A broad range of signature pads from various manufacturers are available on the market. Some companies require basic signature pads, while others require more advanced devices, depending on how the pads are to be used.

Here is a checklist to help you choose the right signature pad:

• Does your process require an LCD screen on the signature pad?
  • No LCD is needed:
    • Be aware that if you opt for a non-LCD signature pad, you will not be able to display any kind of text and the signer will not see the signature while signing.
    • On the other hand, this kind of signature pad is the cheapest choice and there are many large installations which work with this kind of signature pad.
  • An LCD is needed:
    • Do you require only a black and white LCD or do you need color? If you want to display your company logo or other advertising on the device, you will probably need a color display.
    • What is the minimum size of the LCD screen (i.e. 800 x 480 pixels) which you need?
    • How quickly and easily can you change the picture that is displayed on the pad?
• What kind of pen do you need?
  • The pen should require no battery, because otherwise you will have to change the battery periodically. If the pen uses a battery, then you will want to be able to monitor the remaining battery life time so that you will not be surprised at an inconvenient time when the pen stops working and needs a new battery.
  • Especially in point of sales scenarios, the pen should be connected to the signature pad with a pen tether so that it does not get lost. Replacing a signature pad pen can be expensive.
• Technical Specifications
  • In addition to the x/y position of the pen, the tablet must also record the pressure flow during the writing process.
  • If you use LCD screens, a real-time visualization of the signature on screen is a must.
  • The LCD screen should only react to the pen and not to accidental touches by the hand or finger.
  • The used sensors should have a long lifetime and should not wear off as the result of scratches or mechanical impacts.
  • The tablet should be USB-powered. In special scenarios, where no USB port is available, you might need a serial accessory kit.
  • The sampling rate should be a minimum of 100 points per second.
  • The pen pressure levels should be at least 256 levels (not interpolated).
  • The screen resolution should be at least 1.000 lpi (not interpolated).
  • You should expect a coordinate accuracy ± 0.5 mm (center).
  • In high security scenarios, you might want an option for data encryption between the tablet and the PC.
• Defect rate
  • Fewer than three percent of signature tablets are proven to be defective within one year of delivery.
• Availability of spare parts
  • Expect guaranteed availability of the product for at least two years after the first delivery.
  • Expect guaranteed availability of spare parts for at least five years after the first delivery.