Issue 1: File Traceability via Folder Path
When submitting files into the Reviews tool, users can view the file name and its folder path. However, when clicking on the folder path:
- The system navigates to the correct folder
- But does not highlight or identify the selected file
This creates difficulty in locating the exact file, especially in folders containing large volumes of documents.
Issue 2: Lack of Version History Access in Reviews
When a specific version of a file is submitted for review:
- The review is locked to that version
- Version history is not accessible within the Reviews interface
Although versioning exists in the Docs (Files tool), users must exit the review workflow to access it.
Additionally:
- The Compare feature is primarily effective for drawings
- It is not suitable for document types such as:
- PDFs (reports, submissions)
- Word documents (specifications, contracts)
- Excel files (BOQs, cost sheets)
2. Impact
Operational Inefficiencies
- Increased time spent searching for files within folders
- Disrupted review workflows due to switching between modules
Reduced Review Effectiveness
- Reviewers lack visibility into previous versions
- Difficult to understand revisions, changes, and intent
Risk Factors
- Potential approval of incomplete or incorrect versions
- Reduced auditability and traceability of decisions
Limited Usability for Document Workflows
- Current tools are optimized for drawings, not documentation-heavy use cases
- Limits adoption for broader project teams (QS, PMs, consultants)
3. Proposed Enhancements
Enhancement 1: File Highlighting in Folder Navigation
When a user clicks the folder path from a file in Reviews:
- Automatically scroll to and highlight the selected file
- Optionally:
- Auto-select the file
- Provide a quick preview panel
Enhancement 2: Version History Access within Reviews
Introduce a Version History panel within the Reviews interface:
- View all previous and latest versions of the file
- Display metadata:
- Version number
- Upload date
- Uploaded by
- Change descriptions
Enhancement 3: In-Review Version Comparison (for Documents)
Extend comparison capabilities beyond drawings:
- PDF comparison (text + visual differences)
- Word document change tracking view
- Excel comparison (cell-level or value changes)
Enhancement 4: Cross-Version Review Continuity
- Allow reviewers to:
- Switch between versions without leaving the review
- Retain or map comments across versions
- Option to flag whether comments are:
- Resolved
- Still applicable in newer versions
4. Expected Benefits
- Reduced time spent navigating and searching for files
- Improved review accuracy and decision-making
- Seamless workflow within a single interface
- Better audit trails and compliance tracking
- Increased usability for non-drawing document workflows
