HotDocs®

So what is HotDocs® document assembly technology and how does it work?

Document assembly technology is the process of converting regularly used forms and documents into semi-automated, intelligent, intuitive and interactive templates to streamline document production; lower costs and improve accuracy.

These semi-automated documents use a questionnaire-type structure to ask the user all the key questions, gathering the information needed to complete the contract document. Logic is used to determine which questions to ask, to link to existing databases to minimise data entry, to provide help functions that aid users, and to perform simple or complex computations. This means that there is no particular need for the user to have an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter or any specialist skills.

Most types of regularly used documents are suitable for automation; from standard correspondence to contracts and agreements, including very complex legal, multi-claused, contracts.

How HotDocs works

HotDocs helps automate documents by creating HotDocs templates. These templates include static and dynamic areas of text or graphics, along with instructions on how to compile a completed document.

Static areas

These are areas of your document that never change – for example, your company’s name, boilerplate copy and logo.

Dynamic areas

These are areas of the document that often change – such as the date, the other party’s contact information, and clauses that need to be included conditionally.

Dynamic text areas are determined based on an ‘interview’ where an end-user answers questions to provide the required information. Answers can also come from your database or an answer file that was previously created in HotDocs. Even the interview itself is created based on rules because interview questions are included or excluded depending on answers to previous questions.




HotDocs is supplied by Capsoft UK Limited and we enjoy a close working relationship with the Capsoft team, though both companies are independent. HotDocs is just one of the tools we use to optimise the contracts process. HotDocs is a Registered Trademark of LexisNexis