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Topaz Electronic Signature Pads for SignNow Workflows

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E-signature frame illustration

Award-winning eSignature solution

What topaz electronic signature pads do

Topaz electronic signature pads are signature-capture devices that let a signer write a signature directly on a pad while signNow records the signed document and related evidence. In a U.S. workflow, the pad captures the handwritten mark, and the platform links it to the document, signer identity, and transaction details. That record can then be stored, routed, and reviewed with an audit trail. The result is a faster signing process that still supports attribution, intent, and recordkeeping for business use.

Why they matter for U.S. signing

They reduce paper handling, speed in-person signing, and preserve evidence for enforceability under ESIGN and UETA when the signer’s intent and attribution are documented.

Why teams look for DocuSign alternatives

Common implementation pain points

  • Pad drivers or browser settings can block signature capture on managed Windows devices.
  • Poor signer training can lead to incomplete signatures, missed initials, or rejected documents.
  • Weak authentication can make it harder to prove who signed and when.
  • Missing retention rules can leave signed records outside HIPAA or internal policy requirements.

Who uses them and where

Healthcare

Healthcare teams use Topaz pads for intake forms, consent forms, and patient acknowledgments.

Real estate

Real estate and finance teams use them for leases, loan packets, and on-site approvals.

Real users and roles

  • A director of NetSuite operations at Xerox may use Topaz pads to capture signatures during structured approval workflows, then route the signed record through signNow-connected systems. The value is consistent document handling across departments, with fewer manual steps and clearer evidence for internal review and downstream processing.
  • A founder at Martin Properties may use Topaz pads for lease packets, move-in forms, and property acknowledgments when tenants sign in person. The workflow helps preserve intent, capture a legible signature, and keep records organized for later retrieval, especially when documents must move quickly between office and field staff.
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Key features and practical benefits

Topaz electronic signature pads combine physical signature capture with signNow recordkeeping, which helps teams keep signing simple and traceable.

Signature capture

Captures a handwritten signature on a Topaz pad and links it to the signed document for cleaner in-person workflows.

Audit evidence

Records signer activity in signNow so the document history supports attribution, timing, and review.

Paper reduction

Reduces paper handling by moving signed forms into a digital workflow after the signature is captured.

Faster completion

Supports faster counterparty turnaround when staff collect signatures at a desk, counter, or service window.

Record management

Keeps signed records organized for later search, export, and internal review across departments.

Policy alignment

Works with controlled access and retention rules so signed files can fit regulated business processes.

Integrations that move signed records

Connected systems move signed documents into the tools teams already use, so captured signatures flow into records, approvals, and storage without extra rekeying.

Salesforce
Procore
Zapier
Microsoft Teams
Hub spot
Box

How the signing flow works

The process is straightforward: capture the signature, attach it to the record, log the event, and route the completed document.

  • Capture signature: The signer writes on the Topaz pad.
  • Link record: signNow associates the mark with the document.
  • Record evidence: The system logs signer details and timestamps.
  • Finish workflow: The completed file is stored or routed.

Quick setup steps

Use this short setup path when you need a simple in-person signing process with a Topaz pad and signNow.

  • Set up hardware:

    Connect the Topaz pad to the signing workstation.
  • Load document:

    Open the document in signNow.
  • Capture signature:

    Have the signer review and sign.
  • Store the record:

    Save, route, or archive the completed file.

Recommended workflow settings

Use a controlled signing setup that preserves attribution, protects records, and supports regulated retention needs.

SettingRecommendation
Authentication methodSMS OTP
Signature typeSES with handwritten capture
Audit trailEnable full event logging
Document retention6 years (HIPAA 45 CFR 164.530(j)(2))
EncryptionTLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256

Platform and device requirements

Topaz signature capture works best in a supported browser or app environment with secure transport, compatible drivers, and a connected signing device.

  • Desktop browsers Chrome, Edge, and Firefox on Windows.
  • Apple devices Safari on macOS and iPadOS.
  • Mobile support Android with signNow mobile app.

For regulated deployments, use managed Windows or macOS devices, confirm browser compatibility, and keep authentication, retention, and export controls aligned with internal policy. Mobile workflows on iOS and Android can support signing, but device management and access controls should match the document’s risk level.

Security and compliance controls

Transport security:

TLS 1.2/1.3 protects data in transit.

At-rest encryption:

AES-256 protects stored records.

Control assurance:

SOC 2 Type II available on request.

Security management:

ISO 27001 certified environment.

Healthcare use:

HIPAA support with BAA required.

Regulated records:

21 CFR Part 11 controls available.

Real-world use cases

These examples show how signNow customers use structured signing workflows where in-person signature capture still needs clear records and controlled handling.

NetSuite operations

A Xerox operations leader needed flexible signature capture across NetSuite-linked workflows.

