Top CLM Trends 2024: Future Insights for Contract Lifecycle Management

CLM Trends 2024

In the professional services industry, companies often grapple with a common set of challenges that affect their growth and operational efficiency. These issues transcend geographical boundaries, impacting firms across various locations and sectors. In this case study, we focus on a specific case to shed light on how a company in Florida addressed these universal challenges and successfully bridged the gap with innovative solutions.

1. Harnessing the Power of AI and Automation Integration

According to a recent Gartner study, “by 2026, AI models for organizations that operationalize AI transparency, trust and security will achieve a 50% improvement in terms of adoption, business goals, and user acceptance.” Generative AI-driven platforms are increasingly popular to help organizations overcome traditional contracting challenges. These platforms robustly manage contracts with unparalleled precision and speed, covering tasks from contract analysis to execution and renewals, tracking contract performance, and adhering to compliance and government regulations.

2. The Growing Influence of NLP in Simplifying Complex Contract Language

As per a PwC study, Fortune 1,000 companies handle a substantial load of active contracts, ranging from 20,000 to 40,000. Crafting and reviewing a single contract can be arduous, with attorneys typically spending over two hours per contract. Managing such a bulk of contracts throughout their lifecycle becomes a monumental challenge. Despite the promise of increased revenue with more contracts, the need for efficient management is undeniable.

Contract management teams increasingly turn to AI and NLP-powered solutions to tackle these challenges. These technologies enable a nuanced understanding of contract details and a human-like comprehension of intricate legal language. AI and NLP efficiently extract and categorize vital contractual metadata, providing precise insights and analyses on terms that may be ambiguous or challenging to interpret. This strategic adoption of AI and NLP streamlines contract management processes and ensures adaptability to diverse industry landscapes.

3. Blockchain: The Cornerstone of Smart Contracts

smart contracts

Blockchain technology is taking center stage in CLM trends, offering transparency, security, and traceability to contract management processes. The decentralized nature of blockchain ensures a tamper-proof record, instilling confidence in the integrity of contracts. Additionally, blockchain’s cryptographic mechanisms ensure the security of smart contracts, safeguarding them against unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity. Smart contracts on the blockchain also benefit from automated and self-executing capabilities. The decentralized consensus mechanism of blockchain enables the execution of smart contract terms without intermediaries, reducing the risk of errors and delays. Integrating blockchain technology into Salesforce fortifies the security and transparency of smart contracts. It streamlines their execution, offering a more robust and efficient solution for contract management within the Salesforce ecosystem.

4. Transitioning to Cloud-Based CLM Solutions

Organizations are experiencing a prevailing trend in transitioning to cloud-based Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions, indicating a significant paradigm shift in their approach to contract management. This trend involves organizations departing from traditional on-premise systems to embrace more dynamic, flexible, and scalable cloud platforms. Cloud-based CLM solutions empower organizations by providing access to contract data anytime and anywhere, enabling seamless collaboration among teams across diverse locations. Adopting these solutions enhances flexibility and facilitates efficient contract lifecycle management through features such as real-time updates, version control, and collaborative editing. The scalability offered by cloud-based CLM allows organizations to adapt to changing business needs, ensuring that the contract management infrastructure grows in tandem with the company’s expanding requirements. Overall, this trend reflects a strategic move towards modernizing and optimizing contract management processes, aligning with the evolving landscape of cloud technology and the demand for agile, collaborative, and scalable solutions. 

5. Unlocking Insights with Advanced Analytics, Reporting and Data Privacy

Gartner states, “AI-based contract analytics solutions will reduce the manual effort needed for contract review by 50%.” The emphasis on advanced analytics within CLM platforms is unlocking unprecedented insights into contract performance, compliance, and risk management. Organizations can now make informed decisions, mitigating risks and optimizing contractual outcomes. Advanced analytic solutions resting on the AI-based platforms can speed up the contract review process by 5X or more and also derisk the contract negotiation process to build a more comprehensive AI trust, risk, security, management (TRiSM) program that enhances governance upfront, and proactively ensures safe and reliant AI systems with data privacy. CLM systems are evolving to integrate features that assist in ensuring regulatory compliance, especially in industries with complex compliance requirements. This development ensures that organizations navigate regulatory landscapes with confidence and precision.

