Top 10 Obligation Tracking Tools: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison

Introduction

Obligation tracking is the process of ensuring that every “must” and “shall” in a legal document actually happens. These tools are vital because, as a company grows, it becomes impossible for a legal team or a manager to remember every single deadline across hundreds of different agreements. If a company misses a deadline to renew a license or fails to provide a mandatory safety report, the consequences can include massive fines, lawsuits, or the loss of a major customer.

These platforms use automation to read through legal text and highlight specific actions that need to be taken. They then assign these actions to the right people in the company and track the progress until the task is complete. This creates a clear trail of accountability, making it easy to prove that the company is following the rules during an audit.

Key Real-World Use Cases:

• Financial Reporting: Ensuring that quarterly financial statements are delivered to investors exactly when promised.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Tracking technical uptime requirements to ensure a software company meets its promises to users.
• Regulatory Compliance: Keeping up with changing government laws to ensure environmental or safety standards are met.
• Vendor Management: Monitoring whether suppliers are delivering goods on time and according to the agreed-upon quality.

Evaluation Criteria:

When choosing a tool, you should look for its ability to use artificial intelligence to read contracts automatically. You also need to see if it sends clear alerts via email or mobile. Integration is another big factor; the tool should talk to your existing calendar or project management software. Finally, ensure it offers strong security and a simple dashboard that shows you exactly what is due today.

Best for:

• Legal and Compliance Officers: Who need to ensure the company stays out of legal trouble.
• Contract Managers: Who handle thousands of agreements and need to see the big picture.
• Enterprise-Level Companies: Where the sheer volume of contracts makes manual tracking impossible.
• Heavily Regulated Industries: Such as banking, healthcare, and energy, where missing a rule can lead to a shutdown.

Not ideal for:

• Very Small Businesses: Who might only have one or two simple contracts that a calendar can handle.
• One-Time Projects: Where the effort of setting up the software outweighs the benefit for a single task.
• Non-Contractual Teams: If your business doesn’t deal with complex legal agreements, a general task manager is a better fit.

Top 10 Obligation Tracking Tools

1 — Icertis

Icertis is a world leader in contract intelligence. It is a very powerful, high-end platform that uses smart technology to turn static legal documents into live data. It is built for the world’s biggest companies that need to manage millions of obligations across different continents.

• Key Features:
  • Automated discovery of obligations using smart computer learning.
  • Real-time tracking of compliance levels across the entire business.
  • Integration with major business tools like SAP and Microsoft.
  • Risk management dashboards that show where commitments are failing.
  • Specialized portals for vendors to track their own obligations.
  • Full history of every contract change for easy auditing.
• Pros:
  • It can handle incredibly complex global contracts with ease.
  • The artificial intelligence saves thousands of hours of manual reading.
  • It gives executives a very clear “scorecard” of how well the company is doing.
• Cons:
  • It is very expensive and is not meant for small or medium businesses.
  • It takes a long time to set up because the software is so deep.
• Security & Compliance: Fully compliant with SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA. It uses high-level encryption and offers secure single sign-on (SSO).
• Support & Community: Offers 24/7 global support, a dedicated success manager, and an extensive library of training videos.

2 — Sirion

Sirion focuses on the “post-signature” part of a contract. This means it is specifically built to track what happens after the deal is signed. It is excellent for tracking performance and making sure you get exactly what you paid for.

• Key Features:
  • Automated extraction of service levels and price tables.
  • Real-time monitoring of supplier performance against the contract.
  • Automated invoice checking to ensure you aren’t overcharged.
  • Collaborative workspaces for buyers and sellers to chat.
  • Dashboards that flag when an obligation is at risk of being missed.
  • Dynamic workflow for resolving disputes over contract terms.
• Pros:
  • It is perhaps the best tool for managing complex service contracts.
  • It helps save money by catching billing errors automatically.
  • The interface is modern and easier to navigate than some older tools.
• Cons:
  • It focuses more on “performance” than on general legal tracking.
  • It can be a bit much for companies that only have simple “one-and-done” contracts.
• Security & Compliance: Compliant with ISO and SOC 2. Data is encrypted and access is strictly controlled via audit logs.
• Support & Community: Known for very responsive customer support and a helpful onboarding process for new teams.

