Electronic signatures for SMB

A reminder : what are electronic signatures ?

It makes sense to consider electronic signatures for SMB. In concrete terms, this technology has the same legal value as a handwritten signature. This allows for documents to be signed remotely, by issuing digital certificates, with the option to make use of other tools to reinforce the security of transactions: such as timestamping. 

Electronic signatures are composed of strings of encrypted characters, which do not appear in the content to be signed. We’re not talking about a simple scan of a handwritten, paper format, therefore. Their role is to authenticate signatories and the authors of files. 

For a business, this offers the opportunity to remotely sign purchase orders, payslips, employment contracts or quotes. For a lessor or lessee, it is therefore possible to sign a rental agreement without having to meet at the same place and at the same time (useful when the future lessee’s current home is far away). 

More agile management : a source of growth

As a SMB director, you will of course be involved in all of your business’s sales operations. Managing your company often needs to be carried out remotely, because you’re rarely in your office. Most of the time, you’re away on business. 

Mobility is at the heart of the transformations currently revolutionising the world of work. However, the boss of a small or large enterprise is not the only member of the company who needs to travel regularly. All of their employees, and in particular their sales representatives, may be required to attend business lunches or travel on business trips. 

In this context, it is important to avoid activity slowing down due to your absence: transactions must continue, despite everything. As such, the fact that you’re not currently on site shouldn’t stop you from signing the essential documents for the conclusion of your transactions.  

That’s why it’s vital for SMB to adopt the use of electronic signatures. To sign contracts and other commercial documents, any preparatory work may be carried out in advance via videoconferencing. Whether the signatories are present or thousands of miles apart, they can sign their documents with ease. 

What are the benefits of opting for the electronic signature for SMB ?

Time savings are not the only benefit of the electronic signature for SMB. The company can also become more agile, reduce their costs, increase their turnover more quickly and create seamless internal processes. 

Cost reductions

By deploying the electronic signature within your SMB, you’ll be able to make savings on paper, ink and delivery fees. Given that a single employee within your company can use many thousands of sheets of paper every year, this adds up to very attractive saving. 

Furthermore, the storage of paper documents requires space and additional costs for your premises. The processing of these documents also takes time, wasting time you could be using for other activities at the heart of your business. As a result, productivity is lowered.  

Digitalisation offers the solution to all of these problems. What’s more, this is supported by authentication and encryption methods which improve the security of your company’s data. This is truly a vital tool at a time when cybersecurity is becoming a major international issue. 

Accelerating the signature of sales contracts 

Digitalised commercial contracts can be received by signatories in less time, as there’s no longer any need to deliver these by mail. Consequently, they can be more quickly signed and returned to the sales departments of small and medium enterprises. 

It’s also possible to ensure document tracking and to send reminders to recipients who have not yet signed the documents. As a result, all your sales processes are accelerated, allowing your turnover to climb more rapidly. 

In conclusion, the adoption of the electronic signature represents a significant source of opportunities for SMB. It improves the efficiency of their employees, services and processes at all levels.