DrySign: How eSignatures Help in Signing PDF Contracts Quickly

Contracts represent the lifeblood of any business entity, serving as the driving force behind revenue generation. Traditionally, these agreements found their home within file cabinets, only emerging when disputes or, in more severe cases, legal actions arise.

The landscape shifted dramatically with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, reshaping the creation and distribution of contracts. The digitization of contracts has supplanted conventional methods involving physical printing, faxing, mailing for approval, and manual content revisions. This shift to digital contracts brings newfound clarity and transparency while effectively reducing associated risks.

In the era prior to the prevalence of digital contracts, businesses grappled with penalties, overdue fees, and compliance vulnerabilities. However, the advent of digital solutions has streamlined and broadened the scope of contract management. This evolution has ushered in a simplified and comprehensive approach. The adoption of appropriate document formats holds the potential to unlock diverse opportunities for businesses. Hence, many enterprises place their trust in the versatility of the portable document format (PDF).

But Why PDF?

Documents are the core of sharing information in an organized manner. Though firms are slowly transitioning to a digital workplace, some habits are hard to beat. Most workplaces use Portable Document Format (PDF) as their preferred format. Documents are converted to this format due to its ease and security features. The format is versatile and finds use across different industries for distinct purposes for easier content distribution.

What are the advantages of PDF files over Word?

PDFs help enterprises streamline workflows, disburse content, and be professional. Here are a few advantages PDF files have over Word files:

• Highly Convenient – PDFs are highly convenient to read and use. Most popular document formats have support to be converted into PDFs. It also helps in delivering information promptly through e-mails.

• Portability – PDFs, as the name suggests, can transport information quickly. It is also compatible with most devices, allowing businesses to view contracts conveniently.

• Save on Storage – PDF files are compressed to save on storage space. Its compression algorithm helps meet space limitations, attach documents to e-mails quickly, and save time.

• Security Assured – PDFs can allow users to insert watermarks on their content to protect it from being plagiarized. Furthermore, it had password protection as its security feature to protect sensitive documents from prying eyes.

• Compatibility with Web Elements – PDF files can include web links, footnotes, images, and shortcuts to rich media. Hyperlinked content can be opened within the document format, making it convenient for firms to store maximum information.

• Electronic Signing – PDFs were the earliest documents to support electronic signatures. It encouraged the use of digital contracts among firms to trade and scale. This helped firms to move away from paper documents to digital documents.

An Introduction to eSignatures

Electronic signatures or e-signatures find applications in automating the signing process and creating digital documents. Since businesses of all sizes are inclined towards reducing costs and boosting profits, utilizing eSignatures emerges as a favorable strategy for digitally executing contracts and accords. This approach assists in the optimization of workflow procedures, improves the rapport between employees and employers, expedites onboarding, and facilitates a positive digital encounter.

Why Contract Management Needs eSignatures and PDFs?

• Digital Contracts: Digital contracts help include changes to the contents of documents to ensure they satisfy the conditions between business partners. They assure that businesses accede to the conditions for fair and equal rewards. It helps prevent a breach of trust. E-signatures contain real-time trails containing the history of any document modifications or alterations.

• Proof of Details: PDF contracts contain proof that both parties have agreed on mutual consent. It can stand as evidence in case of a legal dispute. Electronic signatures that are applied by both parties on digital documents count as their consent and are accepted in place of wet signatures.

• Prevents Misunderstanding: PDFs contain terms and conditions agreed by mutual consent by both parties. The digital format is proof of their adherence, which is further cemented by eSignatures. It also prevents disputes between parties and minimizes the risk.

• Assures Confidentiality: Digital contracts in PDF format contain security measures to prevent data breaches. Furthermore, clauses in digital contracts that ensure confidentiality between the parties and avoid disclosure of sensitive information will ensure they uphold the contract.

Don’t Miss to Read: All the Answers You need about E-signing

Benefits of E-signatures

• Seamless Workflow Automation: One of the primary benefits of incorporating eSignatures into digital contracts is the automation of the signing process. Parties no longer need to gather in one place to sign documents physically. With eSignatures, contracts can be signed anywhere, eliminating geographical barriers and expediting the approval process. This seamless automation translates to faster turnaround times and improved business and client productivity.

• Enhanced Security and Compliance: Security concerns often arise when dealing with sensitive information, especially in contracts. E-signatures have advanced security features that offer more advanced protection than traditional paper signatures. Authentication methods such as two-factor authentication and digital certificates ensure the signature's integrity and the signer's authenticity. Additionally, e-signature solutions often adhere to international standards and regulations, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, like the Information Technology Act, 2000 (ITA).

• Improved Accessibility and Convenience: In the digital age, convenience is key. E-signatures make the signing process more accessible for individuals with various mobility challenges, remote employees, and international partners. Additionally, its convenience can lead to faster deal closures, allowing businesses to expedite revenue generation.

• Efficient Record-Keeping and Document Management: Managing physical documents can be a logistical nightmare, with the risk of misplacement or damage. E-signatures offer a solution by providing a centralized platform for storing and managing digital contracts. These platforms often include document tracking, version history, and secure cloud storage, making it easier to locate, reference, and track the status of contracts over time.

• Faster Contract Execution and Improved Customer Experience: Businesses thrive on agility, and eSignatures contribute to this by significantly reducing the time required to finalize contracts. The swift execution of contracts can result in improved customer satisfaction and a repeat purchase cycle. Clients appreciate businesses that prioritize efficiency and make the contracting process hassle-free.

• Enhanced Legal Validity: Contrary to common misconceptions, they hold substantial legal validity and enforceability in many jurisdictions. As long as certain requirements are met, such as secure authentication methods and the availability of an audit trail, eSignatures are generally recognized as legally binding.

• Cost Savings and Environmental Impact: Printing, mailing, and storing physical documents can be time-consuming and expensive. By transitioning to eSignatures, businesses can significantly reduce paper, ink, postage, and storage space costs. Moreover, the environmental benefits of going paperless are substantial, as it reduces paper waste and carbon footprint.

What is DrySign?

DrySign, an electronic signature solution, aims to secure contracts for businesses of all sizes. It has a centralized dashboard for monitoring and tracking the signing status of documents. In addition, it allows users to create templates of contracts to save time and resources. It saves all digital documents like contracts on the cloud to let users make changes from any device and location.

DrySign is legally binding and adheres to international eSignature laws. Electronic documents and e-signatures can be used in the court to settle legal disputes. Furthermore, it safeguards users by integrating security measures like multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to malicious actors.

In conclusion, adopting e-signatures in digital contracts offers many advantages for businesses seeking efficiency, security, and enhanced customer experiences. As technology continues to shape how we conduct business, embracing these innovations paves the way for a more streamlined, eco-friendly, and secure approach to contract management. By harnessing the power of eSignatures, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of modernity while reaping the benefits of a more efficient and interconnected world.

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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal advice. Laws governing the subject matter may change quickly, and Exela cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or correct. Should you have specific legal questions about any of the information on this site, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your area.

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