CoSign® Digital Signature Solution Enables On-Line Building Consent Submission Process at North Shore City Council
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.

About North Shore City Council (NSCC)
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/

About TME Digital Signature
TME provides professional and comprehensive Digital Signature Solutions, deliveries a full range of capabilities that combines 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

About CoSign Digital Signatures
CoSign makes it easy to digitally sign transactions, documents, and records by embedding the standard signature technology directly into mainstream business applications. CoSign produces a signature record for every signature it captures. This Portable Signature Format (CoSign PSF™) allows anyone to seamlessly verify and retain proof of identity, intent, and document integrity without costly, complicated, or proprietary software. CoSign keeps your business running smoothly by fully automating and quickly scaling processes at a low cost and with proper controls. Learn more at www.arx.com/products/cosign_moreinfo.php.

About ARX - The Digital Signature Company
ARX (Algorithmic Research) is a global provider of cost-efficient digital signature solutions for industries such as life sciences, healthcare, government, and engineering. ARX engineers and scientists have more than 20 years of experience in security and standard digital signature application. ARX helps businesses secure, streamline, and scale their business processes and transactions with the proper controls required by legislation, regulation, and industry best practice. Visit us at www.arx.com.

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CoSign is a registered trademark and CoSign PSF is a trademark of Algorithmic Research, Ltd. All other trade names and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Press Contact:
Edna Kaplan
KOGS Communication
781-639-1910/phone
kaplan@kogspr.com
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CoSign...
will improve
our workflow,
and boost
customer service
levels.
Tehmus Mistry,
NSCC
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