Managing contracts with outdated methods—email chains, scattered Word docs, and slow approvals—leads to delays, errors, and unnecessary risks. A missed deadline or an overlooked clause can mean lost revenue, legal trouble, or a deal slipping away.

A contract lifecycle management (CLM) platform helps businesses automate contract creation, approvals, tracking, and compliance, keeping everything organized in one system.

No more chasing signatures or searching through folders; CLM software keeps contracts moving and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Businesses of all sizes benefit from faster workflows, better compliance, and reduced manual work when using the right CLM tool. In this guide, we'll highlight the leading contract management solutions so you can choose the right one for you.

What is Contract Lifecycle Management Software?

Contract lifecycle management software helps businesses create, store, track, and manage contracts in a structured and automated way.

Instead of juggling spreadsheets, PDFs, and email approvals, you get a centralized system that keeps everything in check. With the right CLM tool, you can:

• Create contracts faster using pre-approved templates
• Automate approvals so deals don’t get stuck waiting for signatures
• Stay on top of deadlines with built-in reminders
• Reduce risks by tracking compliance and obligations
• Integrate with e-signature tools for quick, secure sign-offs

Whether it's vendor agreements, sales contracts, or internal policies, a CLM system helps your legal and business teams stay organized and in control.

What Are The Benefits of Using a CLM Platform?

Managing contracts the old-school way—chasing approvals, sorting through endless email chains, and dealing with last-minute surprises—is a recipe for wasted time and unnecessary costs.

A CLM platform keeps everything organized, speeds up the process, and helps businesses avoid costly mistakes.

Cuts Costs and Saves Time

Manually handling contracts eats up hours of work; drafting documents, fixing mistakes, and waiting on approvals. CLM software automates the process, reduces back-and-forth, and keeps things moving, so deals don’t get delayed. 

That means fewer bottlenecks, less manual work, and lower costs.

Reduces Legal and Compliance Risks

Missing deadlines or signing off on outdated terms can cause legal trouble or financial losses. A CLM platform tracks important dates, keeps contracts compliant, and sends reminders before things slip through the cracks. No more last-minute panic over an expired agreement.

Keeps Everything Organized and Easy to Find

Digging through old emails or messy shared drives to find a contract? Not fun. CLM software keeps everything in one secure place, so teams can search, update, and track contracts instantly without the hassle.

Speeds Up Approvals and Signatures

Waiting days or even weeks for a contract to get approved can hold up business deals. A CLM platform automates approvals and integrates with e-signature tools, so contracts get signed and finalized without the usual delays.

Helps Teams Work Better Together

Contracts involve multiple teams, such as legal, sales, procurement, and finance, and managing feedback over email can get messy fast. CLM platforms let teams collaborate in real time, track changes, and keep workflows moving so nobody gets stuck waiting.

Makes Vendor and Service Management Smoother

Keeping track of vendor contracts, renewals, and service agreements can be a headache. A CLM system flags upcoming renewals, tracks service terms, and prevents contract lapses, helping businesses maintain good relationships and avoid unexpected disruptions.

Gives You Data to Make Smarter Decisions

CLM software doesn’t just store contracts. It analyzes trends, tracks contract performance, and helps businesses negotiate better deals.

With real-time insights, companies can spot risks early and make informed decisions instead of relying on guesswork.

9 Top Contract Lifecycle Management Software Today

With artificial intelligence and automation, modern CLM tools eliminate the manual work involved in drafting, reviewing, and signing contracts. Whether you're scaling a startup or optimizing legal operations in a large company, choosing the right CLM platform can save time, reduce risks, and keep contracts secure.

Below are some of the best CLM platforms businesses and law firms are using today.

1. Aline

Aline is an AI-powered contract lifecycle management platform built to help businesses draft, negotiate, analyze, and sign contracts up to 10X faster. It cuts out the need for multiple tools like Word and DocuSign by bringing everything into one organized system.

Aline is designed for startups, legal teams, and B2B companies that want to automate contract workflows, reduce manual errors, and speed up deal closures. With AI-assisted drafting, smart approvals, and built-in e-signatures, Aline makes managing contracts faster and less frustrating.

Best Features

• Contract automation: Automatically generates, reviews, and approves contracts
• AI-powered contract analysis: Identifies risks, suggests edits, and ensures compliance
• Smart approvals: Routes contracts based on predefined criteria, reducing approval delays
• Pre-built contract templates: Speeds up contract creation with ready-to-use templates
• AI-assisted drafting: Uses GPT-4 to suggest edits and improve contract wording
• Automated redlining: Flags and revises contract terms instantly
• No-code template builder: Drag-and-drop interface for easy contract customization
• Microsoft Word integration: Edit contracts directly within Word while keeping track of changes
• Built-in e-signature (AlineSign): Secure document signing with multi-party workflows
• Contract tracking & notifications: Sends reminders for key contract milestones
• Compliance tools: Maintains audit trails and ensures contracts meet regulatory requirements
• Collaboration features: Assign tasks, leave comments, and track changes in real time

Best For

Businesses that want to automate contract creation, approvals, and compliance in one system. Aline is ideal for startups, B2B companies, and in-house legal teams looking for an AI-driven contract solution that’s easy to use and scalable.

