Selecting
a CLM solution
for your organization

The Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) market is experiencing rapid expansion, projected to grow by 3.5 times between 2020 and 2030 and driven by the need for modern, streamlined contract management processes. While CLM platforms offer significant benefits in automation, compliance, and risk reduction, this growth has led to a crowded vendor landscape.  

Many businesses find this overwhelming, with a recent Agiloft poll showing 39% of respondents hesitating or opting against CLM implementation due to too many vendor choices. Despite this selection challenge, the demand for efficient contract management remains high for organizations aiming to improve operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and enhance compliance.  

For organizations looking to improve operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and enhance compliance, finding the right CLM solution has become a top priority. 

CLM Basics

Best practices for CLM

Intro to CLM

Vendor contracts bootcamp

Understanding your CLM needs

Identifying your business requirements 

The first crucial step in CLM selection is thoroughly assessing your organization’s specific needs by evaluating current contract processes. 

Ask key questions such as: 

• Are manual processes leading to delays or errors? 
• Are contract approvals taking longer than expected? 
• Are teams struggling with limited visibility into contract obligations or renewal deadlines? 

Identifying pain points, such as approval delays or compliance concerns, helps you prioritize features like workflow automation or automated compliance checks. Defining clear objectives—like improving efficiency, reducing errors, or enhancing visibility—will help ensure the chosen solution aligns with your goals. 

Stakeholder involvement in buying a CLM

Engaging key stakeholders from departments like Legal, Procurement, Sales, and Finance is critical for successful CLM implementation. Since contracts impact many areas, involving these teams early ensures the system addresses diverse needs, fosters user buy-in, and leads to better outcomes.  

A report by Gartner confirms that understanding different departmental pain points, such as Legal’s compliance needs or Sales’ desire for faster contract generation, is vital for defining system requirements and achieving long-term success. Early involvement of stakeholders also builds ownership and facilitates a smoother transition. 

Choosing the right CLM

After identifying your organization’s needs and engaging stakeholders, the next step is evaluating the features of potential CLM solutions. The right platform should address immediate pain points while offering advanced capabilities to support future growth. 

CLM selection criteria 

1. Contract creation and authoring tools:  
   A robust CLM platform should simplify the drafting process through customizable templates, pre-approved clause libraries, and collaborative editing capabilities. These tools save time, improve consistency, and minimize the risk of errors. 
2. Approval workflows and automation 
   Look for CLM software that automates approval workflows, routing contracts to the appropriate stakeholders, sending reminders, and escalating issues when necessary. Automation helps reduce bottlenecks and accelerates the contract lifecycle. 
3. Electronic and wet signatures 
   E-signature integration is essential for modern contract management, enabling secure and efficient signing. Some organizations may still require wet signatures for legal or regulatory purposes.  Agiloft’s data-first CLM platform supports both options, ensuring flexibility and compliance. 
4. Contract repository and storage 
   A centralized, searchable repository provides a single source of truth for all contracts. This ensures stakeholders have access to the latest contract data, reduces confusion, and minimizes risks associated with outdated or misplaced documents. 

Advanced features 

1. AI and machine learning capabilities 
   AI-powered tools can automate tasks like clause identification, risk assessment, and contract review. Machine learning can provide actionable insights, helping teams make data-driven decisions quickly and efficiently. 
2. Integration with enterprise systems 
   Seamless CLM integration with systems like Salesforce, Workday, SAP, and other enterprise tools ensures information flows smoothly across departments. Agiloft’s Integration Hub, for example, connects CLM platform with CRMs, ERPs, and other platforms to create a unified workflow. 
3. Compliance and risk management tools 
   Automated compliance checks, risk scoring, and alerts help organizations stay aligned with regulations and internal policies. These tools reduce the likelihood of costly fines, missed obligations, or unfavorable terms. 
4. Analytics and reporting 
   According to a CLOC survey, legal professionals spend between one and six hours tracking obligations within the lifetime of a single contract. Advanced analytics capabilities enable organizations to track KPIs, uncover trends, and identify bottlenecks.  Customizable reporting helps teams assess contract performance and optimize processes. 
5. Flexibility and scalability 
   Choose a system that can adapt to your organization’s growth. A scalable solution should handle increased contract volume, support additional users, and incorporate new features without requiring costly upgrades or overhauls. 

