Configuring DocuSign Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) in SpotDraft

This guide helps SpotDraft users set up and use DocuSign's Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) for enhanced contract security. AES adds an extra layer of authentication, requiring signatories to verify their identity before signing. This article covers AES setup for both template and uploaded contracts.

Setting Up DocuSign AES for Contract Types

Before you can use AES, you need to enable it for your contract types:

1. Access Contract Types: In the navigation bar on the left, Click on “Manage” then “Contract Types”.
2. Select Contract Type: Locate the contract type and the relevant entity you want to configure for AES .
3. Enable AES & Select eSignature Service: On the contract type's settings page, navigate to the Signatories tab. In the "eSignature Service" section, select "DocuSign" from the dropdown menu if it is not already selected. Then, locate the "Enable Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)" toggle switch. Click the toggle to enable AES.
4. Choose AES Applicability: Below the AES toggle, select one of the following options to determine which parties require AES authentication:
   • Only counterparty signatories: Only the party signing on behalf of your counterparty needs to verify their identity.
   • Only creator party signatories: Only your party needs to verify their identity.
   • Both creator party and counterparty signatories: Both your party and your counterparty must verify their identity.

Choose the option appropriate for your contracts.

Adding AES Authentication Details

After setting up AES for a contract type, you'll need to provide authentication details when creating or uploading a contract of that type:

For Uploaded Contracts:

1. Upload Contract: To upload a contract, navigate to the "Upload Contract for Signature" section of SpotDraft. Select your contract file and click "Next".
2. Select Contract Type and Counterparty: Select the contract type and counterparty, ensuring that the selected contract type has AES enabled.
3. Add Authentication Details: While the contract is being prepared to sign, add the authentication details for the required signatories. Select the authentication method and enter the details
   1. Select Authentication Method: Choose either SMS or Access Code as the authentication method for each signatory.
   2. Enter Details: If you select SMS, enter the phone number in international format (e.g., +1-555-123-4567). If you choose Access Code, enter a valid access code. Click "Save" to update the information for this signatory.
4. Repeat for all signatories: Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each signatory in the contract.
5. Confirm: Once all authentication details are complete, click "Assign Fields" to finalize the information.

For Template Contracts:

1. When creating a new contract from a template with AES enabled, the system automatically prompts you to supply the required authentication details for each signatory before sending the contract. The process is the same as described above for uploaded contracts.

This guide provides a comprehensive approach to using DocuSign AES with SpotDraft. By following these steps, you can enhance the security and trust associated with your contracts. If you encounter any problems, please contact our support team.