Pros

• Saves hours of manual work by automating the entire contract management process
• No-code contract template builder makes customization easy
• AI-driven risk analysis helps catch compliance issues early
• Built-in e-signature (AlineSign) means no need for third-party signing tools
• Microsoft Word integration keeps workflows familiar for legal teams
• Real-time collaboration lets multiple teams work on contracts without confusion
• Automated reminders and tracking prevent missed deadlines
• Promotes cost and service effectiveness

Interested in a full tour? Start your Aline trial today!

2. Icertis

Icertis is a contract lifecycle management platform designed for large enterprises that need strong compliance, risk management, and automation features. It helps businesses draft, approve, and track contracts at scale while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.

With a focus on AI-powered contract intelligence, Icertis contract management helps companies analyze contracts, effectively manage contract obligations, and reduce risks.

Best Features

• AI-powered contract insights: Uses machine learning to flag risks and suggest optimizations
• Compliance tracking: Monitors legal and regulatory requirements to reduce risk
• Automated contract approvals: Streamlines contract review processes with pre-configured workflows
• Obligation management: Tracks contract commitments and ensures follow-through
• Multi-language support: Handles contracts across global teams
• ERP and CRM integrations: Connects with platforms like SAP, Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics
• Audit trails: Tracks every contract change for transparency and compliance
• Advanced reporting analytics integration: Provides insights into contract performance and risks

Best For

Large enterprises that manage complex contracts, operate in multiple regions, or need strong compliance and risk management tools.

Pros

• AI-powered risk assessment reduces legal exposure
• Deep compliance tracking keeps contracts aligned with regulations
• Scales easily for companies with high contract volumes
• Integrates with ERP and CRM systems for seamless contract management
• Comprehensive analytics provide contract performance insights

Cons

• Can feel overwhelming for smaller teams due to its extensive features
• Pricing may be high for businesses that don’t need enterprise-level tools

3. DocuSign CLM

DocuSign CLM builds on DocuSign’s e-signature technology to offer a full contract lifecycle management solution. It helps businesses automate contract creation, approvals, and compliance tracking, making it easier to manage agreements at scale.

For companies already using DocuSign for e-signatures, this CLM platform is a natural next step.

Best Features

• Seamless DocuSign e-signature integration: Automatically connects contracts to DocuSign’s signing tools
• Automated contract workflows: Routes contracts to the right people for faster approvals
• Pre-approved contract templates: Speeds up document creation while reducing errors
• Clause library: Stores legal-approved language for consistent contract terms
• AI-powered contract insights: Analyzes terms, risks, and obligations automatically
• Audit trails and compliance tracking: Ensures contract changes and approvals are documented
• CRM and ERP integrations: Works with Salesforce, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics
• Renewal and obligation tracking: Sends alerts for expiring contracts and commitments

Best For

Businesses that already use DocuSign for e-signatures and want a fully integrated contract management system with automation and compliance tracking.

Pros

• Seamless integration with DocuSign e-signatures makes contract execution seamless
• Automated workflows help speed up contract approvals
• AI-driven insights help identify contract risks and obligations
• Strong compliance and audit tracking keep contracts legally sound
• Scales well for both mid-sized businesses and enterprises

Cons

• Can get expensive compared to other CLM tools
• May require training to maximize automation features

4. Juro

Juro is a contract lifecycle management platform built for fast-moving businesses that need a simple, intuitive, and automated way to manage contracts efficiently. 

Designed for legal, sales, and HR teams, Juro focuses on speeding up contract creation, approvals, and e-signatures without relying on multiple tools.

With its browser-based editor, no-code automation, and AI-powered insights, Juro helps teams draft, review, sign, and manage contracts all in one place. No need to switch between Word, email, or PDF files.

Best Features

• All-in-one contract workspace: Draft, edit, approve, and sign contracts in a single browser-based platform
• No-code contract automation: Create contract workflows without needing IT support
• Built-in e-signatures: Sign contracts instantly without third-party integrations
• AI-powered contract analytics: Extract key contract data and track obligations automatically
• Real-time collaboration: Teams can comment, suggest edits and track changes live
• Dynamic templates: Standardize contracts with reusable, pre-approved language
• Smart reminders: Get alerts for contract renewals, deadlines, and key dates
• Secure document storage: Centralized contract repository with full-text search

Best For

Startups, scale-ups, and mid-sized businesses that need a fast, no-fuss contract management solution with built-in e-signatures and automation.

