Contract Insights

Security is of the utmost importance in the modern digital age, and we take it very seriously at CobbleStone. In addition to taking CISA's (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) Secure by Design Pledge, we utilize a robust, multi-layered defense to safeguard our clients' data and systems. This blog entry describes some of the most important security measures we have in place, with a focus on our proactive strategy for threat mitigation and data protection.

Contract management. To many, the phrase evokes images of crowded file cabinets with reams of paper, complicated email threads, and the constant fear that some critical bit of information will slip through the cracks. Such patchwork contract handling is all too common and entails severe consequences. Missed deadlines, noncompliance, and lost revenue are just a few of the potential catastrophes. But there's a better way of managing these key business agreements: contract lifecycle management (CLM). CLM is not all about electronic signatures for completing contract execution; it's an end-to-end approach that transforms contracts into strategic assets instead of liabilities. To that end, let's deeply explore why contract lifecycle management is essential.

Let's be honest for a second: contracts are not the most glitzy, glamorous thing in the world. However, they are the backbone of any business, and if they're not managed well, they can quickly transform into a nightmare of missed deadlines, litigation headaches, and lost revenue. That's where a killer contract management team comes in. Think of each team member as a superhero of your business agreements, protecting you from risk and unlocking hidden value. This guide will walk you through how to build a team that not only manages your contracts but crushes it.

Utilizing manual sourcing methods - such as gathering item prices in spreadsheets, corresponding with prospective bidders individually via email, leveraging paper-based RFPs, and collecting numerous data separately from potential suppliers - can cause you to face a time-consuming challenge in sourcing quality and cost-saving goods or services.  Without the proper tools, sourcing professionals within your procurement team could fail to determine formal bids, RFPs, budget allowances, stock levels, current contracts, and contingencies in purchase order releases.  Fortunately, you can utilize the following seven essential eSourcing software tools for seamless source-to-contract management success.