Forcing users to jump between the software they’re using and Google Docs or Microsoft Word creates productivity bottlenecks and safety issues. And, to be frank, most users really dislike it. Because of this, many developers, like Apryse, are seeking solutions. They’re looking for ways to put document editing functionality into regular business and personal-use software so users can have a better experience and avoid annoying switching.
The idea is to make the process seamless and much safer for individuals so they’re not constantly stressed about things like security and time pressure.
The Drive Toward Seamless In-App Document Editing
“One of the reasons these in-built DOCX editors are so exciting is that they get rid of the download, edit, and re-upload cycle. Users can just edit their documents in real-time within the app they’re using,” Apryse explains. “It means less frustration and the ability to just get on with the job instead of going through unnecessary manual tasks.”
The benefit of a setup like this is particularly apparent when using tools like CRMs and dashboard managers. When these lack proper editing functionality within the tool, users have to click out, create a separate document, type, and then cut and paste back into the tool they’re using. It’s a real hassle.
Eliminating Version Chaos and Improving Workflow Efficiency
However, DOCX editors using SDKs essentially eliminate these issues. It becomes easier for businesses and developers to add word processing functionality at low cost, without having to rewrite all the source code from scratch to get the thing working.
When documents live inside apps, it effectively removes “version chaos” as well. When the document is genuinely attached to the app, every save is simply a new version of the old document, meaning that there’s no constant word processing paper trail required. Many tools can offer a version history, but whether the user needs to access and process it is at their discretion.
For example, in legal software, it used to be the case that paralegals had to create files like “contact.doc_version2_final(5)”. This sort of thing was annoying for everyone involved and meant constant renaming, editing, and uploading, all of which took a lot of time.
However, with new DOCX editors, that’s no longer an issue. These simply make file version histories native in most applications, eliminating headaches immediately.
Collaboration, Automation, and Data Integration Benefits
For some businesses, real-time collaboration without leaving the app is essential. Companies need this, especially for remote teams trying to meet tight deadlines.
“Putting editing functionality inside the apps themselves can have a massive effect on productivity,” says Apryse. “Teams don’t have to wait for one person to finish editing before another can start. It’s all done seamlessly and by multiple people at the same time,” the outfit explains. “There aren’t the same bottlenecks you get when you’re trying to constantly convert between email, word processing, and the app in question. All that disappears.”
Things like merging tags for contextual data also become easier with DOCX editors. It’s possible to pull fields from other tools (like company names or pricing tables) and put them directly in the document with simple tags. Again, this functionality can improve productivity and enable agents to get more done.
Clerical staff benefit the most from this approach. They can instantly understand what they need by using simple words and phrases, helping them get more done in the time available. When outside values change, so too do the text or data within the app, creating connections that keep everything consistent.
Even the problem of electronic signatures is being largely solved by these new systems. These are enabling workflows at a distance and remotely. Sending physical documents is becoming less necessary, with the exception of those mandated by law.
Choosing the Right DOCX Editor for Modern Business Needs
Even so, despite these improvements, it’s worth businesses reading a proper DOCX editor buying guide. Companies that can really understand the options open to them and which they should choose put themselves at a massive advantage.
For example, a lot of businesses need an audit trail that makes sense. Companies require SDK libraries and in-app editors that allow them to determine who edited which documents and when. They need to be able to see the timestamp, what was changed, how long it took to change, and what was there originally.
They also need tools that provide the level of mobile flexibility they need. For example, salespeople traveling and using CRMs and sales tools need to be able to edit the text they contain on the road. That becomes ten times easier when the right document editing facilities are in place.
This functionality is particularly important for field operatives. Sometimes, they need to edit reports in real-time to provide consistent services to customers and information to their head offices. In-app document editing functionality makes this far easier to achieve with fewer headaches along the way.
Actually achieving all this functionality without trying to build Microsoft Word from scratch is the biggest problem a lot of businesses face. However, it becomes significantly easier with things like rich-text editors and advanced tools, including those offered by Apryse.
Integrations, Templating, and the Future of In-App Editing
Templating is made simpler through the use of various JSON and HTML libraries. This means that editing sections can be added to software that meets user requirements.
At the same time, integrations are also possible in the right context. Co-authoring things like Google Docs and APIs with developer teams can be helpful in a lot of contexts.
Ultimately, apps are now having to provide in-app editing capabilities to make them more reliable and functional in businesses. The days of constantly cutting and pasting by switching between apps are essentially over.
“We’re pleased to see the entire field moving forward and changing with the times,” explains Apryse. “It’s a significant development and something that will have a large impact on company workflows and how teams operate from this point forward. There are still so many integrations that need to occur, so document editing is going to remain at the forefront of business relevance for a long time to come. It’s by no means something that is completely solved right now.”
Photos by Terrillo Walls and Mohammad Rahmani; Unsplash
