It is well known that contracts are only legally binding when "the ink is dry". You could also say that the signature makes the contract - and this naturally also applies to electronic signatures under digital contracts. It is therefore only logical that ContractHero has dedicated itself to the topic of signatures with the expansion of its digital contract management solution. From now on, ContractHero users can request signatures from their contractual partners directly via the software. In other words, ContractHero is opening up to new contracts.
In this blog post, we will clarify what significance this has for the area of digital contract management, which advantages result from this for medium-sized companies and start-ups and which plus points arise in comparison to standalone signature solutions.
As a result of the implementation of the eIDAS Regulation, there are uniform requirements for electronic signatures throughout the EU. Three types are considered:
The electronic signature, also called a simple signature, can be, for example, a scanned or photographed signature, but also a check mark set in a form.
The advanced electronic signature can technically be uniquely assigned to the signatory and enables his or her identification by means of uniquely assignable biometric characteristics, such as the IP address, a unique link and a digital audit trail.
The highest form is the qualified electronic signature, which, with a secure signature creation based on a certificate, ensures that it is equivalent to a personal signature and is therefore suitable for all transactions in the company.
With electronic signatures, contracts can be processed much faster. Sending, signing and returning are done with just a few clicks and without the hassle of waiting for the post office. Waiting for paper contracts by post is a thing of the past.
From time savings to less consumption of paper and ink, less need for maintenance or repair of printers to fewer folders, shelves and, in extreme cases, rooms - electronically signed and digitally filed contracts significantly reduce administrative costs.
Electronic signatures streamline the contract management phases and also enable a high degree of automation, especially when contracts are recorded in appropriate contract management tools. For responsible staff, redundant tasks are eliminated in favour of value-adding activities.
Compared to "wet signatures", electronic signatures offer significantly better legal protection because they are fully traceable and enable the identification of the signatory. Digital storage and appropriate backups can also protect contract files against damage (e.g. fire, water, accidental disposal).
Electronic signatures enable a paper-free signature process - in contrast to paper contracts with a minimal footprint in transport, delivery and storage.
When looking at contract management software and standalone e-signature solutions side by side, one might often conclude that they are in competition with each other. While this may even be true for many providers, the real benefit lies in the combination of the two - for software providers and users alike. By linking the best contract management tool with the best signature service, all sides win.
ContractHero sees itself as a specialist tool for contract management and relies on a high degree of openness for networking with other, often already existing solutions in the digital office. With the latest integration of Dropbox Sign into our software, we are taking the flexibility and efficiency of the electronic signature process to a new level.
This integration enables our users to benefit from an extended range of signature options - from simple electronic signatures (EES) to advanced electronic signatures (FES) and qualified electronic signatures (QES). In addition, Dropbox Sign offers seamless and customizable integration into our platform.
By using Dropbox Sign, ContractHero meets all legal standards for electronic signatures and ensures that our users can always rely on a trusted and legally secure solution for their contract management needs."