Results show 70 percent of UK businesses are missing out on the benefits of the technology
DocuWare , provider of cloud solutions for document management and workflow automation, today releases findings from their latest survey, indicating that despite the convenience and efficiency of electronic signatures, many organisations in the UK are yet to fully implement the technology due to myths and misunderstandings.
The survey* of over 1400 business users revealed that businesses overwhelmingly cited efficiency and speed as the top reasons for adopting electronic signatures. Not only that, but they also have a positive knock-on effect on entire workflows, with 48% of respondents citing this as a top benefit of digital signatures. But organisations are still missing out on these benefits, with the majority (<70%) having not fully adopted the technology. Our survey examines why this is the case and our eBook demonstrates how businesses can quickly implement e-signatures for themselves and be ready for a hybrid workplace
“Electronic signatures are no longer a ‘good to have’ but a vital tool to maintain business continuity,” said Dr. Michael Berger, DocuWare President. “At DocuWare we can help organisations fully embrace the benefits of secure electronic signatures, enabling organisations to seamlessly and securely complete workflow documents anytime, anywhere, and on any device.”
While more than 83% of respondents indicated they use electronic signatures at least some of the time, our survey shows that the main obstacle to fully implementing this technology is due to misconceptions and misunderstandings about security, technology, compliance, or forgery.
Key survey findings help explain away some of the myths and fears:
· Around 44% of UK respondents cited cyber security issues as the biggest risk for electronic signatures. However, electronic signatures are more secure than paper documents and the use of quality third-party digital signature products, such as those offered by DocuWare, helps to fully secure an organisation's information and signature processes.
· 10% of respondents said the biggest roadblock to electronic signature use in their business was a steep learning curve. However, digital signature tools are as easy to use as an app on your device, and where there may be some setup required to first implement the technology, DocuWare can provide implementation assistance.
· 22% of UK respondents noted that changing legal requirements or noncompliance was a factor in implementing electronic signatures. Electronic signatures are now being used in all manner of industries, including highly regulated fields such as healthcare and finance. DocuWare can work with businesses to understand compliance needs and ensure any document management solutions implemented are in line with those requirements.
· 40% of UK respondents reported being worried about unauthorised signatures. However, it's much more likely to get an unauthorised signature with pen-and-paper processes. With an electronic signature, someone must prove that they are who they say they are before they can sign the document. And then the signature and the document are locked in place and can't be altered, creating a lasting record of the signature.
DocuWare’s Preconfigured Solutions now offer an Electronic Signature service. Preconfigured Solutions were previously available for Employee Management, Invoice Processing, and Smart Document Control. This new addition to the cloud solution shows DocuWare’s commitment to a paperless office.
For a limited time, DocuWare and Trust Service Provider, Validated ID are offering up to 500 free e-signatures to each new DocuWare Cloud customer. This promotion is valid from October 1 to December 31, 2021,
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