PDF Document Signatures as Approvals

[Ken Vermillion]

Hi All,

I have a PDF document that requires multiple levels of approval, as digital signatures.  I'm trying to figure out what is the best way to simulate a workflow for approval .

Ex. 

Local security rep would enter details on a form (program name, request type, request date, file attachment) and click submit which would move the attachment to another page.  From that page, the first signature required could edit the pdf (from attachments macro) and sign.  What I am having a hard time brainstorming is how to continue moving the document along to the 4 required signing parties, while also indicating a status along the way.

[Chris Cairns - Digital Rose]

Hi @Ken Vermillion 

I think it depends on whether you need the approval's and changes inside the PDF file (A), or if you want to shepherd the document along to 4 signees (B) within Confluence.

A) If you need the PDF document itself to contain e-signatures,  you will likely need to look at a dedicated PDF tool like Adobe that can embed signatures.

B) If you want review managed in Confluence and are willing to consider a commercial app,  take a look at eSign Documents by Digital Rose.

eSign Documents contains an electronic signature engine and supports formal approval of Confluence pages with or without attachments.  The approval workflow would allow configuration of a 4 reviewer sequential approvals.  Process could be

1. Create a confluence page and attach your PDF file to it.
2. Start the eSign Document workflow set up for a 4 stage approval.  
3. You would invite the 4 reviewers all at once for sequential approval.  
4. As each person signs, the document review status is updated and the next person in the chain is notified they need to sign.
5. Once all 4 have signed, signatures are completed/finalized.   

If you think this could meet your needs, install a trial or contact support@esign-app.com for a demo.

Regards,
Chris C
Digital Rose