About the client

Decathlon is part of the international network of sports stores and equipment producer Decathlon. The company operates 63 brick-and-mortar stores, two logistics centres (in Gliwice and Łódź), local production of its own brands, and the largest e-commerce platform in its category in Poland. It serves individual customers across more than 90 sports disciplines and focuses on innovation and eco-friendly practices.

Problem

Paper-based document workflows in a geographically dispersed organisation like Decathlon were a heavy burden: printing, scanning, shipping and manually tracking signatures were all required.

The issues intensified during the pandemic, when face-to-face meetings became impossible. The company had to find a remote solution immediately to keep business processes running without relying on paper or physical logistics.

Solution

Decathlon decided to implement Autenti - a platform for electronic document signing.

The key requirements were:

• immediate availability of the tool
• intuitive operation, including on a phone
• full remote functionality
• competitive pricing
• direct contact with the Autenti team

Within just a few days, contracts were being signed entirely online. The new process proved simple, transparent and predictable - the company knew exactly who had signed and whose signature was still pending.

The solution was very well received by employees.

“They describe the electronic signing process as quick and efficient. They’re pleased that the signed document lands in their inbox right away,”
says Marcin Wawrzyniak, Legal Counsel and Head of the Legal Department at Decathlon.

The company also educated its partners, explaining that an electronic form is sufficient and fully compliant with the law.

“We try to change that mindset, explain it, and I have to admit that in most cases it works,” he adds.

Results

Implementing Autenti quickly translated into concrete improvements in Decathlon’s day-to-day work. The digital document flow not only solved logistics and time-related problems but also simplified process management, improved work comfort and supported environmental goals.

• Dozens of documents signed in minutes, from anywhere
• Significant reduction in paper, printing, scanning and shipping
• Simplified document archiving process
• Real-time signature status tracking
• Positive reception among employees and partners
• Time and cost savings
• A real step toward a #paperless organisation

“A major benefit is certainly the ability to track the signing process — we know who has signed the document and whose signature we’re still awaiting.”

Marcin Wawrzyniak, Legal Counsel and Head of the Legal Department, Decathlon Polska

Next steps

Decathlon is consistently working to limit paper workflows and develop digital processes. As the legal team emphasises, switching to e-signatures is only the beginning of the journey toward a fully #paperless organisation. The company also sees the need for further market education and a change in attitude toward electronic signatures — both among business partners and public institutions.