What to look for in a CLM demo 

A product demonstration is a crucial step in evaluating CLM vendors, offering a firsthand look at system functionality and alignment with your business needs. To maximize a demo’s value, here’s what to focus on: 

1. Tailored demonstration over a generic walkthrough 

Vendors often offer general demos, but the most valuable ones are customized. Before a demo, provide the vendor with details about your specific challenges and workflows so they can tailor the demonstration to your needs. 

Look for: 

• A walkthrough of contract creation, approval, and signature workflows relevant to your business. 
• Examples using your industry’s contract types (e.g., procurement agreements, sales contracts, NDAs). 
• A clear demonstration of how the CLM integrates with your existing tech stack.  

2. Ease of use and user experience 

Even the most feature-rich CLM will fail if it’s not user-friendly. During the demo, pay attention to: 

• How intuitive the interface is for Legal, Sales, Procurement, and Finance teams 
• The simplicity of setting up workflows and approvals without IT assistance 
• How easily users can search for contracts, track obligations, and generate reports 

A system that is difficult to navigate will lead to low adoption rates, so ensuring there is an intuitive interface is critical. 

3. Workflow automation and AI capabilities 

Automation is one of the top features to evaluate in a product demonstration. The demo should highlight: 

• How automated approval workflows reduce bottlenecks 
• The role of AI in extracting key contract data, identifying risks, and suggesting next steps 
• Whether automation can be easily configured to match your existing processes 

Modern CLM systems, such as Agiloft, leverage AI to eliminate manual work, improve compliance, and enhance contract insights—features that should be front and center in any demo. 

4. Searchability and reporting features 

One of the main benefits of a CLM system is having a centralized contract repository with robust search and reporting functions. During the demo, test how quickly you can: 

• Find a specific contract using filters like expiration dates, contract type, and counterparties 
• Generate reports and dashboards on contract obligations, renewals, and compliance 
• Set up automated alerts for upcoming renewals and key deadlines 

A strong CLM platform should make it effortless to locate and manage contracts in seconds, not hours. 

5. Integration with existing systems 

Your CLM software shouldn’t exist in a silo. Ask the vendor to demonstrate how the system integrates with your existing software, including: 

• CRM platforms, like Salesforce, for seamless contract generation 
• ERP systems to connect contracts with financial processes 
• Procurement platforms for supplier agreement tracking 

Agiloft’s Integration Hub, for example, connects with more than 1,000 enterprise systems, ensuring contracts are fully integrated into broader business processes. 

6. Security and compliance features 

Contracts contain sensitive data, so security is a non-negotiable factor. During the demo, ask about: 

• Role-based access controls and user permissions. 
• Audit trails that track who accessed or modified a contract. 
• Compliance features for industry-specific regulations like ISO 27001, HIPAA, or SOC 2. 

Ensuring the CLM meets your compliance requirements from the start will save time and reduce risks down the road. 

7. Implementation process and support 

A new CLM system should enhance productivity—not create additional headaches. Inquire about: 

• Estimated implementation timelines and resources required 
• Training options, such as Agiloft University, to ensure employees can effectively use the system 
• Ongoing customer support, including response times and dedicated account managers 

Choosing a vendor with a strong track record of successful implementations and customer satisfaction, like Agiloft, ensures a smoother transition and long-term support. 

CLM ROI and cost considerations 

Understanding the total cost and potential Return On Investment (ROI) of a CLM solution is crucial for making an informed decision. 

Total cost of ownership (TCO) 

A CLM platform’s TCO goes beyond the initial purchase price and includes: 

• Setup and implementation costs: Expenses like system configuration, data migration, and integration with other tools 
• Subscription or licensing fees: Pricing should be scalable to support future growth, such as additional users or increased contract volume 
• Maintenance and support costs: Ongoing costs for updates, technical support, and system upkeep 

Understanding these factors ensures you’re prepared for the full financial impact of the solution. 

Return on investment (ROI) 

A recent MGI report found that Agiloft’s CLM platform can deliver over 100% ROI compared to manual processes, demonstrating clear financial and operational benefits.  

By balancing TCO and ROI, you can ensure the chosen system delivers value for both the short and long term.  
 
A well-implemented CLM system can deliver measurable ROI by: 
 

• Improving efficiency: Automating workflows and reducing errors can recover up to 9% of lost revenue caused by inefficient contract management, according to World Commerce & Contracting. 
• Mitigating risks: Automated compliance checks and real-time alerts help avoid fines, missed deadlines, and unfavorable terms. 

