Question
Digital FastForward
US
Last activity: 7 Oct 2016 6:35 EDT
Silverlight Word-Merge Replacement
I have a client that is currently using the Silverlight Word-Merge functionality to create formated word documents populated using property references. The client asked what the plan was after Oct 12, 2021 when Microsoft's support ends for Silverlight 5. Is there an alternative method or integration to achieve this goal that exists in the system?
Accepted Solution
Pegasystems Inc.
US
Hi everyone,
Depending on your use case, it is possible to generate documents on the server using the pzGenerateDocument Rule-Utility-Function. This is the basis for document generation in our DCO features, and it uses the standard merge fields in a Word Template rule that has the correct macros built into it.
So, technically it is possible to do server-side Word document generation. However, what this functionality does not give you is the ability to automatically launch Microsoft Word, generate your document client-side, and then close the Microsoft Word and have your document automatically get attached to your case.
If the above "automation" is not critical to your use case, you can set up a button click action that will generate the document on the server and then provide your user with a download link. At this point you can manually attach the document to your case. It's a few extra steps but is a workaround until we introduce an HTML5-based solution that maintains all the parity of the Silverlight solution.
Pegasystems Inc.
IN
Hi
This is a good question and I belive going by the caption "BUILD FOR CHANGE " by then Pega will definetly come up with some alternate approach. :)
Accepted Solution
Pegasystems Inc.
US
Hi everyone,
Depending on your use case, it is possible to generate documents on the server using the pzGenerateDocument Rule-Utility-Function. This is the basis for document generation in our DCO features, and it uses the standard merge fields in a Word Template rule that has the correct macros built into it.
So, technically it is possible to do server-side Word document generation. However, what this functionality does not give you is the ability to automatically launch Microsoft Word, generate your document client-side, and then close the Microsoft Word and have your document automatically get attached to your case.
If the above "automation" is not critical to your use case, you can set up a button click action that will generate the document on the server and then provide your user with a download link. At this point you can manually attach the document to your case. It's a few extra steps but is a workaround until we introduce an HTML5-based solution that maintains all the parity of the Silverlight solution.