these challenges cause. Contract automation solves these problems by organizing all your contracts in one place and adding layers of security that manual processes can’t provide. Instead of juggling multiple systems and worrying about document security, you get a single, secure platform that handles everything.
Benefits of contract automation
Using contract automation improves your entire contract lifecycle. These benefits touch every aspect of your business, from daily operations to long-term growth, and include:
Increased efficiency and reduced manual work
Contract automation has an immediate and significant effect on daily operations. Your team spends less time on paperwork and more time on valuable work that helps grow the business. A contract automation tool takes care of repetitive tasks like:
- Data entry - Automatically merging the correct customer information, custom terms, and other dynamic data to your contract template
- Document routing - Sending your contract to the right people at the right time to capture signatures and other input
- Follow up - Reminding your stakeholders about your signature request and keeping business moving efficiently
Ultimately, contract automation frees up your team to focus on more strategic activities.
Improved accuracy and reduced risk of errors
Contract automation greatly reduces human error by standardizing processes and using consistent language in all documents. Tools like S-Docs ensure contracts are pulling clauses and other legal language from the most up-to-date, approved template, keeping you in compliance. They also automatically pull in data from your CRM to ensure no information is missing, ensure proper formatting, and keep a clear record of all changes. This level of accuracy helps protect your business from costly mistakes that can happen with manual contract handling.
Enhanced scalability for growing businesses
As your business grows, contract automation scales with you. Whether you’re adding team members, opening new locations, or launching new product lines, the system can handle more work without needing extra staff. This scalability makes contract automation an essential tool for growing businesses.
Contract automation tools
Your contract automation software solutions should include several key features to maximize security and efficiency. Here are the essential capabilities to look for:
Conditional logic capabilities
Modern contract automation solutions use intelligent logic to customize documents based on specific criteria. They automatically adjust terms based on deal size or other criteria, add relevant clauses for different regions, and customize language based on your requirements. This smart functionality keeps documents consistent while maintaining flexibility.
Integrated e-Signature functionality
E-Signature integration streamlines the agreement process while maintaining security. Your team can send contracts for signature as soon as they’re approved, track signature status in real-time, and automatically store signed documents. This integration removes the need for printing, back-and-forth emails, or manually tracking signed documents.
Data writeback to your CRM
It’s important to keep your systems synchronized for efficient operations. Contract automation tools should automatically update your CRM when your customers interact with your contracts, including:
- Responding to signature requests
- Inputting requested information into contracts
- Requesting changes
Encryption and security features
Protecting sensitive information is a top priority. Look for systems that provide:
- End-to-end encryption
- Secure document storage
- Granular access controls
- Detailed audit trails
Secure contracts through contract automation
Keeping contracts secure is important, especially with sensitive legal documents. Contract automation helps by adding multiple layers of protection and control. Here are some layers of protection you must consider:
Importance of encryption
Security begins with proper encryption, and contract automation provides comprehensive protection at every stage. Your documents remain encrypted while they are sent and stored, with secure protocols keeping your data safe. This level of protection is better than what most organizations can achieve with manual processes.
Role of access controls and permissions
Controlling who can access and modify contracts requires advanced permission systems. Contract automation solutions provide detailed control over user access, letting you set permissions based on roles, departments, or individual needs. This level of control keeps sensitive information safe while remaining accessible to authorized users.
Reducing human error
The automated nature of contract automation tools significantly decreases security risks from human error. By enforcing consistent processes and requiring specific approvals, contract automation helps prevent common mistakes that could compromise document security. The system keeps track of different versions and tracks all changes, creating a clear audit trail.
Ensuring compliance
Contract automation helps maintain compliance through standardized processes and regular security updates. Your system stays current with the latest security requirements and provides the documentation needed for audits. This combination of security and record-keeping makes compliance management straightforward and reliable.
By using contract automation tools, you invest in both productivity and security. The system changes how you handle agreements while maintaining the highest security standards. Your team gets the efficiency they need, and your business gets the protection it requires — a winning combination that drives success.
Transform your contract processes today with S-Docs, delivering native contract automation that keeps your data secure within your environment. See how our platform can streamline your workflows while maintaining enterprise-grade security. Request a demo to discover why leading companies trust S-Docs.
