Storage and Folders

Use the Folders, Reports, and Documents module to set up job folders, resources folders, and storage providers.

To use the Storage and Folders submodule, you must have access to Settings as defined in the User Access Rights submodule under Settings.

Resource Folders

Resource folders are used to upload documents and files that are associated with a specific resource/user. Once set up, these folders can be used to store important documents related to clients, vendors, or any other resource types. Users can also share the stored documents with other users.

You set up and configure resource folders in Settings > Reports, Layouts, and Document > Storage and Folders > Resource folder setup tab.

Job Folders

Job folders are used for uploading files associated with jobs. Once set up, job folders can be used to upload files on any job in WorkBook. Any uploaded file can be accessed by users who have access to the Docs tab on jobs.

You set up and configure job folders in Settings > Reports, Layouts, and Document > Storage and Folders > Job folder setup tab.

Storage Providers

A storage provider is a gateway that WorkBook uses to write files to either a local file system or a remote file system/service. This system/service provides WorkBook some flexibility regarding where your files are stored.

When you save a file in WorkBook, it uses the storage provider specified in your WorkBook settings. For example, SaaS Service comes with 5TB of document storage within the Microsoft Azure Cloud, which you can access from your WorkBook system.

WorkBook saves the file directly in the storage provider so you or other users will be able to access the file right away. WorkBook does the same when reading files. It displays the actual content. This means that there are no cached views, and therefore no missing files.

Also, WorkBook shields your storage area. Only the WorkBook server needs to access the destination. This allows users on the move to access files located on your local file system without compromising security.

Supported Storage Providers

WorkBook supports the following storage providers:
  • WebDAV Storage Provider (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning), which provides access to a server supporting WebDAV for file access
  • IO Storage Provider, which allows WorkBook to write files to a local directory or remote share
  • Storage Service
  • ShareFile, which provides access to your local file system or a file share. This requires your WorkBook system to be on the same network or host as your file share
  • Office 365 SharePoint
    Note: This option will soon be deprecated.
  • Office 365 SharePoint 2, which provides access to documents stored on your Office 365 SharePoint Sites
  • Google Drive, which provides access to the files on your private or your corporate Google Drive
    Note: This option is supported, but it is not recommended.
  • Azure Blob Storage Provider, which allows WorkBook to store documents in an Azure Storage Account
  • SAS Azure Blob Storage Provider (shared access signature), which is a provider for Windows Azure Blob storage

Case-Sensitive Storage Systems

WorkBook does not work correctly with case-sensitive file systems. WorkBook always expects that there exists only one folder named "Folder" or "folder", not both. This is similar to how Windows expects local drives and folders will be named.

You set up and configure storage providers in Settings > Reports, Layouts, and Document > Storage and Folders > Storage Provider tab.

Where a Storage Provider Is Used

The following settings must be configured when installing a new system or moving an installation as these may cause the system to display an error, if not configured:
  • Resource folders (folders for clients, companies, employees)
  • Job folders (folders directly connected to individual jobs)
  • Voucher files (used in creditor invoices, personal expenses)
  • Internal System Storage

System Variable 44

When a user deletes a document in WorkBook, a backup file is automatically created in the folder that you specify. System Variable 44 enables you to specify a backup folder path for deleted files.