What is DocuSign CLM, and what are its primary uses?

DocuSign CLM is DocuSign’s contract management solution, developed to extend its e-signature capabilities into broader contract lifecycle management. Best known for its ease of use in digital signing, DocuSign currently holds an estimated 75% share of the global e-signature market. Following its acquisition and rebranding of SpringCM in 2018, DocuSign introduced CLM to help organisations manage the entire contracting process within the same ecosystem.

DocuSign CLM enables users to generate, approve, execute, and store agreements in a centralised repository. The platform includes more than a hundred preconfigured workflow steps that help sales, legal, and onboarding teams automate approval routing and reduce manual input.

As part of DocuSign’s broader product suite, CLM integrates natively with DocuSign eSignature, giving users a unified experience for signing and managing documents. Its core capabilities include:

• Contract generation using automated data population from input forms or connected systems like Salesforce.
• Contract approval routing based on predefined rules.
• Contract review and negotiation with version control and audit trails.
• Searchable repository hosted on the DocuSign Cloud for completed agreements.
• Template libraries and basic contract analytics for maintaining document consistency and tracking performance.

The platform also includes automation tools that simplify workflow routing, data extraction, and agreement summarisation. It is commonly used for sales-side contracts and is a popular choice among sales, legal, onboarding, and client success teams that manage customer-facing agreements. DocuSign CLM connects with enterprise systems such as Salesforce, Workday, and SAP through pre-built integrations, allowing users to manage contracts directly within their existing tools.

Despite these strengths, DocuSign CLM’s architecture remains rooted in a system originally designed for e-signature workflows. Full implementation often requires extensive configuration and technical support, typically taking between 6 and 12 months. For many organisations, this effort and complexity have prompted the search for more unified, flexible, and faster-to-deploy alternatives.

What are the common drawbacks and challenges of using DocuSign CLM?

DocuSign CLM is a well-established platform that extends DocuSign’s e-signature capabilities into contract management. However, many users report limitations that affect usability, cost-efficiency, and implementation. Feedback from enterprise users and software review sources highlights several recurring concerns that influence platform satisfaction and adoption.

1. Inefficient customer support

Customer support is one of the most reported challenges among DocuSign users. Around 32% of users cite difficulties with customer chat support, noting delayed response times and limited technical assistance for configuration or integration issues. These service gaps often delay issue resolution during deployment or troubleshooting.

2. High pricing and limited value for money

More than 16% of users describe DocuSign as overpriced relative to the functionality provided. Many smaller and mid-sized organisations view it as out of reach due to additional costs for add-ons, user licenses, and integrations. Since DocuSign CLM is often sold separately from the e-signature product, the total cost of ownership can be considerably higher than that of unified CLM solutions.

3. Complex and dated user interface

About 20% of users consider the platform’s UI and navigation to be clunky, unintuitive, and visually outdated. Managing templates, workflows, and document metadata often requires multiple steps, which slows down adoption for non-technical teams and limits productivity across departments outside legal or sales.

4. Limited customisability

Roughly 8% of users report that DocuSign CLM lacks flexibility in adapting to specific business processes. Adjusting templates, approval flows, or document rules frequently requires technical intervention or customer support, with no option for real-time configuration by users. This constraint can make it difficult to tailor the system to evolving organisational needs.

5. Complex and lengthy implementation

Implementation for DocuSign CLM typically spans 6 to 12 months, depending on the organisation’s scale and system environment. Around 12% of users identify this as a key pain point, noting that the process requires significant technical expertise and, in many cases, costly external support to complete setup and customisation.

6. Limited features and integrations

Another 12% of users cite limitations in features and third-party integrations. Many functions, such as analytics, CRM, or ERP connections, require separate connectors or plug-ins that increase setup effort and ongoing maintenance.

7. Frustrations with signing and authentication

Some users report that document signing can be inconvenient, as recipients may need a DocuSign account or complete multiple authentication steps before accessing or approving documents. This added friction can slow down agreement turnaround times.

8. Basic or technical reporting tools

Several users also describe DocuSign’s reporting and analytics features as limited or overly technical. Generating reports or tracking key metrics often requires an experienced administrator, making insights less accessible to everyday users.

Overall, while DocuSign CLM provides contract management capabilities, its usability, pricing model, and complexity remain recurring challenges for many organisations. These limitations have prompted growing interest in modern, AI-driven CLM platforms like Lexagle, which offer faster deployment, greater flexibility, and a more intuitive user experience.

Why are businesses actively seeking alternatives to DocuSign CLM?

