Hi

The editing of merged documents is functionality that is enabled by ActiveX. This ActiveX dependency limits the behaviour to Internet Explorer. Microsoft is ending support for Internet Explorer 11 and it is not supported on Windows 11. See: www.sagecity.com/.../advisory-sage-crm-windows-11-and-internet-explorer

The ability to edit merged documents remains an enhancement that Sage wishes to provide for all browsers but our priority is redesigning the Email Management features for Sage CRM 2022 R2 due to be released end of July 2022. This redesign will remove all dependency on browser plugins.

Sorry for jumping on this thread. I am due to upgrade our CRM this year and we heavily rely on being able to use the edit merged document facility on all our quotes and contracts. If I upgrade now am I correct in saying that this functionality will be lost until you release Sage CRM 2022 R2 ?

At this point do not upgrade the workstations to Window 11, stay on Windows 10.  And if your in North America please book an appointment with the Sage CRM support analyst using the link below.

https://app.timetrade.com/tc/login.do?url=sagecrmscheduling.sage

There is probably other things to discuss

Thanks for your reply. I've contacted my local Sage CRM supplier for an update. Staying on Windows 10 won't help either as from what I have read IE11 will cease to work once the retirement date is reached.

IE11 won't stop working.  Microsoft have indicated that they will stop supporting from mid June (Internet Explorer 11 desktop application ending support for certain operating systems - Microsoft Lifecycle | Microsoft Docs) .  The expectation is that users will use Microsoft Edge in Internet Explorer Mode.  What is Internet Explorer mode? | Microsoft Docs   

Not according to this statement : https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/internet-explorer-11-desktop-app-retirement-faq/ba-p/2366549

"What does this announcement mean for end users?

Microsoft Edge offers a faster, more secure, and modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, and a growing number of websites no longer support Internet Explorer. After the Internet Explorer desktop application is retired on June 15, 2022, it will be out of support. After this date, the IE11 desktop application will be disabled through a Windows 10 cumulative monthly update and will redirect to Microsoft Edge if a user tries to access it."

Do you think this is going to something IT administrators are going to have some control over this ? We are currently testing CRM in Edge in IE mode and will likely go down this route and then upgrade to CRM 2021 so that we can continue to use the Edit Document functionality.

MS release of KB5011487 has completely killed the edit document function within Internet Explorer now.  One suggested work around was to open with Edge in Internet Explorer mode.  This does not work either.  I upgraded to 2020 R2 in January of this year.  The lose of this functionality makes the software useless for our firm as like you we edit bid forms contracts and other docs using the edit document feature.  I opened my own case with a Sage CRM specialist yesterday.  My interaction with this individual was less than promising and it appears that Sage doesn't hold this as a priority.  The suggestion that this is an enhancement when it is actually a loss of functionality is ludicrous.  My hope if that if enough of us start complaining maybe Sage will start to listen.  If my experience however with Sage and the loss of functionality in Job Cost is any indication, then I suggest you start as I have looking for alternatives and transition away altogether.

Hi Greg

I am very sorry to hear that you haven't been happy with response from your Sage CRM specialist.  I help shape the roadmap and work for the development office that creates Sage CRM.  Would you be interested in talking with me and the product owner?

I would be more than happy to speak with someone regarding this issue.  From my perspective its very clear that you have been aware of this impending issue for over a year now so again its disappointing that Sage is not in front of this issue with a solution.  

Hi Greg - my email is [email protected]

Hi Greg - my email is [email protected]

Hello - further to the messages from the users above I can confirm this looming change is likely to be  detrimental to our use of Sage CRM software. We use the edit document function much the same as Greg, to edit quotes, contracts and other documents. The conversation we had with our Sage Support amounted to "you need to amend all of your screens, views and fields to capture anything and everything you want". This just isn't practical. I would be very interested to know the outcome of any conversation on the future of the product and this key feature or whether we need to start looking elsewhere for integrated CRM and Accounts software.

Just as a follow up to anyone else with this question or tracking comments/replies - I had a very useful conversation with Jeff Richards towards the end of last year advising that a document edit function is in development and slated for inclusion in either the first or second release in 2023. I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank Jeff for taking the time, effort and interest in this issue and getting to a resolution.

And fir completeness please see  Sage CRM 2023 R1: Looking ahead - Sage CRM Hints, Tips and Tricks - Sage CRM - Sage City Community

"You may recall that as part of Sage CRM 2022 R1 we stopped supporting Microsoft Internet Explorer 11. 

Jeff, very pleased to hear that Edit Attachment is coming back and that it will support any file format.  Let us know if you'd like any help with Beta testing as my client can't wait to get their hands on this.

Drop me a note at [email protected] and I will see what I can do give you a sneak preview.