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How to Use Document Relationships in OpenKM

Document Relationships in OpenKM allow users to link content meaningfully, making it easier to navigate between files that share a logical or business connection. Whether it’s an invoice linked to a budget or a parent-child relationship between project versions, OpenKM provides a clear, interactive structure for your document ecosystem.

Understanding and managing these connections reduces search time and improves traceability. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create, view, and use document relationships in OpenKM efficiently within real workflows.

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What Are Document Relationships in OpenKM?

Document relationships in OpenKM let you establish structured links between files, either hierarchically or non-hierarchically. As a result, you create meaningful networks that reflect business logic and process dependencies.

How to Configure Relationships in OpenKM

The Administration panel contains tools to define custom relationship types. For example, you can configure labels like “references” or “originates from.” In addition, the Knowledge Center provides full documentation for advanced settings. Therefore, administrators can tailor these relationships to organizational needs.

Viewing Linked Documents in OpenKM

Inside the demo folder “Relationships,” you’ll find structured examples: Budgets, Invoices, and Performer Invoices. These contain files connected by predefined relationship types. Furthermore, OpenKM visually marks related documents with an icon, enhancing navigation speed and reinforcing the role of document relationships in OpenKM in daily use.

Navigate Easily Through OpenKM Relationships

When you open a file with relationships, go to the “Relationships” tab. Here, OpenKM shows the direction and type of connection. If you click the linked file, the system takes you directly to its folder. As a result, users can access files quickly using OpenKM’s relationship mapping.

Examples of Document Linking Types

Two common models include:

  • Non-Hierarchical: A contract linked to supporting images or media files.
  • Parent-Child: A single project spec (parent) linked to multiple revisions or reports (children).

These examples demonstrate how document relationships in OpenKM mirror real operational logic.

Why Document Linking Matters in OpenKM

File relationships increase productivity and reduce errors. For instance, users can jump between connected documents without memorizing file paths. In addition, metadata updates can occur more accurately when files are linked logically. This is one of the greatest advantages of using OpenKM relationships in structured environments.

Key Benefits of File Associations in OpenKM

These connections offer more than structure. They:

  • Streamline audits and compliance reviews
  • Reduce redundancy and manual searches
  • Support workflow automation triggers
  • Improve collaboration across departments

Taken together, these advantages make linked document management a key feature of the OpenKM platform.

“Document Relationships in OpenKM give users the power to connect files logically, increasing control and reducing time spent navigating.”

Start Using Document Relationships in OpenKM

Now that you’ve seen how document relationships in OpenKM work, begin applying them in your own repository. Moreover, you’ll reduce user confusion and streamline your document structure in both small and large teams.

To explore more features, visit the Document Management System – OpenKM.

Ready to improve your company’s efficiency with effective document management? Contact our team and let us guide you through the process step by step.

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