Updates

October 22, 2019

The MergeFactory is receiving a major upgrade and now utilizes the Google Picker to select document/label templates and documents for email attachments. This upgrade should enhance the user experience and cut down on user errors. This requires that template details are now accessed in a new larger popup dialog box to accommodate the Google Picker interface and frees up the sidebars to just display the template lists. The new version was initiated to comply with new Google security enhancements that are being implemented to move to a per-file user consent model when add-ons interact with Google Drive. This upgrade does affect the types of files that can be attached to an email, but also offers some additional new document merge enhancements. I have created a video to overview the new changes and will be updating all the video tutorials in the near future. A partial list of changes are outlined below.

Doc Merge Updates

• Google picker to select template documents from Drive
• Google picker to select optional Drive folder to save merged files in
• Document template link utilizes Drive file name
• Create or Edit individual templates in larger popup dialog
• Tab interface for action buttons and results
• Merged file link shown in Result tab
• Fill In Doc Merge option available to Premium subscribers
• Option to select different template for Fill In Doc Merge if templates are compatible

Email Merge Updates

• Google picker to select Google Document for attachment to an email
• Google attachments are limited to one Google Document attached as a PDF
• Attachment link/name displayed in Email template list
• Create or edit individual templates in larger popup dialog
• Combo Merge option available to Premium subscribers
• Combo Merge will merge a selected Document and send email with attachment
• Similar tab interface to Doc Merge Sidebar

Label Merge Updates

• Google picker to select template documents from Drive
• Google picker to select optional Drive folder to save merged files in
• Document template link utilizes Drive file name
• Create or edit individual templates in larger popup dialog
• Similar tab interface to Doc Merge Sidebar

General updates

• Spinner icon displays as merges are in process
• Better checking to ensure all required template fields are filled in
• More accurate duplication of tables inside of document templates
• consistent error and feedback area above action button

Current known limitations

• Google's new Drive limitations mean email attachments are currently limited to one Google document that will be converted and attached as a PDF file to the selected email

Utilizing the add-on with a shared spreadsheet editor

• Document templates or document attachments should be stored in or saved to shared folders with editor access for users who also have editor access to a spreadsheet and need access to utilize the add-on
• Each Editor of a shared spreadsheet that utilizes Premium features will also need to have a Premium subscription
• Each Editor of a shared spreadsheet can access and use the add-on after initial authorization of the add-on by each individual user
• Each Editor of a shared spreadsheet will need to use the Google picker to authorize each individual document template and email attachment to avoid receiving errors when attempting to process a merge

May 20th, 2019

Updates to improve add-on usability. Added trial code offer to select add-on sidebars to promote premium version with 30 day trial.

February 7, 2019

Received notice that MergeFactory was approved for the new Gmail APIs. However, since the Get Gmail Draft feature uses a restricted scope, an annual third-party security assessment would be required. Third-party assessments estimated costs are between $25,000 to $75,000 per year, which requires that I remove the Get Gmail Draft feature from the add-on. Information on Googles security enhancements regarding Gmail are outlined here.

January, 2019

Submitted MergeFactory for verification of new Gmail APIs. Information on Googles security enhancements regarding Gmail are outlined here.

December 2018

Updated MergeFactory website to mergefactory.premiercarts.com address for better usability and easier navigation.

November 2018

Updated email merge to include import Gmail draft. Submitted MergeFactory to the G Suite Marketplace. MergeFactory published in G Suite Marketplace.

October 2018

Updated sidebar with tooltip icons for better in app documentation. Updated Additional Document Settings in the About Sidebar. Google announces upcoming closing of Chrome Add-on Store and migration to G Suite Marketplace. Google also announces new policies for third-party access to Gmail APIs.

May 2018

Published MergeFactory to the Chrome Add-on Store.

Post-Install Tip

Use this add-on for merging row data into a doc or email template. Create an doc template by choosing "MergeFactory > Show doc sidebar" and then click the "+Create Template" to configure your first template with simple column @colA@ references.

Short Description

MergeFactory: Doc Merge, Mail Merge, Label Merge, Email Merge, Document Merge, HTML E-mail Merge with simple sheet column references. Create custom documents & reports with this spreadsheet add-on.

A simple way to merge selected spreadsheet row(s) with user defined Google Docs or email templates with simple column references.

Chrome Add-ons Direct Link

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/mergefactory/jmlffgalgmmkdpbdkgchppdfhndlcdno

G Suite Marketplace Direct Link

https://gsuite.google.com/marketplace/app/mergefactory/497946278291