Using associated URL instead of attachments

Eldir Tomassen [ActFact B.V.] — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:21:34 -0000

A requirement for an implementation that we are currently undertaking is the ability to access
documents stored in an existing document management system from within Compiere.
For example, incoming vendor invoices will be scanned, and stored in the document management system. The invoice is also entered into Compiere, and the scanned image needs to be associated to it.

Using Compiere attachments is not a good solution in this case, as the additional index and search capabilities of the document system are needed, and the document will also be accessed by other external apps. (and also because of the database size issues related to having all the docs stored as LOB)

Our opinion is that this can best be solved in a way similar to AD_Attachment / CM_Chat, where entries can be associated to to any Compiere record, using AD_Table_ID & Record_ID columns.
These records will then contain an URL, that points to the resource in the document management system. (maybe with the ability to include context variables in the URL, to access resources that require authentication / login)
This will provide a fairly generic solution, that can be used in many similar cases as well.

Are you willing to implement this, either integrated in the existing attachment window, or as a separate dialog?

Recent changes to 4609: Using associated URL instead of attachments

Using associated URL instead of attachments