Best Practices for Managing Versions in Knowledge-Based Portal

Best Practices for Managing Versions in Knowledge-Based Portal

Effective knowledge-based portals are crucial for organizations in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. As systems and documentation evolve, keeping track of various versions becomes essential. Users rely on accurate, up-to-date documentation, whether product updates, system changes, or bug fixes. That’s where managing versions in the knowledge-based portal comes into play.

Having recently worked on documentation versioning in a low-code platform, I’ve found that it significantly streamlines the process for developers and users. This blog explores how to manage versions in the knowledge-based portal efficiently, leveraging low-code tools to simplify the process.

 

Why Documentation Versioning Matters

Documentation versioning allows users to:

  • Access older versions: Users can refer to past versions to understand system behavior at different times.
  • Track changes: Documenting changes ensures transparency and prevents confusion when introducing new features or bug fixes.
  • Facilitate compliance: Many industries require documentation to be version-controlled for legal and regulatory reasons.

 

Key Features of Documentation Versioning in Low-Code Platforms

Low-code platforms make it easier to create, manage, and update versions of documents without extensive coding. Here’s how documentation versioning can be handled on a low-code platform:

  • Automated Version Control: The system can automatically create a new version each time a document is updated, saving the hassle of manual versioning.
  • Rollback Capabilities: Users can revert to previous document versions, which is useful when issues arise in the latest updates.
  • Multi-format Support: Low-code platforms often support various file formats, making it easier to manage different types of documents.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Documentation Versioning

 

1. Set Up Your Documentation Structure

Begin by organizing your documents in a well-defined structure. Group documents based on:

  • Categories (e.g., User Guides, Developer Documentation)
  • Version history (e.g., v1.0, v1.1, etc.) This structure will serve as the foundation for versioning.

 

2. Create a Versioning Policy

Define a policy that outlines:

  • Version naming conventions: Use clear labels like “v1.0” for major versions and “v1.1” for minor updates.
  • Approval processes: Determine who needs to review and approve document changes before they are published.
  • Update frequency: Specify how often new versions should be released based on system updates or new features.

 

3. Use Low-Code Features for Automation

Leverage the automation capabilities of your low-code platform to:

  • Trigger new versions: Automatically create new versions of documents when changes are detected.
  • Notify stakeholders: Send alerts to relevant team members when a new version is ready for review.

 

4. Implement Role-Based Access

Ensure that only authorized users can edit or publish new document versions. Low-code platforms often provide role-based access control (RBAC), allowing you to assign permissions to different user roles (e.g., author, reviewer, publisher).

 

5. Track and Compare Changes

Version control in documentation is crucial for maintaining clarity and keeping users informed of updates. Here’s how you can ensure changes are tracked and easily comparable:

  • Version Tracking:

Documentation tools should allow users to view historical changes. Each version should have a timestamp, a description of updates, and a unique version ID. This ensures transparency and allows users to revert to previous versions if necessary.

  • Side-by-Side Comparisons:

Provide a side-by-side comparison feature to help users understand changes. This feature shows the old version on one side and the updated version on the other, enabling users to compare modifications directly. This feature is handy for technical documents, where even minor tweaks can have significant impacts.

  • Highlighting Changes:

Highlighting specific changes in different colors or formats (e.g., strikethrough for deletions, underlines for additions) helps users quickly scan for updates. Visual cues make grasping what’s new or different easier without manually combing through the text.

  • Change History and Log:

Include a change log section in your documentation. Each log entry should briefly describe what was added, removed, or modified in that particular version. This can be accompanied by links to the detailed version or specific sections where the changes were made.

  • User Notifications for Updates:

Keep users engaged and informed with notifications when a new version of the documentation is available. This can be done through in-app messages, emails, or notifications within the documentation portal itself.

 

6. Provide Users Access to Different Versions

Ensuring users have access to both current and past versions of documentation enhances transparency, usability, and flexibility. Here’s how you can provide seamless version access:

  • Version Drop-Down Menu:

A version drop-down menu is a quick and intuitive way for users to switch between documentation versions. The menu should be easily accessible, usually at the top of the page, and list each available version along with corresponding release dates. This allows users to select the version that best fits their needs, especially when working with different product releases or features.

  • Version History Page:

A dedicated version history page gives users an overview of all the available versions, complete with release notes. This page should include a brief description of each version’s key updates or changes, along with links to the full documentation. By presenting the information in chronological order, users can easily navigate through previous iterations and understand how the documentation has evolved.

 

7. Monitor and Maintain

Regularly audit the documentation system to ensure that:

  • Obsolete versions are archived.
  • Current versions are accurate.
  • Users are accessing the appropriate versions for their needs.

 

Best Practices for Documentation Versioning

  • Clear Documentation: Include release notes with each new version, so users know what has changed.
  • Maintain a Single Source of Truth: Ensure there is one place where all the official documentation lives, even if there are different versions.
  • Regular Reviews: Schedule periodic reviews to ensure that all versions are up to date with current system functionality.

 

Conclusion

Managing versions in the knowledge-based portal is crucial for delivering the right information to users at the right time. By utilizing low-code platforms, organizations can simplify the process of documentation versioning, reduce manual work, and improve collaboration. With automated version control, clear policies, and efficient workflows, you can ensure that your documentation is always accurate and easy to manage.

 

Author: Gnanaprakash Govindharaj, Associate Research and Development

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