DocuSign recently unveiled the winners of its 2026 Customer Awards, celebrating organizations that have excelled in transforming agreement management through intelligent automation. As businesses increasingly shift towards efficient operations, the innovations recognized this year provide actionable insights for small business owners looking to enhance productivity and improve client relationships.
This year’s honorees exemplified how agree-management tools, particularly DocuSign’s Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM), can turn static contracts into dynamic resources that drive growth. Organizations like Aon, Experian, and Crete United show that embracing technology not only streamlines operations but also empowers teams to focus on strategic tasks that elevate business outcomes.
Paula Hansen, President and Chief Revenue Officer at DocuSign, emphasized the transformative potential of these innovations, stating, “Our award winners this year are doing something powerful; they’re not just signing agreements faster, they’re using IAM to transform how their businesses operate.” Automation and data extraction from agreements allow these companies to improve operational efficiency and customer experiences significantly.
From enhancing workflow efficiency to boosting decision-making capabilities, small businesses can take note of several key takeaways from these award-winning initiatives:
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AI-Driven Insights: Aon has harnessed DocuSign’s IAM to make legacy agreements more accessible. This initiative has enhanced visibility for employees and streamlined operations, thereby supporting improved decision-making. Mindy Simon, Aon’s Chief Operating Officer, remarked, “Docusign’s smart document repository supports how we make existing information more usable for our colleagues.”
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Accelerated Processes: Experian has reduced contract cycle times from roughly 10 days to just hours by integrating DocuSign’s technology. Gary Sonnethal, the company’s Vice President and Global Quote to Contract Product Owner, noted that simplifying their ecosystem has enabled quicker access to contract data, leading to better-informed decisions.
- Efficiency in Operations: Crete United reported a staggering 80% reduction in contract negotiation times, which led to a 90% faster deal execution. By deploying AI playbooks, the organization has improved the efficiency and reliability of its workflows. "With Docusign, our teams have gained greater visibility into financial risk and contractual obligations," shared Andy Swanson, Chief Revenue Officer at Crete United.
While the benefits of adopting intelligent agreement management are clear, small business owners should also assess practical applications and potential challenges. Implementing a new technology can demand initial investment and resources. Additionally, staff training may be necessary to fully leverage automated systems and ensure that all team members are comfortable with new tools.
Another challenge may stem from integrating IAM with existing business systems. Recognizing that a fragmented approach to implementation can hinder productivity, businesses might opt for holistic solutions that bring together various functionalities in one coherent platform. Yum! Brands, for instance, streamlined its franchise agreements through a centralized approach that improved visibility and governance across its global operations.
As the demand for agility in the business landscape rises, leaders from companies like Payworks and Thrive Market are also redefining operations. Payworks experienced a dramatic reduction in contract processing time—down to a mere 7.5 minutes—leading to an annual reclaiming of over 9,300 labor hours. Similarly, Thrive Market streamlined legal operations, resulting in faster contract closures and better tracking of renewals.
For small business owners contemplating these changes, collaborating with the right technology provider can facilitate the integration of digital tools into their operations. The momentum continues as these award-winning organizations exemplify how prioritizing operational efficiency and leveraging data can yield substantial results.
One of the standout success stories is Milky Moo, a burgeoning franchise that transitioned from manual to fully digitized workflows. By adopting DocuSign IAM, the company saved over 1,000 hours of work in 2025, leading to significant cost savings and operational excellence. Their Legal Director, Silvia Mundim, highlighted the strengths of the technology, stating, "The adoption of Docusign IAM has strengthened legal security for Milky Moo and our entire franchise network.”
The innovations showcased by this year’s award winners illuminate a clear path forward for small businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive environment. By learning from these examples, small businesses can improve their own efficiencies, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth through the power of intelligent agreement management.
For more information on the 2026 winners and the solutions they use, check out the original press release here.
Image Via BizSugar
