01When Word is the wrong container to send
A DOCX still expects Word or a compatible editor. Procurement, a counterparty, or an archive desk often wants a PDF they can open without macros. That is this conversion.
If the next requirement is long-term archival (embedded fonts, no JavaScript), continue with PDF to PDF/A after this step. They are different jobs.
02What we check
The worker identifies DOCX, renders to PDF, then validates that the result is a PDF. Empty, encrypted or corrupt packages fail with a diagnostic.
Complex SmartArt, some embedded fonts, and printer-specific layout can still shift. We do not pretend this is a pixel-perfect InDesign RIP.
03Guest versus batch
One document per guest task. Letterheads, template libraries and folders of contracts belong in Business.