E-signing guide
5 min read

Signing digitally speeds up your business processes

11 Jan 2022
Digital signing of documents
Agrello
Customer Success Team

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Digital signing of documents
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E-signing, electronic signing, or digital signing enables you to transform any document into a legally binding agreement

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.

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What’s the price?

14.90 EUR per month for one user, and 99 EUR per month for 10 users. You can add more users if you want, and yearly packages are available.

Does Agrello offer a free trial?

Yes! Agrello has a free 14 day trial in which you can test out Agrello’s features, create your own documents, templates and test out bulk creation.

Who should consider using Agrello?

Companies that regularly handle a high volume of contracts or have a steady flow of standardised contracts can benefit from Agrello, especially if they are struggling with existing manual tools like Word, Excel, and email to manage their contracts.

What problem does Agrello primarily address?

Agrello solves the problem of inefficient manual contract creation. It helps companies reduce the time it takes to prepare, approve, and sign contracts, which in turn helps prevent delays and unnecessary costs associated with manual workflows.

How does Agrello benefit businesses?

Agrello improves productivity by reducing the manual effort needed to create contracts. It provides legal certainty and compliance, reduces tool fatigue, and minimises workflow disruptions. Automated workflows save time and increase productivity.

What sets Agrello apart from other contract management tools?

Agrello's bulk creation tool is unique, enabling the creation of hundreds of contracts from a single template and an Excel sheet. Additionally, Agrello supports bulk signing and bulk download, making it efficient for organisations to handle large volumes of contracts.

What integrations does Agrello offer?

Agrello integrates with other tools via Zapier, allowing access to thousands of applications like Sharepoint, Google Drive, Hubspot, and Bamboo HR. A public API is also available for custom integrations.

How does Agrello support contract management?

Agrello provides a team-wide workspace where contracts can be organised into access-controlled folders. Users can also set key dates for contract renewal and expiry. The Kanban view gives a quick overview of documents based on their status, from draft to signed and active.

How does Agrello simplify the signing process?

Signing with Agrello is frictionless. It’s as easy as a few clicks. Companies can customise signature invitations with their logos and text, and reminders can be sent to signers. Agrello's signature methods include its own e-signature, and bulk signing is available for multiple documents at once.

What features does Agrello offer for contract preparation?

Agrello offers a suite of tools that includes a built-in Word editor for contract preparation, customisable templates, and bulk creation tools.

What is Agrello, and who is it for?

Agrello is a contract preparation and signing tool designed for companies that want to streamline the creation, management, and signing of standardised documents.