Custom SignRequest integration
Appfront builds custom SignRequest integrations that let you have documents signed digitally straight from your own app, CRM or HR and contract system. Using the SignRequest REST API and webhooks, we send documents for signing programmatically, fill templates with dynamic fields and feed the signing status back in real time. Signed documents and the audit trail are archived automatically, with no manual copy-and-paste.
What is a SignRequest integration?
SignRequest is an e-signature platform of Dutch origin, founded in Amsterdam and part of Box since 2021. It is built around simplicity and affordability: have documents signed digitally using templates, a fixed signing order and a watertight audit trail, eIDAS-compliant for standard electronic signatures. While many teams do this manually through the web interface, it can also be fully automated from your own systems.
In practice, a custom integration means sending documents for signing programmatically from your app or CRM, automatically filling templates with dynamic fields using data from your system, inviting signers in the right order and feeding the signing status back to your pipeline or contract file in real time via webhooks. Once signed, the document and its audit trail are automatically archived in the right place.
Appfront builds according to the official SignRequest API documentation and the OWASP ASVS security standard. We tailor templates, signing flows and error handling to your actual processes, so the integration grows with your organisation and signing requests keep running reliably at higher volumes.
Digital signing via API
Send documents for signing programmatically from your own app or CRM. Signers sign online, in any browser and on any device, with no printing, scanning or emailing. The status flows back into your system automatically.
Templates with dynamic fields
Reusable signing templates with dynamic fields that are filled automatically with data from your system: names, amounts, dates, clauses. A consistent contract, without anyone having to format it by hand.
Webhook status updates
SignRequest webhooks report in real time when a document has been viewed, signed or declined. Your CRM or contract file stays in sync automatically, with no one having to update the status by hand.
Our development process for SignRequest integrations
We follow a proven method that removes uncertainty early and delivers a stable integration. From an initial analysis of your signing processes, document types and the systems you want to connect through to go-live and ongoing maintenance, every step is aimed at an integration your team can understand and trust.
We map out which documents you want signed digitally, which data from your system needs to go into the templates, what signing order applies and how the signed documents should be archived.
We design the integration architecture, set up token auth and the webhook flow, and define an error-handling strategy.
Implementation with automated tests, structured logging and monitoring. You see working builds along the way.
A controlled go-live with data validation and a safety net, followed by ongoing maintenance and further development.
What a SignRequest integration delivers in practice
Every SignRequest integration is set up specifically for your type of documents, signing flows and adjacent systems. Below are the features we deliver most often for organisations that use SignRequest as part of their signing process.
Sending documents for signing via the API
Send documents for signing programmatically from your own application or CRM via the SignRequest REST API. Recipients sign online; your system no longer has to go through manual steps to collect a signature.
Templates with dynamic fields
Reusable templates in which dynamic fields are filled automatically with data from your system: party details, amounts, dates and clauses. Every contract is consistent and correct, with no manual formatting per document.
Signing order and multiple signers
Send documents to multiple signers in a fixed order, for example first the client, then an internal authorised signatory. Each party receives an invitation at the right moment, with automatic reminders.
Webhook status updates to your CRM
SignRequest webhooks feed the status (viewed, signed, declined) back to your CRM, contract system or pipeline in real time. No more manual checking; your records are always up to date and reliable.
Audit trail & archiving
After signing, the signed document and its audit trail, including timestamps, IP addresses and authentication method, are archived automatically in your document management system or contract file, ready to serve as legal evidence.
Bulk and recurring signing flows
Send the same document to many signers at once, for example a new version of your terms and conditions or a group contract. Recurring flows are automated through templates and the API in one streamlined process.
Typical use cases in practice
A SignRequest integration looks very different from one organisation to the next. We see a few patterns come up again and again, and for each of them we have a working setup, with attention to templates, the right signing order and automatic archiving of the signed document.
HR onboarding and contracts
HR departments that have employment contracts, non-disclosure agreements and onboarding documents signed digitally from their HR system. New employees sign everything remotely; the signed documents end up in the personnel file automatically. See also our API integrations.
Sales agreements
Sales teams that send quotes, order confirmations and agreements for signing directly from their CRM. The signing status updates the deal automatically via webhooks, so sales can see exactly when an agreement is done, with no chasing by phone.
Legal and contract management
Legal and contract teams that manage agreements, NDAs and data processing agreements with multiple signers and a fixed signing order. Every signature gets a watertight audit trail that serves as evidence and is stored automatically in the contract file.
Property & estate agency
Estate agents and property companies that have rental and purchase agreements, service assignments and valuation reports signed digitally. Tenant, landlord and intermediary sign in the right order, wherever they are, with immediate feedback in the file.
Technology we use
We build SignRequest integrations with the official REST API and webhooks, combined with the backend stack that suits you. The exact choice depends on your systems and signing scenarios, so that your own team can manage or further develop the implementation.
Why Appfront for your SignRequest integration?
Appfront has extensive experience building API integrations for a wide range of organisations in the Netherlands. We always start with a thorough analysis of your existing systems and processes, because an integration must not only be technically sound but also add practical value to the way you work.
