But all the apps I know of were custom made. As to the PDF step the programmers I know use something from CodeProject like https://www.google.com/#q=codeproject+pdf+writer so that part is not written by most.
The MANUAL PROCESS is a start to automation. You have the bones, now you need a programmer to put in a brain.
Bob
I'm looking for alternative ways to create a pdf document.
We have a base document, that uses a lot of the same data. Our logo header and footer, the welcome letter, the table of contents, critical info page, policies, items for sale, etc etc...It ends up being a 30+ page document.
What does change are the names (per event), dates, times, pricing tier, and so on and so forth
As of right now we are using an excel spreadsheet for the account executives to enter in the information needed to create the document. I then have to take that sheet and mail merge it in Word (where the base document is created), select the correct merge with the pricing tier, so it fills in the proper fields. I then save it as a pdf.
Problem being is that mail merge is glitchy. Weird things happen sometimes. Things come out of alignment. Sometimes I would fix the alignment in Word and save as pdf and it would screw up again. Letters can disappear...all sorts of things. I've even invested in Acrobat XI Pro because it would be impossible to fix otherwise. Right now it tends to be a ridiculously manual process.
I'm looking for suggestions on any other way to create this document. There has to be a more efficient way. Any software(s) you can suggest is welcomed!
Thank you!

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