Expected duration: 1 - 6 months I would like someone to create a tool to help me automate report writing. Ideally the tool would:
Use Python3 or VBA for any code. Use Word or LibreOffice Writer - or at least produce a usable doc / doc.x / odt file. I suppose Excel/Calc would do. Use PostgreSQL if a database is required. Alternatively Excel or LibreOffice Calc if a spreadsheet is.
Essential functions:
The tool must have a user interface that supports text input, radial buttons and drop-down lists.
The tool must populate a document docx / doc/ odt file with text depending on the user's input.
The user must be able to save new standard text and modify existing standard text.
Text that is inputted must confirm to basic formatting within the template. Ideally this would include bold, italic, numbering, styles etc. The more it works with existing formatting the better.
The code must be extensively commented with the aim of making it easy to use or modify.
You must provide written instructions setting out how to set up the tool; how to save/modify/alter text; any dependencies. This does not have to be pages long, just enough to allow me to use the thing without asking you questions every five minutes.
I must be able to alter the logic and choices within the user interface without pulling my hair out.
Desired features:
Ideally the tool would be able to populate more than one document at a time and save them to a folder to be used individually. Alternatively, the settings of the form could be saved and used to populate another document later.
Ideally the user interface options would be dynamic, meaning changing one can change the default setting or visibility of another.
Ideally saving, modifying and deleting standard text would be done using the normal user environment. Ie, when writing a report in Word, the user can right click and save a particular paragraph or save a paragraph as a Quick Part, rather than have separate templates elsewhere. However, providing the system is easy enough to use, any solution will be considered.
Ideally you would be able to insert an existing PDF into a particular section of the document and save the whole thing as a PDF but you also need to be able to save the document as an editable text file, so this feature could be achieved separately.
Text within standard paragraphs should conditional. In other words a paragraph may be inserted according to user input, with the pronouns within that paragraph also dependent on user input.
Ideally the tool would be wrapped up into one file, whether that be a Word template with a macro and Quick Parts saved to the template or a standalone programme/script. Essentially, I need to be able to use it on both home and work computer with minimal fuss when switching to a new computer.
I am expecting the project and therefore payment will be spread out over a number of weeks/months but I am flexible for the right person. My ideal would be to have it written in Python but my main concern is having a useful tool.
The easier this is to use and/or maintain, the better. Your solution can use existing features of the programmes, like Quick Parts and Userforms in Word or existing (established or maintained) libraries in Python. The user interface can be an html form if it makes it easier but the more portable the tool is, the better.
I am open to having different people work on different features but that will be decided depending on the preference of the person chosen to create the basic functionality.
If you think you can do this, please let me know:
Your proposed timeline.
Your proposed cost. If you propose an hourly rate, please supply an estimate of overall cost. If you propose a fixed cost for the project or individual features, please provide an hourly rate for resolving difficulties.
Which features you think will be straightforward; which you think will be more complex; and any you doubt will be possible within a reasonable time/my budget.
Which software/language you expect to use.
You do not have to set up the text or the individual user input options/logic, provided it is relatively straightforward to do and you have provided instructions.
The £300 is a guide for what I am willing to pay this month to kick things off but that is not the limit of what I am prepared to pay. I know some of these features can be achieved using integral features to Word, as I have set something up myself. For that reason my budget will not run into the thousands. However I want an effective, easy-to-use tool and appreciate that requires expertise.
