January 2026 – Version 4 is here

Version 4 is here: what’s changed from Version 3

We’re excited to share Version 4 of theDMSeffect — a major platform update that modernises the system while keeping the workflows you already know.

Every few years, software needs more than incremental tweaks. The tools and frameworks used to build applications keep improving, and at some point the best path forward is a full refresh so the system can stay fast, secure, and ready for the next wave of improvements.

Version 4 becomes the new foundation for theDMSeffect going forward, bringing a cleaner interface and a stack of usability upgrades that make everyday drawing and document work simpler.

A quick tour (recommended on first login)

When you first log in to Version 4, you’ll be prompted with an optional guided tour. It’s worth doing — it steps through key navigation changes so you can get comfortable quickly.

• Start Tour: walks you through the main interface updates
• Later: shows the tour next time you log in
• Ignore: stops it appearing on login

If you ever want to run it again, use the question mark icon in the top-right menu and select Reset Tour.

Search and filters: now designed for speed

In Version 3, many users had filters and search across the top. In Version 4, filters and search tools now load on the right side by default on the main dashboard — based on client feedback that this layout is the most efficient for day-to-day use.

If you prefer the older layout, you can switch between Vertical and Horizontal filter layouts using the buttons above the filters. You can also set your preference in My Profile so your preferred layout always loads.

A few things to note if you previously used the right-hand layout in Version 3:

• Show All Revisions is now at the top of the filters

• Apply and Reset buttons are now at the bottom

• The Document/Drawing Number search location has changed

• The Description search location has changed

Document/Drawing Number + Description search: moved into the table headerSearch and filters: now designed for speed

The Document/Drawing Number and Description search fields now sit above the columns they search, at the top of the results table. This makes it clearer what you’re filtering and helps you move faster.

Also, the Document/Drawing Number search now includes Vendor Number searching as part of the same field (rather than a separate field). This tends to produce better results and reduces “missed” searches when users aren’t sure where Vendor Number lives.

Pagination replaces “Maximum results to return”

Version 4 removes the old “Maximum results to return” control. Instead:

• Results load normally (without needing to artificially limit the dataset)

• Pagination is used to keep performance smooth and predictable

• You can set your preferred page size (this can default from My Profile → Default Page Size)

Selecting items across pages (problem solved)

One common issue with pagination is users selecting “all” and only grabbing the current page. Version 4 addresses this by giving you a clear option when selecting all:

• Select current page, or

• Select all results (across all pages)

Distribution Dashboards: easier to find and use

Distribution Dashboards used to sit under a dropdown called Dashboards. In Version 4, they can be accessed more easily via tabs, helping teams actually remember and use prebuilt workpacks/books.

(If your site uses dashboards, this is one of the quickest “day one” wins.)

Column resizing like Excel

You can now resize column widths by dragging the edge of a column header — ideal when descriptions are longer than the default width.

If you want to revert back to the standard layout, use the gear icon to reset column widths to their defaults.

Fixed table header while you scroll

In Version 3, scrolling through a long results list meant the header and menus disappeared off-screen. In Version 4, the table scrolls within its area so the header and menus stay visible, making it easier to adjust filters or use actions without constantly scrolling back to the top.

Favourites: save key documents for easy return

Favourites is a new feature in Version 4.

You can now mark drawings/documents as favourites using the star icon in the results table. Favourites stay saved for you, so you can quickly return to regularly used documents.

This is different to Cart:

• Favourites persist across sessions

• Cart is session-based (it clears when you log out)

To access favourites, click the Favourites tab in the top-right of the results area.

Single-line view: fit more results on screen

For users who know their drawing numbers well and want maximum density, Version 4 includes a single-line view option.

Descriptions can be displayed as a single line (concatenated), allowing many more rows visible at once compared to multi-line descriptions.

Thumbnails view: faster visual identification

Version 4 adds a thumbnail view option in the results table (the icon with four boxes).

Thumbnails help users visually identify drawings quickly — particularly useful for mechanical, structural, and civil drawings where the number alone may not be enough to recognise what you need.

You can still select and download items the same way as standard views.

Attachment indicators: see extra info immediately

If a drawing/document includes attachments, Version 4 shows this indicator directly on the main dashboard under the drawing number. This makes it easier to spot when there’s supporting detail worth checking before you proceed.

“Previous revision has original” indicator

Version 4 adds a helpful safety check: if the current revision doesn’t have an original file, but a previous revision does, the system displays a question mark icon with a tooltip message.

This is especially useful when updating drawings — it can prevent unnecessary recreation work when an earlier original file can be used as the base.

Jobs: more visibility and less back-and-forth

Jobs have been enhanced with several improvements:

• Due dates (with notifications)

  • Allocated users receive reminders as due dates approach

  • Overdue notifications alert both the creator and the allocated person

• Cost centre support

  • Helps clarify whether a task is general works, purchase order, work order, etc.

• Attachments inside Jobs

  • No need to jump out to the document detail page just to access attachments

Uploads: clearer, faster, and easier to manage

Uploads has received major quality-of-life improvements, including:

• On-screen reminders and guidance for preparing metadata

• Better visibility of upload progress and what was uploaded

• A clearer upload table that highlights issues more obviously

• Cleaner handling of multiple revisions (nested display)

• Batch processing (e.g., in lots of 10) so errors are shown earlier rather than waiting for the entire upload to complete

Need help or want to provide feedback?

We hope you enjoy the upgrade and the faster workflow. If you’d like help transitioning your team or want to share feedback, contact us any time:

support@thedmseffect.com.au

i Version 4 of the DMS