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Limit signature fields to certain digital IDs

cob
Registered: Nov 30 2007
Posts: 2

I'm attempting to create a PDF of a municipal grant draw form. It's a simple form consisting of 1 page of financial information, and a page of 6 required signatures. Before cutting a check, the draw down form needs to be signed by 6 individuals authorizing various aspects of the draw request (compliance, code enforcement, controlling, etc.)

One of the requirements I have is that only certain "people" should be able to sign specific signature fields. For instance, a number of accounts payable clerks can sign off on the initial signature field before sending it on its way. They should not, however, be able to sign the controller's signature field.

In my investigation, I haven't found any capability to limit valid digital IDs for a specific signature field. Does anyone know whether this is a possibility?

lkassuba
ExpertTeam
Registered: Jun 28 2007
Posts: 3636
Sounds as though you need the ability to control individual or group access rights -- essentially applying a policy for use to the form. When you begin moving into these types of requirements, you'll need to look at tool that can integrate with Acrobat "and" integrate with authentication systems like LDAP and Active Directory. Once example of this is the Adobe LiveCycle Right Management software -- for more information check out:
http://www.adobe.com/products/livecycle/rightsmanagement/indepth.php
http://www.adobe.com/devnet/livecycle/trial/

Lori Kassuba is an AUC Expert and Community Manager for AcrobatUsers.com.

jbharris
Expert
Registered: Dec 17 2007
Posts: 18
Actually, this capability, called 'seed values,' is supported in LC Designer which ships with Acro 8 Pro.

When you create your signature field, go to the sidebar, choose the 'object' properties, click on the 'document signature' tab, and click the settings button.

This will bring up a number of digital signature specific options, where you can actually restrict signing certificates, which will limit the users that can sign the document.

-John B Harris, Adobe

lkassuba
ExpertTeam
Registered: Jun 28 2007
Posts: 3636
What if the "group" of individuals signing the grant changes somewhat frequently? Wouldn't the signature field need to be updated each time? Also, they were changed, how would this affect previous signatures?

Lori Kassuba is an AUC Expert and Community Manager for AcrobatUsers.com.

jbharris
Expert
Registered: Dec 17 2007
Posts: 18
Yes, that's true, you might have to change it. You could also set it to restrict it to certain certificate issuers, or certificate OIDs or other identifiers.

-John B Harris, Adobe