Zoho Sign: Product Updates - Q3-Q4, 2021 and 2022 Preview

Zoho Sign: Product Updates - Q3-Q4, 2021 and 2022 Preview

Hello, everyone!

2021 has been a breeze of a year in the face of a seemingly unending global pandemic. And yet, businesses have displayed great resilience by quickly adopting a system of hybrid work that better suits their evolving operational needs.

At Zoho Sign, we have added multiple features and partnered services to address digital transformation at a regional level and enhance overall collaboration under these circumstances. With e-signatures surging in popularity, we plan to introduce many more integrations and regional services in 2022 to broaden Zoho Sign's scope of application and use.

We are also thrilled to note that Zoho Sign was recognised by top research firms such as IDC and SoftwareReviews in the following publications:
Here's a brief summary of all the additions made to Zoho Sign in the past six months and also what's in store for 2022.

What's new?

  • Revamped add-on system - Zoho Sign credits
  • Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) for the EU via Uanataca
  • eSign for India via eMudhra using e-KYC-based signer authentication
  • Trusted document timestamping via GlobalSign, SEIKO Cyber Time, and Uanataca
  • Offline signing in mobile apps
  • Signer field - Image upload
  • Google Docs editor integration
  • Revamped blockchain timestamping via Bitcoin network using OpenTimestamps
  • Updated mobile apps for Apple devices
    • Zoho Sign for iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
    • Zoho Sign for macOS Monterey
  • Software development kits (SDKs) for mobile and web development - open BETA
  • Revamped certificate of completion
  • Sign templates in Zoho Writer
  • Developer API collections on Postman and SwaggerHub
Revamped add-on system - Zoho Sign credits
Organizations must now purchase Zoho Sign credits, a common add-on, to use features and integrations that incur additional cost. This replaces our previous add-ons - the API credits and the SMS credits, which have been discontinued - to establish a standardized credit consumption system. This strictly applies only to integrated services facilitated by third-party providers and high-volume automation features subjected to fair use to prevent their abuse. This does not, however, effect much of a change to the actual cost of using these features. Learn more



Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) for the EU via Uanataca
Organizations subscribed to the Enterprise plan and based in our EU datacenter can now digitally sign documents with Qualified Electronic Signatures. This carries the legal equivalence of wet signatures or signing documents with pen and paper. Zoho Sign offers QES by partnering with Uanataca, an authorised Qualified Trust Service Provider (QTSP) as per the eIDAS regulation 910/2014, and integrating with their services. Documents signed with QES also carry an embedded timestamp. Learn more



eSign for India via eMudhra using e-KYC-based signer authentication
Organizations subscribed to the Enterprise plan and based in our Indian datacenter can now digitally sign documents via eMudhra, a leading certifying authority (CA), using their integrated e-KYC services. Zoho Sign offers this in conformity with the e-sign service specifications defined by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), India's root CA, in accordance with the Information Technology Act of 2000. Documents signed via eMudhra also carry an embedded timestamp. Learn more



Trusted document timestamping via GlobalSign, SEIKO Cyber Time, and Uanataca
Organizations subscribed to the Enterprise plan can now add immutable third-party timestamps to digitally signed documents by enabling document timestamping. This makes the signed documents indisputable, proves their existence at the time and date of signing even if the digital signature certificates on the documents expire in the future, and reinforces non-repudiation. Zoho Sign has partnered with multiple timestamping authorities (TSA)—Uanataca for qualified timestamps in the EU, SEIKO Cyber Time for Japan, and GlobalSign for all other countries and regions—to integrate with their trusted timestamping services. Learn more



Offline signing in mobile apps
Users can now download documents for offline access in our iOS, iPadOS, and Android mobile apps when they are connected to the internet. This later allows them to open and sign these documents even if internet connectivity is unavailable. This also enables field agents to collect signatures in person from signers in remote areas without internet connectivity. Any document signed offline will eventually be synced with the Zoho Sign servers when the user reconnects to the internet and this allows their workflows to continue.



