What Are the Latest Tech Trends in eSignature Software?
Electronic signatures are revolutionizing modern-day workflows. Companies no longer have to print out documents, keep track of them and wait for people to sign them in person. E-signatures have turned a process that often took several days — or weeks — into something that can take just minutes.
Over the past decade, e-signature software has improved, becoming both more efficient, secure and user-friendly. But there’s always room to improve. And e-signature providers are doing just that. Here’s a look at a few emerging e-signature tech trends that are leading to the widespread adoption of this technology.
Latest Tech Trends in e-Signature Software
Most e-signature providers are continually updating their software to provide the best service possible. What are they working on?
Read on for a few common trends with the leading e-signature providers.
An Increasing Need for Remote Accommodations Will Revolutionize Mobile e-Signing
Electronic signatures have already made remote signing possible. People can go to their home or work computer, log in to their email and open a link to sign a document.
However, not everyone uses a computer for their regular online activities. In fact, there has been a steady shift from desktop to mobile traffic for the past several years, with nearly 60% of traffic originating from mobile devices at the end of 2022.
So what does that mean for e-signature software? That it must adapt to mobile-friendly designs.
You might have noticed that some webpages look odd when you open them on your phone – and that’s because the website is meant to function on a desktop screen, not a mobile device. Unfortunately, that’s not good for business as more people switch to mobile use.
That’s why e-signature providers have created mobile or web-based apps that are responsiveness to mobile devices and let people sign documents wherever they are, even while riding in a car or walking down the street.
The tech for these apps is also continually improving since e-signature providers want to offer users the best experience possible.
eSignature Providers Are Enabling Advanced Integration
The core idea behind e-signature solutions is to streamline workflows. People no longer have to wait for in-person meetings for wet signatures and can instead sign whenever and wherever they want. But one thing that can slow down a streamlined workflow is a lack of integration with other common software tools and programs.
For example, imagine using e-signature software to sign a document, which automatically saves to the platform. Then you must download it, before re-uploading it to a storage option like Google Drive or Dropvox. That’s a lot of unnecessary steps, which can be time-consuming and frustrating, not to mention unsafe for sensitive documents.
Some of the latest e-signature software options include automated integrations to cloud storage providers like DropBox, One Drive and Drive to provide a better signing workflow.
The same goes for customer relationship management (CRM) integration. Companies that manage customer care, databases and documentation on a CRM platform don’t want to use an external e-signature platform since it creates more work. That’s why the top e-signature providers are starting to offer advanced and customizable CRM integrations.
More Technology, Better User Experience
User experience (UX) is at the core of good business — especially for technology companies. According to a PwC report, over 60% of consumers say that UX is a significant factor when purchasing technology products. However, the level of UX satisfaction is 13% lower, to be exact.
The most critical parts of user experience include efficiency, convenience, friendly service and knowledgeable service. So as e-signatures grow, providers are placing these values at the forefront as they design new user interfaces and services.
For example, e-signature providers like jSign offer users different ways to e-sign documents. Users can upload a signature, type it, draw it or even write it with a trackpad — whatever they prefer. And for added convenience, most platforms save every signature for future use. That means users just log in, select their pre-saved signature and voila: a streamlined user experience.
Aside from these efficient features, e-signature providers are starting to offer additional services to improve the user experience. Let’s say you are out of town and get an urgent document to sign, but it has to be notarized. Do you have time to go look for a local notary? Or can the document wait?
Instead of slowing down workflows by figuring out how to find an in-person notary, users can take advantage of e-notary services. A few e-signature providers use video technology and on-call notaries to offer remote services.
As technology evolves, we’ll likely see even more e-signature features and services that take user experience to the next level.
A Rise in Cybercrime Is Transforming Security Measures
Technology is undoubtedly revolutionizing signing capabilities – and every other industry. However, the shift to digital has brought with it a rise in cybercrime. Cybersecurity Ventures reported $6 trillion in global cybercrime damages in 2021 alone, and that number is expected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.
These numbers are quite problematic, especially when it comes to signing documents with sensitive information online. Naturally, businesses cannot have their data exposed to potential bad actors.
Electronic signature are a natural solution to this pervasive problem. eSignature software providers are continually enhancing security measures to ensure users’ data and personal information remain private.
Here are a few of the emerging advanced security measures for e-signature software:
Blockchain Technology
While most commonly known for its role in cryptocurrency, blockchain is a breakthrough technology for e-signature software. This distributed database technology tracks every action on a document and stores it in a public ledger, so you have increased invisibility into who is doing what on your files.
But blockchain isn’t just any old database technology. Blockchain data and records cannot be modified, making all your e-signed documents tamper-free.
It stores data blocks in a chain, where each block is related to the ones before and after. So if someone tries to hack just one block in that chain, they would also have to manipulate all the connecting blocks — which is a tall order.
Put simply, the power of blockchain technology is that it ensures that e-signed documents remain protected, even as cybercrime rates surge.
Audit Trails
Blockchain technology also enables other cybersecurity features for e-signature software. It already tracks and logs document activity, creating the ideal opportunity for audit logs.
Depending on the e-signature provider, audit logs may include the following:
- Timestamps
- Signature status and method
- Signer name
- Signer’s geolocation
- People observing the document
- Any attachments
- Passcode authentication or any guest signers
Audit logs don’t rely exclusively on blockchain technology. Since blockchain is a relatively new technology in e-signature software, only a few services use it to tamper-proof their audit trails.
Most e-signature services offer audit trail options without blockchain. They still provide much of the same information, just without the added protection of blockchain tech.
With or without blockchain technology, companies are able to use audit trails to closely monitor all document activity. Such detailed logs give businesses legal backing in case of any disputes or court cases. Or you can simply use the audit logs to ensure your workflows are on track and check for any unusual activity.
Multifactor Authentication Today, Biometrics Tomorrow
Electronic signatures are much harder to forge than wet ones. Bad actors would need to hack someone’s email account to access the document signature link — and possibly their e-signature platform account if they have one.
However, even though it’s difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible. That’s why e-signature providers have started implementing multifactor authentication.
Multifactor authentication (MFA) uses two or more identity verification processes during login. For example, e-signature providers may send a code to a user’s phone or email when they log in.
These processes are becoming more common, especially with growing cybersecurity threats. However, many hackers are not dissuaded by MFA and have learned how to access email codes and phone notifications. An emerging identity verification process implements biometrics. The login process may require fingerprint scanning, voice recognition or facial recognition.
Now, biometrics aren’t only for the login procedure. Electronic signature software may soon enable biometric signing abilities. Instead of drawing or typing a signature, people can use their fingerprint to sign — which is almost impossible to forge.
Looking for a state-of-the-art eSignature Provider?
Electronic signature software has only gotten better with time. And with the latest safety and user experience improvements, now’s the time to try e-signatures out for yourself. Whether you’re interested in e-signatures for yourself or your company, jSign could have all the answers to your problems.
jSign offers some of the latest tech options available, including blockchain technology, audit trails, cloud storage integration and easy-to-use signing options. There’s never been a better time to switch to electronic signatures. Try jSign for yourself by simply signing up for a free 14-day trial.
