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To reduce time-consuming and expensive paper-based processes, electronic documents are increasingly used by engineering firms for business procedures that range from bidding and design through project completion. However, without an electronic signing capability, civil engineers preparing to sign this documentation are often forced to reintroduce paper into the workflow, extending project schedules and increasing costs. Companies have invested a tremendous amount of money in creating electronic documents such as CAD drawings, forms, and reports. However, the key benefits of an electronic document are lost if the signing process requires printing a hard copy of an electronic document, routing it for signatures across multiple office locations, and returning it to be scanned for archiving. Storing and maintaining both a signed paper copy and an unsigned electronic copy doubles the archiving needs and fails to capitalize on the ease with which an electronic document can be stored and accessed. Moreover, the costs associated with archiving and auditing paper documentation significantly increase an organization’s overhead, affecting a firm’s ability to efficiently manage and scale operations. A secure and durable electronic approval is vital for adhering to regulatory requirements and realizing all of the benefits of an electronic workflow. The ideal digital signature solution allows for a graphical signature, and transforms signed documents into non-proprietary, portable, and sustainable electronic records. Digitally signed files created in this format not only protect against forgery by providing proof of the signer’s identity and intent, but also ensure document integrity. Digital signatures can do all of this within multiple document types and without limitation on the file’s shelf life. This last aspect guarantees the document will be readable for decades into the future.
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