Source Identification
Exact filename, physical location, or record ID plus any accession numbers required to cross-reference originals.
A written conversion form creates an auditable record of authorization, scope, and preservation requirements. It reduces disputes about fidelity, chain of custody, and retention, and clarifies responsibilities when records are needed for audits, litigation, or regulatory review.
Typical submitters and approvers include records managers, legal counsel, compliance officers, or business unit owners who control original documents.
Assigning clear roles and obtaining documented approvals reduces rework and lowers legal and regulatory risk during and after conversion.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Approval order | Serial or parallel signing options |
| Authentication | Email, SMS code, or multi-factor methods |
| Retention flag | Automatic retention tag on final file |
| Audit capture | IP, timestamp, and user ID logged |
Choose a platform that supports the required formats, authentication strength, and audit trails for your records.
Ensure the platform can export a tamper-evident final file with a retrievable audit trail for legal and regulatory needs.
Exact filename, physical location, or record ID plus any accession numbers required to cross-reference originals.
Clear description of pages, ranges, OCR needs, output format, and any image enhancements to be applied.
Explicit redaction instructions, legal basis for redaction, and who approves redaction results.
Retention tag, custodian, archival location, and disposition schedule for both original and converted files.
Named approvers, role-based order, and signature fields with date/time capture for compliance.
Automatic capture of actions, timestamps, IP addresses, and file checksums for tamper evidence.
Record receipt within 1–2 business days
3–10 business days depending on volume
1–2 business days with priority fee
1–3 business days for custodian sign-off
Delivered with audit trail and checksum
Form and source files are uploaded and logged.
Files are converted and OCR applied as specified.
Custodian verifies accuracy and approves final file.
Final file is archived with retention tags and audit trail.
| 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-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |