How Agentic AI Is Transforming Contract Lifecycle Management

According to Malbek’s Hermanth Puttaswamy, contract lifecycle management is undergoing a seismic shift driven by the emergence of agentic AI and conversational technologies. The advent of agentic AI, discussed here by TGC Columnist Colin Levy, marks the Third Wave of AI, in which intelligent agents no longer just assist but actively manage and optimize complex processes. 

This new wave of innovation has transformed how organizations interact with contracts, from handling static documents to dynamic, intelligent collaboration. Unlike earlier generations of AI tools that focused on isolated tasks or copilots, agentic AI allows systems to operate with contextual awareness and adapt in real-time. It also eliminates the need for rigid user interfaces. Instead, users can interact with the system using voice or text, allowing smarter and faster realization, improved compliance, and significant cost and time savings. 

The power of agentic AI lies in its ability to maintain context across systems and roles. It understands the user’s intent, role, and compliance needs, allowing for personalized and accurate execution. Its contextual intelligence boosts productivity, shortens contract cycles, and enhances compliance without the usual friction of navigating multiple systems. 

Successful implementation, however, requires strong governance. Organizations must define what agentic AI can handle autonomously, track its actions, and build in human oversight. With these guardrails in place, companies can maximize their potential while maintaining control.

In the future, contract lifecycle management will be shaped by multi-agent systems capable of autonomous execution and deep integration across business functions. By turning contracts into dynamic assets, organizations will achieve greater agility and strategic insight. Agentic AI is not just an upgrade; it redefines contracts as living assets within a digital ecosystem.