Systems and methods providing distributed management of electronic signatures in industrial automation systems

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon that execute a system for distributed signature processing comprising:

• a signature component configured to receive at least one command from a batch server executing a recipe in response to detection of an automated non-operator initiated recipe step having an electronic signature requirement, the at least one command causing the signature component to generate an electronic signature event;
• an application layer configured to notify at least one interface component of the electronic signature requirement in response to the electronic signature event, and to receive the electronic signature from the at least one interface component, the signature component further configured to verify the electronic signature fulfils the electronic signature requirement;
• and
• a user interface that displays pending signatures, wherein selection of a selected pending signature from the user interface causes a signature dialog for entry of signature data for the selected pending signature to be displayed.