eSignature software has the power to improve efficiency, make signing more convenient for multiple parties, and make documentation more streamlined in your organization. But are you getting the most out of your eSignature platform?
Choose the Right eSignature Software
Everything starts with your selection of eSignature software. There are hundreds of viable eSignature platforms out there, if not thousands, and each one offers a unique blend of different features, costs, and benefits. There’s no such thing as a “perfect” eSignature platform, or one that works for every business, so you’ll need to consider your unique needs as a business and select the platform best capable of serving it.
This is a process that could take weeks, or even months, so take advantage of free trials, do your research, and only finalize your decision when you feel confident you’ve found the right solution.
Go Through the Tutorials
It’s tempting to jump in and start using the app right away, especially if its UI/UX design is conducive to an intuitive experience. And if you’re the type of person who likes to experiment with things and learn by doing, go right ahead. But no matter what, it’s a good idea to spend some time reading the instructions and going through the tutorials. These resources were created and distributed by the eSignature software company for a reason; they’re designed to make your life easier.
The more you learn about this platform, the more efficiently and consistently you’re going to be able to use it. Don’t assume you know how to use it already!
Customize Your Experience
Most eSignature platforms offer at least some degree of customizability, whether it’s establishing user roles or changing the layout of the app. Get familiar with what’s in your control and tweak it to serve your needs better.
Tap the Extra Features
eSignature software isn’t just about getting signatures on contracts. Most platforms offer a diverse array of different features worth exploring. Take the time to become acquainted with the full potential of your platform.
Establish Clear Workflows
You’ll also need to think about the workflows you’re going to use when managing contracts and other digital paperwork. What order of operations will you and your team members be following? Are these steps formally documented in your system or are they otherwise easy to follow? Can you automate certain steps of the process, such as sending a follow-up email after a certain amount of time has elapsed with no activity?
Educate and Train Your Staff
Make sure you spend time educating and training your staff members as well. Even if the app is intuitive and easy to use, you’ll still want to review:
· Core functionality. What can the eSignature software platform do and what can’t it do? What should employees be using it for and what are the limitations of the app? Do all your employees know how to make use of the core features of this platform?
· Workflow management. What is the “correct” process for managing contracts and going through workflows. Some of this might be automated or dictated by the platform, but it’s still important to clear up any ambiguities.
· Troubleshooting protocols. Inevitably, your staff members are going to get stuck or confused, or they’re going to run into issues. Do they know what to do when this happens? Do they know how to consult the troubleshooting guides, or do they have the contact information for customer service?
· Extra security steps. It’s also helpful to train your staff on extra security measures. For example, do they know how to choose complex passwords and keep them safe?
Stay Up to Date
Next, stay as updated as possible. Good eSignature developers will be consistently pushing new updates, improving the security of the app, conforming to new regulations, and even adding new features. It’s a good idea to install new updates as soon as they’re released – and read developer notes so you know what you’re installing.
Contribute to Forums
Though totally optional, it could also behoove you to contribute to customer forums associated with this eSignature software product. You can post about issues you’ve had, fun tips and tricks that could help other people, or even ideas for new features. You’ll learn more about the app, connect with other users, and your ideas might be seen by developers – which means there’s a chance they could make it to the full version of the app.
eSignature software serves as simple, yet important function – and there are many strategies you can use to get more value out of the app. Once applied, you’ll be able to work more comprehensively and more efficiently, while saving time, saving money, and keeping your documentation more secure.