Paperwork is cumbersome, but it is an inevitable part of any business. A quick solution to simplify, accelerate, and automate this tedious task is to adopt e-signature platforms and contract lifecycle management (CLM) solutions. These two software names are often used interchangeably when, in fact, they have distinct functionalities. Here's a quick chart that you can use to find which solution suits your business needs the best.
Feature | E-Sign software | CLM Software |
|---|---|---|
Chief functionality | Electronically signing business documents and automated signature workflows | Agreement execution from start to end |
Ease of use | Quick and easy implementation | Usually requires more specialized resources |
Use cases | All departments: sales, marketing, HR, finance, etc. | Specialized teams in departments like procurement, finance, and legal |
Integration capabilities | Integrates well with everyday tools like CRM, HRMS, finance suite, email, collaboration tools, and more | Integration options are usually limited to CRM, ERP, and other specialized tools |
Size of operations | Businesses of all sizes | Medium to large businesses with specialized teams |
Cost | Generally lower cost | High initial investment that brings long-term value |
Here's a checklist of a few indicators you can look at when choosing the right platform for your e-signature and CLM needs:
E-signatures: Does it provide QES, AES, and SES? Does it allow PFX and USB signing? How many digital signature certificates do they support?
Security: Are documents secure throughout the process? Are the signatures tamper-proof? Are there authentication and signer verification methods available?
CLM functionalities: Does it help manage the entire contract lifecycle? What aids do they offer, such as prebuilt templates, collaboration support, and document tracking?
Acceleration and automation: Does this platform help you mitigate errors, cut costs, and save time with automated business operations?
Centralized management: Can you track document history and signer activity? Can you generate detailed audit logs and duration-wise reports? Can you control how users are permitted to access and use the platform?
Integrations and APIs: Does it support integrations with business suites and other platforms? How about APIs for integrating with your own apps?
Customizable: How customizable is the application? Can you retain your brand identity while using it?
Scalability: Will it support your business needs as you grow? Will it meet the needs of multiple departments?
Affordability: Is it economically feasible for your company?
Intuitive: Can users with all forms of technological knowledge use it? Do they offer customer onboarding and migration support for free?
Zoho offers both e-signature and contract lifecycle management solutions.
Zoho Sign is Zoho's in-house e-signature solution that helps you securely sign and automate signature collection workflows. With multiple recipient authentication methods, signer verification with government IDs, bulk send, templates, and form-based signature and payment collection integrations, Zoho Sign is trusted worldwide by 40,000+ businesses. For CLM, Zoho offers Zoho Contracts that helps with businesses accelerate contract lifecycle management.
We hope this blog helps you to differentiate between e-signatures and CLM tools, evaluate Zoho's products for both use cases, and make a wise pick.
Try Zoho Sign's 14-day free trial to experience the power of secure and swift e-signing. Have queries or need a personalized demo? Feel free to write to us at support@zohosign.com and we will be in touch soon!
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