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Electronic Signature
When you’re working with online documents, either as the sender or the recipient, there’s a high chance you’ll need to use e-signatures.
Whether it’s signing contracts, granting approval for workflows, verifying certificates, or something else entirely, e-signatures are an easy and legally binding way to complete documents.
E-signing is becoming increasingly popular, with the industry experiencing triple-digit year-over-year growth. This is due in part to the increasing popularity of remote work, as well as consumers desiring more efficient ways to get things done.
Although signing documents electronically might sound complicated, it’s actually never been easier thanks to electronic document signing software.
What Is an Electronic Signature?
An electronic signature, often referred to as an e-signature, is a digital alternative to a handwritten signature that is used to sign electronic documents, records, or transactions.
The signing process can be completed in-person or remotely on a computer, a phone, a tablet, or any other device.
Are Electronic Signatures Legal?
Yes. Based on the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, an e-signature is a symbol, sound, or process that is either reasonably associated with or attached to an agreement or record, and adopted or executed by a person who intends to sign on the record.
In other words, an e-signature is a digital action a person takes to sign a contract or record — and this is legally binding.
Electronic signatures can take many forms, including:
- Using your finger to sign on a mobile device, such as after using a credit card
- Clicking to consent to a website’s terms or conditions
- Entering a PIN or typing your name into an online form
Why Should I Use an Electronic Signature?
There are several reasons, but primarily you use it for efficiency, security, and authenticity.
Efficiency
Before e-signature, requesting a sign from someone in another location was a very time-consuming process. This would typically involve mailing out documents, waiting for the recipient to sign and mail them back, receiving the signed versions, signing them yourself, and sending out finished copies.
In addition to being time-consuming, the process was’t secure.
Collecting signatures online through purpose-built software, such as Fluix, is efficient and convenient, and makes for a more streamlined process.
Your business workflows, processes, and checks that regularly require approval by signature, for example purchase orders, HIPPA compliance, or journey logs can be approved faster with e-signing.
Security and Authenticity
Secure document signing is essential when dealing with sensitive information and customer data. E-signatures offer multiple layers of protection that are simply not available with pen and ink.
With the Fluix e-signature toolkit, you can lock documents after they’re signed to prevent any further changes. Additional notable security benefits of Fluix include proof of transactions, audit trails, and digital authentication.
How Do I Create an Electronic Signature?
You can easily create an electronic signature and use it on just about any device with the help of dedicated software, including:
- Online e-signature platforms: Online platforms and services allow you to create and store your electronic signature, and then easily add to documents when you need it.
- Mobile apps: E-signature apps are the best option for smartphones and tablets. You can create your signature using a stylus, your finger, or even by typing your name.
- Built-in software. Some process management software have built-in tools for creating electronic signatures.
Creating an Electronic Signature as a Signatory
If you are the recipient of a document requiring your signature, you typically have two options for creating one:
- Draw your signature using your finger on your screen or your computer’s trackpad
- Type your name and select a font
Regardless of which option you choose, the end product becomes your default e-signature on your device and for certain accounts. To input it into a document, navigate to the signature block and click ‘sign’. The block will then automatically be populated with your signature.
Creating an Electronic Signature Block
Creating an electronic signature block typically involves adding your electronic signature to a specific location within a document.
There are several ways to do that depending on the tool and document format you’re using.
First, choose any method to create an electronic signature. Ensure that it is legible and resembles your handwritten signature. Save it within the tool you’re using.
Open the document or email where you want to create the block, choose the location, follow the tool’s instructions for adding your signature to the document. This often involves selecting the signature block, applying your signature, and confirming its placement.
Digital Signature vs. Electronic Signature
The terms ‘electronic signature’ and ‘digital signature’ are often used interchangeably. However, it’s important to understand the difference between the two.
As we’ve explored in this article, an electronic signature is a human signature on a digital document. On the other hand, a digital signature refers to the use of cryptographic techniques for securing and authenticating signed documents.
Using PDF Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures in PDFs have been a popular choice for businesses dealing with contracts and forms. Adobe Acrobat Reader is a widely used PDF reader for this purpose.
To add your electronic signature to a PDF, you typically follow simple steps, like accessing your file in a PDF reader, selecting ‘Sign’ and choosing ‘Add Signature.’ Next, you choose the signature options – between Type, Draw and Image – and save options.
Go to a step-by-step instruction on how to add a signature field to a PDF document
When you add your signature to a document, the software should automatically insert your saved signature. You may need to adjust its placement and size as needed.
It’s important to note that the specific steps and options for adding electronic signatures to PDFs can vary depending on the device you’re using, and event its year of manufacture.
Go Electronic Today
E-signatures are becoming the norm, so don’t get left behind by continuing to rely on hand-written processes. Fluix is a professional, user-friendly, and secure solution for recording electronic signatures, as well as automating many other aspects of your workflow.