For every integration we write clear documentation and make sure your own team — or a future supplier — can understand and manage it. No black box, but transparent code and clear agreements on monitoring, alerting and maintenance.
You work with a dedicated point of contact who understands both the technical and the functional side. That keeps communication lines short, prevents miscommunication and speeds up decisions when choices have to be made during the build.
Also take a look at our broader services around API integrations, middleware, custom software and web app development. Working with a different e-signature platform? Then see our pages on a DocuSign integration, Scrive integration or Oneflow integration.
- Experience with the SignRequest REST API, templates and webhooks
- Specialists in integrations with CRM, HR and contract systems
- Familiar with signing order, multiple signers and bulk flows
- Secure by default: token rotation, webhook signature validation, scoped permissions
- Structured error handling and retry mechanisms
- Extensive logging and monitoring from day one
- Clear documentation that your team can read and maintain
- A single point of contact, no passing you between account managers
- Ongoing maintenance and proactive further development
- An approach tailored to your existing IT landscape
Security and privacy in SignRequest integrations
Documents that are signed digitally almost always contain personal data or commercially sensitive information. Appfront builds to the OWASP ASVS standard and follows security best practices for e-signing. Among other things, that means API tokens in secure vaults, webhook signature validation, scoped permissions and regular audits of the signing flows. We set up encryption in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest correctly as standard, so documents stay protected both in transit and in storage.
SignRequest records an audit trail for every signature, with timestamps, IP addresses and the authentication method. This audit trail serves as legal evidence for each signature. We document the data flows, templates and archiving rules so that your record of processing activities is complete and you can demonstrably comply with the GDPR. We build in line with the OWASP ASVS.
More about our approach to security: information security policy and CVD policy.
- GDPR-compliant data processing and minimisation
- Encryption in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest
- Role-based access and least-privilege principles
- Audit trail for every signature as evidence
- Automatic retry and dead-letter queues
- Monitoring and alerting for anomalies
- Secrets management following best practices
- Documentation for your record of processing activities
Frequently asked questions about SignRequest integrations
Answers to the questions we get asked most often about SignRequest implementations.
A SignRequest integration is a technical integration between SignRequest and another system, such as your own app, CRM, HR platform or contract system. Through the SignRequest REST API, documents are sent for signing programmatically, templates are filled with dynamic fields and signers are invited in the right order. Webhooks feed the signing status back to your system in real time. An integration can be simple (automatically sending a document for signing) or extensive (templates, multiple signers, status updates and automatic archiving of the signed document with its audit trail).
SignRequest suits organisations that want to have documents signed digitally in a simple and affordable way, such as HR contracts, quotes, agreements and lease agreements. The platform is of Dutch origin, has been part of Box since 2021, and is eIDAS-compliant for the standard electronic signature. If you need robust qualified signatures (QES) with eID verification, we will work with you to find a solution such as Scrive or a dedicated QES provider.
A simple integration, sending a document for signing via the API and feeding the status back through a webhook, is usually ready sooner than a more extensive project with templates, dynamic fields, multiple signers, signing order and automatic archiving in your document management system. After an intake meeting in which we go through your signing processes, we give you a realistic estimate of the lead time.
We work with the official SignRequest REST API and webhooks, combined with the backend stack that suits you: Node.js, Python, PHP or .NET. Authentication uses token auth. For recurring signing flows we use the templates API with dynamic fields, and for teams and branding we use the teams and branding features. We link the signing status back to your CRM or contract system via webhooks.
The cost depends on the complexity of the data flows, the number of systems to integrate, the number of templates and signing scenarios, and the amount of custom business logic. Ongoing maintenance, monitoring and support also affect the total investment. We always provide a clear quote after a no-obligation analysis of your situation.
Yes. For every signature, SignRequest records an audit trail with timestamps, IP addresses and the authentication method, which serves as evidence for the signed agreement. Appfront builds to OWASP ASVS: API tokens in secure vaults, webhook signature validation, scoped permissions and strictly separated permissions per integration. We document the data flows so your record of processing activities stays complete and you can demonstrate GDPR compliance, and we set up encryption in transit and at rest correctly.
Yes. Appfront regularly takes over existing SignRequest integrations, even if they were originally set up by another party. We review the API integrations, templates, webhook configuration and error handling, document the current setup and draw up improvement proposals. From then on we handle changes, extensions and monitoring, including timely rotation of API tokens.
SignRequest is a good fit for organisations that have a lot of documents signed digitally in an accessible way: HR departments with employment contracts and onboarding, sales teams with quotes and agreements, legal and contract managers, and estate agents and property companies with rental and purchase agreements. The platform is strong for SMBs and mid-market companies looking for simplicity and an affordable solution. For heavyweight qualified signatures with eID verification, we will work with you to see whether another platform is a better fit.
Ready to build your SignRequest integration?
Tell us which documents you want signed digitally and which CRM, HR or contract system SignRequest needs to integrate with. We're happy to advise on templates, signing order, webhook status updates and archiving. A no-obligation first conversation gives you a clear picture of the possibilities within half an hour.