Sequential vs. Parallel Signing — What's the Difference?
Two philosophies of multi-party signing, each right for different documents. Choosing well is the difference between a two-day turnaround and a two-week one.
Parallel: Everyone at Once
Leave Set Signer's order unticked. All signers are notified immediately and sign in any order.
• Fastest — no one waits on anyone.
• Right when signatures are independent: board consents, multi-party acknowledgments, internal policies.
Sequential: One Level at a Time
Tick Set Signer's order and assign levels. Level 2 isn't even notified until level 1 finishes.
• Right when later signatures depend on earlier ones: the counterparty signs before your director countersigns; the employee acknowledges before HR files.
• Slower by nature — each level adds its own turnaround time.
Mixed: The Practical Middle
Within an ordered flow, put several signers on the same level — they sign in any order among themselves, then the flow advances. Example: Level 1 = the employee; Level 2 = two managers in parallel; Level 3 = the director. The request page labels these levels "signs in any order".
Tip: Default to parallel unless a real dependency demands sequence — every level you add is turnaround time you pay.