  • Right signatures on the right documents.
  • NetSuite integration kept formats consistent.

The workflow improved document routing and reduced format mismatches, while keeping signatures tied to the right records for later review and processing.

Real estate operations

A Martin Properties founder needed mobile and offline-friendly execution for property documents.

  • Lease packets moved without paper delays.
  • Compliance and security stayed visible.

The process supported faster execution of property forms and kept signed records organized for office and field use, with evidence preserved for later reference.

Best practices for controlled signing

A disciplined setup keeps the signing process simple while preserving the evidence needed for internal controls and external review.

Verify signer identity first

Use a verified signer identity method before collecting the signature, especially for healthcare, finance, or property documents that may need stronger attribution.

Check the full form before saving

Train staff to confirm initials, dates, and signature placement before saving the record, because incomplete captures create avoidable rework and delays.

Set retention by document type

Apply retention rules at the document class level so HIPAA, employment, and contract records stay aligned with the correct archive period.

Restrict pad access carefully

Limit pad access to approved workstations and named users to reduce accidental signing, misrouting, or unauthorized record changes.

FAQ and troubleshooting

These answers focus on setup issues, plan limits, and compliance requirements that affect Topaz pad workflows in signNow.

signNow Business includes legally binding eSignatures, audit trails, templates, and mobile apps. If a Topaz pad is not capturing input, confirm the workstation, browser, and device driver are supported before checking the document workflow.

The Business Premium plan adds bulk send, while Enterprise adds advanced signer authentication and formula fields. If you need higher assurance for regulated records, use the plan features that match the document risk and keep the audit trail enabled.

HIPAA use requires a BAA and controls that protect PHI. signNow supports HIPAA workflows with audit trails and encryption, but the covered entity must still configure access, retention, and signer authentication correctly.

ESIGN and UETA support electronic signatures when intent and attribution are clear. A Topaz pad can help capture the handwritten mark, but the surrounding record, authentication, and audit trail matter for enforceability.

If a signed PDF looks altered, check the audit trail and document history first. signNow records signing events, and a tamper-evident record helps show whether the file changed after signing.

For 21 CFR Part 11 workflows, use unique user IDs, time-stamped audit trails, and validated controls. signNow can support regulated records, but the system design must match the predicate rule and internal validation requirements.

Vendor comparison for pad workflows

The table below compares core eSignature capabilities that matter when Topaz pad capture must fit a controlled signing process.

signNowDocuSignAdobe SignPandaDoc
Audit trailYesYesYes
HIPAA supportYesYesYes
Envelope capNo cap100/yrNot verified
Starting price$8/user/mo$15/user/mo$14/user/mo

Rollout and retention timeline

This timeline combines rollout milestones with retention facts that matter when Topaz pad signatures become part of regulated records.

Day 0:

Set up the pad, browser, and signNow workspace.

Day 1:

Send the first document and confirm the audit trail.

Week 1:

Onboard the signing team and review exception handling.

7-day trial:

signNow offers a 7-day free trial, no credit card required.

HIPAA records:

Retain signed PHI records for 6 years under 45 CFR 164.530(j)(2).

Part 11 records:

Keep secure, time-stamped history for FDA-regulated records.

UETA adoption:

UETA is adopted in 49 states, plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Annual review:

Review retention, access, and authentication controls every 12 months.

Risks of poor implementation

Weak attribution

Document may be harder to defend in court.

Missing audit trail

Audit evidence may be incomplete.

Retention failure

HIPAA records may fail retention rules.

Part 11 gap

FDA records may fail Part 11 review.

What the audit trail records

The audit trail captures the technical evidence behind a Topaz pad signature, from identity checks to exportable history.

01

Signer authentication:

Verifies the signer before the event is logged.
02

Timestamp capture:

Stores the exact signing time in UTC.
03

Document hashing:

Creates a hash of the signed document.
04

Tamper-evident sealing:

Applies a tamper-evident seal to the file.
05

Event sequence:

Records the event chain in order.
06

Audit export:

Exports the audit trail for review.

Pricing and plan features

Pricing and plan data reflect verified annual-billing information from 2026 ground truth sources.

signNowDocuSignAdobe SignPandaDocHelloSign
Starting price$8/user/mo$15/user/mo$14/user/mo$19/user/mo$15/user/mo
Free trial7-day trialNot verifiedNot verifiedNot verifiedNot verified
Bulk sendYes, Business PremiumNot verifiedNot verifiedYesNot verified
Audit trailYesYesYesYesYes
HIPAA complianceBAA requiredBAA availableBAA availableNot verifiedBAA available
ROI at a Glance

Key performance indicators that demonstrate SignNow's proven track record.

28M+Documents signed
13+Years in business
4.6/5Average G2 rating