3 — LinkSquares

LinkSquares is designed to be fast and user-friendly. It is a favorite for legal teams that want to get up and running quickly without a year-long setup process. It uses smart technology to find and flag important dates and tasks.

• Key Features:
  • Very fast AI-powered scanning of your existing contract library.
  • Custom dashboards for tracking specific types of obligations.
  • Automated email reminders for upcoming deadlines.
  • Easy-to-use search that works like a search engine for your legal files.
  • Integrated e-signature tools to keep everything in one place.
  • Simple reporting that can be shared with the boss in seconds.
• Pros:
  • It is much easier to learn than the giant enterprise platforms.
  • The setup time is very short, often just a few weeks.
  • It is very good at finding “hidden” dates in old scanned documents.
• Cons:
  • It might lack some of the deep “invoice checking” features of other tools.
  • The mobile experience is not as full-featured as the desktop version.
• Security & Compliance: SOC 2 Type II certified. Uses modern encryption and supports secure SSO logins.
• Support & Community: Offers a dedicated “customer success” person and has a growing community of legal tech users.

4 — Conga

Conga is a massive suite of tools that helps with everything from creating contracts to tracking them. It is widely used by companies that already use Salesforce, as it plugs directly into that system to share data smoothly.

• Key Features:
  • Deep integration with Salesforce for a single source of truth.
  • Automated document generation to ensure obligations are consistent.
  • Grid-style views for managing thousands of tasks at once.
  • Powerful automation that can trigger actions in other software.
  • Detailed audit trails for every obligation status change.
  • Flexible reporting that can be customized for any department.
• Pros:
  • Perfect for sales teams who already live inside Salesforce.
  • It can automate the entire lifecycle of a deal, not just the tracking.
  • It is a very stable and well-known brand in the industry.
• Cons:
  • It can feel very “clunky” if you don’t already use Salesforce.
  • The pricing can get complicated as you add more modules.
• Security & Compliance: Meets global security standards and is HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
• Support & Community: Huge user community, plenty of online forums, and professional training certifications.

5 — Cobblestone Software

Cobblestone is a highly customizable tool that has been around for a long time. It is known for being very flexible, allowing companies to build exactly the tracking system they want, regardless of their industry.

• Key Features:
  • Configurable fields to track any type of obligation or task.
  • Automated alerts and calendar syncing for all users.
  • Built-in tools for managing insurance certificates and licenses.
  • Vendor and client portals for shared obligation tracking.
  • Electronic signatures and document version control.
  • Powerful ad-hoc reporting for customized data views.
• Pros:
  • You can change almost everything in the system to fit your needs.
  • It is very good at tracking things that aren’t just contracts, like permits.
  • It offers a “forever” license option, which can save money over time.
• Cons:
  • The user interface looks a bit older than modern cloud tools.
  • Because it is so customizable, it can be confusing to set up.
• Security & Compliance: SOC 2 compliant. Offers on-premise or cloud hosting options for extra security control.
• Support & Community: Offers group training sessions and a very detailed user manual.

6 — Agiloft

Agiloft is famous for its “no-code” platform. This means you can build very complex tracking workflows by just clicking and dragging, without needing a computer programmer. It is great for mid-market and large companies.

