01
Find the promises that need follow-through
Read for actions, not just dates. Look for who must do something, what they must deliver, what triggers the work, and how the parties will know it is complete. Payments, implementation, training, delivery, and insurance requirements are useful places to start.
Capture the relevant clause or source reference with the obligation. Check schedules, exhibits, and amendments as well as the main agreement. An extracted task title alone may omit a condition or assign the work to the wrong party.
02
Choose one accountable owner
Several people can help with an obligation, but one person should know they are responsible for moving it forward. Confirm that they have the information and access needed to do the work.
Assign a verifier when completion needs review. This makes it clear who reports the work and who accepts the supporting evidence. Revisit ownership when staff or supplier contacts change.
03
Record the trigger before calculating the date
A fixed calendar date is different from a deadline measured after signing, an effective date, a payment, or another verified event. Record which trigger applies and the timing specified by the agreement.
For a dependent sequence, do not begin the next deadline from an assumed completion date. Confirm the actual event first. As an illustration, a training obligation tied to payment should use the relevant verified payment event, not simply the original invoice due date.
04
Close the loop with evidence
Agree on what proof is useful: a receipt, a delivery record, a completed checklist, a certificate, or another supporting document. Record the actual completion date and any explanation the verifier will need.
Keep reported work distinct from verified completion. In ContraxAware, an obligation can carry its owner, timing, source wording, and supporting evidence alongside the contract. Review open and overdue work regularly, and check dependent dates when the preceding commitment is verified.
A FEW USEFUL ANSWERS
Questions before you start?
Is an obligation the same as a reminder?
No. The obligation is the work or requirement. A reminder helps the responsible people act on it at the right time.
What should I capture for each obligation?
At minimum, capture the requirement, source, responsible party, owner, trigger, timing, status, and completion evidence appropriate to the agreement.