In today’s digital world, eSignatures have transformed how businesses manage documents, contracts, and approvals. According to studies, the global digital signature market is set to grow to $34.8 billion by 2028. Two popular methods, now a part of SignDesk’s eSign solutions —group signing and bulk signing—have brought immense convenience and efficiency. 

Both methods collect signatures but cater to different needs, each with unique benefits. This article explores the differences between group and bulk signing, helping you choose the approach that best enhances productivity, streamlines workflows, and ensures legal compliance.

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What is Group Signing?

This type of e-signature feature is commonly used when a single document, such as a policy, contract, or approval form, needs to be reviewed and signed by several individuals within a team or organization.

For instance, a board of directors needs to approve a company policy update, and each board member’s signature is required on the same document for it to be valid. Now, group signing makes it easy for everyone involved to sign the document in an organized and legally compliant way.

Benefits of Group Signing

Here’s why group signing is advantageous:

1. Streamlined Approval Process

Group signing allows for a streamlined approval process when a document needs multiple signatures. Instead of sending separate copies to each signer, this method allows all required parties to easily access and sign the same document. This approach ensures that documents are signed on time, reducing delays and improving the workflow.

2. Enhanced Collaboration

With group signing, team members can review and discuss the document collectively, share insights, and address any concerns before signing. This collaborative approach is particularly beneficial for documents involved in decision-making, as it ensures that everyone’s input is captured and accounted for in the final approval.

3. Efficient Tracking 

Here, tracking who has signed a document and who still needs to sign becomes much more straightforward. Rather than manually keeping tabs, a group signing system provides a clear overview of the document’s status, showing who has completed their part and who may still need a reminder.

This transparency makes it easier to follow up with pending signers and maintain a complete record of all signatures.

What is Bulk Signing?

On the other hand, customers can use the Bulk signing feature when one individual needs to sign multiple documents in a batch. This method is proper when signing multiple contracts, invoices, or approval forms.

For example, an HR manager needs to sign numerous different employment agreements. With bulk signing, they can quickly sign all the agreements in one go without manually handling each document individually, saving time and effort.

Benefits of Bulk Signing

Here’s a detailed look at the benefits of bulk signing:

1. Time-Saving

Instead of signing each document individually, bulk signing allows you to sign multiple documents simultaneously with just a few clicks. By reducing the time required to sign each document, this method frees up your valuable time for more critical tasks.

2. Reduced Administrative Workload

Bulk signings can be highly beneficial for teams or departments that handle high volumes of paperwork, such as HR, legal, or finance. Manually processing and signing documents can be repetitive and tedious, leading to potential errors and burnout. With bulk signing, the workload is minimized, as the signer can simultaneously process large batches of documents.

3. Ideal for Large-Scale Transactions

It is perfectly suited for large-scale transactions or agreements, such as signing contracts for new hires, vendor agreements, or client contracts. In these scenarios, where multiple similar documents require a single signer’s approval, bulk signing offers a fast, organized, and secure method for handling these high-volume tasks.

Key Differences Between Group Signing and Bulk Signing

Understanding the difference between group and bulk signing allows businesses to select the most efficient method for their specific requirements. Using the appropriate method reduces the risk of errors, delays, and potential compliance issues, ultimately leading to smoother workflows.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between group signing and bulk signing:

Group Signing  Bulk Signing
Signing Process Involves a single document that requires signatures from multiple participants. Each signer reviews and signs the same document sequentially or simultaneously. Batch signing involves a single signer who signs multiple documents in one go. The process allows for batch signing without requiring repeated actions for each document.
Number of Documents Typically involves one document that requires multiple signatures. Consists of multiple documents that require one person’s signature on each document or contract.
Signer Interaction Participants interact with the document collectively, discussing terms and providing input before signing. This enhances collaboration among team members. The signer interacts with each document individually but can complete the signing for all documents in a single session, focusing on efficiency.

With a clear understanding of group and bulk signing, you can choose the method that best suits your operational needs and boosts efficiency.

How Can SignDesk’s eSign Solutions Help You?

  • For organizations dealing with high document volumes, SignDesk offers a powerful group signing feature, allowing documents to be signed by multiple parties simultaneously.
  • This streamlined approach saves time, minimizes errors, and helps teams complete workflows faster.
  • With SignDesk’s bulk signing, entire contract batches can be handled in minutes, improving department productivity.
  • SignDesk’s eSign complies with India’s Information Technology Act, ensuring each signature is legally binding and fully secure.

Try SignDesk’s advanced eSign solutions today to experience seamless digital transformation and faster contract execution!

Conclusion

Both group signing and bulk signing serve critical but distinct roles in the digital signing process. Choosing the right signing method can save you time and resources and ensure compliance with legal standards. With SignDesk, businesses can use both signing methods to provide a smooth digital workflow.