• Key Features:
  • Completely flexible workflow engine for any business process.
  • Artificial intelligence that learns from your specific contracts.
  • Automated email and SMS alerts for critical deadlines.
  • Seamless integration with Outlook and Google Calendar.
  • Precise permission settings to keep sensitive data private.
  • Comprehensive reporting with charts and real-time data.
• Pros:
  • It is incredibly adaptable to almost any workflow or industry.
  • The setup is surprisingly fast for such a powerful tool.
  • They have a very high customer satisfaction rating.
• Cons:
  • The interface can be overwhelming because there are so many options.
  • The AI features sometimes require a bit of manual “training” at the start.
• Security & Compliance: Fully SOC 2 and GDPR compliant. Supports advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication.
• Support & Community: Known for excellent implementation support and an active user forum.

7 — Evisort

Evisort is built with a “search first” mindset. It uses very advanced AI that was developed at Harvard to read through thousands of pages in seconds and find the specific promises your company made.

• Key Features:
  • Industry-leading AI for finding obligations in messy documents.
  • Instant visibility into expiration dates and auto-renewals.
  • A unified “dashboard” that shows risks across the whole company.
  • No manual data entry required—the AI does the work.
  • Strong tools for comparing old contracts to new standards.
  • Collaborative tools for teams to review obligations together.
• Pros:
  • It is probably the fastest tool for scanning a large library of old files.
  • The search function is incredibly smart and finds things others miss.
  • Very easy to use with almost no training needed.
• Cons:
  • It is more of an “analysis” tool than a “workflow” tool for some.
  • It can be pricey for smaller organizations.
• Security & Compliance: SOC 2 Type II and HIPAA compliant. Data is fully encrypted at rest and in transit.
• Support & Community: Responsive customer service and very good documentation for developers.

8 — Ironclad

Ironclad is a very modern platform that focuses on making the contract process feel like a collaborative digital experience. It is very popular with fast-growing tech companies and modern legal departments.

• Key Features:
  • A “Workflow Designer” that makes it easy to map out obligations.
  • Real-time collaboration that looks like a modern chat app.
  • A powerful “Repository” that tracks every active commitment.
  • Deep integrations with tools like Slack and Google Drive.
  • Automated reminders that feel helpful, not annoying.
  • Visual data reports that show where things are slowing down.
• Pros:
  • It is arguably the best-looking and easiest-to-use tool on this list.
  • It helps teams work together better during the signing process.
  • It is very fast and never feels like “boring legal software.”
• Cons:
  • It may lack some of the “heavy” features needed for massive manufacturing.
  • It is primarily cloud-based, which might not suit some banks.
• Security & Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and Privacy Shield compliant. Strong SSO and audit trail support.
• Support & Community: Great onboarding, frequent webinars, and a very active community of “digital” lawyers.

9 — ContractLogix

ContractLogix is a solid, reliable choice that focuses on the core needs of contract management. It provides a very organized way to store agreements and track the tasks associated with them.

• Key Features:
  • Centralized “Vault” for storing every legal document safely.
  • Automated alerts based on any date or field in the system.
  • Easy-to-use search and filter tools for finding specific terms.
  • Integrated e-signature for quick approvals.
  • Standardized templates to keep new obligations under control.
  • Performance tracking to see if vendors are meeting their goals.
• Pros:
  • It is a very stable and well-balanced tool for mid-sized companies.
  • The security features are very strong and reliable.
  • It provides a lot of value for the price compared to the giant tools.
• Cons:
  • It lacks some of the “flashy” AI features of the newer competitors.
  • The interface is functional but not particularly exciting.
• Security & Compliance: SOC 2 and HIPAA compliant. Data is hosted in very secure data centers with full backups.
• Support & Community: Reliable phone and email support with a strong track record of helping users.

10 — Pramata

Pramata is a unique tool that focuses on “Commercial Relationship Management.” It is designed for companies with long-term, complex customer relationships where the obligations change over time.

