Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of electronic commerce software applications and, more particularly, to an electronic system and method for creating, managing and authenticating documents, such as commercial contracts, in electronic form. A system is provided to accommodate the automatic input of externally generated content. A system generated cover page containing user selected data is provided which is attached to externally generated content (e.g. a custom agreement) and which is used to track a document image inputted into the system. The cover page contains unique system generated barcode information which allows the cover page and associated custom agreement to be tracked, retrieved and validated by authorized users of the system. The barcode reflects the document number, revision number and a unique system generated document digest.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for establishing and managing authenticated electronic documents (e.g. commercial contracts) whereby the content, revision status and authenticating parties are stored, tracked, retrieved and validated on demand by permitted users. Variable document data is input by user into an electronic form template and this data is captured by the system. The system derives a document number and revision number for the document and all of this identifying information is associated with the document and stored. A document digest formula is applied to generate a unique document digest. The system then generates a unique barcode for each page of the document based on the digest, document number, revision number and paging details and the barcodes are electronically added to the associated pages of the document. Either the parties to the document sign a printed copy of the barcoded document or a digital signature is applied using a third party validation service.