Templates are a Viafirma Documents’ tool developed to automate the digital signature processes. We can use them to send documents to sign in the most efficient way.
When we talk about templates, it is usually thought that they must always be accompanied by a document and that it is exclusively this document the one that is sent if we use it.
However, in that belief there are some connotations that we must explain. Therefore, we differentiate between two functionalities:
- Import Template
- Apply Template
Import Template
By default, we will choose the option ‘Import template’ when what we want to get is a customized document, obtained after modifying a series of data to a base document. The data to be modified can be extensive, but they are basic elements that are included in any document to be processed: the name and surname(s) of the signatory(s), the tax identification number, etc.
Common application cases
On a practical level, one of the documents that usually take advantage of this functionality are service contracts in which all the clauses are maintained and only the data of the contracting party changes.
In this case, it is advisable to have a template with such a contract with spaces to be filled in with personal data. The information can be entered by ourselves, the signatory, or both, through a form associated with the template.
In addition to the essential information, we will also have at our disposal other options that we will be able to configure, such as:
- Establish the signature policies that we want the signer to use. For example, it will be possible to indicate the signature by means of digital certificate, or handwritten signature and SMS OTP.
- Customize the messages received by the signer, making them more in line with the document we are sending.
- Set an access code to read the document.
- Set automated reminders
- Send a copy of the signed document to one or more emails.
- Among others
Apply templates
On the other hand, we choose to apply templates when we want to upload any document and have all the settings of the selected template applied to it, but not the document itself.
In fact, if we are going to use a template in this way, when we create it, it is not even necessary to upload the document in the “Document” section.
Practical example
We return to the example above, with a big difference. Now, we are dealing with a contract for a customized service in which the clauses of each contract are different.
In this case, we can rely on the templates for all those settings that are not related to the document in question. That is to say, we can cover areas such as the automatic configuration of the way in which the personalized messages are to be signed, the mandatory reading of the document, the approver, if any, etc.
Therefore, even without being based on a document, the ‘Apply template’ functionality is tremendously useful. It will also help us to be much more efficient, avoiding having to make all those configurations repeatedly every time we send a document to sign.
Viafirma adjusts to your needs at any time
Now you know the main differences between importing and applying a template in our digital solutions. However, we have good news for you: you don’t have to choose one or the other functionality. With us, you will be able to use both depending on the casuistry you are facing at any given moment. And, best of all, you can create as many templates as you want, so you are the only one who sets the limits.