What is a hybrid subscription, how does it work and why to use it

A hybrid subscription, a combination of electronic signature and digital in the same document, it is revolutionizing the way we formalize agreements and contracts. It’s not just about adding a layer of convenience, it’s about opening up new possibilities in the business world.

In the past, all signatories needed to use the same form of signature, whether digital or electronic. However, it is now possible to choose which type of signature is most suitable for each person involved in the process. This means more flexibility and agility in formalizing agreements.

The hybrid signature is supported by Brazilian legislation, guaranteeing its legal validity. It can be used in a wide variety of documents, from commercial contracts to internal company documents. Furthermore, its adoption contributes to reducing logistics costs and streamlining internal processes.

So in this article, we'll explore in more detail how hybrid subscription works, its benefits, and how you can implement it in your business. Continue reading until the end!

What is a hybrid subscription and why use it?

A hybrid signature is a smart combination of two electronic signature methods: the digital signature and the electronic signature. In other words, contrary to what many think, it does not involve a physical and a digital signature, but rather the fusion of the electronic signature, which does not require a digital certificate, with the digital signature, which makes use of this certificate.

The main feature of the hybrid subscription is its flexibility. It allows each signatory to choose the most convenient signing method, making the process of formalizing documents and contracts more efficient. 

So how does hybrid subscription work in a online? Using a digital signature is quite simple and generally occurs through specialized platforms. Documents can be created in the system or sent ready-made. 

Signatories, in turn, can perform signatures quickly and conveniently, either using the certificate for the digital signature or making an electronic signature, which can vary in terms of security.

There are different electronic signature types, from the simple one, which involves filling out an online form, to the advanced one, which confirms the user's identity with a more efficient system. The qualified electronic signature, on the other hand, corresponds to the user's signature made in his own hand, with recognition in registry. The choice of the type of signature must be made based on the specific needs and requirements of each case.

To purchase the hybrid subscription and implement it in your company, it is recommended to hire a specialized platform which will provide necessary guidance to ensure a safe process.

What is the difference between digital and electronic signature?

Many people may confuse these two subscription types, but they have significant differences in terms of technology and legal requirements.

The digital signature is a brand cryptographic inserted into a digital document. To use a digital signature, you must have a digital certificate, which works as an electronic identity. 

This certificate is issued by a Certificate Authority and is protected by Encryption. The digital signature guarantees the authenticity of the signer and the integrity of the document. It has legal validity, just like a handwritten signature.

An electronic signature, on the other hand, does not require a digital certificate. It relies on digital evidence, such as geolocation, IP address and other data captured at the time of signing, to confirm the subscriber's identity. The legal validity of the electronic signature depends on the acceptance of all parties involved in the process.

💡 Tip! Need a free electronic signature? Click here and create yours now!

But, is it possible to have a digital and physical signature on the same document?

This is a question pertinent and, to answer it, we need to understand the dynamics of hybrid signatures.

The digital signature, backed by digital certificates and asymmetric encryption, guarantees the authenticity and integrity of electronic documents. It is legally recognized in many jurisdictions and is an effective alternative to traditional handwritten signatures. On the other hand, the manual signatures, although old and widely accepted, are prone to fraud and can be a bottleneck in modern workflows.

Now, imagine a situation where two parties to one contract want to take different approaches to signing a document. One party opts for the convenience of a digital signature, while the other prefers the tangibility of a handwritten signature on paper. This is where hybrid subscription comes into play.

However, it is crucial to understand that, to ensure legal certainty, the type of document in question plays a fundamental role. Electronically originated documents, such as digital contracts, when signed digitally and manually, may lose their legal validity. 

After all, the digital signature was designed for the digital environment and is based on encryption, making any attempt at alteration detectable. Converting an electronic document into a physical document involves authentication risks.

On the other hand, physical documents, such as paper contracts, must be fully formalized with manual signatures. In this case, legal validity often requires the notarized signature or notary office, where the signatory appears in person and the signature is authenticated.

Therefore, the answer to the question about the possibility of having a digital and physical signature on the same document is yes, but it depends on the type of document and the applicable legal procedures.

When to use a hybrid subscription?

