An e-signature integration should keep document versions, recipients and status consistent between systems. A successful API call is not proof that a contract was correctly signed or archived. Define the source of truth and test the event lifecycle before connecting live files.
Connect stable records, not unapproved drafts
Choose stable transaction, document and signing-request identifiers. Specify which system owns party details, approved versions and final files. Define exactly which user action authorizes sending; do not let an unapproved draft update trigger a request.
Verify the event before changing transaction state
Use the provider’s documented authentication and webhook-verification method. Store credentials in approved secret management, not document fields. Validate event type, request identifier and current state before updating a transaction. Keep sensitive contents out of routine logs.
Retries, duplicates and cancelled requests
Test duplicate events, delayed completion messages, revoked requests and unavailable systems. Make repeated handling safe so it does not create duplicate tasks or sends. Route unreconciled events to an owned exception queue and provide a manual recovery path.
In a hypothetical integration, the provider retries the same completion event three times. The receiver uses the event and request identifiers to update one record and retrieve one final package. A delayed event from a cancelled request is flagged for review rather than replacing the status of the newer request.
Reconcile the final package; keep funds decisions separate
After a completion event, retrieve and verify the correct executed package and available evidence. Confirm all required signers and document identifiers. Keep signing, funding and recording as separate states; never treat a webhook as authorization to release funds or alter material terms.
Provider APIs, plan access and verification methods differ. This is an integration design checklist, not implementation instructions for a particular product. Connections can fail after successful testing; monitoring and record reconciliation remain necessary.
- Source systems and stable identifiers documented.
- Sending requires appropriate authorization.
- Webhook verification and credential controls configured.
- Duplicate, delayed and cancelled events tested.
- Executed package retrieval and failure ownership proven.