At siliceum, we love when things are simple, efficient and, on top of that, save time.
And what’s more time-consuming than those trips to collect a simple signature on a paper document?
We’ve all witnessed it: the race against the clock to get a quote or contract signed, the back-and-forth between offices or sites, not to mention fuel costs (or worse, the subway during rush hour).
I always feel like the White Rabbit running with his big clock when I get a few things signed by hand, especially when it’s very far away…
What if we told you there’s a much faster and more economical solution?
Electronic signatures: a small change, but what an impact!
One click is all it takes (or even just a button on your screen), and you’re done! No need to travel, waste time in meetings, or queue up to get the artist’s signature.
That’s transport time and costs saved!
Here’s why electronic signatures make the difference:
- Time savings: no more back-and-forth to collect signatures (for me, THE primary justification)
- Reduced travel: avoid unnecessary trips (closely tied to time savings as well)
- Remote accessibility: sign wherever you are, as long as you have an internet connection.
- Legal validity: scanning a document with your signature has NO legal value. But a digitally sealed and signed document DOES!
The extra cost of an electronic signature? Less than €2 per signature!
How much do 15 minutes of work time cost for one of your employees? Trivial compared to the hours lost chasing paper signatures and transport costs. It’s a small expense for great efficiency, and believe us, your teams will thank you.
One of our clients, Sioule Sancy Incendie, enthusiastically adopted this solution. In 2024, over 1000 signatures were made electronically, meaning that many fewer trips!
And what about security?
Of course, security is paramount. You might be thinking: “Yes, but anyone can sign anything.” Well, not at all! Unlike paper signatures, where forgery is always possible (you know, the famous “Picasso imitation” signature), electronic signatures are secure by design.
Here’s why electronic signatures are safer than paper:
- Data encryption: signed documents rely on secure cryptographic mechanisms that are difficult to forge.
- Sealed: A signed document cannot be modified at all, otherwise it loses its signature.
- Enhanced authentication: each signatory is authenticated (by email, SMS, and potentially by ID document verification depending on the chosen plan)
- Complete traceability: every step of the process is recorded and traceable, guaranteeing document integrity.
Time and efficiency gains, without compromise
At siliceum, we’re always looking for solutions that bring productivity while being sustainable. Electronic signatures are therefore a quiet revolution: no more mountains of paper to archive, no more handwritten signatures that can take weeks to obtain.
The benefits for your teams are numerous:
- Document dematerialization: everything is stored digitally, accessible in a few clicks.
- Simplicity: teams sign directly online, without wasting time.
- Continuous improvement: thanks to automation, document tracking is optimized.
A concrete example?
Thanks to this technology, Sioule Sancy Incendie was able to drastically shorten its document validation cycle.
Secretaries now have simple and smooth document management. Once documents are validated, a few clicks are all it takes to send signing invitations. Once everything is OK, documents are stored and preserved digitally.
And the technicians? They no longer need to travel to get a signature from a client who might not even be there. They can focus on what matters most: fire safety.
Not all signature types are created equal!
Be careful though! In France (and Europe), electronic signatures are governed by the eIDAS regulation and the Civil Code. There are several signature levels… and not all are equal in case of dispute.
And most importantly: scanning your handwritten signature has virtually no legal value (yes, we still see this too often! I also had a very old signature lying around on my Google Drive for a long time).
Here’s a simple guide to understand the differences:
| Type | How it works | Security / proof | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scanned handwritten signature | You sign on paper, then scan or paste an image of your signature on a PDF. | Low: anyone can copy-paste your signature. No reliable way to prove it was really you who signed. | Avoid for any document involving your liability. May work for informal agreements (e.g., internal service notes). |
| Simple electronic signature | You sign online with a click + email or SMS confirmation. | Basic: proves that an email or number validated the document, but contestable in case of dispute. | Good for low-risk validations: simple quotes, internal validation, purchase orders. |
| Advanced electronic signature | In addition to email/SMS, the system ensures you are the right person (through ID or strong authentication). | Serious: the document is sealed and we know exactly who signed. Very difficult to contest. | Client contracts, financial commitments, human resources. |
| Advanced signature with qualified certificate | Identity strictly verified (face-to-face or video), certificate issued by an audited provider. | Very high: solid level of proof, unfalsifiable document. | Sensitive documents: leases, important amendments, high-stakes supplier relationships. |
| Qualified electronic signature (QES) | The “top level”: verified identity + certified device (USB key or secure app). | Maximum: has the same value as a paper signature before a notary. Reverses the burden of proof in case of dispute. | Mandatory for certain acts (public contracts, notarial acts, sensitive administrative formalities). |
Key takeaways
- A scanned signature is not an electronic signature – and has no strong legal value.
- The higher the signature level, the stronger the proof: ideal for avoiding any dispute.
- The Civil Code (articles 1366-1367) states that an electronic document has the same force as a paper document if it guarantees the signatory’s identity and the document’s integrity.
In short: for a quote, a simple electronic signature may suffice. But for an employment contract or commercial lease, prefer at least an advanced electronic signature, or even an advanced signature with qualified certificate if the law requires it.
A universal solution that crosses borders
And that’s not all!
Not only does electronic signature save time daily, but it also breaks down geographical barriers. Whether you’re on the other side of the country or in another corner of the world, a document can be signed in real time.
No need to run after signatures in person, or wait for paper to make a whole postal journey.
Some additional benefits:
- Facilitated remote work: signing happens in an instant, wherever you are.
- International efficiency: no more dealing with time zones and international postal shipments. (Actually, €2 per signature is cheaper than two round-trip stamps for your document).
And for the environment?
Here’s another significant aspect: the environmental impact. Less paper, and especially less transport.
That’s the icing on the cake, right?
Want to try it?
Without going through highly complicated processes, most electronic signature providers offer trial offers with a limited number of signatures per month.
A few names:
I used YouSign to sign my quotes with the craftsmen who came to do work on our personal house this year (no subscription needed for a few signatures).
However, once you want to scale up, don’t hesitate to contact us (we can negotiate on volume directly with providers).
In summary: adopt electronic signatures to simplify your daily life
Whether you’re a local SMB or an international company, electronic signature is a simple, fast, secure and above all, sustainable solution. A small investment for a great return in terms of time, cost and efficiency.
At siliceum, we like the idea that our clients can focus on what matters, without being overwhelmed by details. And believe us, electronic signature is anything but a detail.
So, ready to say goodbye to piles of paper and the signature chase?
