The term electronic signatures may be a commonly used term on the internet but the actual meaning of an electronic signature is vague among online patrons. The applications of electronic signatures are broad but they all mean one thing: a secured electronic authorization equivalent to a pen and paper signature offline.
In that sense, it is easy to see why electronic signatures are a natural extension of ecommerce and online documents. The sender can rest assured that a document can only be read by an intended receiver, while the receiver are protected knowing that a document content is original and not altered by another party.
There are many plus points associated with the use of electronic signatures, such as:
Ease of Documentation
By creating electronic signatures, companies no longer need to print out various documents to be signed by higher authorities and subsequently mailed out the old way. This may be the last piece of the puzzle for complete digital file management that eventually translates into easier document storage and retrieval.
Smoother Workflow
Obtaining signatures may take time especially if the person in particular is away. An authorized electronic signature can be sent anywhere at any time, significantly increasing efficiency in job flow and saving time in return.
Preserve Document Integrity
Since documents accessible only to selected people, unauthorized modification and abuse of usage is out of the question.
Cost Effective
Save money on ink, paper, stamps, transport, and envelopes besides being environmentally friendly.
Compliance to Industry Requirement
Meeting the legislations, business needs, and requirements for industry-specific documentations can be done effortlessly without heavy usage of paper.
Electronic signatures can be in the form of writing tablet screen that can capture a conventional signature signed on it, an algorithm encrypted code or a simple clickable button following a set of passwords. In other word, there are several solutions to using electronic signatures to suit different business models and preferences. An accompanying digital certificate contains the digital signature of the certificate-issuing party so that anyone can easily verify if the certificate is authentic.
Increasingly, more and more companies are looking for electronic signature software to streamline their business and convert them to a paperless, fully electronic one. Electronic signature has established itself as a safe alternative to hand-signed signatures. To further encourage the switch from conventional acknowledgements and signatures, many software companies are fighting to come up with easy-to-use, user-friendly utilities. Electronic signatures have even been recognized for legal purposes and are easily retained as electronic evidence such as in a dispute of receipt, even after a long time.
Electronic Signature
Benefits of Electronic Signatures
