With the increased use of electronic documents, it’s becoming more and more common for a document to require a signature in order to be valid. In fact, many businesses now use electronic signature software in lieu of paper contracts.
The potential consequences of not knowing what you’re signing can be huge. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for when choosing an electronic signature software provider. Here are three things that you need to know about electronic signatures before making your decision.
The Importance of Signing Documents Electronically
Electronic signature software can help you to be confident that every document has been signed correctly and legally. For instance, if someone tries to sign an agreement on behalf of your company, you won’t have to worry about what that means for your business. You’ll know that the document will be valid because it’s been signed with a digital signature app.
Of course, there are other ways to make sure you’re following the law when it comes to any contract-related matters. But one thing is for sure: digital signatures created using an electronic signature software provider will ensure that every document has the right information and has not been altered in any way.
What To Look For In Electronic Signature Software
One of the most important things to consider when choosing electronic signature software is security. You don’t want any of your sensitive information, like medical records or customer information, to be breached. Some signatures are more secure than others. For example, some providers encrypt data before it leaves your computer and store data offline in order to make it impossible for hackers to access it.
Another thing you need to know about electronic signature software is how easy it is to use. If the software is too complicated, you won’t use it and will miss out on its benefits. The best way to figure out if the software is easy enough for you? Ask for a free trial!
The third thing you should know about electronic signature software is how affordable it is. You’ll want to take into account both the monthly fee and whether or not there’s a per-document fee as well as whether or not there’s a contract required. When comparing prices between different providers, be sure to compare monthly fees and document fees so that you can find the most affordable option that offers features that meet your needs.
Security
You don’t want your sensitive data in the wrong hands, so be sure to check the software provider’s encryption methods and policies. This is especially important with electronic signatures since they can legally bind both parties to a document.
If you’re looking for software that creates an encrypted signature, it’s important to find out if there are any limitations on what type of file format it can be used with.
For example, when using PDFs as a signature method, you need to know if the file will retain its integrity after signing or if it will lose its formatting. Another thing to consider with security is how long your signature is stored in the software provider’s database. Some providers store signatures indefinitely while others delete them after a specified amount of time has passed. Be sure to ask about all of these things before making a purchase decision.
Usability
When choosing an electronic signature provider, it’s important to choose a company with a solution that is easy to use and meets your needs. This includes payment methods, document management, and integration with other business tools.
Some providers will charge you for every signature, while others may charge you by the number of signatures or scans involved in creating or signing a document. Some may offer integrations with other software packages and allow for import and export of documents.
Here are some features that you should look for:
- A user-friendly interface – tools that are intuitive and easy to navigate will make it easier to use the software;
- Screenshot capturing – this feature allows for sending screenshots as part of emails;
- Integration with existing business tools – using your electronic signature provider as the hub for all your different business operations will save time and reduce confusion;
- Mobile app – oftentimes employees can sign contracts on their mobile devices when they’re not at their desk—or they can be signed remotely by someone else who has access to them through a remote login session.
Convenience
Electronic signatures are a great convenience for busy people in the business world. They’re a fast and easy way to sign a document in a matter of moments. Many companies have adopted electronic signature software to save time and money.
Take, for example, an attorney who must sign her client’s document before sending it back. With traditional signatures, she would need to take the time to print out the document and then go through the process of signing it with ink on paper before sending it back. With electronic signatures, she can simply click “I Agree” on whatever terms have been set up ahead of time and move on with her day.