Pre-filled fields
Auto-fill client and project data from contact records to reduce repetitive entry and ensure consistency across invoices.
Use an eSignature-capable workflow for signed invoices to meet U.S. legal standards; ensure processes align with ESIGN and UETA for enforceability.
Project managers prepare planning invoices, verify deliverables, and approve billing before sending. They rely on templates that include scope details, milestone tracking, and expense lines to ensure client transparency and internal budget alignment.
Billing specialists generate final invoices from templates, reconcile time logs and expenses, and manage follow-up for outstanding payments; they need integrations with accounting systems and clear audit trails for dispute resolution.
Auto-fill client and project data from contact records to reduce repetitive entry and ensure consistency across invoices.
Structured tables let you list tasks, hours, rates, and subtotals so each planning deliverable is recorded and calculated automatically.
Built-in tax rate fields and conditional logic calculate applicable taxes based on location and service type to keep totals accurate.
Standardized terms, due dates, and late fees fields ensure consistent billing expectations for all planning engagements.
Include file reference fields for estimates, SOWs, or time logs to provide supporting documentation for billed items.
Capture invoice creation date, author, and revision history to support financial controls and dispute resolution.
Link client and project fields from your CRM so invoices pull contact, project codes, and billing addresses automatically, decreasing manual entry and errors while keeping billing aligned with sales records.
Store completed invoices in centralized cloud folders with naming conventions and metadata that support search, retention policies, and regulatory access requirements across teams.
Map invoice line items to general ledger codes and export in a format your accounting system accepts, streamlining reconciliation and reducing duplicate data entry.
Create multiple template versions for fixed-price, hourly, or milestone billing, each with tailored fields and conditional sections for planning-specific charges.
| Setting Name | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Auto-fill client data | Enabled |
| Reminder Frequency | 48 hours |
| Approval required | Manager sign-off |
| Archive retention | 7 years |
| Post-signature delivery | Email PDF |
The template should be accessible and editable on desktop Word, mobile Word apps, and cloud editors to support planners in the field and in the office.
After creating the template, export a flattened PDF for eSignature workflows and verify layout on each device type to prevent truncation or field misalignment during signing and processing.
A public works firm issues a planning invoice for zoning review and community outreach tasks, noting hours and expense categories
Resulting in faster reimbursement and clearer municipal accounting records for audit cycles.
A consulting team bills for an urban development feasibility study with separate phases and milestone billing
Leading to timely payments and more predictable project cash flow for planning engagements.
| Criterion | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign | Adobe Sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legally binding (US) | |||
| Audit trail detail | Detailed | Detailed | Detailed |
| Bulk Send support | |||
| Mobile signing experience | Full | Full | Full |
7 years
Daily incremental
Immutable long-term storage
Annual
Quarterly
| Feature | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | Dropbox Sign | PandaDoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $8/user/month | From $10/user/month | From $9.99/user/month | From $15/user/month | From $19/user/month |
| Free tier / trial | Free trial available | Free trial only | Free trial only | Free eSign plan | Free eSign plan |
| API access | Available, REST API | Available, REST API | Available, REST API | Available, REST API | Available, REST API |
| HIPAA support | HIPAA-ready with BAA | HIPAA-capable enterprise | Enterprise BAA options | Not HIPAA-ready | Limited HIPAA options |
| Bulk send | Included | Add-on or plan | Available | Limited | Add-on |