Although employers may find this process advantageous the pros and cons are worth considering before making any final decisions.

On the “Pro” side you have reduction of errors, cost savings, increased organization and interfacing with E-Verify.  On the “Con” side there are set-up costs and I-9 audits may be made easier for the government.

The Pros

• Reduction of Errors – who is not looking for the reduction in errors that the electronic process for Form I-9 may offer?  For example, the use of prompts that will prevent a user from completing the form until acceptable response are provided.
• Cost Savings - Labor and logistical cost savings may be achieved by storing forms I-9 electronically rather than on paper, specifically for those companies that have multiple locations and/or high turnover.   Additionally, an employer may scan supporting documents and retain them electronically with the electronic I-9 form.  If you choose to scan supporting documents this must be done on a consistent basis.
• Increased Organization – By storing this information electronically retention of I-9s can be more organized. Employers may even elect to create a system to assist in re-verification of employee’s employment authorization by running reports for those about to expire as well as future expirations. 
• Interfacing with E-Verify – as states continue to pass laws requiring the use of the E-Verify system it is worth noting that an electronic form I-9 process program can interface with the E-Verify system to assist in a company’s effort for immigration compliance.

The Cons

• Initial Set-up costs – this may be the biggest challenge for smaller businesses allowing them to choose electronic signature only if they will achieve significant cost savings or reduce the overall burdens. 
• Assisting the government’s search ability – increased organization, interfacing with E-Verify and scanning of supporting documents may ease the government’s ability to audit I-9 forms.  It may also provide opportunity for more targeted audits for some companies in certain industries.

It may come down to the bottom line for many companies.  Will the potential for cost savings out weigh the initial costs involved with set-up?