Best way to load data into a template based on user selections

[Timbo]

Hi guys,

I've been landed with the task of creating a new template for reports at our lab. This new template will have large sections that will depend on the user, the method/s or a combination of both. The methods will be selected by the user in some way (perhaps from a form).

To make it a little more concrete, if I am Bob Smith and I have applied methods ME1001 and ME1234, then hopefully I can have:
- Author details automatically added relating to Bob Smith
- Method details and reference details added relating to methods ME1001 and ME1234.
- Bob Smith's qualifications in ME1001 and ME1234 added.

I have little to no experience with Word and VBA, though I do code in other languages (Java, C++, etc). I realise this is jumping in the deep end a bit. I'm currently trying to do this using DocVariable fields which I'm trying to load from external files. I am limited to using Word 2003.

Is this a good approach? I've also looked at using autotext or some way of document merging or using external databases. Normally I'd fool around and try and find the answer before harrassing people on a forum, but I have a pretty tight deadline and not a lot of clues here, so if anyone can help, it would be appreciated!



Regards in advance!

[Charles Kenyon]

Is the report being prepared by the technician or by clerical staff?

Here are some references that you may want to skim.
Templates in Microsoft Word
Automated Boilerplate Using Microsoft Word

Form is ambiguous. Most of what I use is what Word calls an online form or protected form which is a type of Word document where the user can only enter information is specified spots.

To the programming world, form often means a UserForm which is a vba construct:
Create & Employ a Userform
Create a Simple Userform