You know you want to invest in a contract automation platform—streamlining contract workflows, reducing risks, and improving efficiency. However, securing buy-in from the stakeholders involved in the buying process requires more than just enthusiasm.
You need a structured business case that clearly outlines the value, return on investment (ROI), and strategic fit for your organization.
This guide walks you through how to structure a compelling business case for contract automation using the Oneflow Business Case Playbook as a framework.
1. Executive summary
The executive summary is your elevator pitch. It should concisely outline:
- The problem: Challenges with the current contract process (e.g., inefficiencies, compliance risks, revenue leakage).
- The solution: How a contract automation platform solves these challenges.
- The value proposition: Expected benefits in cost savings, efficiency, and risk reduction.
- The call to action: What decision-makers need to do next.
💡 Pro tip: Keep this section brief and impactful—executives often read this first (and sometimes only).
Read also: What is contract automation? A complete guide
2. Problem statement: Why change is necessary
Clearly define the pain points of your current contract management process. Consider:
- Manual inefficiencies: How much time is spent drafting, negotiating, and approving contracts?
- Compliance risks: Are you missing key contract obligations or renewal deadlines?
- Revenue impact: How much money is lost due to contract errors, bottlenecks, or missed opportunities?
📊 Example: Organizations without contract automation lose an average of 9% of their annual revenue due to poor contract management.
Using data from the Oneflow Business Case Playbook, quantify these problems to highlight the cost of inaction.
3. The solution: Why contract automation?
Explain how a contract automation platform addresses these challenges:
✅ Faster contract cycles – Automates approvals and reduces negotiation times.
✅ Reduced risk & compliance issues – Provides audit trails and automated alerts.
✅ Centralized contract repository – Ensures easy access and visibility for all stakeholders.
✅ Improved revenue capture – Prevents lost deals due to contract inefficiencies.
💡 Pro tip: Showcase examples of companies that have successfully implemented contract automation, demonstrating real-world results.
4. Value analysis & ROI projection
Decision-makers want numbers. Break down the expected financial impact:
- Time savings: Reduce contract processing time by X%.
- Cost reduction: Cut administrative costs by X%.
- Revenue optimization: Improve contract renewal rates by X%.
📊 Example: By automating contracts, companies see a 30–40% reduction in time spent on contract management, saving thousands annually.
Use the Oneflow Value Analysis Framework to calculate the ROI specific to your organization.
Most popular business agreement templates
5. Implementation timeline & next steps
Stakeholders need clarity on how and when the platform will be implemented. Break it down into phases:
📅 Phase 1: Discovery & vendor selection (1-2 months)
📅 Phase 2: Implementation & integration (3-6 months)
📅 Phase 3: Training & full adoption (Ongoing)
💡 Use the Oneflow Implementation Timeline to visualize this process for stakeholders.
Conclusion
A well-structured business case doesn’t just sell an idea—it provides a roadmap for success. If you want to fast-track your business case, use the Oneflow Business Case Playbook to structure your argument, analyze ROI, and plan implementation.
📥 Use our playbook as your template and start building your business case!