Pros

• User-friendly interface that doesn’t require legal expertise
• No-code automation makes it easy to set up workflows
• All-in-one platform removes the need for separate e-signature tools
• Suitable for scaling businesses with growing contract needs
• Affordable compared to enterprise-level CLM tools

Cons

• Limited customization options compared to enterprise-focused platforms
• Not ideal for businesses with highly complex contract workflows

5. PandaDoc

PandaDoc is a contract lifecycle management system designed for sales teams, HR, and businesses that need an easy way to create, send, and sign contracts.

It’s known for its document automation features, making it a good choice for teams that frequently handle proposals, quotes, and contracts.

Best Features

• Document automation: Generates contracts, quotes, and proposals quickly
• Pre-built contract templates: Reduces drafting time with customizable templates
• Built-in e-signatures: Eliminates the need for third-party signing tools
• Approval workflows: Automates contract approvals to prevent delays
• Collaboration tools: Allows real-time comments, edits, and approvals
• CRM integrations: Connects with Salesforce, HubSpot, and other sales tools
• Contract tracking: Sends notifications when contracts are viewed, signed, or expire
• Payment collection: Allows businesses to collect payments directly through contracts

Best For

Sales, HR, and business teams that frequently send proposals, contracts, and agreements need a simple, automated solution with built-in e-signatures.

Pros

• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop contract creation
• Great for sales-driven workflows with a proposal and quote management
• Real-time tracking shows when contracts are opened and signed
• Affordable pricing compared to enterprise-level CLM tools
• Seamless CRM and payment processing integrations

Cons

• Limited legal-focused features compared to enterprise CLM tools
• Not ideal for businesses handling complex contract negotiations

6. DealHub CLM

DealHub is a contract lifecycle management platform suitable for sales teams that need an all-in-one solution for contract automation, pricing, and deal tracking.

Unlike traditional CLM tools, DealHub integrates contract management with Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software, making it suitable for businesses looking to streamline processes from proposal to closing.

Best Features

• Sales-focused contract automation: Generates sales contracts and quotes automatically
• CPQ integration: Connects contract workflows with pricing and quoting tools
• Approval workflows: Automates approvals based on pricing, terms, and stakeholders
• Built-in e-signatures: Enables quick and secure contract signing
• Real-time collaboration: Allows teams to edit, comment, and approve contracts in one workspace
• Customer engagement tracking: Notifies sales teams when contracts are viewed or signed
• CRM integrations: Syncs with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics
• Renewal and obligation tracking: Sends reminders for contract renewals and obligations

Best For

Sales teams and revenue operations teams need a seamless contract management solution integrated with CPQ and CRM tools.

Pros

• Great for sales teams that manage complex pricing and contract workflows
• CPQ integration makes quoting and contract generation faster
• Real-time contract tracking improves deal visibility
• Built-in e-signature eliminates the need for third-party signing tools
• Strong CRM integrations help keep deal data centralized

Cons

• Not ideal for legal teams needing deep compliance tracking
• Limited flexibility for non-sales contract workflows

7. Cobblestone

Cobblestone is another contract lifecycle management platform built for businesses, government agencies, and enterprises that need a highly secure and customizable contract management solution.

It offers strong compliance tracking, contract automation, and advanced analytics, which make it a good fit for organizations handling high contract volumes and strict regulatory requirements.

With AI-powered contract analysis, automated workflows, and a centralized contract repository, Cobblestone helps businesses organize, track, and manage contracts more efficiently.

Best Features

• AI-powered contract insights: Identifies risks, key terms, and compliance issues
• Customizable contract workflows: Automates approvals and contract routing
• Electronic signature integration: Supports secure digital contract execution
• Centralized contract repository: Stores and organizes contracts so you can access contracts quickly
• Obligation and renewal tracking: Sends alerts for key contract deadlines
• Advanced reporting and analytics: Provides contract performance insights
• Audit trails and compliance tools: Ensures transparency and regulatory adherence
• Third-party integrations: Connects with ERP, CRM, and procurement systems

Best For

Enterprises, government agencies, and organizations that need a secure, AI-powered CLM platform with strong compliance and reporting features.

Pros

• Robust security and compliance tracking for regulated industries
• AI-driven contract insights help reduce legal risks
• Highly customizable workflows to fit different business needs
• Centralized contract storage makes document retrieval easy
• Comprehensive reporting tools provide valuable contract data

Cons

• User interface feels outdated compared to newer CLM platforms
• Can be complex to set up for businesses without dedicated legal teams

8. Conga

Conga is a hybrid contract lifecycle management tool designed for businesses that need a flexible, scalable solution for contract automation, approvals, and compliance tracking.

