CoSign Digital Signature Solution Enables On-Line Building Consent Submission Process at NSCC

Auckland, New Zealand, 13 Nov, 2007

ARX (Algorithmic Research), a leading global provider of digital signatures (standard electronic signatures) and information assurance solutions, and TME Consulting Ltd., the ARX partner in New Zealand and Australia, have installed the CoSign digital signature appliance to enhance business processes at the North Shore City Council (NSCC).

CoSign provides NSCC users with an integrated digital signature solution that replaces the need for handwritten signatures on printed documents; while guaranteeing signer authenticity, data integrity and the non-repudiation of electronic documents. CoSign offers support for major applications and file formats (Word, Excel®, Outlook®, TIFF, AutoCAD®, and many more). The digital signature solution improves staff efficiency and customer service, streamlines processes, enhances document security, and limits Council liability.

Using digital signatures enables NSCC’s building consent department to expedite its approval process. Architects draft plans on their desktop and submit them online to Council engineers for review and comment. The final version is digitally signed with CoSign, and emailed to the architect, developer, or ratepayer.

Prior to the installation, NSCC’s building consent process could take weeks to complete, with numerous paper–documents being passed by hand between Council departments. Hard copies of the documents were later archived in rooms set aside for storage or in the EDMS. "CoSign’s digital signature technology will shorten approval process times by allowing Council staff to send authorised documents electronically, resulting in a paperless environment that will improve our workflow, and boost customer service levels," says Tehmus Mistry, Business & Technology Solutions Manager at NSCC.   

According to Mistry, CoSign allows NSCC to automate correspondences with its suppliers, secure in the knowledge that document data integrity is guaranteed.

"NSCC has leveraged CoSign’s digital signature technology to enhance its business processes as well as dramatically cutting its paper-based expenditures," says Mike Eyal, Director, TME Digital Signature, a provider of electronic signature and authentication solutions.

North Shore City is New Zealand’s fourth largest city with an area of approximately 12,979 hectares. The City was established in 1989 from amalgamation of a number of smaller local authorities has a population of approximately 215,300 residents (estimated as at June 30, 2006) which is expected to grow to approximately 255,000 by 2021.

North Shore City known for its magnificent beaches and lifestyle, and has an access to three universities. It’s annual budget in excess of $250 million and total assets of $2.2 billion.

For more information www.northshorecity.govt.nz/

TME provides professional and comprehensive Digital Signature Solutions and delivers a full range of capabilities that combine advanced technology with local support in New Zealand and Australia. TME bases its activities on the extensive knowledge and experience of its team of experts, providing local and national support for comprehensive solutions for Digital Signatures and Authentication.

For more information www.digitalsignature.co.nz