emSigner vs DocuSign: How do these two eSign solutions square up?

The digital era has transformed the way businesses function. Today, organisations focus on streamlining operations, enhancing security, and improving customer experience. eSignature solutions have become imperative elements in modern businesses, citing the need for sophisticated cybersecurity techniques for data protection. 

With a plethora of electronic signature solutions available, emSigner and DocuSign are two of the most popular market players. This blog gives you an in-depth comparison of both these solutions, exploring their prominent features, strengths, and overall value and illustrating why emSigner may be a better choice for businesses.

Introduction to electronic signature solutions

Before we compare emSigner and DocuSign, let us understand what electronic signature is and how it works. Electronic signature technology allows individuals to sign documents digitally, thus eliminating the need for traditional wet ink signatures that were synonymous with excess time consumption, added cost, misplacement, theft, and sometimes even human errors. 

Electronic signatures have merged as a saviour by speeding up the signing process and reducing costs and environmental impact. They have become a great tool that is assisting businesses in streamlining operations and improving efficiency. eSignature is a boon for companies requiring many signed documents, like contracts, forms, and agreements. 

How do electronic signatures benefit businesses?

Electronic signatures are primarily associated with convenience, security, and efficiency. Here are the benefits of eSignatures in detail!

• Remote access- Signees can access electronic documents for eSignature from any location. This fosters the remote work culture and allows the remote signing of multiple documents simultaneously, thus saving time and cost which would otherwise have been wasted in getting physical documents signed at different locations.

• Security - eSignatures are secure signing options, given the risks associated with online interactions. They are more secure than conventional paper-based signatures, as they are encrypted and digitally signed. This eliminates the chances of tampering or forgery. 

• Process automation - eSignatures are usually a part of a streamlined digital process. Once the team collects the signature, the next step is initiated automatically. There is visibility into every action in the process, making the entire signing custom transparent and straightforward. 

• Better record management - The signing parties can easily save the documents in their records. There is no need to make several copies of the final signed document or email them separately to each concerned party. This makes future references easy for legal or commercial purposes.

• Legally recognized - Electronic signatures are legally recognized in almost every country, thus facilitating international transactions. This adds up to the security factor while dealing with cross-border clients and making signing documents easy without physically transporting documents in different regions.

• Improved compliance - eSignatures enable businesses to adhere to regulations like The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and Electronic Signatures in Global National And Commerce Act (ESIGN). 

• Cost reduction - As organisations do not have to spend on stationery, paper, transportation, etc., in the case of electronic signatures, organisations save a lot of funds that can be further invested in other critical needs of the business.

• Enhanced user experience - Electronic signatures enable stakeholders and partners to digitally sign documents from any location and device anytime, adding to the user experience and making it a preferred choice in the business world. 

Choosing the right eSignature solution

You must consider several factors when you evaluate your options while choosing an eSignature solution for your business. Some of the crucial factors that you must consider are:

• Features - Your electronic signature solution must offer a varied range of features that would cater to the specific requirements of your business. For instance, it should be able to digitally sign documents efficiently, add digital signatures, track document history, and integrate with other existing software throughout the organisational network. 

• Security and compliance - The solution must comply with industry standards. This implies that the solution must use strong encryption techniques to protect your sensitive data. It should also be certified by a reputable third-party organisation.

• User-friendliness - Ensure that the electronic signature solution you opt for is easy to understand and use. It should have a user-friendly interface that employees can use with ease. You should also choose a solution that offers continuous tech support to address any trouble as soon as possible.

• Price - Choose an eSignature solution that offers a pricing plan suitable for your budget. Do not go overboard if you are not a large-scale organisation with limited funds. Ensure you get a customised solution that caters to every requirement of your business so that you get maximum value for your money.

Overview of emSigner and DocuSign

emSigner

emSigner is a sophisticated electronic signature solution developed by eMudhra, a revolutionary brand that has transformed the face of digital security in recent years. emSigner offers a comprehensive package of advanced features designed to meet the requirements of various industries, including banking and finance, legal, healthcare, hospitality, education, and government sectors. EmSigner has attained tremendous traction among businesses seeking a secure and trustworthy electronic signature solution.

DocuSign

Yet another popular name in the eSignature industry, DocuSign is a popular brand developed in 2003. Often considered a leading solution catering to businesses of all sizes, it comes with an easy-to-use interface and various software integrations. Over the years, DocuSign has emerged as the go-to option for many organisations looking for a smart digital signing solution.

emSigner Vs. DocuSign - Key features comparison 

1. User interface

emSigner

emSigner comes with an intuitive and clean user interface that streamlines and simplifies the signing process. The solution focuses on ease of use, facilitating quick navigation through its different features. It also has a straightforward onboarding process, implying that users can start using the platform with minimal training.