Best Features

• Salesforce integration: Works directly within Salesforce for a smooth contract workflow
• Automated contract generation: Creates contracts based on predefined templates and data
• AI-powered contract analysis: Identifies risks, missing terms, and compliance gaps
• Approval workflows: Automates contract routing and stakeholder approvals
• E-signature integration: Supports secure signing and multi-party approval processes
• Obligation and renewal tracking: Sends alerts for key contract deadlines
• Clause library: Ensures consistent legal language across contracts
• Advanced reporting and analytics: Tracks contract performance and compliance metrics

Best For

Businesses that use Salesforce and need a CLM solution that integrates seamlessly for automating contract workflows, approvals, and compliance tracking.

Pros

• Deep Salesforce integration simplifies contract management for sales teams
• AI-powered risk analysis helps reduce contract errors
• Customizable workflows for different contract types and approvals
• Strong compliance tracking keeps business contracts legally sound
• Scales well for mid-sized businesses and enterprises

Cons

• Can be expensive compared to other CLM platforms
• May require training to fully leverage advanced features

9. Agiloft

Agiloft is a contract management software known for its highly customizable workflows, AI-powered automation, and no-code capabilities.

Designed for legal, procurement, and enterprise teams, Agiloft helps businesses automate contract creation, approvals, compliance tracking, and reporting without the need for coding or complex integrations.

Best Features

• No-code contract automation: Allows businesses to customize workflows without IT support
• AI-powered contract analysis: Identifies risks, missing clauses, and compliance gaps
• Automated approvals: Routes contracts to the right stakeholders based on predefined rules
• Obligation and renewal tracking: Sends alerts before key deadlines
• Electronic signature integration: Works with DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and other e-signature tools
• Advanced reporting and analytics: Tracks contract performance and risk factors
• Role-based access controls: Ensures security and compliance with permissions management
• Third-party integrations: Connects with CRM, ERP, and legal software

Best For

Organizations that need a flexible, highly customizable CLM platform with strong AI-powered automation and no-code workflow management.

Pros

• No-code customization allows businesses to adapt workflows easily
• AI-powered risk detection helps prevent contract issues
• Strong compliance tracking keeps contracts legally sound
• Integrates with multiple e-signature and enterprise tools
• Scales well for mid-sized and large enterprises

Cons

• User interface can feel complex for first-time users
• Customization options may require training to fully utilize

Start Upgrading Your Contract Processes With Aline

Choosing the right contract lifecycle management software isn’t just about organizing contracts but saving time, reducing legal risks, and making deal-making smoother. The right CLM platform helps businesses cut costs, speed up approvals, and keep compliance in check.

While there are plenty of options out there, Aline stands out for businesses that want an AI-powered, all-in-one solution that simplifies contract drafting, negotiation, and execution.

With AI-assisted contract review, smart approvals, and built-in e-signatures, Aline helps teams get deals done faster without juggling multiple tools.

If you're looking for a modern contract management platform that’s built for speed, efficiency, and accuracy, Aline is the solution.

Get started with Aline today and take the hassle out of the entire contract lifecycle.

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FAQs About the Best Contract Lifecycle Management Software

What is the best contract lifecycle management software?

The best contract lifecycle management software depends on your business size, workflow complexity, and integration needs, but platforms like Aline, Icertis, and DocuSign CLM consistently stand out. These tools help eliminate inefficient contract management by automating approvals, tracking compliance, and organizing all your contracts in one secure system. With features like AI-assisted drafting, e-signature integration, and real-time collaboration, they turn contracts into valuable corporate assets that support business growth.

How do you manage the contract lifecycle?

To manage the contract lifecycle effectively, businesses should use a centralized CLM platform that covers every stage, from contract creation and negotiation to approval, execution, and renewal tracking. This enables efficient contract management by automating tasks, maintaining visibility into contract status, and ensuring compliance through built-in workflows and audit trails. It also allows teams to collaborate easily and keep everything aligned with existing systems like CRM and ERP tools.

How do I choose a CLM?

When choosing a CLM, start by assessing your contract volume, team workflows, and the types of agreements you manage. Look for a platform that reduces inefficient contract management, integrates with your existing systems, and gives clear visibility into contract status and deadlines. The ideal CLM should help protect your valuable contract assets while making the entire process faster, more accurate, and easier for everyone involved.

What types of contracts can a CLM system manage?

A CLM system can handle a wide range of documents, including contract requests, sales agreements, vendor contracts, NDAs, and more. It streamlines each step, from drafting to approval, helping businesses manage high volumes without losing track of key terms or deadlines.