• Key Features:
  • A “Digested” view of every customer’s current promises.
  • Consolidation of data from many different versions of a contract.
  • Visibility into what was actually agreed upon after many changes.
  • Dashboards for sales and finance to see their specific obligations.
  • Automated cleanup of old, messy contract data.
  • Risk alerts when a customer relationship is in trouble.
• Pros:
  • It is the best tool for seeing the “final truth” of a messy relationship.
  • It helps finance teams find hidden money that hasn’t been billed.
  • It takes the burden of “cleaning data” off the legal team.
• Cons:
  • It is a very specialized tool and not for every company.
  • It requires a bit of an “all-in” commitment to get the data clean.
• Security & Compliance: High-level security and compliance that meets the needs of large public companies.
• Support & Community: Offers deep professional services to help you clean up your data initially.

Comparison Table

Evaluation & Scoring of Obligation Tracking Tools

The following rubric shows how we grade these tools. For a standard business, “Core Features” and “Ease of Use” are usually the most important factors.

Which Obligation Tracking Tool Is Right for You?

Choosing the right tool is a big decision that depends on your company’s size and the types of “promises” you need to track.

Solo Users vs. SMB vs. Enterprise

If you are a solo consultant, you probably don’t need these. A good calendar and a folder are enough. For small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), LinkSquares or Ironclad are great because they are easy to use and don’t require a whole IT team. If you are a giant global company, you need the massive power of Icertis or Agiloft to keep everything organized across different countries.

Budget-Conscious vs. Premium Solutions

If you want to save money, look at ContractLogix or the “standard” versions of Cobblestone. They provide all the basics without the high price tag. If you have a larger budget and want the best technology, Evisort or Sirion provide advanced artificial intelligence that can save you thousands of hours of work, making them a better long-term deal.

Feature Depth vs. Ease of Use

Sometimes, more buttons make a tool harder to use. If you want a tool that your team will actually like using every day, Ironclad is the winner. If you need a tool that can do absolutely anything—even if it’s a bit harder to learn—Agiloft or Cobblestone are the best choices because you can customize them to your heart’s content.

Security and Integration Needs

If your company already uses Salesforce for everything, Conga is the natural choice. If you are a bank or a hospital with very strict security rules, ensure you look for tools that have SOC 2 Type II certificates and strong SSO support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an obligation in a contract?

It is any specific promise or task that a company must do, such as paying a bill on time, delivering a report, or keeping a certain insurance level.

2. Can these tools read my old paper contracts?

Yes, if you scan them into a PDF, most of these tools use OCR and AI to read the text and find the important dates and tasks.

3. Will the software send me an email when something is due?

Yes. You can usually set up alerts to remind you 30, 60, or 90 days before a deadline happens.

4. How long does it take to set up?

A simple tool can be ready in 2 to 4 weeks. A giant enterprise system can take 6 months to a year to be fully customized and ready.

5. Do I need to be a lawyer to use these tools?

No. While lawyers love them, these tools are designed for managers, sales teams, and finance people who need to stay organized.

6. Can these tools help me save money?

Yes. They help you avoid late fees, find money you forgot to bill, and ensure you don’t keep paying for services you don’t use anymore.

7. Is my data safe in these cloud systems?

Yes. These companies use bank-level encryption and very secure data centers. They are often safer than keeping files on your own office computer.

8. Can I use these tools on my phone?

Most modern tools have mobile apps or websites that work great on a phone or tablet so you can check your tasks on the go.

9. What happens if I want to switch to a different tool?

You own your data. Most tools allow you to export all your contracts and obligation data into a standard format so you can move it elsewhere.

10. Do these tools handle e-signatures?

Most of them either have their own e-signature tool or plug directly into ones like DocuSign or Adobe Sign.

Conclusion

Managing obligations is no longer just a “legal” task—it is a core part of running a successful business. If you don’t track what you’ve promised, you are leaving money on the table and opening yourself up to unnecessary risk. The “best” tool isn’t the one with the most features; it’s the one that your team actually uses to stay on top of their work.

When picking your tool, start with your biggest problem. If you are drowning in old files, look for a tool with great AI scanning. If your vendors are constantly missing deadlines, look for a tool with strong performance tracking. By focusing on your specific needs, you can turn your contracts from static documents into a powerful engine for your company’s growth.