Audit Trail Definition and Examples

Understanding Audit Trail for e-Signing

In the realm of eSigning, an audit trail is a detailed, chronological record of every step taken during the signing process of a digital document. This includes tracking who viewed, signed, or rejected a document, along with timestamps and IP addresses. Essentially, it serves as a digital footprint that ensures the integrity and authenticity of the e-signing process. An audit trail is crucial for compliance, security, and verification, validating that the document was signed appropriately and by authorized parties.

Key Components of an Audit Trail:

1. User Authentication: Details about who accessed the document, including information that verifies their identity.
2. Time Stamps: Exact times when the document was viewed, signed, or forwarded.
3. Actions Taken: Specific actions performed by users such as viewing, signing, declining, or altering the document.
4. IP Addresses: Logs of the IP addresses from which the document was accessed, adding another layer of traceability.

Real-World Examples:

• Legal Contracts: Law firms often rely on audit trails to ensure that contracts were signed by the right person at the right time, which is paramount for legal validity.
• Financial Agreements: Banks and financial institutions use audit trails to track loan agreements and other financial documents, thereby safeguarding against fraud.
• HR Documents: Human Resources departments utilize audit trails for employment agreements, ensuring each step of the process is documented and compliant with regulations.

By understanding the importance of audit trails in eSigning, you can ensure that your digital documents are secure, compliant, and verifiable. At GoodSign, we incorporate comprehensive audit trail features in every envelope sent, so you can have peace of mind knowing every transaction is meticulously recorded for just $1.50 per send. No hidden fees, no complicated subscriptions—just transparent, pay-per-use eSigning solutions.