Partner with two decades of experience and insight

Past clients include large software firms, law offices, government agencies, media giants, and more

With Gordon McComb Automation, you work with one of the world's leading experts in document automation using Word for Windows and WordPerfect.

 

My consulting practice is limited specifically to macro and office automation using WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, and the Microsoft .NET platform. I offer a variety of macro consulting and training services, molded to fit your needs, budget, and personnel requirements.

Highlights:

Expertise
Types of macros
Levels of macro development assistance
Fees
List of clients

What Special Expertise Do You Have?

I am a specialist among specialists. For over 20 years I've helped companies and individuals just like you get more work done in less time - through the art and science of document automation.

 

I've created everything from simple scripts to automate letter and fax creation, to building highly complex systems that integrate document construction, databases, media, graphics, e-mail, Web services, and more.

 

I "wrote the book" on WordPerfect macros, and am considered one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject of macros and office automation for WordPerfect and Microsoft Word. My books have been used by hundreds of thousands of individuals and companies worldwide.

 

I've published an electronic newsletter on advanced Word and WordPerfect for Windows topics, created and sold various ready-to-go macro template systems, and I'm the founder of the WordPerfect Universe Web site. I've written white paper solution guides on various WordPerfect and Word macro-related topics for Corel, Microsoft, Novell, and others.

What Kind of Macros and Automation Can You Do For Us?

Here are just a few of the macros and document automation solutions I've developed for other clients. Maybe something similar will help you increase efficiency for you and your office.

 

Remember, this is just a short list. If you have something else in mind feel free to get in touch and discuss your particular needs.

 

  • Menu-driven document assembly: click the mouse to produce finished documents
  • Correspondence construction kits: Create letters, memos, and envelopes in record time
  • Non-proprietary document management to keep track of your documents
  • Document construction "helpers": speed up document preparation with automated tools
  • Database integration (SQL, ODBC, ADO, etc.): fetch data from a database for insertion into documents
  • Customized menu systems: quickly choose common tasks from a speed menu
  • Customized e-mails and newsletter content, personalized for each of your clients or customers
  • Improved document templates: enjoy more robust document templates
  • Custom client/matter database: painlessly insert client and matter information into documents

What Are The Ways You Can Help Us?

I can provide help to you and your firm on a number of different levels, depending on your needs and budget.

 

Macro System Development "Sage"
Suppose you merely want to a push in the right direction, and do most all the programming work yourself. In these cases, I am available on an on-call "retainer" basis, fielding questions and providing working examples as required.

 

Turnkey Macro System Development
Some clients don't want to plan, write, and debug a macro or document automation system, especially if the system is a complex one. I can develop full and complete "turnkey" macro systems, from planning to installation to maintenance.

 

In this way, the macro system is handled much like a commercial software package (with one important exception: I provide ALL source code for the components I write). This approach is ideal if you lack the in-house personnel to write and maintain macros.

 

Macro Training
Convenient in-house macro training is available at your site (limited to Southern California only). Classes can be one-on-one, or a class/seminar setting. Macro training includes working samples, hand-outs, and basic documentation. The curriculum can be adjusted to fit your needs. See the the fees schedule for more information.

 

Macro Conversion: WordPerfect to Word
Some offices are converting from one version of WordPerfect or Word, or between WordPerfect and Microsoft Word for Windows. I can help in the conversion of WordPerfect macros to Word for Windows, to/from of these versions:

 

Convert from:
WordPerfect 5.x and 6.x for DOS
WordPerfect 5.x and 6.x for Windows
WordPerfect 7 or later for Windows
Word 97 and later

Convert to:
WordPerfect 9 or later for Windows
Word 2000 and later

 

.NET Front-Ends and Database Connectivity
Leveraging Microsoft's powerful .NET platform I can bridge your word processing tasks with data management to create robust document automation systems. Systems I create for you are fully open and documented. You are given source code to ALL components, allowing you or your staff to maintain the system for the future.

 

 

Except for special assignments, new macro development is not available for WordPerfect for DOS, WordPerfect for Windows 8 or earlier, and Word 97 for Windows or earlier.

Who Does the Work?

Unlike some consultants, I do not run a "sweat shop" of coders to produce macros and office automation applications. All projects accepted by me are done personally by me. Because of this personal attention, you are assured of a better end-product.

 

But it also means that I may not be immediately available for all jobs. Please call or e-mail to inquire about availability. Be sure to indicate the approximate size of the job. "Rush" jobs are not possible because of my ongoing commitments with other clients.

How Much Do You Charge?

Please see the fees schedule for specific rate information.

 

For macro consulting: Smaller projects (under 40 hours) are billed on an hourly basis. Larger jobs are done on a per-hour or per-day basis, with mutually agreeable payment milestones or schedules. Certain minimum may apply; see the fees schedule.

 

For "sage" retainer: Rates are billed on an hourly basis, with a one-hour minimum. Prepayment is required.

 

For training: Rates are billed on a daily basis for in-person training, and apply to groups of up to 10 students. Distance training is available via e-mail or Webinar. Fees vary; please contact us for a quote.

What About Estimates?

Basic non-binding estimates are happily and freely given for small jobs.

 

Most larger jobs (spanning more than about 8-10 hours) may require a more exact estimate of time. In such cases, I may recommend a short feasibility study where the project, and all its various elements, are evaluated. There is an hourly charge for this feasibility study. This charge depends on the amount of material that must be evaluated in order to provide an accurate estimate.

Who Owns the Work When You're Done?

You do! I don't charge you one amount for the work, and another so you can own what you already paid me for.

 

You have full and complete ownership of macro systems I develop for you, and can resell, license, or give away copies without further compensation to me. (Exception: I do retain non-exclusive rights to certain reusable routines used in many of the macros I write. These routines save me time and save you money.)

 

What's more, I provide all source code to the components I develop for you. This allows you to maintain your system the way you want, including taking over development yourself, or turning it over to a member of your staff. Having flexible options is important in all facets of business, and my liberal open source code policies let you pick the direction YOU want to take.

Will You Work at My Office?

Most work can be conducted at my place of business in my office near beautiful San Diego, California. This is cheaper for you and more convenient for me.

 

But as needs dictate, I am available for short-term travel to your office, for planning, developing, executing, and testing the macro systems. Because of on-going commitments with other clients, long-term contract work at your place of business is not offered.

Who Are Some of Your Clients?

A partial list of current and past clients include the following companies and organizations.

 

Software Companies

  • Microsoft Corp.
  • WordPerfect Corp
  • Corel Corp.
  • Adobe Systems
  • Novell
  • Borland International
  • Avery-Dennison
  • Lawgic
  • Digital Equipment Corp (DEC)

 

Law Offices

  • Latham & Watkins
  • Fulbright & Jaworksi
  • Sullivan and Cromwell
  • Holland & Knight
  • Hager & Dowling
  • Knobbe, Martens, Olson and Bear
  • Peltz & Walker

 

Government Offices

  • California Office of the Attorney General
  • New Jersey Department of Justice
  • United States International Trade Commission
  • Internal Revenue Service
  • Texas Office of the Attorney General
  • Various other departments of the US Government
  • International Monetary Fund
  • Montana State Legislature
  • Indiana State Legislature

 

Consulting and Software Systems Companies

  • LexTech Inc.
  • BDM International, Inc.
  • Software Studios

 

Others

  • Technicolor
  • Cinetyp Inc.
  • The Scripps Research Institute
  • Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
  • Biodynamic Research Corporation