Version Control

May 2001

There are two kinds of Version Control of in the document production process:

1. parallel
2. progressive

Each organization may have its own unique process and it is important for each organization to develop and follow a logical, stepwise system that works best for it.

Some common issues are as follows:

• each successive draft should be meticulously dated and numbered;
• the Web person/team must be informed of any last minute corrections or changes in the final version, whether major or minor;
• a Web version of a document should not be produced until the final version for printing is ready;
• there should be close coordination between the print publications and the Web team/person in any organization;
• sometimes a simplified version of the printed document is used on the Web;
• also, a document should appear consistent on different platforms; and
• at the end of the process the sole authority of posting documents on the Web site should be restricted to one person only.