Feb 9, 2025 
When was the last time someone asked you to print, sign, and scan a document and send it back to them? Next question: How long did it take for you to actually sign and send it back?
Today, we’re all about finding ways to save time and make our lives easier. So why should signing documents be any different?
eSignatures and electronic signatures are changing the game for businesses, offering a faster, more efficient way to get agreements signed without the hassle of paper and pens. If you’re still using traditional signatures, it might be time to consider switching to an esign software for your business.
What Are eSignatures?
An eSignature is a digital version of a traditional signature, used to sign documents electronically. It can take various forms, like a typed name, a scanned image of a handwritten signature, or even a unique digital key.
The main difference between an electronic signature and the traditional pen-and-paper version is that it eliminates the need for physical paperwork, allowing for faster, more secure transactions.
However, it’s important to note that an eSignature isn’t just a random picture or a simple image placed on a document. To be legally binding, an electronic signature must be created using legitimate, compliant e sign software that adheres to regulatory standards. This ensures that the signed document is valid and recognized by law.
In case you didn’t know, in regions like the United States, the EU, and India, eSignatures are regulated by laws such as the ESIGN Act (U.S.) and eIDAS (EU), ensuring that electronically signed documents carry the same legal validity as those signed in person.
The Benefits of eSignatures Over Traditional Signatures
| Feature | eSignatures | Traditional Signatures |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Documents can be signed and returned in minutes. | Requires printing, signing, scanning, and mailing, which takes longer. |
| Cost | No printing, paper, ink, or postage costs. | Involves costs for paper, printing, ink, and postage. |
| Security | Enhanced security with encryption, audit trails, and authentication options. | Can be easily forged and lacks built-in security features. |
| Compliance | Legally binding in many regions (U.S., EU, India) with compliance to laws like the ESIGN Act and eIDAS. | Legally binding but lacks the digital security features of eSignatures. |
| Environmental Impact | Reduces paper usage, contributing to sustainability efforts. | Requires paper, contributing to waste and higher carbon footprint. |
| Convenience | Can be signed anytime, anywhere using digital devices. | Requires physical presence or mailing to complete the process. |
| Storage and Organization | Documents stored digitally, easy to organize and access. | Physical storage is required, and organizing paper documents can be cumbersome. |
How eSignatures Can Revolutionize Your Business
Switching to eSignatures can streamline operations in any business or organization. Here are some examples – if your industry is on this list, you’ll get a clearer picture of how eSignatures can benefit your workflow!
- Real Estate: Speed up the signing of purchase agreements, lease contracts, and rental agreements by sending them digitally for quick and secure e-signing.
- Legal Sector: Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), retainer agreements, and client contracts can be digitally signed to ensure faster processing and compliance with legal requirements while maintaining a secure audit trail.
- Finance: Loan agreements, investment contracts, and credit applications can be signed digitally, allowing for faster processing and approval, reducing paperwork, and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Human Resources: Employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and benefits enrollment forms can be signed online, speeding up the onboarding process and improving document management.
- Sales: Sales contracts, service agreements, and purchase orders can be digitally signed, enabling sales teams to close deals quickly and efficiently without waiting for physical signatures.
- Healthcare: Patient consent forms, medical release forms, and insurance agreements can be signed digitally, streamlining patient intake processes and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations like HIPAA.
- Procurement: Supplier contracts, purchase orders, and vendor agreements can be signed digitally, reducing paperwork and speeding up the procurement cycle.
- Tech: Software licensing agreements, partnership contracts, and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) can be signed digitally, accelerating project timelines.
Embrace the Future With eSignatures
With the shift from traditional signatures to eSignatures, you’ll save time, reduce costs, improve security, and enhance the overall efficiency of your operations. Esign softwares like FlexiSign offer an easy, reliable online signature solution for any business looking to stay modern and competitive.
What to do next:
To better understand the full process, check out our detailed guide on how eSignatures work.
Check out our post on the legal requirements for eSignatures to understand the rules for electronic signatures.
FAQs
An eSignature is a digital version of a traditional signature used to sign documents electronically.
Yes, eSignatures are legally binding in most countries, including the U.S., EU, and India, as long as they comply with specific laws and regulations.
eSignatures are highly secure, with encryption, authentication, and audit trails to ensure that only authorized parties can sign and that the document’s integrity is maintained.
Yes, you can use eSignatures for contracts, agreements, forms, and any other document that requires a signature.
