Umbrella contract frequently asked questions

This section contains frequently asked questions about the umbrella contracts.

What is an Umbrella Contract?

• It’s a contract type that allows you to group multiple service-arrangements (such as recurring services and labor) under a single parent agreement, for consolidated management and billing.

How do I create or edit an Umbrella Contract?

• Left Navigation Menu > Contracts > Search > Contracts > New > Umbrella Contract (or open an existing one) → add arrangements, set billing/rule parameters, etc., and then save. Refer to Creating an umbrella contract and Adding service and labor arrangements to an umbrella contract for more information.

Can I convert existing contracts into an Umbrella Contract structure?

• No. A new umbrella contract must be created should you choose to replace an existing non-umbrella contract.

What happens to the billing rules when using an Umbrella Contract?

• The billing rules of the umbrella contract apply across all linked arrangements, enabling unified billing, shared terms, and consistent invoicing workflows.

How does the Umbrella Contract view benefit reporting and visibility?

• With umbrella contracts you gain a single-pane view of all linked arrangements, edits, history changes, and billing activities — simplifying oversight and reducing contract sprawl.

What should I watch out for when editing an Umbrella Contract?

• Ensure all linked arrangements remain valid and aligned to the umbrella’s terms.

• Always check system logs or history tabs when changes are made. Refer to Activity.

What rights or permissions are required to manage Umbrella Contracts?

• Typically, you’ll need contract-management permissions within Autotask. If your user role is limited, you may not see the umbrella contract options. Refer to Security and navigation.

Does the API support Umbrella Contracts and their linked arrangements?

• Yes, there are entities for Contracts and child arrangements which support linking under umbrella contracts. You should consult the Developer Help for Contracts and ContractServices (or equivalent) to confirm available operations.