Signing Documents Online vs. In Person: Which is Better?
In the realm of business operations, the task of signing documents plays a fundamental role in closing deals, authorizing contracts, or approving account changes. Traditionally, this required physical presence and having a pen at the ready to ink an agreement on paper. With technological advancements, however, online document signing has gradually been gaining traction and becoming the standard. But with these two distinct options available, one may wonder: which is better - signing documents online, or in person?
Well, before we delve into a detailed comparison of the two, let’s have a quick review of what both methods entail.
Signing documents in-person implies being physically present to append your sign on a document. Traditional in-person signing has been around for centuries, assisting in concluding deals, seal agreements, and in the ratification of laws. It is a practice familiar to everyone, from businesspeople to the average citizen.
On the other hand, online signing of documents is a digital process where an individual can sign a document electronically. Online signing brings convenience by eliminating the need for physical presence, print-outs, and delivery. It involves platforms where you can upload a document and electronically sign it using your device, effectively replacing the pen-on-paper method.
Now, to the big question: Which of these two methods is better? While both ways have their advantages and inherent drawbacks, many factors need to be taken into account. The critical aspects to consider include convenience, cost, time efficiency, environmental impact, security, and legality.
On the convenience factor, online signing is a clear winner. It eliminates the need for in-person meetings, which can be time-consuming and may require significant planning. With online signing, you can sign from wherever you are – whether on a train, in a café, or at home. Timezones and geographical barriers are minimised, which is particularly beneficial for businesses dealing with international clients or teams based in varying locations.
From a cost perspective, the online signing of documents again takes the upper hand. It eliminates the cost of printing, shipping, and storing paper documents. Going digital means no need for physical file storage space, reducing office overhead costs significantly.
In terms of efficiencies, online signings outshine in-person signings. The digital process is typically much faster than traditional methods. Moreover, various technologies provide real-time tracking, giving you instant updates on who has signed, who hasn’t, and exactly when the documents have been signed and returned.
On environmental grounds, the argument leans toward online signatures. Companies that go paperless are contributing to decreasing our dependence on paper, which aids forest conservation efforts. It is a greener solution that is good not only for your business but also for the environment as a whole.
When it comes to security, a well-designed online signature platform provides robust features to verify the signer's identity. Most online platforms keep an audit trail, offering more substantial proof of who signed and when they signed the document, which can be invaluable in any potential legal disputes.
Legality is another critical factor in signing documents. Electronic signature laws, such as ESIGN Act in the United States and eIDAS in the European Union, recognize electronic signatures as legally binding, similar to traditional handwritten ones. As such, legitimate online document signings are legal and valid.
This is not to say that e-signatures don’t have their limitations. If a document requires a notary public, some places would still require it to be done physically. Trust and familiarity can also be a factor. Some people may still prefer the traditional approach of pen and paper due to entrenched habits or perceived mistrust in technology.
In conclusion, the way we sign documents is evolving. While in-person signings have their place and will likely not disappear completely, the modern business world is steadily tilting towards the convenience and efficiency of online signings.
If you are considering going digital, a couple of reputable platforms offer online document signing. DocuSign, AdobeSign, and HelloSign are some notable options. Moreover, if you require added functionality such as PDF protection, usage analytics, or tooling, HelpRange presents a potent online option. As we plunge deeper into the digital era, the opportunities for both businesses and individuals to leverage online document signing will continue to expand. Regardless of whether you choose to sign documents online or in-person, what ultimately matters is the legality and security of your documents.
Check out HelpRange
HelpRange is "Next-Gen Documents Protection & Analytics Platform". HelpRange represents the cutting-edge platform for document access controls and in-depth analytics, ensuring superior management and usage insights for your documents.