Digitization of paper processes thanks to electronic signature
Digitization
Volkswagen Financial Services
Provider of services in the field of financing personal and commercial vehicles, rental of movable property and also insurance services. It has been providing its services in Slovakia to individuals and legal entities since 1993. As a subsidiary of Volkswagen Bank GmbH and Porsche Bank AG, it is a direct part of the international concern Volkswagen, which operates in 20 European countries and also in 11 countries of North, South America, Asia and Africa.
The main objectives of the project
- Simplification of processes for the client
- Limiting physical contact
- Reducing the number of physical copies
- Transition to a paperless office
Previous situation
Volkswagen Financial services (VWFS) in Slovakia used a solution for signing digital documents during a personal meeting in a partner network of car dealerships. Clients signed contracts and provided vehicle financing on tablets through an on-premise server solution. The special superstructure of the solution ensures the appearance of the user environment according to the corporate identity. However, electronic records of changes in documentation or remote signing of contract amendments were not treated. In such cases, clients had to come to the branch in person or sign the documents at home and deliver them by post.
Benefits
The main challenge
The company's long-term goal is complete digitization of documents and simplification of processes internally and for its clients. The paperless life of the contract, even with various amendments and modifications, was given high priority. In addition, the global pandemic limited the possibility of face-to-face meetings, so at VWFS they were looking for a way to sign "remotely". Another challenge was the requirement for integration with the contract management system through the document management system (DMS).
Deployment of the solution
For the implementation of remote electronic signing, an online server solution was chosen, which guarantees the highest level of security and is located directly in the VWFS infrastructure. Hardware expansion costs have been reduced thanks to the use of the existing server component for electronic signatures on tablets. The remote signature process is guided through a web application that is accessible through an internet browser. Workflow management and management of associated actions (changes in process status, notifications, emails, distribution) is covered by the SIGNATUS server. The client will receive a link by email that will redirect him to the website with the documents to be signed.
It can be signed directly on the touch screen of a mobile device or with a mouse on a PC after verification with a one-time password sent via SMS. In addition to the Internet browser, there is no need to install additional programs or add-ons on the client's device. There are various dynamic elements in the email, which change depending on the communicating employee and client. The email with the link is thus personalized and it changes the seller's contacts, addressing the client, etc.
The advantage of the superstructure, which runs above the online application, is the possibility to modify the appearance and precisely define the procedures before and after the signature. The employee can send several documents to the client at the same time (so-called enveloping). In the process, procedures are precisely defined, which document should go when, to whom and where. The employee can change the names of documents and mark documents with a mandatory signature or for reading.
The application is integrated into the document management system where signed documents are stored. Integration with the CRM system ensures the record of changes made based on the signature. In the process, procedures are precisely defined, which document should go when, to whom and where.
In the process, procedures are precisely defined, which document should go when, to whom and where.
How is the signing with the client?
Signatus
„In addition to the clear benefits for our customers, the implementation of this solution for remote signing also fit perfectly into the company's plans to transition to a paperless office. We currently have the entire life cycle of the contract covered, with the option of signing documents electronically without the need to use a paper document, which makes us very happy.“
Jakub Stankovský, Head of the Department of Contract Administration
Volkswagen Financial Services
Signatus
„The implementation was relatively difficult due to the need to coordinate several suppliers and since this modification affected several critical IT systems of the company. It was necessary to emphasize the quality of the delivered solution as well as the precise planning of the deployment of modifications. Nevertheless, I consider the implementation successful and I firmly believe that the result will be appreciated mainly by our customers, but also by colleagues whose agendas will be affected by this change.“
Vladimír Grega, Project Manager
Volkswagen Financial Services