New Microsoft 365 Collaboration in Flex Databases TMF

November 27, 2025

Flex Databases Solves One of the Biggest Document Management Headaches

Clinical teams have long struggled with one persistent problem: managing TMF documents across multiple systems, versions, and stakeholders. Switching between platforms, downloading files, losing track of versions, and waiting for colleagues to finish editing slows down operations and increases compliance risks.

With this update, Flex Databases removes that friction.

A Seamless Microsoft 365 Editing Experience Directly Inside TMF

Flex Databases is now a certified Microsoft Cloud Storage Partner, and our TMF module integrates with Microsoft 365 for the web. This means that users can open, edit, and collaborate on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly in their browser – with the full Microsoft interface they already know.

No more downloading files. No more re-uploading. No more version chaos.

Teams can work together in real time, track changes in one place, and keep every update securely stored within TMF.

Why This Matters: Addressing Real Client Pain Points

1. We lose time switching between systems.

Now, you never leave TMF. Your Microsoft editor opens instantly in your browser.

2. We often don’t know which version is the right one.

Every edit is automatically saved back to TMF, and every session generates a new version.

3. We have delays because only one person can edit at a time.

Real-time co-authoring lets multiple users work together – instantly and securely.

4. We need to remain compliant while collaborating.

Permissions remain fully controlled by TMF. Only authorized users can view or edit documents.

Key Features Built to Simplify Your Work

Native Microsoft Editor Inside TMF

• Edit using familiar Word, Excel, and PowerPoint interfaces
• No additional configuration required
• Full Microsoft 365 editing experience in the browser
  

Automatic Saving & Versioning

• All changes instantly saved back to TMF
• New document versions created automatically when editing sessions end
• All permissions managed through existing TMF Data Permissions
  

Real-Time Collaboration

• Several users can edit the same document simultaneously
• Live indicators showing who is editing
• Cursors marked with user initials
• Real-time sync of all updates across sessions

Collaborative Editing: Work Together Without Delays

To collaborate, each user simply opens the same document through Microsoft 365 for the web. Changes appear instantly, with colored cursors showing who is editing what.

When a user closes the document or switches to viewing mode, TMF automatically creates a version. The final user to close their session will be reflected in the Last Update (UTC) field.

For line-by-line auditability, Microsoft’s Track Changes remains available.

Licensing Information

Flex Databases provides the infrastructure to support Microsoft 365 for the web but does not provide Microsoft 365 licenses.

• Viewing documents is available without a license
• Editing requires a valid Microsoft 365 Business subscription owned by the user

No license validation is performed within Flex Databases, but each organization is responsible for maintaining their subscriptions.

Feature Availability

Collaborative work through Microsoft 365 for the web is disabled by default.

To enable it, please contact your Customer Success Manager.