Contracts

contracts

Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) refers to the process of managing a contract from its creation and negotiation through its execution, performance, monitoring, and ultimately, its termination or renewal. It involves various stages and activities aimed at ensuring that contracts are effectively managed, compliant with legal and regulatory requirements, and aligned with the goals of the parties involved. Procurement process expertise can enhance the efficiency and compliance of the contract lifecycle. The contract lifecycle typically involves the following key stages:

  • Contract CreationThis stage involves drafting the contract, specifying the terms and conditions, and defining the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the parties involved. Procurement specialists often contribute to this stage.
  • Contract NegotiationDuring this stage, parties negotiate the terms of the contract, addressing any discrepancies or disagreements. This process may involve revisions and back-and-forth communication until both parties reach an agreement. Procurement as a service can be utilized here to optimize the negotiation process.
  • Contract ExecutionOnce the contract is agreed upon, it is signed and becomes legally binding. This stage includes obtaining the required signatures and approvals. The support of a procurement service provider can add value at this stage.
  • Contract Performance and MonitoringAfter execution, both parties fulfill their obligations as outlined in the contract. CLM includes ongoing monitoring and tracking of contract performance to ensure that all terms are being met. Service procurement practices can be employed to enhance contract performance monitoring.
  • Contract ComplianceCLM involves ensuring that the contract is being executed in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, often with the aid of procurement outsourcing service. This may involve managing specific clauses, such as confidentiality, data protection, and other relevant terms.
  • Renewal or TerminationAs the contract’s end date approaches, decisions are made regarding whether to renew, amend, or terminate the contract. This stage involves renegotiation or drafting a new contract, depending on the parties’ intentions. A procurement service company can assist in these processes.
  • Contract ArchivingAfter a contract has been fulfilled, it is important to retain a record of it for future reference, audit, or legal purposes. Contracts may need to be archived and stored securely. Procurement process methodologies can guide proper archiving.

Contract Lifecycle Management can be significantly aided by technology and software solutions, often referred to as Contract Lifecycle Management Software (CLM Software). CLM software helps automate and streamline various stages of the contract lifecycle, facilitating better visibility, tracking, reporting, and compliance management, often enhanced by procurement as a service. It can also help reduce risks and ensure that contracts are managed efficiently and effectively. Contract Lifecycle Management plays a crucial role in ensuring that contracts are well-managed, valuable, and aligned with the objectives of the parties involved. It’s an area where procurement service provider expertise can be leveraged to maximize benefits.

Valenta Expertise

We have experience with the following Procurement, ERP and Financial software.

zoho-one
salesforce
microsoft-dynamic-365
infor
plex
SAPHANA
acumatica
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quickbook-desktop-pro
quickbook-online
oracle-netsuite
oracle-jd-edwards
xero
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