e-signature the basics
In today’s world, electronic forms and workflows are common practice, leaving paper to the past. With the growing use of computerized electronic forms, signing electronically documents and other types of transactions become imperative. The traditional handwritten signature, proving personal consent of the signer to the terms, is the last remnant of the non-electronic workflow.
The e-signature (electronic signature) is the link that enables the traditional wet signature to cross the threshold to the digital world. Capturing the handwritten signature as part of the ‘original document’ in an existing electronic eco system, streamlines processes and saves considerable costs resulting from paper handling. The signatures safeguard electronic documents and files by enabling the authentication of the signer, and verification of the original document content.
Wondernet tags the document with special annotations – DIP (Digital Intelligent Placeholders) where signatures eventually need to go. The document is uploaded to an online service and is called upon when needed to be signed. It can be presented to a customer at the POS or sent to specified recipients who need to sign it either using a stylus, the mouse or a finger on tablets. When finished, the signed file stored in the server.
SignX signature essence
SignX products provide a 4 layers Electronic signature that can be inserted into PDF and PDF/A documents.
- Layer 1 – Graphical Representation Of the Signature
- Layer 2 – Digital Signature
created with a certificate to sign the PDF using Adobe™ Digital Signature standard. A Version is created with each new signature that is added.
- Layer 3 – Document Environment Data – Encrypted data of the signing environment keeping vital information on the signature capturing process. This layer secures that the signature can’t be copied from document to document.
- Layer 4 – Biometric Signature Dynamic Data
[optional] – attributes of the hand movements during the action of signing, allowing the biometric authentication of the signer both in real time and on archived documents that were e-signed in the past.
Is it legal?
The signature generated is added into the document the same way as signing on paper, creating a legally binding document that has the same validity and legal enforceability as ‘wet’ signatures. The EU and the USA have taken major steps in resolving the legal issues of the e-signatures. The US ESIGN Act which passed back in 2000, gave electronic signatures the same legal weight as handwritten ones. Furthermore, the electronic signature is adapted by several federal courthouses such as in the USA and Brazil.
Key advantages of the hand written e-signatures
- Simple – sign using a digital stylus or your finger. Your signature will instantly appear in the appointed area on the document. The graphical signature can be viewed on screen as well as in print, and is part of the complete document.
- Paperless – Get the signatures you need as part of the electronic workflow. E-signing blends in as an inherent part of the electronic workflow, either be it interfacing a customer, or part of a corporate internal workflow. Forget about printing and scanning.
- Secured – Both signature and document are secured. Extracting the signature and using it on other documents is not possible. Changing content to a signed document will invalidate the signature. Once signed, authenticity of the source and the integrity of the content are guaranteed.
- Legally binding – the signature generated is added into the document the same way as signing on paper, creating legally binding documents complying with e-signature legislation. ESIGN, UETA and SOX, approved that electronic signatures have the same validity and legal enforceability as ‘wet’ signatures.
- Any format of electronic documents or records can be signed.
Wondernet as a e-signature solution provider
WonderNet has a comprehensive array of solutions allowing electronically signing and digitally sealing. This spans to any format of electronic documents or records. Our solutions have a highly flexible interface with existing corporate systems, incorporating the hand signature as part of the digital workflow. Biometric handwritten signature or other means of biometric authentication may be applied in cases where signee authentication is required.
With almost 20 years of experience in enrolling our pioneering technology of digitally capturing the traditional handwritten signature, Wondernet has applied e-signature interfaces among leading corporate enterprises throughout diversified verticals: Banking, insurance, car leasing, cellular operators and, many other more (see customers). Since then, we continually develop our products in house, offering innovative solutions for capturing the traditional handwritten signatures along with other means of modern e-signing as well as authentication, applying them to electronic forms, documents or transactions that need to be authentically sealed.