DocuSign

DocuSign also features a user-friendly interface; however, users have complained about the platform becoming cluttered with unnecessary options in some instances. Although easy to navigate, DocuSign can be a challenging option for those unacquainted with its extensive range of features.

2. Security and compliance

emSigner

emSigner’s top priority is security, as it uses advanced encryption techniques, secure access controls, and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive data across networks. Moreover, emSigner complies with international regulations, including GDPR and eIDAS, enhancing its trustworthiness and security.

DocuSign

DocuSign also has a strong focus on security, offering premium features, including secure data storage and encryption. It also adheres to significant US regulations such as UETA and ESIGN. 

3. Integration capabilities

emSigner

emSigner provides seamless integration facilities with third-party applications, such as document management software, CRM solutions, ERP systems, etc. Such flexibility allows businesses to quickly adopt emSigner and seamlessly incorporate it into their existing workflows without any disruption.

DocuSign

DocuSign is known for its expansive landscape of integrations, which enable compatibility with numerous applications. However, it is observed that while incorporating DocuSign into an existing workflow, specific integrations may require additional configuration, which is time-consuming and creates a lot of hassle.

4. Pricing

emSigner

emSigner offers a highly competitive pricing structure suitable for businesses of all sizes. With a transparent pricing model, emSigner comes with no hidden charges and offers flexibility in subscription plans. This is the reason why it has found huge acceptance among startups and SMBs that are looking for cost-effective electronic signature solutions.

DocuSign

The pricing of DocuSign is on the higher side as compared to that of emSigner. It may be financially draining for businesses that need advanced eSigning features for a higher volume of business interactions. Although DocuSign offers a wide range of pricing tiers, the costs are quite prohibitive for small businesses and startups.

5. Customer support

emSigner

emSigner boasts a highly responsive customer support team that is always available to address the problems of its users whenever they encounter any technical issue. They offer numerous support channels, including live chat, phone, and email, ensuring that users face no disruption in their workflow.

DocuSign

DocuSign also offers technical support to its users; however, there have been complaints of longer waiting periods and less inclination towards providing customised assistance for specific business needs. While DocuSign has an extensive wealth of digital resources, the quality of its customer support can vary from time to time. 

6. Customisation options

emSigner

emSigner offers full scope for customising the digital signing process, including branding options like colors and logos. This fosters flexibility and allows businesses to maintain consistent branding throughout the signing process, building professionalism and trust with their clients.

DocuSign

DocuSign also offers a range of customisation options, but they may be limited and vary as per their pricing tiers.

7. Mobile accessibility

emSigner

emSigner gives you a mobile-friendly interface that allows the signing of documents on the go. The mobile app is designed especially for the convenience of emSigner clients so that they can complete their signing tasks from their smartphones or tablets in just a few minutes.

DocuSign

DocuSign brings a robust mobile application, giving users full access to its varied features. However, there have been cases where users had to face performance issues with the application causing hindrance to their signing experience.

8. Workflow automation

emSigner

emSigner provides innovative workflow automation features, allowing businesses to develop custom signing workflows. It permits users to set up parallel or sequential signing processes, automate alerts and reminders, and track document status thus enhancing productivity and efficiency.

DocuSign

DocuSign also offers work automation features, but it is usually seen that setting up the configuration of these workflows can be challenging for some users who are not well-trained in the software. Therefore, you need a certain level of expertise to set up automated workflows while working with DocuSign.

9. Document management

emSigner

emSigner provides built-in document management capabilities facilitating easy storage, organisation, and retrieval of documents. This feature helps streamline document management and simplify paperwork for corporates.

DocuSign

DocuSign offers robust document management features; however, users may find integration with third-party document management solutions difficult. This adds a complex layer to the document management process.

10. Audit trails and reporting

emSigner

emSigner gives comprehensive audit trails for every signed document so that businesses can have a full record of all signing activities. Organisations can easily track and report on their signing process as this feature fosters accountability and compliance.

DocuSign

DocuSign also provides audit trails and reporting features. However, it is seen that its reporting facilities are less intuitive in comparison with emSigner. 

Conclusion

There is no denying the fact that both emSigner and DocuSign are valuable electronic signature solutions, but emSigner stands out in many integral aspects. Its robust security features, user-friendly interface, proactive customer support, and competitive pricing are some of the key areas that make it an appealing option for organisations looking to streamline their digital signing process.

emSigner eSigning solution is a boon for businesses that prioritise regulatory compliance and data security. Plus, the application’s flexibility in terms of pricing and third-party integrations make it a convenient option for businesses of all sizes, whether startups or multinationals.

Today’s highly advanced digital era demands a comprehensive electronic signing solution that focuses on user experience and offers easy accessibility. emSigner, undoubtedly, is the superior choice for companies looking for a reliable and effective digital signing solution.

If you have decided to adopt the best eSigning solution in the market, then take time out to explore the best offerings of emSigner. You can consult our in-house team and request a demo for a better understanding of the premium features of our product.