Delegating signing capability in workflow systems

Using digital signature to sign an electronic document or a digital form is a straightforward procedure today, but some issues of multiple signatures functionality integrated into a workflow system, such as delegating signing capability, still should be solved. This paper deals with both the issue of multisignature and proxy operation, and document verification through workflow processes and electronic archiving. To provide authenticity and the integrity of electronic documents throughout the document life cycle, fully computerized workflow processes should use digital signature technology. When an electronic document is to be signed and approved by multiple users through a sequential workflow, the workflow process stops when any of the signers is absent. In the digital world, if a person wants to delegate their signing power to another person, many technical challenges arise. This paper proposes a mechanism for delegating digital signing capability during a workflow process taking into account the need for verification of digital signature and document integrity after a document is archived.