Many organisations that started with DocuSign CLM are now reaching a turning point. While the platform initially meets basic contract management needs, its limitations often become apparent as businesses scale and evolve. Companies begin to realise that what once worked as a convenient solution for e-signatures and simple workflows can turn into an obstacle to broader digital transformation.

1. From complex to configurable

DocuSign CLM’s rigid architecture often makes workflow setup cumbersome. Teams face lengthy implementation cycles and require technical support for simple adjustments. Businesses now look for platforms that offer flexibility through configurable workflows, intuitive interfaces, and no-code automation, allowing them to adapt processes without relying on IT intervention.

2. From costly scaling to cost-effective growth

As organisations expand usage across departments, DocuSign’s licensing and integration costs tend to increase sharply. Many find that scaling the platform quickly becomes disproportionately expensive. Companies are therefore shifting toward solutions that deliver broader functionality at a lower total cost of ownership, without hidden fees or third-party dependencies.

3. From adoption hurdles to intuitive use

DocuSign CLM’s steep learning curve and fragmented interface often lead to slow adoption. Users struggle with navigation, and full deployment can take months. Businesses now prioritise CLM platforms with modern, user-friendly designs that require minimal training and encourage consistent adoption across teams.

4. From limited automation to intelligent contracting

DocuSign CLM’s automation remains rule-based and narrow in scope. It lacks the advanced AI-driven capabilities that today’s businesses expect, such as automated drafting, smart clause recognition, and risk flagging. Companies are moving toward CLM systems that integrate AI natively, enabling faster reviews, shorter approval cycles, and more accurate data extraction.

5. From integration gaps to connected systems

DocuSign’s integration capabilities, while present, often require extensive configuration or middleware. This results in disjointed workflows and duplicate data across systems. Businesses are now looking for CLM solutions that integrate seamlessly with tools like Salesforce, SAP, and Microsoft 365 to create connected, end-to-end contracting processes.

In short, what once served as a functional starting point for digital contract management has become too rigid, costly, and limited for modern demands. Businesses want platforms that combine flexibility, automation, and usability without the complexities of legacy systems. This proves that DocuSign CLM may no longer be the best long-term bet for growing enterprises.

DocuSign CLM vs. Lexagle: Which Platform Offers a More Intuitive and Efficient Contract Management Experience?

Lexagle is an AI-first platform that redefines how organisations manage contracts from start to finish. It streamlines every stage of the contract lifecycle, from drafting and approval to signing, storage, and retrieval, within a single, transparent workspace. Replacing manual and fragmented processes, Lexagle enables efficient, automated, and collaborative contracting. Its AI-powered tools simplify work for legal, sales, procurement, and HR teams, driving faster and more accurate results. Recognised by Forbes Asia as a rising leader in legal technology, Lexagle empowers businesses across industries to achieve greater productivity and compliance through intelligent contract management.As businesses evaluate their options for modern contract management, the question often arises: how does Lexagle compare to established players like DocuSign CLM? When comparing DocuSign CLM vs. Lexagle, the contrast is clear: Lexagle delivers a faster, smarter, and more adaptable contract lifecycle experience. While DocuSign CLM remains widely recognised for its e-signature capabilities, it often falls short in usability, automation depth, and flexibility, areas where Lexagle excels through purpose-built innovation and legal-first design.

Compare DocuSign CLM and Lexagle side by side to see which platform delivers a more intuitive, efficient, and future-ready contract management experience.

CategoryDocuSign CLMLexagleUser Experience & ImplementationComplex setup and longer rollout (often 6 to 12 months) with higher support costs. Often considered as overwhelming, lengthy, and tedious by usersIntuitive, self-service design for fast adoption across legal, sales, procurement, and HR teams. Average implementation time of 1 to 3 months with 98% satisfactionAI & AutomationRule-based automation with limited AI integrationEnd-to-end AI integration for drafting, compliance, and review. Includes Lexagle AI, redlining, and clause trackingPricing & ValueHigh total cost of ownership, add-ons increase expensesTransparent and scalable pricing; delivers over USD 1M in annual savings and 45% faster cyclesCustomer SupportOften criticised for unresponsive chat support.Dedicated local teams and proactive post-implementation supportCustomisabilityRigid and vendor-dependent workflow changesNo-code workflow and template builder for easy configurationIntegration CapabilitiesIntegrates with enterprise tools but often requires extra licencesCustom API integrates with ERP/CRM tools (Salesforce, SAP, HubSpot) and Slack/TrelloCompliance & Data PrivacyGlobal compliance, but regional localisation costs extraISO 27001, GDPR, and APAC-ready with regional hosting (e.g., Singapore)Full CLM CapabilitieseSignature-focused, with CLM features added later via acquisitionComplete contract lifecycle from drafting to analytics in one platform

