The Document reference is now the unique identifier of a document published to Asite Collaboration (as opposed to filename prior to Asite Project Workflow V1.4). This is a mandatory attribute that needs to be complete when uploading documents. It will not be possible to have duplicate document reference values within the same folder.
The Document reference automatically duplicates the filename of the document being published. Therefore there is NO CHANGE to the way you have been previously publishing documents as documents with the same filename will automatically supersede previous revisions by virtue of the doc ref being the same. In this case the document reference value will be automatically assigned to the file being published and it will not be possible to edit it.
The Document reference field will allow documents with different filenames to supersede on another by selecting the relevant doc ref from the selector in the upload window. Please DO NOT change the way you name files for uploading unless instructed to do so by Asite protocols or your Workspace Administrator.
Document References also allow creation of Document Placeholders and Paper Documents which at time of creation will not have a filename.
FAQ's:
Q: I want to use the same Doc Ref value in the same folder for a separate document.
A: The same Doc Ref value cannot be used in the same folder. A revision to the existing document can be uploaded by using the same Doc Ref. value.
Q: I want to edit the Doc Ref value after multiple revisions are uploaded.
A: You can edit the Doc Ref. value to a new value from the Edit Attributes facility and the new Doc Ref. defined will be applicable across all revisions.
Useful links:
Create Placeholders in DMS for later Population
Create Placeholders for Revisions
Creating Paper Docs for Revisions