Flex Databases Launches Microsoft 365 Collaboration Inside Its TMF

Flex Databases has introduced a new Microsoft 365 integration inside its TMF module, addressing one of the long-standing pain points for clinical operations: working with documents across different systems, versions, and editors. The update enables users to collaborate directly in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without leaving the TMF environment.

Tackling a Persistent Industry Problem

Clinical teams routinely manage large volumes of Trial Master File documentation across multiple contributors. Moving files between systems, downloading and re-uploading, losing version control, and waiting for colleagues to complete edits all create delays and increase compliance risks.

Flex Databases’ new release aims to eliminate this friction by allowing seamless document editing through Microsoft 365 for the web.

A Native Microsoft Editing Experience in TMF

Flex Databases is now a certified Microsoft Cloud Storage Partner, enabling deep integration between the TMF module and Microsoft 365. Users can open and edit documents in their browser using the familiar Microsoft interface—without additional configuration and without ever leaving the TMF.

The result:

• No lost versions
• No manual uploads
• No switching platforms
• Real-time collaboration inside a controlled, compliant environment
  
  

Built Around Real Client Pain Points

The update directly responds to challenges clinical teams continue to report:

“We lose time switching between systems.”
Now users stay inside the TMF while documents open instantly in the Microsoft editor.

“We don’t know which version is the right one.”
Each editing session creates a new version, saved automatically in TMF.

“Editing is slow because only one person can work at a time.”
Microsoft 365 co-authoring allows multiple team members to collaborate in real time.

“We must stay compliant while collaborating.”
TMF permissions continue to govern who can view or edit each document.

Key Features Designed for Simpler, Faster Work

Native Microsoft 365 Editing

• Full Word, Excel, and PowerPoint web interfaces
• No downloads or uploads
• No extra configuration

Automatic Saving and Versioning

• All edits saved directly into TMF
  Automatic version creation when sessions close
• Permissions fully controlled by TMF Data Permissions

Real-Time Collaborative Editing

• Multiple users editing simultaneously
• User initials shown on active cursors
• Instant synchronization of changes
  
  

Collaboration Without Delays

Users simply open the same document in Microsoft 365 for the web, and changes appear immediately. When a user closes the document or switches to viewing mode, TMF records a new version, and the final user to close the file is reflected in the Last Update (UTC) field.
Track Changes remains available for detailed auditability.

Licensing Requirements

Flex Databases provides the infrastructure for Microsoft 365 collaboration but does not supply Microsoft 365 licenses.

• Viewing documents is available without a license
• Editing requires a valid Microsoft 365 Business subscription per user
• Organizations are responsible for maintaining their licenses