Below are some situations in which this type of signature can be applied.

Flexibility for signatories

Hybrid signing offers the flexibility of choice for signatories. Each person involved can choose to use the signature that best suits their needs, be it a digital signature with a certificate or an electronic signature. That makes the process more convenient for everyone involved.

Facilitation of internal processes

Within an enterprise, hybrid subscription can be a great way to optimize processes internal. For example, the company's legal representative may use a certified digital signature, while employees use electronic signatures for internal documents, such as vacation requests or memos.

Documents with diverse signatories

When you're dealing with contracts or documents that involve a diverse group of people or companies, hybrid signing allows everyone to participate in the signing process, regardless of certificate ownership.

Agility and reduction of bureaucracy

The combination of digital and electronic signature in a single document speeds up the formalization process. There is no need to deal with bureaucracy to ensure that everyone involved has a digital certificate, making the process faster and more practical.

Reducing paper use

Using hybrid signature eliminates the need to print multiple paper documents as the entire process can be conducted online. This contributes to the initiative “paperless“, which is important nowadays in the search for sustainability and waste reduction.

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➡️ What is electronic signature API and how it benefits the management of a company
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What are the advantages of hybrid subscription?

Hybrid subscription offers several benefits that make it a valuable option for formalization of contracts and documents.

Wide accessibility to online subscription

This is one of the main advantages of the hybrid subscription. It does not restrict access only to those who have a digital certificate, which is an important feature as not all documents require a digital signature. Just like in the physical world, where manual signature is used in few cases, in the digital environment, many documents can be signed in a simpler way.

Agile

Agility is another positive point of the hybrid subscription. By allowing each signatory to choose the type of signature they prefer, the formalization process becomes faster and more convenient. This is especially useful in situations where bureaucracy can be reduced, making agreements more efficient.

Combination of signature formats

The possibility of combining digital and electronic signatures is also beneficial for optimize internal processes in companies. Employees and suppliers can sign electronic documents, while the company's legal guardian can use the certificate to guarantee authenticity. This can be applied to hiring, vacation request, memos and more.

💡 Tip! Need a free electronic signature? Click here and create yours now!

Which platform allows you to use a hybrid signature (i.e., both digital and electronic)?

As you can see throughout this article, hybrid signatures, which combine the elements of digital and electronic signatures, are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking for efficiency and security in their document signing processes. 

But, ultimately, what is it? best platform What allows the use of such a versatile modality? The answer lies in ZapSign.

See below what you will get when adopting the hybrid subscription through the platform.

Millions of people use ZapSign

With more than 16 million documents signed and a presence in 17 countries, ZapSign is the ultimate solution to simplify the signature collection process in your company. This platform, which serves more than 1 million active users, offers much more than just signatures – it allows you to create, send, approve and store your documents with full legal validity.

ZapSign is easy to use

One of ZapSign's biggest advantages is its ease of use. Collecting signatures on commercial proposals and contracts does not have to be a time-consuming and complex task. With ZapSign, you can do this in less than 2 minutes, saving precious time that can be directed towards growing your business.

ZapSign adjusts to your brand's visual identity

What's more, ZapSign offers customization with your company's colors and brand. Your customers will see your logo and brand colors, which helps strengthen your corporate identity with every interaction.

The subscription process is quick

Another notable benefit is speed. ZapSign makes document signing 90% faster, whether by creating reusable templates or integrating the platform with your favorite tools. 

You can upload a file, add signers and share the link so they can sign from anywhere device. And the best part: you can track the status in real time, being notified by email as soon as the document is signed.

Security at different levels

When it comes to security, ZapSign stands out. An electronic signature is as secure as a paper signature and is recognized by lei in Brazil and in many other countries. You documents are digitally certified with the A1 ICP-Brasil certificate, and the platform offers different levels of security, including facial recognition, digital certificate and verification by email or telephone.

Integration with other tools

And if you wish integrate ZapSign with your favorite tools, the platform offers options for cloud storage, ERP, CRM and API integrations, allowing you to automate tasks, improve process visibility and reduce errors and costs.

So, now that you know what a hybrid subscription is and how we can help you have one, how about getting started right now? Click here to register with ZapSign!