Electronic signatures are being used more and more
In recent years, electronic signatures (hereinafter called "e-signatures") are being used more and more in various aspects of life cycle of a company, such as in the certification for articles of incorporation, bidding, contracts and agreements, patent applications and tax payments.
Fig. The various aspects of using e-signatures
in a life cycle of a company
The number of electronic certificates related to accredited certification business issued under the e-Signature Act amounts to more than 400,000 in 2007.
Also, many electronic certificates are issued for various purposes apart from accredited certification business.
* Click the figure above to open the file
Note 1: The number of issued electronic certificates related to accredited certification business that have been revoked is included.
Note 2: The figures shown are approximate numbers.
(Difference between the number of certificates issued and the number of valid certificates is the number of certificates "of which valid term has expired" or "of which became invalidated due to the applications, etc.")
What are electronic signatures?
By using procedures and transactions via the Internet, the acceleration of work and paperless work can be expected. On the other hand, the use of e-signatures could lead to spoofing, falsification of data, and other problems. E-signatures are measures for addressing such threats.
Electronic documents with e-signatures can now be regarded equivalent to sealed or signed documents by the Act on Electronic Signatures and Certification Business (generally known as the e-Signature Act).
Advantages of e-signatures
By using procedures and transactions via the Internet, the acceleration of work and paperless work can be expected.
On the other hand, the use of e-signatures could lead to spoofing, falsification of data, and other problems. E-signatures are measures for addressing such threats.
E-signatures and Personal Seals
Electronic documents with e-signatures can now be regarded equivalent to sealed or signed documents by the Act on Electronic Signatures and Certification Business (generally known as the e-Signature Act).
For electronic documents made by just imaging a sealed paper document, the seal image itself has no effect in preventing spoofing or falsification, and it is very difficult to objectively judge whether the electronic document is authentic or not.
It can be used for administrative procedures
Most of the central government's administrative procedures designed for online usage (about 14,000) can be conducted online. In addition, all prefectural governments and about half of the local governments also provide online procedures. (as of 2008)
There are 3 advantages of using online administrative procedures.
Reduction of expenses
Reducing expenses for stamps as well as costs for transportation, printing and mailing can be expected by using online administrative procedures.
Reduction of typos
The damage caused by the submission of documents that include errors is irreparable.
Through online administrative procedures, the data of the insured possessed by Social Insurance Offices or companies can be transferred from them, and used for social insurance/ unemployment insurance procedures (9 procedures in total). Furthermore, if your accounting software that you are familiar with is compatible with e-Tax, you can conduct daily accounting and file reports electronically; from data creation to submission in series.
Raise business efficiency
By using online administrative procedures, you can expect annoyances such as "fixed time for application" and "waiting time" to be eradicated. In addition, you can reuse the data you created before.
The following will be eradicated
I was going to go to the application window. But I was too busy, and when I realized that I needed to go there, the window was already closed!
I need to call the application office when I want to check the status of the application, or when I have something to ask them. However, the line is always busy. When I realized that I needed to call them, the application window was already closed!
During the application period, whenever I arrive in the designated period at the designated time, I have to stand in a long line for hours!
I arrived at the office a little earlier than the designated time and waited for my turn. However, the previous bidding dragged on, so that I had to wait!
