Where to start when automating a document

In our view, the best place to start when automating a document is with the Document Template itself, i.e. what you want to output from the system. This will set the scope of what you need to do.

Start with the document Template(s) you want to automate

Start by replacing any content that will be collected through the form with ‘mergefields’ in the Document Template. This is similar to what you would do if you were using the native ‘Merge Documents’ functionality of Microsoft Word.

For example, if the Document Template were a standard letter, you would replace the salutation section as follows:

Dear { MERGEFIELD Name_First_txt }

TIP: The \* MERGEFORMAT switch is automatically included with each mergefield that you insert into your document template. The effect of this switch is to ensure that the formatting of the content inserted by the mergefield matches the formatting of the relevant section of the Document Template. This can be removed, or overridden by other switches (as discussed later). For now, we recommend leaving this switch in place. However, most power-users prefer to remove it, as it can make the template harder to read and trouble-shoot.

Then build the form

When you have replaced all of the content in the Document Template with mergefields (and other document automation elements), it is time to build the form within SYNTAQ's document automation platform.

TIP: A common mistake that people make is to start with the Forms, and then look to slot each of the Fields into the Template. This can result in Fields that are unnecessary, and other Document Fields that have not been included in the Form. Given you are aiming to produce the Document as the end product, it is the best place to start the automation process.