Real-World Results with Lexagle

The difference is clear in practice, with Lexagle delivering measurable results that speak for themselves:

• 63% reduction in contract administration time and 70% faster deal closures
• 98% user satisfaction was maintained after one year of adoption
• Over USD 15 billion in contract value processed and 150,000 tasks automated daily

Across industries, Lexagle’s customers consistently report transformative results:

• A global financial institution implemented Lexagle across 56 countries, saving over USD 1 million annually and cutting its contract cycle time by 45%.
• A Singapore government-linked institution praised Lexagle’s modern and easy-to-use interface that encouraged immediate adoption.
• A listed Singaporean company highlighted the platform’s automation-driven productivity gains, freeing the legal team from repetitive review tasks.
• A unicorn fintech company described Lexagle as the “most intuitive software” they had implemented, noting exceptionally high business-user adoption.

These results underscore a clear message. Lexagle continues to redefine what modern, AI-powered contract management can deliver for enterprises worldwide. While DocuSign CLM may have pioneered digital agreement management, Lexagle represents the next generation: a smarter, faster, and more intuitive alternative that delivers measurable value and long-term scalability.

What are the most frequently asked questions about DocuSign alternatives?

When businesses explore alternatives to DocuSign CLM, a few key questions consistently arise. Below are the most common inquiries and their answers to help organisations make an informed decision.

1. What is the difference between DocuSign and Lexagle?The main difference lies in their foundation. DocuSign began as an e-signature tool and later expanded into CLM through its acquisition of SpringCM. Lexagle, by contrast, is a legal-first, end-to-end CLM platform built to automate the entire contract lifecycle, from drafting to post-signature management. It offers greater flexibility, faster implementation, and deeper regional compliance, especially across APAC. While DocuSign is often critiqued for its complex interface and limited customisation, Lexagle delivers a modern, user-friendly experience that adapts easily to business needs.
2. Are there any free DocuSign alternatives?Yes. Tools such as DocHub, PandaDoc, and Xodo Sign offer free or limited plans suited for basic signing and document storage. However, these lack enterprise-level automation, analytics, and compliance capabilities. Lexagle offers guided demos and pilot access so organisations can experience its full suite of features before implementation, ideal for teams evaluating complete contract management solutions.
3. Which CLM software offers better customer support, DocuSign or its alternatives?Customer support is a recurring concern among DocuSign users, with 32% citing slow or ineffective assistance. Alternatives such as HyperStart, LinkSquares, Ironclad, and SpotDraft are often recognised for their more responsive service. Lexagle distinguishes itself through dedicated local support, post-implementation training, and project managers who guide each rollout to ensure smooth adoption and measurable results.
4. Which DocuSign alternative is best for enterprise-level document management?For enterprises seeking scalability, Lexagle, Adobe Acrobat Sign, LinkSquares, and Icertis are among the leading options. Lexagle stands out for its AI-powered automation, regional compliance coverage, and enterprise-grade security. Its client base includes Forbes Asia’s Top 200 companies, global financial institutions, and government-linked organisations, proof of its ability to manage large-scale, regulated environments.
5. How long does it take to implement a DocuSign alternative like Lexagle?Implementation speed is one of Lexagle’s strongest advantages. While DocuSign CLM deployments typically take 6 to 12 months, Lexagle’s structured onboarding and intuitive setup enable full implementation within 1 to 3 months. This allows organisations to realise ROI faster and automate contract workflows with minimal disruption.

Conclusion: Why Lexagle Is the Smart Choice for Your Business

Lexagle is the smarter, future-ready alternative to DocuSign CLM, built not just for signing documents but for managing the entire contract lifecycle. Unlike DocuSign, which evolved from an e-signature tool, Lexagle was purpose-built as an AI-powered, end-to-end contract management platform.

Enterprises gain a secure, AI-driven solution with an intuitive interface, fast deployment, and automation that reduces manual work and approval cycles. With integrated e-signatures, automated compliance checks, and real-time obligation tracking, Lexagle delivers complete visibility and control across every stage.

Modern, efficient, and regionally compliant, Lexagle provides everything businesses expect from a next-generation CLM, without the complexity or cost of legacy systems.

Discover how Lexagle’s enterprise contract management solutions help businesses overcome challenges, maintain compliance, and unlock the full value of their contracts. **Book a demo** today and set your enterprise up for long-term success.