I’ve written before about being a big supporter of working paperless and therefore with a tablet. Almost the only time I printed was when an autograph was needed. If I had to sign myself, it was not that bad: print, draw, scan, send, and shred the copy (they are often confidential documents). At the same time, you can have a chat with a colleague or have a cup of coffee while waiting at the printer.
It is something quite different when others (also) have to sign the documents. Print, hunt for signatures, scan, send, and shred the copy. If that is a colleague who is at the same location (and is present) it is usually not that bad; if a customer or third party has to sign, you also have to make sure you will get it back. And, of course, you have to constantly neatly store the papers because of the confidentiality of the content.
I’m sure you’ll understand that I’m very happy with the digital signing of papers. I can send a document from Word directly to the digital drawing application. There I indicate who should draw where, and in what order; the material is then sent to the addressees. I’m kept well informed about when the document has been viewed and signed, and I can also send reminders if necessary. Once everyone has signed, I get the document back and can save it to the archive.
I can do this at any time and location, and the signatories have these possibilities as well. I notice that even those who are absent take the (small) effort to sign. For me, this is another step towards paperless working, which fits in a time where you also digitally sign for your parcels, work orders, assignments etc.