Tips for effective contract management

Summary

• Make signing effortless with electronic signatures instead of paper processes
• Always verify the signer’s identity through strong authentication for security and trust
• Keep documents safe in a digital archive accessible only to authorised people
• Monitor contract deadlines to avoid accidental renewals or lost clients
• Prefer written, digitally signed agreements over verbal deals to prevent misunderstandings

With Visma Sign, you can put all these best practices into action and manage your contracts smoothly — from signing to secure storage.

—
Tips for effective contract management

Only a few companies have full control over their contracts and commitments — with all information clearly documented in one place and accessible to the right people when needed. Without that structure, it’s easy to end up with misunderstandings, slow daily processes, or even the loss of critical data.

Make signing as easy as possible

Today, hardly anyone wants to print, sign, scan and post contracts or any other documents. For many, it has even become difficult to do so. Now is the time to switch to electronic signatures and make signing instant. This way, you also ensure that all company contracts are securely stored in digital form right from the start.

Verify the identity of signers

When preparing and sending contracts, always aim to confirm the signer’s identity through strong authentication. It’s a simple way to make signing both secure and verifiable. With an electronic signature service, you can also ensure that signed contracts cannot be altered afterwards.

Ensure proper archiving

Contracts must be easy to find after signing — yet stored securely, as they may include sensitive business data or personal information covered by GDPR. In addition to safe storage, it’s crucial that only authorised people within the company can access the documents — and only when needed.

It’s equally important to avoid keeping key contracts hidden behind one person’s inbox. Without a digital archive and proper contract management, many documents remain out of reach, buried in individual emails.

Keep track of contract deadlines

Far too often, companies forget to renew contracts or leave it until the last moment. Sometimes the person responsible has moved on, taking the renewal knowledge with them. This can lead to lost clients or partnership issues. In other cases, contracts may renew automatically because no one remembered to terminate them in time.

Don’t rely on verbal agreements

Many small and medium-sized business owners make agreements with friends, family, or long-term partners. It’s tempting to think a handshake is enough to seal the deal. But different interpretations and changing circumstances can easily create problems. A written, digitally signed contract helps confirm what’s been agreed — protecting both sides.

Put these tips into action today

Set up your company account in just a few minutes and start managing your contracts efficiently and securely.

Terhi Tella työskentelee Visma Solutionsin markkinoinnissa. Terhiä inspiroi arvoa tuottavat sisällöt ja viestintä. Hän haluaa tarkastella asioita ensisijaisesti asiakkaan näkökulmasta.