Executives, managers, and executives, electronic signatures can save you valuable time in your daily activities, so why go without them? Docoon, a leading provider of trusted digital and paperless solutions in France, offers a cost-effective, trusted solution that authenticates the signer, proves that they have signed the document, and locks it to prevent any subsequent alteration.
1. What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature is a certified and legal mechanical device used to officially authenticate the author of a signature on a PDF document in digital form. It is somewhat equivalent to our handwritten signature, directly integrated into the computer. Introduced into French law in 2000, it takes the concept of legal commitment to another level. Article 1316-4 of the Civil Code recognizes electronic documents as evidence in the same way as paper documents.
By adding a certified electronic signature to one of your PDF documents, you secure and legalize its value in the same way as you would by adding a handwritten signature, but in a more secure manner.
2. Who uses electronic signatures?
Electronic signatures are already everywhere! For example, when making a purchase and you have to authenticate yourself using a code received by text message, you are using an electronic signature: your code is unique, entering it means that you consent to the resulting action and automatically identifies you. In this case, identity fraud is impossible.
In the professional world, certified electronic signatures are used to automatically sign invoices, pay slips, contracts, rental agreements, etc. PDF documents are retrieved from the source, processed (time-stamped and electronically signed), transmitted, and then legally archived . The signature "freezes" the documents in time for the entire legal duration of their archiving. They cannot be modified.
3. The benefits of electronic signatures
The use of electronic signatures reduces a number of costs: document printing (ink, paper), postage, and travel. CEOs, managing directors, and CFOs: are you considering implementing a genuine CSR policy in your group or company? Electronic signatures are an important ecological lever for your company. By using them, you will:
- Reduce your organization's carbon footprint: no more sending mail by post (printing documents) and consuming gasoline, but also no more traveling to post or pick up contracts.
- Use less paper: between printing the document, scanning it, sending it electronically, and repeating these steps to sign and return it... Do your part for the environment and save time on time-consuming tasks!
Are you a CFO/Co-Director/Legal Manager? Electronic signatures are an opportunity to:
- Reduce contract signing times and accelerate/increase business conversion rates thanks to the speed of electronic signature transmission.
- Measure financial gains through reduced operating costs: paper management, printing, travel, storage, and archiving.
- Increase productivity for all support functions within the company and for its customers. Thanks to the automation of electronic signatures, you save time so you can focus on tasks that add real value, and so do your customers!
- Legal guarantee: Qualified eIDAS (1) legal compliance and probative value identical to the original paper document
The Docoon by DPii solution enables compliance with the legal requirements established by France and Europe, namely the identity, integrity, and durability of signed PDF documents. With our solution, you will have a set of indisputable evidence in the event of a legal dispute: guaranteed document identity and integrity, voluntary consent of the other party with code validation (in the case of contract signatures), and complete traceability of the document's lifecycle (Z42-013-compliant archiving).
4. The Docoon by DPii solution: maximum security
Did you know? European legislation provides for three levels of certification for electronic signatures:
- Level 1: Signatory identity certification requires only email address validation. The level of authentication is low.
- Level 2: The signer's identity is verified using official documents (national ID card, passport, SIRET number, etc.) and, for example, by retrieving a code via their cell phone number to confirm their identity. The level of authentication is strong.
- Level 3: The electronic signature is stored on a physical medium, such as a USB key, or on dedicated hardware approved by ANSSI (the French National Cybersecurity Agency), such as HSM (high-security hardware), ensuring a very high level of security.
The Docoon by DPii solution meets the most stringent requirements of European legislation. It signs PDF documents in accordance with RGS (2) using HSM (high-security hardware) as soon as the PDF document is retrieved, in order to guarantee the identity of the issuer and the integrity of the document (non-modifiable PDF).
Would you like to learn more?
Our experts are available to analyze your needs and introduce you to our dedicated electronic signature solution with the highest level of security. Contact us!
(1) The eIDAS Regulation applies to electronic identification, trust services, and electronic documents. It aims to establish an interoperability framework for the various systems set up within Member States in order to promote the development of a digital trust market.
(2) RGS: General Security Reference System (RGS). Its purpose is to strengthen user confidence in the electronic services provided by administrative authorities, and it is therefore a binding framework for them, while being adaptable and tailored to the challenges and needs of all types of administrative authorities.
