Explore Microsoft 365 Integration

Learning Objectives

After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:

Explain the Microsoft 365 integration.
Create document templates using Microsoft 365 editor.
Create contract documents with Microsoft 365 add-in.

Get to Know Salesforce Contracts Connector for Word Add-in

In the last unit, you learned all about clauses. Now it’s time to use them in document templates and contract documents.

The Salesforce Contracts Connector for Word Add-in streamlines the handling of contract documents and templates for Microsoft Word. It helps you incorporate frequently used sections or clauses into contracts.

Use clauses like building blocks to quickly assemble them into templates. The add-in optimizes the workflow in several crucial areas.

Makes it easier to find and incorporate the ready-to-use clauses in contract documents
Minimizes errors in contract language and layout
Simplifies editing and saving documents back to Salesforce
Creates sections to segregate content for optimal contract design
Track updates effectively for change control

Create a Document Template

With the powerful Salesforce Contracts Connector for Word add-in, Candace’s team can effortlessly create document templates and contract documents. Plus, they can use the rich capabilities of the Microsoft Word 365 online editor to design Microsoft Word document templates. This includes searching for elements, such as clauses, from within templates.

To create a document template in the Document Template Designer, provide the template name and choose Microsoft 365 Word as the Template Type. Add the necessary details, such as token mapping, Data Mapper bundle names, and usage type. To add sections, content, and clauses to the template, open it in the Microsoft 365 editor.

Using the Salesforce Contracts for Word add-in, select Clause from the Insert New dropdown menu. Use the search filter to find the clause you want, and click Insert Clause to add it to your document. Once you’re done, save your changes. This uploads the document to the Template Designer and creates the new template. Activate it to start generating documents.

Create Sections in a Document Template

Working with contracts can be overwhelming, like sorting through a huge pile of unrelated documents. Sections make it easier for others to find and understand the content, so here’s where section management comes to the rescue. You can break the content down into different sections based on specific data or the business context.

To add a section, go to the Insert New dropdown menu in the Salesforce Contracts for Word panel and select Section. You can include the appropriate clauses, tables, and contract text within the section.

Insert New Section option to create a new section in the contract document.

Add sections to organize the clauses, tables, and contract text, or turn content already in the document into a new section. If you need to change something, you can edit or delete a section.

Generate a Contract Document with Clauses

You can also create a contract using the Word features in Microsoft 365 and add a clause to the document.

From the contract page, choose Create Contract in Microsoft 365 to open the new document in the Microsoft 365 editor.

Microsoft 365 option to create a new contract document.

Using the Salesforce Contracts for Word add-in, select Clause from the Insert New dropdown menu. Use the search filter to find the clause you want, and then click Insert Clause to add it to your document. Once you’re done, click Check In to update the contract document.

Update Clauses in a Contract Document

You can update a contract document to ensure it meets current business needs and reflects any new agreements or changes in circumstances. Updating a contract document can involve adding new clauses, removing outdated ones, and replacing or modifying existing content.

First, check out the document version, and choose Modify Contract in Microsoft 365 editor. This opens a new version of the contract document in Microsoft 365 editor.

Check out screen with three options to create a new contract document version.

Next, select the Salesforce Contracts for Word add-in on the Home tab, which gives you several options for updating a clause.

Edit: Revise the text in a clause.
Replace: Use this option to substitute an existing clause with a new one.
Delete: If a clause is no longer relevant or necessary, you can remove it.

Once you’ve made the changes, click Check In to increment the contract document to the latest version.

Collaborative Contract Redlining

Collaborative redlining is used during contract negotiation to allow multiple parties to make revisions and suggestions to the same contract document. This typically happens in-browser, meaning that you can view the changes in real time, making the negotiation process transparent and efficient. Swiftly address concerns, propose adjustments, and reach consensus using collaborative redlining in Salesforce Contracts.

Microsoft Word 365 streamlines the process, enabling sharing and collaborative review of contract documents by both internal and external users. This approach allows input from all negotiating parties, captures tracked changes for transparency, and supports a formal review process to manage and document adjustments. This results in a clear, organized, and mutually agreed-upon contract.

The ability to make and view changes in real time speeds up the negotiation cycle and fosters an atmosphere of trust and cooperation among all parties.

Wrap Up

In this module, you explored the process of contract creation, the implementation of reusable clause sets for standardization, and the use of Microsoft 365 Word for document generation and edits. With this knowledge, you’re ready to manage even the most complex contracts.

Now that Salesforce Contracts is up and running, Candace and the team are keeping all their contracts in ship shape, not to mention closing deal after deal. To commemorate the digital transformation of contract management at Cloud Kicks, Candace treats Linda to a triple espresso and a slab of chocolate fudge cake at their local coffee house. Isn’t Salesforce Contracts delicious?

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