Electronic Signature
An electronic signature is a controlled digital indication that an identified person approved, reviewed, verified, or completed a record.
What this term means in maintenance
An electronic signature is a controlled digital indication that an identified person approved, reviewed, verified, or completed a record.
Maintenance uses
Electronic signatures may support:
- Work completion
- Supervisor closure
- Calibration approval
- Inspection acceptance
- Permit authorization
- Line release
- Change approval
- Audit records
Practical example
A supervisor signs a completed safety-device test after reviewing the recorded results and evidence.
Signature controls
The system should preserve identity, date, time, meaning, record version, and audit history.
Authentication
The signature should be associated with an authenticated authorized user.
Common mistake
Storing a typed name without authentication or audit evidence may not provide meaningful approval control.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Audit Trail
An audit trail is a chronological record showing what information or status changed, when it changed, and which authorized user performed the action.
Document Control
Document control is the process used to approve, issue, revise, distribute, review, and withdraw procedures, instructions, drawings, and other controlled information.
Work Order Closure
Work order closure is the final review and confirmation that maintenance work, documentation, evidence, costs, and required follow-up have been completed.
Electronic Signature FAQs
- What is an electronic signature?
A digital indication that an authenticated person approved, reviewed, verified, or completed a record.
- What should be preserved?
Identity, date, time, meaning, record version, authentication, and audit history.
- Is a typed name enough?
Not when it lacks authentication, authorization, and traceable record linkage.