Top 5 questions companies ask about electronic signature

The digitization of signature processes represents an opportunity for growth and development that many companies are taking advantage of. The digitization process is inevitable and, sooner or later, companies must undertake it to remain relevant and competitive in an increasingly digital market. 

In this post we have compiled the most popular questions asked by companies about the key aspects of electronic signatures. Be sure to read it if you have any doubts about the most appropriate type of electronic signature, its legality or use cases. 

1.- Is the electronic signature the same as the handwritten signature?

Like the handwritten signature, the electronic signature is the legal concept of expression and approval of the content of a document. 

Although the purpose of both is the same, of the three types of electronic signature defined by Regulation (EU) No. 910/2014, also known as eIDAS only the qualified electronic signature is the only one equivalent to the handwritten signature. To understand why this uniqueness we must know the characteristics of each type of electronic signature:

- Simple electronic signature: it is the most basic signature, not being able to be equated to the handwritten signature. Its evidentiary quality in a possible litigation can be very weak because it is impossible to associate the signature with the signatory. Entering the PIN code to make a payment with a bank card is an example of a simple electronic signature. 
- Advanced electronic signature: this type of signature is at an intermediate level of security and can be based on a digital certificate or not. It is suitable in those cases where certain legal guarantees are needed but not the highest level. 
- Qualified electronic signature: of the three types of signature recognized by the eIDAS regulation, it is the only one equivalent to the handwritten signature. In addition to other requirements, it always requires the use of a digital certificate.

2.- Is the electronic signature legal?

The most frequently asked question is always the following: is the electronic signature legal? The answer is simple: yes, the electronic signature is legal and is defined under a regulatory framework. Currently, it is regulated in Regulation (EU) No. 910/2014 eIDAS.

Despite the fact that its legal effects cannot be denied by the mere fact of being in electronic form, the evidentiary force will depend on the type of signature used, the technology used to generate it and the provider's guarantees.

As far as legality is concerned, it is also very common to have doubts about the legal validity of the signature in other countries. In this sense, it is reassuring to know that the intention to accept the use of the electronic signature is sufficient to give legal effect to the contract or any other document, even when the parties are in different countries. 

3.- Is it secure?

Not all electronic signatures offer the highest level of security against possible threats of forgery or misuse. The level of security will depend to a large extent on the type of electronic signature and the particular guarantees of the provider.

There is only one type of signature that has a high degree of reliability and is completely secure: electronic signatures based on qualified digital certificates. These are those that use a digital certificate - a digital credential that allows the identification of its holder - during the signing process. This type of signature uses a cryptographic mechanism that makes it virtually impossible to forge.

Another factor that provides security to the signature process is the figure of the Provider. In the case of Uanataca, Qualified Trust Service Provider, it must comply with a series of requirements that guarantee the maximum security of its services, such as qualified personnel, reliable systems and products, as well as adequate measures against forgery and data theft. 

4.- In a company, who can use the electronic signature?

The electronic signature is a transversal tool that can offer maximum performance in any process, both external and internal. At Uanataca we have managed to develop simple and agile solutions that prioritize key aspects for companies, without the need for previous knowledge and with the best user experience.

Uanataca's electronic signature can be used in the front-office by potential and existing customers. In the back-office it can also be used by anyone in the team, from administration, human resources, warehouse or sales. It is also very useful to digitize the signature process with suppliers.

Uanataca offers signature solutions based on digital certificates as the basis for the digitalization of any workflow. Let's see some of them:

- Interactive signature for employee Onboarding. This solution allows companies to issue digital certificates to their employees at the very moment of their incorporation, providing them with their own digital identity for authentication and signature, both in internal and external flows.

- Automated signature for electronic invoicing. Also known as massive signature, it is the corporate electronic signature used to sign large quantities of documents in a matter of minutes.

- One-Shot Signature, the electronic signature of contracts without waiting. One-Shot Signature is designed for specific signature cases, such as service registration contracts, ensuring the maximum guarantees of the signature based on a digital certificate. 

5.- Is it necessary to make a high initial investment?

Uanataca's solutions can be used from day one without the need to invest in systems or infrastructure. There are also no monthly maintenance costs.

Uanataca's pay-per-use model is also another advantage, allowing any type of company to digitize its signature processes without economic effort. This model adjusts to the needs of the company, which will only pay for what it actually uses. In this way, profitability is ensured in each process.

Case study: companies that trust Uanataca

What makes us grow is the success of the projects in which we accompany our customers. All of them have in common the intention to transform and digitize their signature processes efficiently, but they are also different from each other and their needs are often not the same.

Therefore, at Uanataca, we offer personalized advice to each company so that they feel accompanied throughout the process and find the solution that best suits their needs.   

KPMG Impulsa is one of the companies that rely on our solutions to add value to their service offering. They are considered as the online agency that has revolutionized the market thanks to a close, easy and personalized digital service.

KPMG Impulsa is characterized by its agility and immediacy. At the time of choosing an electronic signature solution they identified that it should meet these same attributes, so they chose the service of issuing digital certificates by Video ID Uanataca. This service is characterized by:

- 100% online process 👩🏿‍💻

- Technical and legal security 🔐

- No travel or appointments 🏡

After many years accompanying companies on their way to an accessible and efficient digitization, we have learned that the role of the supplier is essential to provide guarantees and confidence to the processes. The question is not "should we do it?" but "how should we do it?". And we take care of the how, with secure, easy-to-implement and easy-to-use solutions that add value to any type of business.