Considering new contract lifecycle management (CLM) software? A free trial is your golden ticket to truly understanding if a solution fits your needs. But don't just sign up and poke around! To make the most of it, you need a plan. Here's how to ensure your CLM free trial leads to a confident decision.
Define Your Goals Before You Start
Before you even click "Start Free Trial," know what you want to achieve. Are you trying to fix disorganized contracts, speed up approvals, or get better visibility into renewal dates? List your top pain points and the specific features you believe a CLM should address. This clarity will be your compass during the trial.
Test Your Most Common Contract Scenarios
Don't get sidetracked by every shiny bell and whistle. Focus on the daily tasks that consume your time.
- Upload existing contracts: How easy is it to import your current agreements? Can you bulk upload?
- Draft a new contract: Is the creation process intuitive? Can you use templates?
- Initiate an approval workflow: Set up a mock approval process. Is it straightforward for all stakeholders? Can you configure it?
- Track a contract through its lifecycle: Follow a contract from creation to execution. Can you easily see its status at any necessary moment?
- Search for specific clauses or contracts: Test the search functionality. Can you quickly find what you need?
By putting yourself in the shoes of your daily contract manager during your free trial, you can also enjoy a seamless transition to day-to-day contract management if and when you move forward with a solution.
Involve Your Team
CLM software impacts multiple departments—legal, sales, procurement, finance.
Don't go at it alone!
Invite key team members to participate in the trial. Different perspectives will highlight various strengths and weaknesses of the software. Their feedback is invaluable for a comprehensive evaluation. Assign them specific tasks based on their typical interactions with contracts.
Explore Key Features Beyond the Basics
While daily tasks are crucial, also dedicate time to features that could offer significant long-term benefits:
- Reporting and Analytics: Can you generate meaningful reports on contract value, expiry dates, or performance? Data is power.
- Integrations: Does the CLM integrate with your existing CRM, ERP, or e-signature tools? Seamless data flow is critical.
- Security & Compliance: Understand how the platform handles data security and helps with compliance (e.g., audit trails, permission settings).
- Notifications and Alerts: How configurable are reminders for renewals, milestones, or tasks?
- AI Capabilities (if offered): If the CLM boasts contract AI, test its ability to extract data or identify risks.
Read our free buyer's guide below to make an informed decision on CLM software based on your needs.
Take Advantage of Support and Resources
Many free trials come with access to resources like knowledge bases, video tutorials, or even direct support. Don't hesitate to use them! If you get stuck or have questions, reach out. How responsive and helpful the support team is can be a significant factor in your long-term satisfaction.
Document Everything
Keep a running log of your experience. Note down:
- Pros and Cons: What do you love? What's frustrating?
- Questions: Any features you don't understand or need clarification on.
- User Feedback: Summarize comments from your team.
- "Aha!" Moments: When did the software truly impress you?
- "Deal Breakers": Are there any missing features or insurmountable challenges?
Plan for the Next Steps
As your trial winds down, you should have a clear picture. Discuss your findings with stakeholders. If the software is a good fit, be ready to ask about pricing, implementation, and ongoing support. If it's not, you'll have clear reasons why, saving you time and resources in the long run.
A free trial isn't just about trying out software; it's about validating a solution for your unique business needs. By being strategic and thorough, you'll gain the insights necessary to choose the best CLM for your organization.
Need to convince stakeholders to invest in a CLM solution? Download our free whitepaper below.
*Legal Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. The content of this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. The information on this website may not present the most up-to-date legal information. Specific guidelines on unilateral contracts are governed by state law. Readers should contact their attorneys for legal advice regarding any particular legal matter.
