Hello,



Trying to find the best method for automated word document assembly. I'm thinking this might be through the use of Visual Basic and possiblyVisual Studio 2015?

Specifically I want to:

• Allow myself and staff to build a word document using standard company templates;
• Select pre-written paragraphs and technology information using a "hot button" approach that allows users to select which paragraphs or information to insert into the generated document depending on their needs;
• Have the ability to reference to excel spreadsheets and pull in numbers into preformatted tables

A person at my company who left about 9 years ago created something like the above (although without the last point) and my company never continued maintenance of the software she wrote after she left. I've decided to resurrect this method if possible for needed technical sales proposal writing through the company I work at.

I'm an engineer who works in a business development/sales capacity. The organization writes up to 150 proposals or estimates per month and each person does it differently. Many times we just send spreadsheet outputs and an email. Others have Word templates where they insert excel information manually. Others have setup complex excel sheets with writing in the excel form that they can output as a completed pdt printout. All have strengths and weaknesses. Bottom line...need to automate a proposal generation process where each user can select what standard technology verbage they need depending on each proposal and have it quickly formatted and ready to go.

Need good ideas. How would you accomplish this?

Thanks!

See:

• Automated Boilerplate Using Microsoft Word as a start, especially AutoText.
• Create a Simple Userform - a vba method of utilizing AutoText, choosing templates, etc.
• Global Template - a holder for AutoText and Userforms

Bringing in Excel data will require some standardization of where that data is stored.