Microsoft SharePoint provides the ability to store a complete
version history for every
document in
ContactsLaw. With this mechanism, it is possible to open previous versions of a document or restore a previous version.
This feature can be applied practically in ContactsLaw installations to:
- Undo mistakes
- Scrutinise the efficiency of fee-earners
- Combat vandalism/sabotage
- Aid in the process of creating templates
Availability
Depending upon the configuration of a particular installation of ContactsLaw, the version history feature may be enabled, limited to a certain number of versions per document, or switched off entirely. If the practice operates a Long-term document archive, its version history settings may differ to those of the main document library.
Operations on previous versions
Open - Displays the document as it appeared at a previous point in time.
Restore version - Replaces the current version of the document with a previous version. This is typically used to roll-back changes.
Delete - Permanently removes a previous version of the document.
Importing new versions
Normally, new versions of a document are added by checking the document out of the library, making changes using the editing document activity and then checking in the changes. You can also import a new version of a final document, either from another document in the library or from your local computer. This feature is useful in situations where a new version of a document needs to be drafted separately and then 'published' back to the original document (e.g. product disclosure statements).
Deleting previous versions
Each version of a document consumes storage space in the document library (which is why the number of previous versions is typically capped at a certain number). To save on space, you can remove previous versions manually. ContactsLaw will automatically purge previous versions of a document as part of the document finalisation process.