Signer field - Image upload
The new Image signer field allows signers to add images to documents by uploading them at the time of signing. This can be used to request signers to add any additional information which is needed in the form of an image. We have also introduced another field property—Movable—that allows signer fields to be moved by signers in the Document Viewer screen at the time of signing.



Google Docs editor integration
Users can now edit documents supported by the Google Docs editor directly from Zoho Sign when building sign workflows. This requires the Zoho Sign integration to be installed from the Google Workspace Marketplace and the desired documents to be opened with or imported into Zoho Sign from Google Drive. Once edited, users can sync the updated files with the associated sign workflow to send them out for signatures.



Revamped blockchain timestamping via Bitcoin network using OpenTimestamps
In this new iteration, users subscribed to the Enterprise plan can enable blockchain timestamping to capture document signing events in the public Bitcoin blockchain. This creates an immutable public record for verification of document integrity. Zoho Sign offers this through an integration with a third-party service called OpenTimestamps. Previously, blockchain-based timestamping was done on the Ethereum network but it has since been discontinued and replaced with this iteration. Learn more



Updated mobile apps for Apple devices
Zoho Sign for iOS 15 and iPadOS 15
Users can add Zoho Sign to their SmartStack widget, set up larger widgets and focus notifications to track time-sensitive paperwork, print documents from anywhere, drag and drop text from other apps to create text fields, and do a lot more with enhanced pointer actions and keyboard shortcuts on the Zoho Sign app for devices running iOS 15 and and iPadOS 15.

Zoho Sign for macOS Monterey
Monterey brings all the features of the Zoho Sign apps on iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 to macOS along with other popular features such as Siri Shortcuts for a reimagined experience of digitally signing documents.
Software development kits (SDKs) for mobile and web development - open BETA
Developers can now reach out to Zoho Sign to obtain licenses for our software development kits. These SDKs facilitate quick and easy integration with Zoho Sign's services that can be served via custom mobile and web applications. SDKs are available for iOS, Android, and PHP. Please write to support@zohosign.com for license requests.

Revamped certificate of completion
The certificate of completion now summarizes document signing activity in a fresh new design that neatly presents all the details such as document and recipient information, signing order, mode of signing, timestamps and the associated blockchain transaction, if enabled.



Sign templates in Zoho Writer
Users can now set up templates for sending documents out for signature within Zoho Writer using the Automation Template option. This allows users to compose and create a sign template from scratch, or upload a document to Zoho Writer and then convert it into a sign template, and collaborate with peers on field properties and placement. Zoho Writer's new AI is also capable of automatically scanning, detecting, and adding signer fields to the PDF documents that users upload.



Developer API collections on Postman and SwaggerHub
It is now easier to build and deploy integrations for Zoho Sign using our API collections on Postman and SwaggerHub. These platforms provide developers with the documentation and the tools required to quickly compose and test API queries in real-time.




We urge you to check out these features and get back to us with all your feedback. You can read about our updates from earlier this year here. Do follow this space for more release announcements soon because we have got quite a lot to unpack (as you can see below)!

What's coming in 2022?

  • More integrated services via regional providers
    • Aadhaar-based signer authentication for India
    • QES via more vendors for the EU
    • Signer authentication via Singpass for Singapore
    • eID-based signer authentication for the EU
  • Signing improvements in Zoho Sign
    • Signing via USB Token DSC for macOS and web browsers
    • Bulk sign of documents with identical signer fields and requirements
    • Embedded signing via API and SignForms (in closed BETA)
    • Knowledge-based authentication (KBA)
  • Administrative improvements in Zoho Sign
    • Support for more languages
    • Sending documents for signature via SMS
    • Enhancements to document forwarding
    • Multi-portal/organization support
    • Custom domain and whitelabeling (in closed BETA)
    • Revamped roles, user groups, and permissions
  • New integrations and enhanced solutions
    • Integration with Zoho Checkout
    • Integration with Salesforce
    • Integration with SAP
    • Integration with HubSpot CRM (in early access)
    • Integration with Pipedrive CRM
    • Integration with Microsoft Power Automate
    • Bot support in Microsoft Teams for Zoho Sign
    • Vertical solutions across various domains via SDKs
Many of these features are in an advanced development stage and will be available for public use soon. For any support, assistance, and access to features that are in closed BETA, please write to us support@zohosign.com.