6. Empowering On-the-Go Management with Mobile Accessibility

Mobile accessibility is a pivotal CLM trend, allowing users to manage contracts on the go, fostering collaboration irrespective of physical location. It will enable real-time contract updates, immediate approval processes, and instant communication. This adaptability ensures that the boundaries of a traditional office setting do not confine contracts. Whether you’re remotely working across continents or in a physical space, on-the-go contract management with mobile accessibility is a game changer that businesses are increasingly adopting after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

7. Seamless Integration with ERP and CRM Systems

Streamlining business operations has become paramount, and one pivotal trend in achieving this is the seamless integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. This enhanced integration catalyzes a harmonious flow of information across diverse business processes within an organization. By knitting together the functionalities of ERP and CRM, companies can achieve a holistic view of their operations, from financial transactions to customer interactions. This interconnectedness not only eliminates data silos but also optimizes the efficiency of various departments, fostering a collaborative environment. With integrated systems, critical data seamlessly moves between ERP and CRM, empowering organizations to make data-driven decisions, enhance customer experiences, and achieve a more streamlined and responsive approach to business activities. This strategic fusion of technologies is not merely an upgrade; it’s a transformative step toward organizational synergy and heightened operational effectiveness.

8. User-Friendly Interfaces: Navigating with Ease

In the dynamic landscape of Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM), there is a growing emphasis on creating user-friendly interfaces within CLM platforms. This strategic focus aims to prioritize user experience, fostering enhanced user adoption and simplifying the overall navigation process. CLM platforms, designed with a user-centric approach, ensure that individuals at various organizational levels can effortlessly navigate the intricacies of contract management. These user-friendly interfaces are crafted with simplicity and intuitiveness in mind, allowing users, irrespective of their technical expertise, to seamlessly interact with and harness the full capabilities of CLM systems. This intentional design reduces the learning curve associated with CLM adoption. It contributes to heightened productivity as users can swiftly and confidently engage with the platform, promoting a more efficient and inclusive contract management experience.

Embracing the Future of CLM

As we embrace these trends, it’s evident that CLM is undergoing a transformative phase. Organizations that align with these trends are optimizing their contract management processes and setting the stage for sustained revenue growth. In the dynamic business world, adapting to these trends is not just a choice but a strategic imperative.

Ready to elevate your contract management strategy to new heights? Discover how Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) can seamlessly integrate with your Salesforce systems, unlocking unparalleled efficiency and transparency. Learn how our tailored solutions can perfectly fit your organization’s unique needs. Don’t miss the opportunity to revolutionize your contract management and embark on a journey toward streamlined operations and enhanced revenue growth.

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Satch Patel, Executive Vice President, MD, UK & EMEA

Satch brings 25+yrs of enterprise global solution experience having contributed to the growth of some of the worlds largest marquee software and hardware giants in the industry from Oracle Corporation, Sun Microsystems, Cisco/EMC, to Apttus & Salesforce.
 
Satch has helped many blue chip organisations realise their vision to modernize their systems from the front office to back office revenue operations to meet the demands of today’s radically transforming and digitally-driven business models, having worked with the likes of Linklaters, CliffordChance, Barclays, RELX Group, Microfocus, Novartis, Siemens, PayPal, Vista Equity Group Companies, London Stock Exchange, TPICAP and Princes Trust.
 
With his leadership approach, experience and passion for helping companies drive transformative change, Satch has a deep expertise in many industries, technologies and best practices across the lead to revenue lifecycle and how driving such digital transformation(s) can improve business growth and increase operational efficiencies  as well as preparing businesses for M&A activities.

Brion Schweers, Board Observer

Brion Schweers is a Senior Vice President of Product Management at Salesforce, currently managing the Revenue Cloud Solution Excellence team. During the past 30 years, Brion has assisted enterprises around the world in transforming their business by focusing on their Product-to-Cash processes. Prior to joining Salesforce Brion was VP & GM, CPQ at Apttus, VP, Sales & Success at A5 Consulting, served on the OAUG ConfigSIG Board and spent 15 years at Oracle in various roles related to their CX and CPQ products. Brion is also the executive Sponsor of Vetforce – Carolinas and is actively involved in the Salesforce Military program where he mentors Veterans and their spouses with actionable, personalized career advice.

