An electronic signature is the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature, used to sign digital documents in a legally binding way. Like a handwritten signature, it represents a binding declaration of intent by the signer and is legally recognized in most countries. In the EU, the eIDAS Regulation governs its types and use.

The eIDAS Regulation distinguishes three types: simple, advanced, and qualified electronic signatures. All three are legally recognized in the EU; they differ in the level of identity verification and evidentiary value. Centric's solution supports eIDAS-compliant use of these signature types in the HR context.

Centric offers plug-and-play integration of DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and other services directly into the SAP-integrated Document Builder. Through a deep DocuSign API integration, signature processes are triggered directly from the document creation workflow — eliminating manual steps in DocuSign. As an ISV DocuSign partner, Centric delivers all necessary components from a single source.

Once the signature process is complete, signed HR documents are automatically filed where they belong — in the corresponding digital employee file. Signing and filing are part of the same process; no manual filing or re-scanning is required.

Documents can be signed independent of location — from a home office computer or on the go. This speeds up signature processes such as sending annual bonus letters as mail merges and ensures even time-critical signatures happen on schedule. Because Centric delivers the DocuSign integration as an ISV partner from a single source, project risk and costs are reduced; existing DocuSign licenses and quotas can continue to be used.

The e-signature feature is part of Centric's SAP-integrated document processes, which run as SaaS on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) in a German data center in Frankfurt and undergo regular external penetration testing according to OWASP Top 10 and BSI IT baseline protection standards. Signed documents follow existing authorization and signature workflows and are stored in full legal compliance in the digital employee file.