Signing digitally speeds up your business processes
Knowing how to sign and collect electronic signatures when working with documents will revolutionize your workflow. Getting documents signed, regardless of your profession, can be a nightmare. Internal documents necessitate locating the correct people, resulting in mountains of legwork and follow-ups.
Consider how difficult it is to get ink to the page in today's paperless world. It can take days. Once signed, the other party will need to have access to a scanner or fax machine to return the file to you.
We're all aware that wasted time equals wasted money and missed opportunities. Anyone who needs to sign a digital document with Agrello can simply open an email and sign it from any device, at any time.
What is the difference between digital signature and electronic signature?
Although the terms electronic signature and digital signature are frequently used interchangeably, the two concepts are distinct. The primary distinction between the two is that a digital signature is used to protect documents and is certified by certification authorities, whereas an electronic signature is frequently associated with a contract that the signer agrees to.
A digital signature is a unique digital characteristic, similar to a fingerprint embedded in a document. To be associated with the document, the signer must have a digital signing certificate. The digital signing certificate is issued by the certification authority.
It's similar to a driver's license or a passport. A digital certificate aids in determining whether or not a document has been tampered with. It is essential for identity verification.
A digital signature is also used to protect digital documents, which is an important feature. Fraudsters can forge documents to submit online using an electronic signature, but it is nearly impossible with a digital signature. Only an authorized person can view the electronic document and make changes or edits.
When a digital signature is used on a document, the digital certificate is linked to the signed data in a single, unique fingerprint. Because these two components of a digital signature are distinct, they are more practical than wet signatures because their origin can be verified. This cryptographic operation facilitates the following actions:
- demonstrating the document's authenticity and source
- ensuring that no changes were made to the document after signing
- confirming the signer's identity.
An electronic signature is any electronic symbol, process, or sound associated with a record or contract that the interested party intends to sign, according to US law. Thus, the intention to sign a document or agreement is the primary feature of an electronic signature. Another distinction between an electronic signature and a digital signature is that an electronic signature can be oral, a simple mouse click, or any other electronic authorization.
An electronic signature's main feature is that it reveals the signer's intent to sign the document. It usually complies with contracts or other agreements made by two parties. As previously stated, there are various types of electronic signatures. They become legally binding once all parties have shown their commitment to enter into a particular contract.
Another benefit of an electronic signature is that it assist in document autheticity verification.
The parties involved should be able to be identified once it has been signed. However, because there is no digital certificate, it can be difficult to verify an electronic document.
Another distinguishing feature of an electronic signature is that it is used to execute a contract. In a contract, for example, two people usually agree to perform certain obligations. If both parties sign this agreement, it becomes legally binding. You can use an electronic signature in this case. Furthermore, because they are simple to use, electronic signatures are frequently used in contracts.
To sum up - digital signatures are more secure electronic signatures as they make the signers more easily identifiable and ensure that the document has not been dampered after signing. So we can use both terms, but bare in mind that not all e-signatures are digital signatures.
How do you digitally sign a document?
It's simple to digitally sign a PDF document if you need to, such as a contract or sales agreement.
Here's how to digitally sign a PDF document at Agrello:
Step 1. Create an Agrello account and log in.
Step 2. Click on Create New -> Document to upload the PDF or Word file.
Step 3. Add signature fields. Review the document, and then click Send for signing.
Step 4. Now Confirm your digital signature.
If you use Agrello, is your document secure?
Agrello has made significant investments in cyber security and complies with US, EU, and international security practices.
