E-Signature Transformation: Macomb County Streamlines Accela Workflow with DocuSign and Velosimo

Background

Macomb County, Michigan, has used Accela since 2004 to manage soil erosion control permits and other government workflows. Over the years, the county recognized the need to enhance its digital processes to increase efficiency and reduce manual workload.

Jessica Hicks, a Senior Inspector with Soil Erosion, and Thida McBratnie, a Business Systems Analyst, played a pivotal role in identifying opportunities to streamline Macomb County’s document signing and approval processes. The arrival of COVID-19 accelerated the urgency for a fully digital workflow as remote work made traditional paper-based approvals impractical.

Macomb County integrated DocuSign with Accela to modernize its system, using Velosimo’s no-code, bi-directional connector, ensuring a seamless, automated document signing process.

Challenges

• Inefficient Manual Process – Permit approvals require multiple manual steps, including printing, scanning, emailing, and waiting for signatures.
• Extended Processing Time – Document approvals could take days or weeks, delaying project timelines.
• Limited Remote Capabilities – Staff and applicants working remotely lacked access to printers and scanners, causing further delays.
• Compliance and Verification Concerns – The county needed a verified, legally compliant digital signature solution to meet internal and regulatory requirements.

Solution

Macomb County implemented DocuSign as its digital signature solution to modernize its permitting process and integrated it with Accela using Velosimo’s no-code, bi-directional connector. This integration enabled a fully automated, end-to-end signing process, significantly reducing manual tasks and improving overall efficiency.

With the new workflow, permit issuance is now seamlessly automated. When a permit is issued in Accela, a DocuSign request is triggered automatically through Velosimo’s connector, eliminating manual intervention. Applicants receive an automated email notification, allowing them to review and sign the document electronically and streamlining the signature collection process. Once signed, the document is instantly uploaded back into Accela, and staff members are notified of its completion in real-time. This eliminates delays and ensures that all signed records are securely stored within the system. Additionally, county staff and applicants benefit from real-time status tracking, providing complete visibility into the document's progress without requiring manual follow-ups.

Results

• Processing time is reduced from days or weeks to minutes, dramatically improving efficiency.
• Staff no longer manually track signatures or upload documents, freeing time for other critical tasks.
• Enhanced transparency with real-time updates, eliminating uncertainty for staff and applicants.
• Improved compliance with verified, legally binding electronic signatures.
• Greater citizen satisfaction due to faster approvals and a more accessible digital process.

Conclusion

Macomb County’s integration of DocuSign and Velosimo’s no-code connector has transformed its Accela workflow, providing a modern, efficient, and fully digital document signing experience.

By eliminating manual inefficiencies and enhancing transparency, the county has streamlined its processes, improved compliance, and delivered a more user-friendly government service experience.