Joseph Truhe, Board Member

Joseph Truhe has over 20 years of investing experience. Prior to joining Jefferson Capital in 2013 Joseph was a Portfolio Manager with Whitney Bank in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he oversaw the company’s Trust accounts and served as the Energy sector analyst for the Hancock Horizon Funds. Prior to Whitney, Joseph worked as an analyst and member of the investment committee at HFR Asset Management, a multi-billion dollar hedge fund platform in Chicago, Illinois. There, Joseph reviewed and maintained investment discretion over the firm’s Event Driven and Asia-focused hedge fund allocations. He was also responsible for the expansion of the firm’s Asia-focused fund offerings.  Joseph holds a BA in Economics from Yale University.

Steve Swartzman, Board Member

Steve Swartzman is a Principal and co-founder of CPC. Previously, as a co-founder of C3 Capital, he helped originate and manage over 35 investments, including national brands such as American Apparel, Traeger Grills, and Grunt Style. Steve’s chief focus remains consumer brands and e-commerce enablement businesses, and he currently serves on the boards of Grunt Style, Accel Clinical Research, Spoke Custom Products, Warne Scope Mounts, and New World Natural Brands.

Prior to C3, Steve structured and managed subordinated debt investments at KC Venture Group, and he spent 7 years as a Vice President with Citibank in New York, managing client relationships for emerging markets clients and structuring over $1 billion in complex trade financings. He is a past President of the Midwest chapter of the Small Business Investment Alliance, and he serves on the board of the International Center for Music at Park University in Kansas City.

Steve received a MBA from Columbia Business School and an AB in History and Literature from Harvard College.

He resides in Kansas City, where he was raised, with his wife Evelina and two sons, Harrison and Zandy. When he’s not working, his favorite activities are fishing, golfing, and eating.

Charles Scripps, Board Member

Chad has over ten years of experience investing in dynamic, growing businesses in diverse industries and geographies. His private equity experience includes HIG Capital, which has over $12B in capital under management, and AEA Investors, which manages over $3B of invested and committed capital. While at HIG and AEA, Chad led diligence, structuring, and financial analysis of potential and existing investments, and completed transactions in the industrial products and consumer services industries. Chad also has experience investing in the public equity markets, most notably as a Managing Director at Fox Point Capital, a $1B fund seeded by Julian Robertson of Tiger Management. He invested across a number of industries, including industrials, financials, technology, and consumer products, and led Fox Point’s international research. Prior to focusing his career on investing, Chad was a management consultant at McKinsey and Company, solving strategic problems for the world’s leading companies. Chad earned an MBA with Honors in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BS with Distinction in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Lester F. Alexander II, Board Member

Les Alexander is a partner with Jefferson Capital Partners where he provides mezzanine and equity capital for growth and buyout transactions. Mr. Alexander is a member of the firm’s investment committee and serves on the board of directors of several portfolio companies where he is actively involved in strategic planning and corporate governance. Prior to joining Jefferson Capital, he worked at Advantage Capital Partners where he completed several portfolio company investments and served on the investment committee. Before becoming a private equity investor, Mr. Alexander served as president of Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc., a leading fire truck and emergency vehicle manufacturer. At Ferrara, he was responsible for managing a workforce of 450 employees producing over 300 vehicles annually for its domestic and international customers. As an investment banker for 15 years with such firms as Howard Weil, Southcoast Capital, and J.C. Bradford & Co., Mr. Alexander completed over 50 public offerings of debt and equity securities, private placements, and merger and acquisition transactions totaling more than $7 billion for public and private companies in a variety of industries. Mr. Alexander is an adjunct professor at Tulane University and Loyola University where he teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in investment banking, private equity & venture capital, advanced financial management, investments, and entrepreneurship. He is also the board president for Benjamin Franklin High School, a public charter school in New Orleans. Mr. Alexander is the former Chairman Finance of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and served on the global Board of Directors. He is a founder of the Louisiana chapter of ACG and was a recipient of the ACG global Meritorious Service Award and the Louisiana chapter’s Outstanding Service Award. Mr. Alexander received his bachelor of science in Commerce from the University of Virginia in 1989 and his MBA from the University of North Carolina in 1993.

