Study finds AI + automated contract workflows improve ROI by nearly 30%
san francisco, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DocuSign (NASDAQ: DOCU) today announced a new report with Deloitte — “Leveraging AI: How automated contract workflows drive ROI” — Uncovering the next frontier for companies looking to realize value from AI. The 2026 report found that companies that invest in AI-powered contract management reap significant benefits. This is especially true for organizations that use agent workflows within their end-to-end contracting platform. 30% increase in ROI than those who don’t.
Deloitte, “Powering AI: How Automated Contract Workflows Drive ROI”
AI is everywhere, but the outcomes are not equal.
A survey of more than 1,100 senior leaders across six countries revealed a widening gap in benefit realization between organizations using fragmented AI tools and those adopting end-to-end platforms. This study follows Deloitte’s initial findings that poor contract management is costly. 2 trillion dollars Annual global economic value.
The biggest benefits of AI come from maturation, not just adoption.
It’s still in its infancy for many companies. today, 61% of organizations rely on manual processes Uncover insights after the deal is signed. But companies that use AI to proactively analyze their contracts are capturing new revenue and reducing missed opportunities.
On average, organizations across industries report measurable ROI from AI-powered contracting workflows, including:
- 36% more efficient By saving time and reducing cycle times.
- 36% cost savings Because the risk is reduced.
- 29% cost savings From reducing labor costs.
- 72% see improved match accuracyreduction of administrative errors, consistency of terms, regulatory compliance, etc.
Future Opportunities: Incorporate AI insights from the beginning
Contracts are the foundation of every business, but they are still managed in silos. About 65% of organizations use 4 or more tools It creates friction against consensus and slows down the team.
The report shows a different model. Jonathan Jones, Managing Director, Deloitte Legal Business Services and Contract Lifecycle Management practice, Deloitte Tax LLP. “Moving the intelligence and insights phase to the forefront of the contract management process creates value. This data can be used to not only inform future contracts, but also shape all subsequent steps in the contract management process and help transform business processes.”
AI-powered contract workflows change the way teams work.
- Legal: 37% of time is recovered and a team grows from approximately 100-200 contracts to 1,000 contracts per year.
- sale: Save 43% in time, reduce contract-related transaction delays by 29%, and realize 1-2% revenue growth, or approximately $4.8 million annually. *
- Procurement: Increased visibility enabled stronger negotiations and more strategic sourcing decisions, reducing vendor spend by 33%.
- Customer experience: 39% more customers completed the contract process.
- human resources: Save 45% time across contract management.
Bottom line: Automation alone will not be enough in 2026.
Organizations reaping the highest benefits not only deploy AI and automation, but also connect contract data across the entire lifecycle. Leaders are moving to platforms that enable team collaboration and integrate with other systems, elevating contract management as a core pillar of broader corporate strategy.
Platforms like Docusign Intelligent Contract Management (IAM) allow organizations to connect contract data across systems, uncover insights early, drive action, and ultimately get real ROI.
To download the full report, go here.
*Source: Survey average with 300 annual updates and $670,000 deal size.
About DocuSign
Docusign brings contracts to life. More than 1.8 million customers and more than 1 billion people in more than 180 countries use Docusign’s solutions to accelerate business processes and simplify people’s lives. Docusign frees up business-critical data locked away in documents with intelligent contract management. Historically, these have been disconnected from business systems of record, costing companies time, money, and opportunity. Docusign’s IAM platform allows businesses to create, commit, and manage contracts using a solution built by the #1 eSignature and CLM company. For more information, please visit www.docusign.com.
Media contact:
DocuSign Corporate Communications
[email protected]
As used in this document, “Deloitte” refers to Deloitte Consulting LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. For more information about our legal structure, please visit www.deloitte.com/us/about. Based on public accounting rules and regulations, certain services may not be available to certify clients.
Source Docusign, Inc.