CLM implementation and change management 

A successful CLM implementation relies on proper planning and effective change management to ensure smooth user adoption. 

Tips for implementation 

1. Develop a roadmap: Work with your vendor to create a step-by-step plan for system setup, data migration, testing, and go-live 
2. Assign roles: Clearly define responsibilities to ensure accountability and keep the process on track 
3. Leverage vendor expertise: Select a vendor with a strong track record, like Agiloft, that offers tailored guidance through its Professional Services team to ensure a seamless setup 

Managing change 

1. Communicate benefits: Build a clear business case and highlight how the system will improve efficiency, reduce errors, and simplify workflows for users. 
2. Provide training: Offer comprehensive training, such as Agiloft University’s resources, to help users feel confident and prepared 
3. Monitor and adapt: After implementation, gather feedback to fine-tune the system and ensure it continues to meet your organization’s needs 

Top 10 CLM platforms: Which is right for you? 

The sheer volume of options in the Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) market can be overwhelming, often leading to decision paralysis. In fact, 39% of respondents in a recent Agiloft survey said that the biggest barrier to implementing a CLM solution is an overabundance of vendor choices.   
 
Let’s look at the top 10 CLM platform providers on the market today and explore some of their strengths and limitations. 

Agiloft 

Agiloft is known for being a flexible, robust CLM platform with excellent customer satisfaction. With its acquisition of Screens in early 2025, Agiloft continues to add cutting-edge AI features such as AI contract review and an “Ask AI” chatbot. Known for its data-first approach, Agiloft touts a no-code interface, putting non-technical users in control of their environment. Users decide exactly when, where, and how they want to use certain elements of the platform – including more than 1,200 drag-and-drop integrations with enterprise applications such as Workday, Slack, and Teams. 

Read more about what your peers have to say about Agiloft on G2 and Gartner. 

• “Agiloft does more than we were hoping for in a CLM” 
• “In all of the years that we have used the product; it has consistently been the most reliable software that I manage” 

Strengths: 

• Deep, flexible workflows 
• Extensive integrations 
• Out-Of-The-Box (OOTB) AI-enhanced functionality 
• Customer-focused, award-winning professional services and support staff 
• Industry-leading innovation 

Limitations: 

• Strong configuration capability requires planning and project management 

Cobblestone Software 

Cobblestone Software has been touted for its flexibility and customization, but others find implementation, upkeep, and ongoing changes to be costly. Cobblestone focuses heavily on the procurement space, meaning companies looking for holistic solutions might miss out on key features.  

Read more about what your peers have to say about Cobblestone Software on G2 and Gartner. 

• “The implementation was challenging and sometimes the reporting is frustrating, but overall, a good solution.” 

Strengths: 

• Customer Support and response times 
• Flexibility 

Limitations: 

• Expensive customization 
• Limited OOTB integrations 
• Difficult for some users to understand 

Conga 

With a Salesforce integration and OOTB revenue operations solutions, Conga may be a good fit for teams looking to automate the sales process.  
 
Read more about what your peers have to say about Conga on G2 and Gartner. 

• “Overall, I am happy to be partnered with Conga” 

Strengths: 

• CPQ and sales functions 
• Strong Salesforce integration 
• Template and version management 

Limitations: 

• Hard to maintain RFP features 
• Slow performance for high-volume users 
• Behind on some industry-standard features 

ContractPodAI 

With an emphasis on matter management and a pleasing User Interface (UI), ContractPodAI focuses on the legal process itself. However, users may experience difficulties incorporating outside stakeholders into the process.  
 
Read more about what your peers have to say about ContractPodAI on G2 and Gartner. 

• “My overall experience with ContractPodAI has been insightful and engaging” 
• “I think for the most part, the implementation has been positive on our workflows/company.” 

Strengths: 

• AI-powered tools 
• Workflow oversight for legal teams 
• Strong customer support 
• Innovative 

Limitations: 

• Steep user learning curve 
• Expensive customizations force users to change internal processes 
• Lackluster OOTB reporting 

Docusign CLM 

While DocuSign is known for its e-signature process, it’s noted to fall short when it comes to comprehensive CLM capabilities. Users specifically call out its poor version tracking and laggy UI, especially considering the price tag.  
 
Read more about what your peers have to say about Docusign CLM on G2 and Gartner. 

