Contract Insights: The Leading Resource for Contract Management & Procurement Professionals

The Future of Contract Management: Workflow Automation & Approvals

By Sean Heck on 02/12/26

3 min read

CobbleStone Software supports future-minded workflow automation and approvals.

Workflow automation has become a defining advantage for organizations striving to operate with greater speed, precision, and compliance. As contract volumes rise and approval chains grow more complex, the ability to automate routing, streamline tasks, and eliminate manual delays is no longer a luxury—it’s a mission‑critical capability. Modern businesses require contract processes that adapt to organizational structure, enforce governance, and help ensure every stakeholder stays aligned, all while accelerating time‑to‑value.

Topics: automated workflow contract workflow contract approval process

The 8 Stages of the Contract Lifecycle

By Jamie Reedy on 10/15/25

3 min read

CobbleStone Software presents the stages of the contract lifecycle - including 8 for contract management.

Understanding the contract lifecycle is essential for legal, procurement, and contract management teams aiming to streamline operations. This guide explores the eight key stages of the contract lifecycle and how contract lifecycle management (CLM) software can optimize each phase for better compliance, efficiency, and collaboration.

Topics: CLMS Return on Investment compliance contract authoring Contract Compliance Contract Compliance Software contract life cycle management Contract Lifecycle Contract Lifecycle Management contract lifecycle software Contract Lifecycle Stages Contract Management Process contract negotiation Contract Stages contract writing contract writing solution e-sign E-signatures eSignature Contract Management Software Maximize ROI with CLM signatures CLM CLM ROI CLMS Electronic Signature electronic signatures eSignatures contract approval process contract renewals CLM Software electronic signature software IntelliSign contract requests legal requests Stages of the Contract Lifecycle The Stages of the Contract Lifecycle

Ratification Definition: What Is Ratification in Contract Law?

By Sean Heck on 04/3/25

3 min read

CobbleStone Software explains contract ratification.

What is contract ratification? A contract is not legally binding until it is ratified. Once a contract is ratified, it is transformed from a tentative agreement into a legally enforceable contract. However, the ratification process can be compromised by ambiguous terms and conditions, errors in the management of the agreement, and uncertainties about the authority of the parties involved. To elucidate the purpose of ratifying a contract and how to avoid issues, let's explore contract ratification in detail in this blog post.

Topics: contract approval process contract signatures

What is Contract Lifecycle Management?

By Sean Heck on 03/15/24

9 min read

What is contract lifecycle management? CobbleStone Software explains contract lifecycle management tools.

Organizations of all sizes face the need to juggle multiple digital contracts simultaneously, with each contract being at a different stage of the contract lifecycle. Leading contract management software saves time, reduces risks, improves productivity, and maximizes a contract's value. But what is the contract lifecycle management process? Read on to find out!

Topics: Contract Compliance Contract Compliance Software Contract Lifecycle Management contract negotiation contract writing contract writing solution Contract Management Software CLM electronic signatures contract approval process contract renewals electronic signature software IntelliSign contract requests