Why e-signatures make good business sense post pandemic
Although many businesses which hadn’t initially intended to adopt digital technologies were forced to do so in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of this tech has proved so efficient it’s here to stay for good.
E-signatures, in particular, have seen an accelerated adoption across a range of industries over the past couple of years and are forming part of a global drive to cut down on the reliance of paper-based processes.
Whereas in the past many organisations only used e-signatures for external customers or partner-use cases, like contracts, now even the most reticent are embracing the technology and using it for items which were historically performed in person, such as paperwork for new hiring, customer agreements and financial services documents.
E-signatures provide an easy, and legally binding way to digitally sign and collect signatures from several people no matter where they are based in the world. The great things is that there’s no longer a need to courier papers to a client or lawyer’s premises to get a deal done or sign banking documentation, which makes it a convenient, fast and cost-effective way of conducting business.
According to this article e-signatures have the following advantages over paper-based pen and ink signatures:
- Simple and ingrown – it’s as simple as uploading a document, declaring signatories and sending a secure link to the recipient.
- Fast – you can get documents signed from anywhere in the world in a matter of minutes.
- Improved sales process – it’s easy and fast to follow up on leads, and get contracts signed.
- Simple collaboration with clients and business partners.
- Save the planet – by providing less reliance on paper, and transportation thereof
- Increased productivity and efficiency
- Enhanced convenience – documents can be signed from a range of electronic devices including smart phones.
- Keeps track of your workflows and progress
In essence, e-signatures are just one more tool in an arsenal of digital technologies that are creating convenience, cutting costs and providing an alternative to paper-based processes.
Contact us today to add electronic signatures to your product offerings.
Sylvester Swaine - Solutions Consultant - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
