• Choose a consistent and practical file-naming convention. In the digital signature
software client, you will be responsible for keeping both template forms and each
completed form organized. There will be a higher volume of digital records to maintain
since this process will transfer most paper forms to strictly electronic. To manage the
extra volume, save completed forms in a manner that makes them easily recognizable
and searchable. For more information, see the Best Practices for File-Naming at
http://www.ncdcr.gov/archives/ForGovernment/DigitalRecords/DigitalRecordsPoliciesand
Guidelines.aspx#filenaming. Or view instructional videos on file-naming convention at
http://digitalpreservation.ncdcr.gov/tutorials.html.
• Maintain the associated metadata. Each electronic form uploaded or created in the
digital signature software will have metadata that describes, explains, or locates the
form. Metadata can be generated by the system, software, or the user. Examples of
metadata include date, time stamp, file title, custom tags, and authors. The system will
automatically generate some information such as the time stamp. The creator will be
able to add descriptive information including, but not limited to, recipient instructions,
transaction numbers, and additional identity check functions. Additionally, the system
should create a summary report that includes a certificate of completion, record tracking,
IP addresses, time stamps, and other important data that validates the document. This
summary report is saved with the document in the digital signature client but can also be
downloaded in a zip file with the document to be saved on the state server. To maintain
the authenticity of the document it is imperative to save certain metadata fields including
date, title or file name, name of the signers, and the time stamp. By saving the summary
report with the document, all of this important metadata will be kept. For more
information on retaining metadata as a public record, see the following best practices
guide:
http://www.ncdcr.gov/archives/ForGovernment/DigitalRecords/DigitalRecordsPoliciesand
Guidelines.aspx#metadata
• Follow all record retention schedules. Electronic documents created in the
transaction of public business are public records, and are subject to the Public Records
Law and need to be retained according to a records retention and disposition schedule.
As software and file formats change, it will be impossible to retain the digital signature
intact. For records retention purposes, the signature does not need to be maintained;
only the metadata documenting that the signature was verified when the transaction
occurred. Examples of proving verification include the certificate of completion or
summary report that is saved with the e-form. Records with long-term value should be
removed from the digital signature client after completion and saved on a state server.
When downloading these records, be sure to download the document as well as any
envelope information containing the transaction metadata documenting the signature
and authenticity. For records with short-term value, the digital client may allow the user
to set automatic retention and disposition rules. Before using these automatic features,
check with the client account manager to ensure the features will legally fulfill the
agency’s responsibilities of disposing of records on schedule. For more information on
maintaining electronic records, see the online tutorial Managing Electronic Public
Records: Recognizing Perils and Avoiding Pitfalls located at
http://www.records.ncdcr.gov/tutorial_erecs_20081027/index.html. To find your records
retention schedule, please visit (url to be filled in when new website is launched)
Digital Signature Policy Guidelines, version 1.1
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