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Offline Project Archive

This article will explain how users can securely download and work with their archived project data offline.

Updated this week

What is an Offline Project Archive?

  • Offline Project Archives provide long-term and secure access to archived project data for offline use.

  • Each archive includes all project folders, files, forms, drawings, and related project metadata organised in a clear file system hierarchy with folders and subfolders, enabling quick access.

  • Users can access, edit and use the data as needed.

Requesting an Offline Archive

A Customer Admin must raise a request with Asite Support (support@asite.com) to generate an Offline Project Archive. Once the archive is prepared, Asite will notify you by email.

NOTE: Offline Project Archives are available at an additional cost as defined in your contract with Asite.

Downloading an Offline Archive

  1. Open the automated email sent by Asite. It will contain a secure URL to download the archive.

  2. Click the link to begin downloading the archive in your browser.

  3. Once the download is complete, a ZIP file is saved to your system.

  4. Extract the ZIP file using a supported extraction tool (i.e. WinZip, WinRAR or 7-Zip).

    NOTE: The archive cannot be extracted using the default Windows ZIP extractor.

  5. Open the extracted folder. You will be prompted to enter a password.

    • A password will be shared with you in a separate email from Asite.

  6. After successful verification, the Offline Archive will unlock, and the project data will be accessible.

NOTE:

  • Download time depends on your internet bandwidth and the size of the project data. Larger archives may take several hours.

  • Before downloading, ensure you have enough storage space. The ZIP file size is displayed at the start of the download.

  • If a network error occurs, you can resume the download from your browser’s download list (if it does not resume automatically).

How is Data Stored in the Offline Archive?

  • To improve backup performance and reduce clutter, the Offline Archive is delivered using an Explorer-based folder structure. This keeps data organised, making it easy to locate files and forms.

  • Below is the folder structure and what each folder contains:

Folder Name

What Does It Contain

Linked Project Files

Contains folders for linked projects and their associated files.

Project Name

Root folder for the selected project.

Files

Contains all project files along with their related information, including:

  • File metadata

  • Distribution, audit, and comment data (stored as CSV files)

  • Attachments added as secondary files or via comments

  • Xrefs and PDF Mark-up files

Forms

Contains all forms and their related information, organised by:

  • Form groups and form types

  • Form XML files

  • Form metadata such as audit, distribution, and form details (CSV files)

  • Attachments added to forms

Project Metadata

Contains metadata related to the project configuration, such as:

  • Project roles

  • File and app statuses

  • Custom attributes

  • Purpose of Issue (POI)

  • Distribution groups

Error

Contains reports for any files that could not be copied to their expected locations, including a missing files report.

Files with a path length exceeding 255 characters are automatically saved in this folder.

NOTE:

  • The above table provides a high-level overview. Depending on your project, additional folders and multiple CSV files may appear to store related metadata and configuration details.

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