Feel free to comment below if you have any other queries or need any other details on the updates presented above.

Happy Zoho Signing! Happy Holidays!

Cheers.
Sai

    • Sticky Posts

    • Free webinar! Build smarter apps with Zoho Sign and Zoho Creator

      Hello, Bring the power of digital signatures to the apps you build in Zoho Creator! Connect Zoho Sign as a microservice and enable seamless e-signature workflows in your applications. This integration allows you to automate signing tasks using Deluge.

      • Recent Topics

      • Meeting impossible to use when sharing screen

        he Meeting tool in Brazil is practically unusable when sharing anything, whether it’s a presentation or simple navigation. When accessed via Cliq, the situation gets even worse: even basic calls fail to work properly, constantly freezing. And as you are

      • Let's Talk Recruit: Meet Zia, your all-in-one AI assistant (Part-2)

        Welcome back to Let’s Talk Recruit series. In Part 1, we introduced Zia and how AI is reshaping the way recruiters work. This time, we’re taking a closer look at how far Zia has come and how each update continues to simplify your everyday tasks. When

      • WARNING : Smart list automatically unsubscribes your contacts.

        I created a smart list of my team members based on the criterion that their email domain was @_____. The list refreshed as expected — but it ended up unsubscribing almost all members of my team. I contacted support, but it took two months to get a reply,

      • Export Purchase orders as Excel

        Is it possible to export purchase orders as excel rather than PDF? Our suppliers don't want orders made in PDF, they need it to be excel

      • 5名限定 課題解決型ワークショップイベント Zoho ワークアウト開催のお知らせ (10/31)

        ユーザーの皆さま、こんにちは。Zoho ユーザーコミュニティチームの中野です。 10月開催のZoho ワークアウトについてお知らせします。 今回はZoomにて、オンライン開催します。 参加登録はこちら（無料）：https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BGYTysOnSqa9LA9eY2IKww ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Zoho ワークアウトとは？ Zoho ユーザー同士で交流しながら、サービスに関する疑問や不明点の解消を目的とした

      • Subforms in Stateless Forms

        Stateless Forms are very useful, but we can't build complex data entry pages without Subforms. Can this be implemented? This would make Stateless Forms truly powerful.

      • Custom Function not getting package details when triggered from Workflow Rules.

        I have a custom function for Packages that submits a form in our Creator app that we use to generate custom shipping labels (internal staff complete deliveries so we cannot generate shipping labels straight from Inventory). When the function is executed

      • Billing Preferences per Account

        Hello, We are trying to setup Billing Preferences in Zoho Desk to set up a different pricing per account. We charge different pricing per hour per customer/account. Account A = 100 per hour Account B = 125 per hour In the Billing Preferences in Time Entry

      • Time entry preview for custom time entry templates.

        Our company needed time entries in a specific format to document our client interactions. Since we are using a custom time entry layout, we have lost the "preview" on the time entry tab. Using the default time entry layout, you get a small preview of

      • Set to Review for all

        We are testing the use of Writer as part of an internal review process for statement of work documents and have found that when the document is changed from Compose to Review by one person, that is not reflected for all others who view the document. Is

      • Implementing a Self-Invoicing/Vendor Portal in Zoho Creator

        Hello Zoho Community / Creator Experts, We would like to build a Self-Invoicing Portal (Vendor Portal) in Zoho Creator for our external contractors. Our goal is to allow approved contractors to log in, submit their invoice details (hours worked, project

      • Blocked Email

        We are a Zoho One subscriber and use Yahoo as our MX provider. A few times each year, for the past four years, CRM blocks one or more of my Zoho One users from receiving internal email from CRM. This includes "@mentions" in all modules, and emails from

      • Able to change project on timelog entries

        Ability to move the timesheet entry from one project to another. When a user adds a wrong entry a manager can change/update the timesheet entry to the correct project.

