Background
Before implementing Velosimo’s Accela to Docusign integration, the City of Fremont identified some inefficiencies in permitting and document approval processes. Although the city had modernized many operations, including the complete transition to paperless processing, collecting legally verifiable signatures remained a manual, time- consuming challenge that created delays and administrative burdens.
Challenges
- Manual Signature Collection: The city relied on wet signatures, requiring in-person visits and digitizing the paperwork for electronic archiving.
- Lack of Integration Between Accela and Docusign: Staff couldn’t seamlessly request and capture signatures at different permit process stages.
- Compliance with State and Federal Regulations: The city needed a secure and legally verifiable digital signature solution that met government standards.
- Time-Consuming Processes for Staff and Applicants: Without automation, the signature workflow required extra manual steps, delaying permit approvals.
These obstacles slowed government operations, frustrated applicants, and increased administrative workload. The City of Fremont needed a seamless, automated solution to streamline digital document processing and enhance efficiency.
"The flexibility of the Accela to Docusign integration is critical because it ensures that the City is collecting legally compliant digital signatures, improving efficiency and responsiveness in our services."
Solution
The City of Fremont partnered with Velosimo and ETech Consulting to implement the Accela to Docusign integration, transforming its digital services. The project kicked off in October, was completed by December, and went live on January 6th, demonstrating exceptional execution speed and efficiency.
Results
The Accela to Docusign integration enabled Fremont to:
Automate Digital Signatures in Accela: Staff can now request legally binding signatures at any stage of the permitting process.
Streamline Signature Collection Workflows: Signatures are now triggered by document status changes, eliminating extra manual steps.
Ensure Compliance and Security: Digital signatures now meet state and federal legal requirements, ensuring secure and verifiable approvals.
Improve Staff Productivity: City staff spend less time on manual paper handling and more time on high-priority tasks.
Enhance Record-Keeping and Public Service: Signed documents are securely stored and easily accessible, improving the city's public service efficiency and record-keeping.
Fremont's Transformation with Accela to Docusign Key Outcomes:
Faster Permit Processing: Eliminating paperwork delays speeds up approvals, enhancing applicant satisfaction
Improved Digital Workflow: The City now benefits from a seamless eSignature solution that is fully integrated with Accela
Future-Ready Expansion: Fremont plans to extend digital signatures to additional processes, including multi-document signature envelopes