Imanage eSignature for Secure Document Signing

What imanage eSignature does
Imanage eSignature is a way to send, sign, and manage documents electronically through signNow. It lets a sender upload a file, add signature fields, set the signing order, and route the document to one or more recipients. Each signer reviews the document, completes required fields, and signs from a browser or mobile device. signNow then records the activity, stores the completed file, and preserves an audit trail that shows who signed, when they signed, and what happened during the process.
Why it matters in the U.S.
Imanage eSignature helps teams replace paper workflows with tracked electronic signing, which can shorten turnaround time and reduce manual handling. Under ESIGN and UETA, properly captured electronic signatures can be enforceable in the U.S., provided intent, consent, and record integrity are maintained.

Common eSignature pain points
Signer confusion often comes from unclear field placement, missing instructions, or documents that ask for too many actions at once. Compliance gaps appear when teams skip consent capture, weaken authentication, or fail to keep a complete audit trail. Workflow delays happen when approval order, reminders, or internal review steps are not configured before sending. Record disputes can arise if teams cannot retrieve signed files, timestamps, or evidence of signer intent quickly.
Who uses it and where
Legal teams
Legal teams use it for contracts, amendments, and approval packets that need tracked signatures.
Regulated workflows
Healthcare, real estate, finance, and education teams use it for forms, disclosures, and consent records.
People who benefit most
A NetSuite operations leader at Xerox uses signNow to route the right documents in the right format, tied to ERP-driven business processes. The value is less manual rework and better control over document versions across departments and approvals. A property founder like Martin Properties’ Tim Martin uses signNow to execute lease and transaction documents online, including mobile and offline signing. The workflow supports faster turnaround for real estate documents that need clear records and consistent execution.
- Best ROI. Our customers achieve an average 7x ROI within the first six months.
- Scales with your use cases. From SMBs to mid-market, airSlate SignNow delivers results for businesses of all sizes.
- Intuitive UI and API. Sign and send documents from your apps in minutes.
Core features and benefits
Imanage eSignature combines document routing, signer controls, and recordkeeping so teams can manage signatures with less manual follow-up and clearer evidence.
Fast sending
Upload a document, place fields, and send it for signature without a long setup cycle. The workflow keeps the signing path simple for both internal teams and external recipients.
Activity tracking
Track signer actions, timestamps, and completion status in one place. This helps teams confirm progress, reduce follow-up calls, and keep a clear record of each step.
Reusable templates
Use reusable templates for repeat agreements, intake forms, and approval packets. Templates reduce setup time and help teams keep documents consistent across departments.
Mobile signing
Collect signatures from phones, tablets, and desktops. Mobile access helps recipients sign when they are away from the office, which can reduce delays.
Workflow control
Set signing order, required fields, and reminders before sending. This gives teams more control over approval flow and helps documents move in the intended sequence.
Signed record
Store completed documents with a tamper-evident record of the signing process. The result is easier retrieval for audits, disputes, and internal review.
How the signing flow works
The signing process follows a simple sequence from document preparation to final storage, with each step recorded for later review.
Prepare file: Upload the document and add signature fields. Route for signing: Set recipients, order, and reminders. Sign electronically: Signer reviews and completes required fields. Save record: signNow stores the completed file and audit trail.
Quick setup steps
Use a short setup sequence to prepare the file, route it correctly, and confirm the completed record.
Upload document:
Upload the agreement or form into signNow. Add fields:
Place signature, date, and text fields. Set recipients:
Enter recipients and choose signing order. Send request:
Review the document and send it. Track results:
Monitor completion and download the signed file.
Recommended workflow setup
Use settings that support traceability, retention, and controlled access for U.S. business and regulated document workflows.
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Authentication method | SMS OTP for higher-assurance routing |
| Signature type | SES for routine agreements |
| Audit trail | Full time-stamped event log |
| Document retention | 6 years for HIPAA records |
| Encryption | TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 |
Platform and device support
Imanage eSignature works in modern browsers and on mobile devices, with secure access over TLS 1.2 or 1.3.
Desktop browsers Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge Operating systems Windows 10+, macOS, iOS, Android Mobile devices iPhone, iPad, and Android phones
For enterprise use, managed Windows and macOS devices are often paired with SSO, API access, and retention controls. Mobile signing is available on iOS and Android, which helps recipients complete documents without a desktop.
Security and compliance snapshot
Encryption:
Data protection:
Controls:
Management system:
Healthcare use:
Legal framework:
Real-world use cases
These examples show how signNow supports document execution in operational and regulated settings without changing the underlying legal standards.
ERP operations
A NetSuite operations leader needed document routing tied to ERP data and format rules.
- Xerox used signNow with NetSuite integration.
The workflow reduced format mismatches and helped the team place signatures on the right documents faster, with clearer control over approvals and document versions.
Real estate
A real estate founder needed online execution for property documents across mobile and offline settings.
- Martin Properties processed documents online.
The team could complete lease and transaction documents without in-person meetings, while keeping compliance, security, and signing records in one controlled workflow.
Best practices for reliable signing
A careful setup helps reduce signing errors, support compliance, and keep the record usable if the document is later reviewed.
Keep signer instructions simple
Choose authentication by risk
Define retention before launch
Test templates before rollout
FAQ and troubleshooting
These answers focus on plan limits, compliance requirements, and signing issues that affect document completion and recordkeeping.
signNow Business starts at $8/user/mo with annual billing, and paid plans include unlimited users. If you need bulk send, Business Premium adds it, while Enterprise adds advanced signer authentication. Plan selection depends on workflow volume and control needs.
signNow supports HIPAA workflows when a BAA is in place. HIPAA also expects unique user identification, access controls, audit controls, and integrity controls under 45 CFR 164.312. Signed records containing PHI should be retained for 6 years under 45 CFR 164.530(j)(2).
ESIGN and UETA support electronic signatures when the signer intends to sign and the record can be attributed to that person. signNow audit trails help show who signed, when they signed, and what actions occurred before completion.
If a recipient says the document was altered, use the completed file and audit trail to check timestamps, signer actions, and document history. signNow’s tamper-evident record helps show whether the signed file changed after completion.
For stronger signer verification, signNow can use methods such as SMS OTP or advanced authentication on higher-tier plans. Match the method to the document’s risk and the compliance standard you need to support.
If a signer cannot open the file on mobile, confirm browser support and device access first. signNow works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, and also supports iOS and Android signing workflows.
Vendor comparison at a glance
The table compares core eSignature capabilities and pricing signals across leading vendors using verified baseline data.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESIGN and UETA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo |
| Free trial | 7-day trial | Not verified | Not verified |
| Audit trail | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA support | BAA available | BAA available | BAA available |
Rollout and retention timeline
This timeline combines early adoption steps with retention and legal facts that matter for U.S. document workflows.
Day 1:
Day 2:
Week 1:
7-day trial:
HIPAA retention:
ESIGN baseline:
UETA adoption:
Enterprise rollout:
Risks of poor eSignature handling
Weak attribution
Missing audit trail
PHI retention gap
Poor consent record
What the audit trail records
The audit trail captures the technical evidence behind the signature, not just the final signed file.
Signer authentication:
Timestamp capture:
Document hashing:
Tamper-evident sealing:
Audit log storage:
Audit-trail export:
Pricing and plan features
The pricing snapshot uses verified annual-billing entry tiers and plan notes from the provided ground truth.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free trial | 7 days | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified |
| Bulk send | Yes, Business Premium | Not verified | Not verified | Yes | Not verified |
| Audit trail | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Envelope cap | No cap | 100/user/year | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified |
Key performance indicators that demonstrate SignNow's proven track record.