How are people handling stamping/sealing electronic documents? For example, when a set of specs is posted to an ftp site, or other web-based collaborative software how are they sealed?
Are you refering to live drawing files (DWG/DGN, etc…?)
If you are refering to submittals, I just print the coversheet, stamp it, scan it and merge it back into the origional PDF of the submittal.
I am referring to Contracto Documents - PDF’s of specs, specifically, but drawings as part of the big picture.
some jurisdictions still require wet stamping and hard copy submittals. in that instance, the “real” stamped/sealed documents are submitted to the authority having jurisdiction and it is acknowledged that the electronic documents are simply copies, just as printed sets would be. the electronic set is not the “original” in those jurisdictions. its a timing issue but some states absolutely require wet seals for the record set and you need the hard copy for that.
When allowed by the permit issuing authorities, we use either whole page PDF’s of signature pages or paste individual PDF files of signatures we keep on file into a signature page template.
Some authorities, including California OSHPD, still insist on “wet signing”. In those instances, we post the PDF for general mass printing purposes while original wetsigned copies are bound into the permit submittal copies.
And some probably still require hieroglyphics chiseled into stone…
Oh c’mon, nobody’s that archaic…just quill pen dipped in India ink on vellum will do nicely.
Obviously things Lynn has only heard or read about!!!
News Flash!
After about a million years, OSHPD finally relaxed on the permit submittal form. For a few years into THE 21st CENTURY, you needed to fill out a 3 copy carbon paper form on an object called a typewriter (We kept our mint IBM Selectric next to the Kroy machine in an appropriately termed dead end corridor).
I vaguely recall a seminar by Bureau Veritas, in which they presented their development of a process for “signing/sealing” of PDF documents and is being used on Calif power plant construction projects. I recall, it a heavy emphasis on the security aspect of such “signing/sealing.” Sorry, but I don’t have any more details/contact info.