What is our primary use case?
DocuSign is an online platform, a SaaS tool, that helps us organize a repository for moving contracts and other professional documents. If there are e-signature requirements, along with repository generation and storage capabilities, we have the option of connecting it to the e-signature functionality. This gives us the flexibility of having documents both in the repository and getting e-signatures appended to them, along with different approval choice steps and review processes.
DocuSign has excellent security features because there are different types of layers that can be applied to the security for a particular document based on user processes or group processes. If there is a need to apply security to be viewed by a particular set of users, we have the flexibility of restricting the document for those users. We can archive documents whenever needed in the system automatically. The system can automatically understand that it's a production environment and can be connected with SSO tools or one login tools, which gives us the flexibility where only exact vendor details can access the system.
The most prominent industry integrations I have seen are Coupa integration and Salesforce integration because these are SaaS tools. For procurement needs and details for a particular company, it will be either in the Salesforce environment or the Coupa environment. We have direct compatibility there. For Coupa, they are still building on that, but we are at a stage where we can connect the Coupa environment with DocuSign along with the customized HTTP connectors that DocuSign provides. For Salesforce, they have a direct connector which helps us gather all the information from different objects of Salesforce.
For example, with non-NDAs or NDA templates or contracts that need to be signed by external employees or vendors, and there is a requirement that it needs to be viewed only by the set of directors in the system, the same document can be restricted so that only directors have visibility. From a restriction point of view, you can make a document so restricted that it can only be viewed by the person who tries to do that. If there is banking information that has been generated and signed by the vendor or merchant, and we want to store those documents in the system, we can add security on top of it with restricted visibility.
What is most valuable?
DocuSign has two different platforms directly involved in this process: DocuSign eSign and DocuSign CLM. DocuSign CLM and e-signature are segregated based on functionality. If there is a need for processing data required for creating document generation templates or forms needed for user inputs, these can be configured in DocuSign CLM. The platform provides the flexibility of generating templates from the form data. After template generation, we can set securities and provide different functionalities using the workflows embedded in the system. There are customizable workflows and advanced workflows which developers can utilize to configure user needs or business needs.
The DocuSign CLM platform can be directly integrated with the DocuSign e-signature platform, which enables documents or contracts to be e-signed by vendors. The document along with the signature certificate can be stored in the CLM environment along with the e-signature platform.
DocuSign is currently able to cater to almost 95% of user needs in terms of contractual documents, propagation, storage, signature process, and additional requirements. They have provided significant flexibility in integrating the DocuSign platform with different kinds of SaaS tools where data can be fetched from or sent through.
What needs improvement?
The IAM tool they are providing is good, but there should be flexibility in terms of importing IAM or AI generation reviews into the normal workflows while generating documents and creating templates. DocuSign still needs to offer more built-in integration tools such as the Coupa connector. They already have many integrations, such as Google Docs and Google Drive, but some major ones are still in the pipeline.
Scalability, in terms of the workflow structure and maintenance, needs improvement. If the workflow becomes heavy, the system slows down, requiring consultation with the team to get the workflow load relieved. System availability should see fewer crashes or server errors.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been involved with DocuSign for around six years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I have worked with many clients where the user base was substantial. In terms of workflow scalability, we have seen it reach paramount levels. It is highly scalable.
How are customer service and support?
The customer service has been amazing. The moment you log a priority ticket, they will directly get into a call, and the support team with the technical specialist will assist with whatever issues you are facing. From the technical support end, they have been exceptional and always on point.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have worked with Adobe e-signature and utilized Oracle's solution. However, DocuSign has been performing exceptionally well in comparison.
What was our ROI?
The ROI is substantial. While it does not get calculated directly, in terms of working hours, the time saved per contract is significant. On a per-hour basis calculation, there has been an excellent ROI in terms of usage. If the system handles around 100 contracts per month in a particular season, that would provide a substantial ROI. For mass scale operations with numerous contracts, the ROI is particularly impressive.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is almost reasonable. It depends on what features we are using. The e-signature and CLM pricing is almost reasonable, though not perfectly reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
DocuSign comes into play and provides flexibility to automate manual processes, ensuring clear visibility of document status, storage location, current owner, whether it's the legal person, approval person, or directors. During the signature process, we get clear visibility of who signed the document, when it was signed, and where it was stored afterward. These automations provide significant advantages where proper guidance and governance are present.
Recently, DocuSign has introduced IAM (Intelligent Agreement Management) system where they provide different AI tools and reviews. This helps provide more flexibility in reviewing contracts and handling bulk contract reviews. These AI-related advancements have been really beneficial.
If any company is considering DocuSign, they should definitely opt for it. If budget allows, they should consider the IAM features, which come with a different pricing range and package. Even without the IAM feature, DocuSign provides almost 95% of excellent features for document management and e-signature functionality.
On a scale of one to ten, I would rate DocuSign eight out of ten.