• “Docusign CLM makes signing documents effortless” 
• “CLM for beginners” 

Strengths: 

• Easy to implement 
• Strong e-signature capabilities 
• Straightforward approval workflows 

Limitations: 

• Limited customization and flexibility on both product and price 
• Limited and poor performing integrations 
• Lackluster customer support 

Evisort 

Evisort has received praise for its AI extraction and has built a fanbase for automating some aspects of data entry. However, beyond initial contract review (which has received reports of inaccuracy), users sometimes feel that Evisort falls short as a full end-to-end solution.  
 
Read more about what your peers have to say about Evisort on G2 and Gartner. 

• “It has made our contracting process a bit easier, and allowed us to standardize some parts of our agreements” 
• “Tricky at first platform to navigate, but a very helpful support team” 

Strengths: 

• Rich filtering and organization capabilities 
• AI-powered options 
• Strong customer service 

Limitations: 

• Steep learning curve 
• Hard-to-use workflow builder 
• AI-extraction accuracy 
• Limited integration options 

Icertis 

Icertis is known for being an end-to-end solution that is deeply customizable throughout the implementation process. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads users to over-customize, accumulating significant tech debt and ultimately reverting back to manual processes.  
 
Read more about what your peers have to say about Icertis on G2 and Gartner. 

• “Though Icertis is flexible, the customizations were a pain to maintain during the upgrade process” 

Strengths: 

• Flexible 
• Document and template management 
• Responsive support 

Limitations: 

• Difficult and expensive to maintain 
• Integrations 
• Initial implementations 

Ironclad 

Ironclad’s OOTB solution is available for any user to start a free trial from day one. Unfortunately, users often need to add customizations that lead to hidden costs, often pushing users back on the market in search of a CLM solution with more flexibility.  
 
Read more about what your peers have to say about Ironclad on G2 and Gartner. 

• “Tool is easy to use, but lack some capabilities to support contract management” 

Strengths: 

• Time to implement 
• OOTB functionality 
• UI/Ease-of-use 

Limitations: 

• Scalability and expensive customizations 
• Reporting dashboards 
• AI accuracy 

LinkSquares 

Initially created as a digital filing cabinet for contracts, LinkSquares may be a good choice for smaller companies that are simply looking to leave behind a world of paper and email. However, for companies looking to automate their entire contract management process, LinkSquares has some catching up to do.  
 
Read more about what your peers have to say about LinkSquares on G2 and Gartner. 

• “LinkSquares is great for small legal teams” 
• “While LinkSquares is powerful, customization options are limited” 

Strengths: 

• Repository functionality 
• AI options 

Limitations: 

• Usability and intuitiveness 
• Limited and/or expensive customizations 
• Pre-signature functionality 

Sirion 

Focusing on obligation and performance management, Sirion is reported to work well for large teams, but may leave things to be desired in the creation, review, and negotiation processes. Overly complex and difficult to read dashboards can make it cumbersome for everyday users to maximize the use of the CLM. 

• “Sirion is a very good tool that incorporates most of our requirements” 

Read more about what your peers have to say about Sirion on G2 and Gartner. 

Strengths: 

• Post-signature functionality 
• Collaboration tools 
• Modern UI 

Limitations: 

• Black box AI 
• Overly complex for small-medium orgs 
• Poor user adoption 

How to choose the CLM platform right for you 

This is just a snapshot of the tools available in the ever-growing CLM space today. Ultimately, your choice of CLM platform depends on your company’s unique business objectives. Hoping to automate contract creation and review? Looking to ensure your procurement team is more self-sufficient without introducing extra risk? Seeking a Salesforce integration to fuel real-time reports for rev ops teams? 

Maybe you’re looking for all of the above? If so, Agiloft may be the right solution for you.  

Disclaimer: While Agiloft operates in the legal technology space, this list was created using third-party, end-user feedback and reviews to accurately reflect the top vendors in the Contract Lifecycle Management space, including direct competitors. We believe that transparency and buyer education are key to long-term usability, trust, and partnership. 

In summary 

Selecting a CLM solution, when approached systematically, can transform contract management. By understanding needs, engaging stakeholders, evaluating vendors, and planning implementation, you’ll ensure a smooth transition and long-term success.  

A CLM system is an investment in growth, efficiency, and compliance; with the right vendor and strategy, you can unlock its full potential for sustainable business success.