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Understand the different file imports

Uploading files, zip, file import

Updated over 2 months ago

Uploading Files in Autility

Autility offers several locations where files can be uploaded. Below is an overview of the different upload options and recommendations for when to use each.

Bulk File Import – When uploading many files at once

This method is ideal for uploading existing O&M documentation from other systems that should also be available in Autility. Examples include evacuation plans, service agreements, actions, or deviations. These are often numerous, and can be imported collectively using a .zip file.

Steps:

  • Go to Settings > Import > Files

  • Click Upload

  • Locate the .zip file in your file explorer and click Open

  • Wait for the files to finish uploading

  • Click the button shaped like a green circle with a white arrow (Does this button have a name?)

  • Select one, several, or all files

  • Choose manual processing via Actions, or use Smart Suggestions (AI feature)

Note:
Location is mandatory for all files. We also recommend assigning a Classification and Document Type to ensure proper filtering and visibility across views and related assets.

From the Actions menu, you can choose:

  • Smart Suggestions

  • Set Location

  • Assign Document Type

  • Add Tag

  • Classify

  • Link Actions

  • Link Deviations

  • Link Requests

  • Delete

Smart Suggestions allows you to:

  • Classify Files

  • Apply Automatic Tagging

Once processing is complete, click Mark All as Completed to make the files available for operations.

Uploading one or a few files to a specific building

If you only need to upload one or a few files directly to a building, it's just as easy to go straight to that building.

Steps:

  • Navigate to the building and select Operations > Files

  • Click Upload Files

  • Drag and drop files, or select them from your file explorer using the + button

  • Files are created instantly

  • Select the files and use Actions to classify, assign document type, or link to other elements

Uploading Files via the Building Menu

If you follow this path:

Settings > Buildings > Select Building > Files

You’ll be redirected to the File Import view.


Frequently asked questions about file import

Where should we upload updated drawings or technical plans?

We recommend uploading updated drawings directly from the Files tab under the relevant building. If you have many files, group them into a .zip and use the File Import feature for a more efficient process.
Once uploaded, be sure to assign both Document Type and Classification to each file. This ensures proper filtering and linking to relevant assets.

Do updated documents/images/drawings need to have the same name to replace older versions?

No. Files with the same classification as an asset will automatically appear under “Files” for that asset. When uploading updated documents, the filename doesn’t matter—older files are not replaced. The system always displays the newest file at the top of the list. For example, a newly uploaded service report will appear first, while older reports are listed below.

You can also use tags to label files with statuses like “archived,” “valid,” etc., for additional filtering. If you want to link updated files directly to one or more assets, this can easily be done via the Actions Center in the file module.


How do we update metadata for multiple uploaded files at once?

Start by selecting the correct location in the system. Then find and select the files you want to update. Once selected, click Actions and choose the updates you wish to apply via the Actions Center.



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