What is E-Signature Software?
E-signature software enables users to store signatures which are shared electronically and, subsequently, negates the need for physical documents to record signatures. E-signature software is especially useful for legally sensitive documents. Whenever an organisation needs to encrypt documents, for example work contracts which require multiple signatures, they can implement e-signature software.
It is common for e-signature software to be integrated with third-party applications including HR systems, CRM software and accounting. E-signature software ensures legitimacy so that documents meet the appropriate security standards for local and federal legal requirements.
Best E-Signature Software
1. Jotform Sign
Jotform Sign is an all-in-one e-signature automation platform that allows users to streamline their document signing and management processes. It offers more than 700 templates and a user-friendly, simple interface to create well-designed documents.
You can automate data entry and client tracking as well as set up autoresponders and reminder emails. Users can also create auto-generated reports, calendars, and dashboards to help them manage and analyse their data more effectively. Signed documents are fully CCPA, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliant. HIPAA friendly documents are also available with some paid plans.
Prices from: Free starter plan is available with paid subscriptions starting from $34/month.
2. Fill
Fill is an e-signature software that sends & collects signatures from customers in real-time via email and text message. The eSignature platform meets global security and privacy standards & follows industry best practices.
Perfect for all industries, Fill manages all your docs with their smart analytics. You can create and store a tamper-proof & time-stamped record. Whether you’re at the office, relaxing at home or on vacation, eSign your document using Fill’s mobile apps.
3. Adobe Sign
Adobe Sign allows users to mange, sign, send and store documents and forms, all with legally approved electronic signatures. This allows geographical flexibility for companies as it allows them to sign or request documents from anywhere and can even track documents both from web and mobile devices. E-signatures or compliant cloud signatures can also be used on desktop or mobile with no need for signups or downloads. Adobe Sign looks to go beyond signatures, aiming for 100% paperless process including document collaboration and form creation.
Prices from: £10.42 monthly for individual plans
4. DocuSign
5. HelloSign
6. OneSpan Sign
What Does E-Signature Software Include?
- Be able to encrypt and secure communications and shared documents
- Accurately track document status and notify users when signing or approving actions are required
- Enable users to define user roles and permission rights for internal and external users
- Allow both senders and recipients to sign documents across different devices and operating systems
- Offer built-document creation and storage capabilities or be able to integrate with third-party software solutions that offer these services
Do I need E-Signature Software?
There are many benefits to be gained from using e-signature software including:
- Compliance – Makes legal compliance automated and seamless
- Efficiency – Fully digital process meaning that companies can be far more efficient and save a great deal of time
- Paperless – Eliminates the need for printing and physical storage
- Improved productivity – Means that teams can spend more time working and less time signing paperwork
How Much Does E-Signature Software Cost?
E-signature software can be a very low-cost solution which will save your company a lot of time. Some services are totally free whilst others can be as little as $15 per month.
How Can E-Signature Software Help Your Business?
For the last 2 decades, electronic signature software has paved the way for businesses to become more efficient and transform business documents to become more secure and compliant.
Used across a range of sectors, e-signature software significantly reduces document turnaround time for companies. Cutting out the time spent on filing documents, sending paperwork out to recipients, sourcing misplaced documents and following up with recipients who are set to sign, e-signature software can be a lifesaver for companies looking to streamline their operations.
Additionally, they ensure the secure storage of documents and can ensure that everything is in one place for auditing purposes.
Kinds of E-Signature Software
One thing that is common across all e-signatures is that they adhere to specific signature laws and requirements. There are also a large number of providers of e-signature solutions and products that are not what many people would call ‘mainstream.’ These include the likes of Signaturely as well as many others in the UK and internationally.
Used for both personal and professional purposes, there are many different types of electronic signatures:
Electronic Signatures – At the most general level, “e-signature” is any type of electronic authentication which verifies signer identity. This can be anything from a verified email account to corporate ID or can even include multi-factor authorisation.
Cloud – Cloud e-signature is a type of SaaS (software as a service) working inside a browser. The majority of modern e-signature software fall under this branch. Cloud pricing models are typically monthly payment plans with the option to pay overtime based on usage. They are known for their user-friendliness.
On-premise – On-premise e-signature tools are those which are installed on hardware. Typically, companies who use on-premise tools will need to purchase a license based on how many users there are and, based on this, pay an annual maintenance fee. These types of tools usually require investment in hardware as well as IT support.
Digital Signatures – The term “digital signature” refers to a very specific type of e-signature. Digital signatures are an amped up version of an e-signature (in terms of security). They usually require a certificate-based digital ID that adds a level of encryption to the identity verification method. Then the digital signature is generally validated through Certificate Authorities (CAs) or Trust Service Providers (TSPs). While both e-signatures and digital signatures can be used for a variety of business purposes, the latter is most commonly used with processes that have higher variables of risk. A few examples of more highly regulated business processes are loan approvals, bank transactions, HR manager processes, quality and safety approvals, and doctor signatures.
