Electronic signatures are legally recognized in many countries as a way of authenticating agreements and verifying the signer’s identity. This digital solution replaces wet ink signatures required for processing contracts and corporate paperwork.
The eSign API makes the signing of agreements even more sophisticated and legitimate. Modern businesses can automate their document workflows, ensure encrypted transactions, and limit the use of paper-based agreements.
In this article, we will explore the various ways eSignature solutions can enhance contract approvals. To achieve optimal results, you must understand the best techniques for integrating eSign APIs into office software.
A key part of this process involves using PDF sign tools, which enable efficient, secure, and legally compliant signing of documents, streamlining the approval workflow.
It helps you automate approvals
No one wants to spend time printing, emailing, faxing, or dispatching documents — especially not when you can handle all with a few clicks. An eSignature API is very valuable for firms looking to make their business process more convenient for staff and clients.
The eSign API simply ensures you can access signing features within another platform. Most electronic signing solutions also allow users to integrate with cloud services, document managers, and CRM software.
You can harness e-signature platforms to collect payments, sign tenancy agreements, onboard new hires, and streamline general workflows. Approval automation is easier when you adopt electronic methods of signing important documents.
It keeps your documents compliant
Industries such as finance, healthcare, and real estate have specific laws governing the contract approval process. Rather than spending time worrying about the legality of your operations, stay compliant by getting signatures via e-signature solutions.
When you learn how to create digital signatures in PDF contracts, confirm that your chosen signature software is compliant. The criteria for compliance can vary from region to region, so ensure your eSignatures are legally enforceable within your jurisdiction.
Legislation such as eIDAS and the ESIGN Act requires e-signatures to fulfill specific conditions, including the intent to sign, attribution features, and audit trails. Investing in a fully compliant system lets you prevent cyber threats and secure your business from fraudulent transactions.
It increases close rates
An eSign API reduces bottlenecks in your document approval process, significantly increasing deal close rates. It also eliminates traditional ink signing, especially when signatures from multiple recipients are required, speeding up approvals.
Usually, it takes days to secure internal signatures before documents can be sent out. But now, everyone can insert signatures in PDF files from anywhere.
Clients can add signatures to contract fields from any device, including mobile or desktop, reducing turnaround time. eSign APIs also have embedded features like payment buttons and fillable forms to help collect client information faster.
It secures your documents
Apart from automating contracts with e-signatures, you can implement data encryption, access protocols, and security audits to protect your data. The eSign API allows you to add layers of security for your operations as mandated by compliance laws.
It’s your organization’s responsibility to secure data that is shared with you, with priority given to sensitive files. Show employees how to add electronic signatures in PDF files securely and look out for potential risks.
It helps you track the status of documents
Contract approvals take time to process. While you’re waiting to collect authorized signatures on a signature loan online, use eSign APIs to monitor activities on the document.
Keeping audit trails on all important files helps you manage your operations and ensure everything goes as planned. With this platform, you can also automate reminders, notifications, and document routing.
It optimizes user experience
Your company can benefit from making contract signing and approval less cumbersome for staff and clients. Customers are happy to do business with vendors that use software to simplify complex business operations.
An eSign tool can perform everything from contract drafting to signing and documentation. Thus, integrating the eSignature app within your existing software not only makes e-signing accessible but also creates a seamless experience for signers.
Best practices for implementing eSign APIs
In shifting to safer methods of signing critical documents, you need more than selecting an electronic signing platform. Otherwise, you’ll be unable to get optimal results, and any slipups may even cost you clients.
But don’t worry. Here’s a list of best practices for requesting or tracking contract workflows in business.
Choose a trusted eSignature provider
Your eSigning experience largely depends on the service you invest in. Before you make a decision, check for reviews and ensure the tool guarantees high performance and defined security protocols.
You also want to choose a tool with reliable customer support in case of hiccups. Find out if there are any hidden costs and compare pricing models to select the right one for your organization.
Check for compliance certification
Only opt for an eSign API that is compliant with industry laws and legislation. Compliance under the ESIGN Act and eIDAS mandates electronic signatures to meet specific terms and conditions.
When your preferred software supports legally binding signatures, you will save yourself a great deal of stress. This implies that if the documents were to be requested in court, the signatures would be valid and enforceable.
Offer quality training to staff
Don’t overlook the need to teach staff how to add an online PDF signature, especially as you onboard new hires. If you’re investing in an eSign API for the first time, set aside time to train the entire team.
Identify where eSignatures can be used in your workflow, including contracts, agreements, internal forms, and HR documents. This increases your chance of going paperless in most of your operations.
Keep records of all activity
As you collect the signer’s consent electronically, it’s important to keep records of all contracts signed and delivered. Make sure that your chosen platform provides time stamps, digital trails, and an overall record of documents uploaded and signed.
Especially with features that show signers how to delete digital signatures in PDF files, audit trails serve as proof of transactions with admissible evidence. You’d require this sophistication when you need to provide detailed documentation of who made changes, as well as when and how.
Provide multiple signing options
To get the best out of e-signatures, offer dynamic ways for users to sign documents electronically. Just like some people prefer to use a pen to sign paper contracts, you should provide flexible e-signing options for external parties to choose from.
A robust e-signature tool allows users to:
- Upload a scanned signature,
- Type in a signature as a text,
- Draw a signature online using a stylus or your fingers,
- Issue digital signature certificates.
Conclusion
Collecting an online signature in PDF files has never been easier. The best eSign API lets you access document management features, including cloud storage, third-party integrations, and advanced security.
To securely insert electronic signatures in PDF documents, you need to ensure the integration is designed to protect your data as it travels between interfaces.
In addition to adding the smartest eSign software to your workflows, it helps initiate best practices in your document signing process. The good thing is that you now know what to look out for.