| Level | Guarantees | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Simple (SES) | Basic consent (checked box, light SMS code) | Internal use, low-stakes documents |
| Advanced (AdES) | Signer identity linked, detects any changes, audit trail | Quotes, commercial contracts, purchase orders, employment contracts, leases |
| Qualified (QES) | Identity verified in person (or equivalent), qualified certificate, ANSSI-audited provider | Dematerialised notarial deeds, certain public contracts, legal acts |
The practical SME rule: Advanced covers the vast majority of needs—it’s the default level offered by serious platforms (identity verification via email + SMS OTP, on-the-fly certificate, timestamped evidence file). Qualified, which is heavier (enhanced identity verification) and more expensive, is only required for specific acts.
What actually gives probative value: the evidence file generated with each signature—who signed (identity, email, phone), how identity was verified, when (qualified timestamp), and the cryptographic guarantee that the document hasn’t changed by a single byte. In court, this file makes the difference—not the signature image on the last page.
What about scanned signatures? Pasting a handwritten signature image into a PDF provides none of the above guarantees: no verified identity, no integrity, no timestamp. In case of dispute, its value is almost zero. Yet it’s still the majority practice in VSEs—and the first habit to correct.
Beyond the legal aspect, electronic signature is first and foremost a commercial accelerator: a quote signable in two clicks from a phone gets signed the same day; a quote that needs printing, signing and scanning waits for the weekend, second opinions, or competitors. Platforms report signing delays divided by 3 to 5—and every day of delay is one less opportunity for the customer to reconsider.
Best integration practices:
For feature details (eIDAS simple electronic signature, multi-signatories, integration with the quote-invoice cycle), see the Orizen electronic signature product page; and for choosing a market platform, our dedicated comparison on the blog.
Discover the Orizen answer: Orizen electronic signature: integrated eIDAS simple signature, modular and built for French SMEs.
Essai gratuit 14 jours What the Orizen electronic signature: integrated eIDAS simple signature module costsYes — permanent contracts, fixed-term contracts, amendments and mutual terminations can all be signed electronically (advanced level recommended), and the practice is now widespread in HR. A few acts remain exceptions: those requiring notarial formalities (e.g. property sales) must use the notary’s qualified signature; and some documents “handed over in person against discharge” require careful attention to the process. For all standard HR documents in an SME, advanced signature with an evidence file is robust and proven in employment tribunals.
This is where the chosen level matters. With advanced signature, the evidence file establishes: the signatory’s email and phone number (with the OTP code entered), IP address, qualified timestamp, and the document’s cryptographic integrity. The burden of proof shifts heavily to the signatory — courts regularly uphold these files. With simple signature (checkbox without identity verification), the evidence is weaker; with qualified signature, reliability is presumed by law and the challenger must prove otherwise.
On a dedicated platform: €10–40/user/month depending on the level and volume, or envelope-based packs (€1–3 per signature). When integrated into management software (e.g. quotes signed directly from the tool), it’s often included or charged per document — more cost-effective if you sign quotes weekly, and functionally superior (status tracking, reminders, archiving linked to the deal). The maths is simple: one quote signed earlier thanks to a smooth process can cover a year’s subscription.