      • What formula to use in computing total hrs and decimal hrss

        So , my data includes log im column , 2 breaks with 2 columns that says back and lunch and 1 column that says back and logged out. What formula should i use to be able to automatically have my total hours as I input time in each column? Thankyou

      • i cannot use <b></b> to bold the message in Creator C6!!!!???What?

        Dear experts and friends, Now Creator 6 blocking us from using <b></b> Anyone facing this issue? I faced it on Creator C6 Previously, it used to work. Now failed to work. Faint~ Seek guidance from everyone on how to bold the message. The super simple

      • Knowledge base: The nitty-gritty of SEO tags

        A well-optimized knowledge base with great SEO can benefit your company by allowing customers to find help articles and support resources using search engines. This enables customers to quickly and efficiently find the information they need without direct

      • Introducing swipe actions in the Zoho CRM Android app

        Hello everyone, How much time do you spend each day on your list view? Probably quite a lot. Since it's such an important part of your work, wouldn't it be easier if you could take action directly from your list view instead of opening each record one

      • Content Security Policy

        Is there a place in ZOHO CRM to add a Content Security Policy to allow for a call to a google.com map, from inside our current app? Or, how do I resolve the issue below?? jquery.js:1 Refused to load the script 'https://maps.google.com/maps/api/js?v=3.41&libraries=places&sensor=true&key=AIzaSyAyQzKeKSbLci4LwZhn9oXvtCkbUo1Ae4g&callback=map_loader'

      • Option to select location?

        As a business coach, I meet with clients at various public locations. I have two or three pre-determined locations that I meet at. I would like the client to choose the location when booking an appointment. Is there a way to do that with a single service, or is the best way to accomplish this by creating one service for each location offered?

      • Unified WhatsApp Number Management in Zoho Desk and SalesIQ

        Dear Zoho Desk Support Team, We are currently utilizing both Zoho Desk and Zoho SalesIQ for our customer support operations. While both platforms offer WhatsApp integration, we are facing challenges due to the requirement of separate WhatsApp numbers

      • Provide a standard structure to your content using article templates

        Hello everyone, When multiple writers work on different documents, maintaining a standard structure can be challenging as each of the writer follows a different writing style. However, when the structure, tone, and format of every document is different,

      • How to update custom multi-user field in Zoho Projects?

        I'm trying to update custom multi-user fields in Zoho Projects via a Deluge function in CRM. The code I have so far is below. It works for updating standard project fields and single-line custom fields, but it does not work to update multi-user fields.

      • Accessibility Spotlight Series - 1

        Every user interacts with products differently, what feels intuitive to one may be challenging for another. Addressing this, accessibility is built into Zoho Project's design philosophy. This helps users navigate and perform actions with ease irrespective

      • Projects Tasks Not Showing Dependencies

        I'm clicking on tasks and the popup to add dependencies isn't showing. I can't disconnect the nodes either. For some reason when I slide a task backwards it says it cannot go before a predecessor, even though there is not predecessor. Double clicking

      • Deprecation of C4 endpoint URLs

        Note: This post is only for users who are still using the C4 endpoints. Hello everyone, At Zoho Creator, we're committed to continuously enhancing the security, performance, and capabilities of our platform. As part of this ongoing effort, we'll be deprecating

      • Introducing AWS authentication for connections in Deluge

        Hello everyone, We're incredibly excited to announce the all-new AWS authentication for connections in Deluge! This highly anticipated feature simplifies connecting to Amazon Web Services, opening up a world of possibilities and allowing you to seamlessly

      • Timeline Tracking Support for records updates via module import and bulk write api

        Note: This update is currently available in Early Access and will soon be rolled out across all data centers (DCs) and for all editions of Zoho CRM. The update will be available to all users within your organization, regardless of their profiles or roles.

