Custom document templates let you change the wording and layout of the documents CAS 360 prepares. Most issues with custom templates come from a small number of causes: codes copied from another template, paragraph codes removed or moved, or a template uploaded against the wrong document type. This article explains each cause and how to fix it.
For how to download, upload and set a default template, see Document Templates.
Quick checks
| What you see | Most likely cause | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| Internal server error when previewing or preparing the document | The template uses a code from another template, or a required code or line has been removed | Use only the codes for that document, Start from the master template |
| The document is blank or a whole section is missing | A paragraph code the section depends on is missing, or the section does not apply to the company | Paragraph codes and conditional sections |
| A paragraph appears twice | Text has been placed under a merge field that repeats for each item, or a paragraph code is in the wrong position | Paragraph codes and conditional sections |
| A code prints as text or a field is empty | The code is not supported for that document, or there is no data for it in CAS 360 | Use only the codes for that document, Check the company data |
| The custom template is not used, or cannot be selected | It was uploaded under a different document type, or is not set as the default | Upload to the right document type |
| People who are no longer directors appear in the document | Former directors still have a meeting status of Attendee | Check the company data |
Use only the codes for that document
Each document template has its own set of dictionary codes. A code that works in one template will not work in another, even if the information looks similar. For example, an email code used in the Register of Registrable Controllers is not available in the Register of Nominee Directors, and adding it causes an internal server error.
Before you add a code, check it appears on the CAS 360 Dictionary Codes article for that exact document (for example, Members Consent to Short Notice - CAS 360 Dictionary Codes). Codes that are not listed are not supported, and you cannot create new codes by changing the name of an existing one.
Freeform documents use their own set of codes. See Freeform Documents - CAS 360 Dictionary Codes.
Start from the master template
Always build a custom template from a fresh copy of the CAS 360 master template for that document, rather than from your own Word document or an older custom version.
- Go to Settings | Document Templates and select the document.
- Click the settings icon and select Download to save the master template as a Word document.
- Change the wording you need, leaving every code and paragraph code in its original position.
- Upload the edited file to the same document and set it as the default.
Master templates contain codes for every situation the document can cover, including sections that only appear for some transactions. For example, the Members Consent to Short Notice master template has a second half that is only used when the document is prepared for an Annual Return. If those codes are removed, the document still works for shareholder changes but prepares blank for Annual Returns.
Note
Some lines in master templates are required and cannot be removed. Removing them causes an internal server error when the template is used. For example, the line about receiving and adopting the Annual Return in the Notice of Members AGM is required. If removing a line causes an error, put it back and contact BGL Support.
Paragraph codes and conditional sections
Codes in brackets before a section, such as ($NOMM_AUDITORREELEC) or ($NOMM_EMOLUMENTS), control whether that section appears. CAS 360 includes the section only when it applies to what you have recorded for the company. This means:
- A section is missing because it does not apply. For example, the auditor re-election section in the Notice of AGM only appears when the auditor reappointment toggle is on.
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A section is missing because its code is not in the template. For example, directors' emoluments entered on the Annual Return Minute Data screen only appear in the Notice of AGM if the template includes
($NOMM_EMOLUMENTS)and its sentence. Copy the section and its code from the master template into your template. - Without paragraph codes, sections always appear. If you type a section as plain text, it prints every time, even when there is no data for it, leaving empty fields.
Keep paragraph codes in their original order
Some sections depend on the sections before them. Moving a paragraph code can stop a section appearing, or make it appear twice, only for certain combinations. For example, in the Directors Minutes or Resolutions for an allotment of shares, moving the authority to issue shares resolution above the allotment resolution caused it to disappear when both ordinary and preference shares were allotted together. Moving it back to its original position fixed the issue.
If a section disappears or repeats only in some situations, compare the order of the paragraph codes in your template with the master template.
Do not put text under a merge field that lists items
Some merge fields produce a list, such as one entry for each share class allotted. Text placed directly below these fields can be repeated for each item. Keep your own wording above the merge field, together with the introductory text of that section.
Upload to the right document type
Each document type has its own structure and its own codes, so a template only works for the document it was built for. A template built from the Directors Minutes or Resolutions master will not work if it is uploaded as an Exempt from Audit Requirement Statement, for example.
Check that:
- the template is uploaded under the document you are preparing in Settings | Document Templates
- the jurisdiction filter is set to Singapore when you upload
- the template is set as the default if you want CAS 360 to select it automatically in Document Production
Freeform document limits
Freeform documents do not support digital signing codes. When you prepare a Freeform document, the electronic signing provider shows as None and cannot be changed. To send a document for digital signing, customise the matching standard template (for example, Directors Minutes or Resolutions) instead.
Freeform documents cannot be used to replace required lines in a standard document.
Check the company data
Some issues are caused by the data in CAS 360, not the template:
- Former directors appear in minutes or resolutions. Former directors whose meeting status is still Attendee are included. In the Officers screen, change the filter from Current to All, then set their meeting status to Apology or Non-Attendee.
- A register returns an error. Check the company has the relevant officers recorded, for example nominee directors for the Register of Nominee Directors.
When there is no code for the information you need
Some information does not have a merge field, for example the name of the audit firm or a director's appointment date on its own. To add it:
- Prepare the document as normal so the other fields populate.
- Select Export to Word Document and type the missing details.
- Upload the edited document back to the document pack.
Use the feedback button in CAS 360 to request a new merge field.
Contacting BGL Support
If the template still does not work after these checks, contact BGL Support and include:
- the document type and the name of the custom template as it appears in Document Templates
- the company you are preparing it for and the transaction (for example, Annual Return or share allotment)
- a screenshot of the error or of the incorrect section
- whether the master template works for the same company
Support may ask you to invite the BGL Support Team to your CAS 360 licence so they can review the template.