Patrick F. Healy, Board Member

Based in Kansas City, Mr. Healy is a co-founder of C3 Capital. He has been an active private equity investor since 1985 and was a co-founder of C3 Holdings in 1994. Prior to this time, he sponsored and structured equity investments in real estate. He gained extensive workout and restructuring experience as chair of the creditor’s committee of a $1 billion bankruptcy and from being called upon to rescue a publicly-traded company from a major fraud. Mr. Healy was a senior tax partner at Mayer Hoffman McCann, a regional CPA firm, for eleven years. He received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Kansas.

Chris Waters, VP of Strategic Sales

As Vice President of Strategic Sales, Chris guides and influences all strategic sales activities at A5 , starting in presales activities, successful sales methodology, sales process, and continued revenue generation and expansion opportunities. Furthermore, he will provide oversight in strategic sales function for the company and develop strategic sales plans that will promote growth in sales and customer satisfaction. Chris has proven his commitment to sales leadership and organizational success through field leadership as National Sales Manager at Deluxe Corporation, Field Sales Manager within the Social / Analytics Cloud at Oracle, US Regional Manager for CPQ Major Accounts at Oracle and now as Vice President on Sr. Leadership Team at A5.

Keith Fox, GM Salesforce Canada

Keith Fox is a software and consulting veteran for the past 34 years. Keith started his career at EDS which was followed by 4-year stint offshore in Bermuda. Keith then returned to Canada where he held a number of progressive sales and technical positions with software companies such as Sybase, BEA, and Oracle. After his stint with Oracle, Keith founded Cloudware Connections, a premier Salesforce consulting partner. 11 years down the line, Cloudware was acquired by A5, and Keith joined as GM for Canada.

Tarun Sharma, Vice President Delivery

Tarun Sharma is Vice President Delivery at A5 and is responsible for customer success, project operations, recruitment, resource utilization, and sales operations functions for Oracle practice. As a business and technology leader Tarun helps businesses develop solution strategies to streamline the sales process and improve customer relations to drive revenues, profits, and build brand loyalty. Tarun has led customers through digital transformation journeys. He has commanded strategic and tactical initiatives to shorten sales cycles, increase deal values and productivity, improve brand awareness and help organizations become easier to do business with. He has helped customers modernize their sales enablement tools and present a single source of information to support an omni-channel sales approach. This includes global roll-out for multiple business units included multi-currency and multi-language. Tarun graduated from Texas A&M University with a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering.

Adam Rosenfield, VP of Salesforce Practice

As Vice President of A5’s consulting practice – Adam is responsible for both strategic alliances with partners and expanded sales growth through the entire portfolio of A5 services. With over 20 years of Sr. level management consulting expertise – Adam has worn multiple hats in his career including practice development, sales, and client advisory. He has sold & delivered countless enterprise transformational initiatives creating a measurable competitive advantage for his customers. In addition to various technical software certifications, Adam holds an undergraduate and master’s degree in Accounting & Information Technology from the University of Texas at Austin and resides in El Paso Texas with his wife and 3 children.

PJ Alfrejd, CFO

As the CFO, PJ is responsible for all things financial at A5. With over 20 years of experience in financial leadership positions, PJ has worn all the hats required of a growing tech business. His extensive knowledge of the consulting industry, experience with M&A, and strength in operational finance is another catalyst to take A5 to the next level in its growth trajectory. PJ is a CPA with a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and has held various finance leadership positions at Exodus/Savvis (acquired by Centurylink), Neohapsis (acquired by Cisco), and mFoundry (acquired by FIS).

Vinay Kruttiventi, President & CEO / Chairman of the Board

As the CEO of A5, Vinay plays an active role in all aspects of day-to-day business operations. He is also actively involved in establishing a strategy and vision for the company. As a true customer advocate with Salesforce and Oracle product development, Vinay is actively engaged in various industry user/special interest groups. Since founding the company in 2004, Vinay has grown the business into a leading Salesforce, and Oracle partner focused on multi-cloud transformations.

Vinay has successfully implemented and architected CPQ solutions and multi-cloud complex transformation projects for various Fortune 500 companies since 1996. He has a strong authority over industry, process, and technology in Configure-Price-Quote and ERP applications. Vinay graduated from Osmania University with a Bachelor of Engineering degree and JNTU (Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University) with a Master in Technology degree.