      • Customize User Invites with Invitation Templates

        Invitation Templates help streamline the invitation process by allowing users to create customized email formats instead of sending a one-size-fits-all email. Different invitation templates can be created for portal users and client users to align with

      • ListObjects is recognized by VBA

        Sub addNewRow() Dim ws As Worksheet ' Set your worksheet name Set ws = ThisWorkbook.Sheets("Invoice") ' Set your table name (change "Table1" to your actual table name) ws.ListObjects("InvItems").ListRows.Add End Sub I am getting Unknown function: Li

      • KPI Widget dashboard select periods

        I have a problem with selecting periods as a user filter. In the beste scenario I would like to have to have a period filter like Google Analytics has of Datastudio (see attachment). In the KPI widget I "Group by "inquiry_date" on week&Year". It selects

      • Need a way to secure Prefill URLs in Zoho Forms (hide or encrypt prefilled values)

        Hi everyone, I often use Zoho Forms with prefilled URLs to simplify the user experience — for example: https://forms.zohopublic.com/.../form?Name=David&Amount=300 However, the problem is that all prefilled values are visible and editable in the link.

      • Can’t send emails from Zoho CRM after adding a new user — verification codes not received

        Hi everyone, We recently added a new user to our Zoho CRM account and purchased an additional license. Since then, we haven’t been able to send any emails from Zoho CRM. Our Zoho Mail accounts are working perfectly, we can send and receive emails directly

      • CRM for email in Outlook: how to ignore addresses?

        We’re using the "Zoho CRM for email" add-in for Outlook. When opening an email, the add-in displays all email addresses from the message and allows me to add them to the CRM or shows if they’re already contacts. However, sometimes people listed in To

      • Scheduling Calls in CommandCenter / Blueprints

        I would love it if you could add a function to schedule a call in the lead's record for a future date. I know you can add a Task by going to Instant Actions > Task and completing the form: These tasks go into the lead's record under Open Actions. But

      • Quickly send emails and sync conversations with custom email addresses in CRM

        Editions: All editions DCs: All DCs Release plan: This enhancement has been released for customers in all DCs except IN and US. We will be enabling it for IN and US DC customers soon. [Update on 22 May 2024] This enhancement has been released for all

      • Zoho製品と生成AIツールの活用について

        いつもありがとうございます。 弊社では、Zoho Oneを契約し、CRMを軸として、見込み客の管理から商談、その後の受注や請求の管理、サポート業務（Desk）、業務データのレポーティング（Analytics）などを行っております。 Zohoサービス自体には、Ziaというツールが搭載されているかと存じますが、それ以外の外部の生成AIツールと連携した活用などもできるのでしょうか？具体的には、CopilotなどがZohoに登録されているデータや情報を見て、対話型で必要なデータを提示してくれたり、商談や蓄積されたメモなどを分析してユーザが知見を得られるような活用ができないか、と考えております。

      • Work with Contacts who use multiple Emails / Manage obsolete Email addresses without loosing Emails in Context

        Hello List Work with Contacts who use multiple Emails Only after 1 week in using Zoho CRM productively we have contacts which randomly use 2 different email addresses. From the concept I've understood that Zoho CRM offers two email fields which are recognized

      • New Field in CRM Product Module Not Visible in Zoho Creator for Mapping

        I created a new single-line field in the Products module in Zoho CRM. Zoho CRM and Zoho Creator are integrated, but the newly created field in CRM is not visible in Zoho Creator when I try to map fields.

      • Send WhatsApp voice messages from Bigin

        Greetings, I hope all of you are doing well. We're happy to announce this enhancement we've made to Bigin. Bigin's WhatsApp integration now supports audio messages, so you can record and send voice messages. This makes it easier to handle customer questions

      • Microsoft Teams now available as an online meeting provider

        Hello everyone, We're pleased to announce that Zoho CRM now supports Microsoft Teams as an online meeting provider—alongside the other providers already available. Admins can enable Microsoft Teams directly from the Preferences tab under the Meetings

      • Next Page