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

3 Reasons Contract Data Import & Export Are Easy with CLM Software

Written by Sean Heck | 10/8/24

Contract data import and export processes can be riddled with bottlenecks, including challenges with data accuracy, format compatibility, and manual effort. Tedious input and validation processes slow down workflows, especially when handling large volumes of contracts and associated documentation, increasing the risk of human error. But it does not have to be this way. Here are three reasons contract data import and export can be easy with contract management software.

 

#1 - Diverse Data Import & Export Formats

Dealing with contracts scattered across databases and shared drives and having to upload them one by one is a thing of the past!

Leading contract management software provides an easy way to import and update master reference data, contracts, counterparties, employees, and other important data related to contracts into one centralized contract repository. You can easily configure succinct and tidy import and update templates in MS Excel format straight from the user interface. You can also bulk import electronic files and attachments for contracts in their native format (such as MS Word, PDF, etc.).

For exporting data, you can enjoy exportation from many key functionality areas of contract lifecycle management software.

  • Search result screens can be exported to MS Excel format.
  • Ad-hoc reports can be exported to MS Excel format.
  • Custom reports can be exported to a variety of formats, including MS Word, MS Excel, PDF, CSV, XML, HTML, DBF, CSV, Rich Text, and image formats.
  • Electronic files and attachments can also be exported from the system in their native format.

 

#2 - Easy Bulk Downloads of Electronic Files & Attachments

Why download contracts and associated files one by one when you can do it at essentially the click of a button?

Leading contract management software allows you to enjoy the bulk download of electronic files and attachments from main CLM software record screens, including contracts, requests, vendors, customers, and employees. You simply hit a “Bulk File Download” button, which lets you bulk download all files from that record. The files will be placed into a compressed .zip file, which you can then download and open outside of the contract management software system. If any electronic files or attachments cannot be included in the .zip file, a table will display for you with the attachment name(s) and notes for maximum transparency.

Leading solutions also provide bulk transfer options - allowing you to reassign contracts and contract-related tasks from one person to another if needed.

 

 

#3 - No Programming or Supplier Assitance Required!

You want to be able to choose a helping hand for contract data import and export; you don't want to be forced into assistance when you can do it yourself!

CLM software's data import manager functionality is provided out-of-the-box by leading providers, enabling your organization to perform bulk data import without the need for IT intervention. You can easily configure data import templates to use any time you need to perform a bulk data import in a neat and tidy, templated fashion.

If preferred, leading providers offer professional data import services, wherein the provider performs the bulk data import of contract metadata, electronic files, and attachments. These standard data import services require you to provide contract metadata in a structured spreadsheet format. From there, the CLM software provider prepares the data and performs the import for you. Electronic files and attachments can be provided in various formats if a unique identifier linking each document to the appropriate contract record is provided.

This functionality is just a scratch at the surface with what CobbleStone Software's enterprise CLM solution - CobbleStone Contract Insight® - offers to:

  • Securely store an unlimited amount of contracts within a contract repository. 
  • Create custom and ad-hoc contract management reports.
  • Simplify contract search with CobbleStone® QuickSearch.
  • Streamline CLM with intelligent contract workflow automation.
  • Increase visibility with contract management dashboards and calendars.
  • Track contract financials to control contract spend and manage contract budget.
  • Supercharge contract drafting with pre-approved templates and clauses.
  • Leverage AI-based contract data extraction, field mapping, and clause matching.
  • Enhance contract collaboration and contract redlining.
  • Expedite contract approvals and contract signing with integrated eSignature software.
  • And much more.

Book a free demo of CobbleStone today!