Checking the box in Tools for the ERO is not a new feature.  The email I got today said:

Automated ERO Signature: ERO signatures will now be automatically generated and printed on the 8879. You no longer need to waste your valuable time manually printing, signing and scanning 8879s.

So now I'm confused

I typically insert a signature using adobe acrobat and intuit sign (it's part of the adobe subscription). 

I was hoping that I could import that same signature into ProSeries and have it inserted on the 8879 ERO signature line.   Looks like a very limited use feature, limited by the requirement for a signature pad and only available for 1040.

On the Firm Information Screen there is a Manage Signatures button, which prompts a "COLLECT" signatures box, but a signature pad must be installed.  The "click here to learn more" button takes you to ProSeries online help.  https://accountants.intuit.com/support/en-us/help-article/product-preferences/using-signature-pad-proseries/L8zEXleD7_US_en_US?uid=m6fjey8y

Using a signature pad with ProSeries

1•

Starting with ProSeries Professional 2019, you can use a signature pad to collect and store preparer signatures, as well as capture taxpayer signatures in real-time.

The type of signature pads supported are:

• Scriptel ProScript models: ST1550, ST1570, ST1475
• Topaz 460 models: T-LBK460-HSB-R, T-L460- HSB-R, T-S460-HSB-R

While these are the only two types of signature pads we support, that doesn't mean that others won't work. The scope of our support, however, is limited to those mentioned above.

Before you start:

• Signature pads are not currently supported in Intuit Hosting
• Signature pads are not currently supported in ProSeries Basic
• Signature pad use is currently not supported in virtual environments.
  • This is why we support the HSB models of Topaz 460 signature pads, which are designed specifically for local environment use.
• Signature pads aren't used with or related to eSignature. They're separate offerings.
• Signature pads are only supported on Individual returns.

• This article references default installation paths and uses YY to reference the tax year in 20YY format. C: will always indicate the local drive and X: will always indicate the network drive.

How to use a signature pad with ProSeries

1.  
2.  
3.  

 

1. •  
   •  
2.  

 

•  
•  

1.  
2.  
3. •  

 

1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5. •  
6.  
7. •  

 

If you're receiving this error message, it means that you currently don't have the drivers for your signature pad installed, or they're out-of-date. To resolve this error:

1. Make sure that your signature pad is supported for use with ProSeries.
2. If you are using a Topaz signature pad, install device drivers:
   • T-LBK460-HSB-R (Download driver)
   • T-S460-HSB-R (Download driver)
   • T-L460-HSB-R (Download driver)

I think you'll find the check-the-box will print the prepare name in the signature space, not place a signature.  That feature has been around for years.