Electronic signatures save time, paper

Until recently, Palmer Trucks of Indianapolis had to print invoices for customers to sign and then make copies for the customer, accounting and the parts or service department. Now clients are signing invoices electronically using DSI Solutions’ signature capture technology, which reduces employee time and minimizes paper costs.

Craig Barnard of Palmer Trucks says that the goal is to be more efficient. “We were able to cut steps out for the employees and at the same time hope to lower expenses on office supplies.”

With the new DSI system, customers sign electronically. Any device with a browser can be used, including a tablet or a specialized signature pad provided by DSI partner Scriptel. (Customers can also sign on a phone or computer with a mouse or trackball – although the quality is not as high.) The signature is then placed on the document, which is shared electronically with the other departments.

At first, customers were nervous about signing on a pad, Barnard says. However, the team at Palmer Trucks explained that it is no different than signing electronically at a grocery store and gradually customers have become more comfortable with it.

Now that signature capture is running smoothly in parts and service, Barnard hopes to expand it to other departments, including sales and finance.

Ben Cramer, CEO of DSI Solutions, says that signature capture is now available to all DSI clients who have the archiving module. This module allows the documents to be stored electronically and retrieved if needed. It also provides a backup in the event of disaster such as a fire or flood.