The system supports multi-user editing by locking fragments of the document to a specific user. The system will attempt to acquire a lock whenever a user starts editing the document. If no one else has a lock when a user begins editing the document, the system will lock the fragment to the user, noting the date/time that the lock was acquired so that other drafters in the document can see. Locks are shown in the structure view using padlock/pencil icons. Newly inserted provisions/amendments/interstitial headings which haven’t been manually saved yet will be shown with an asterisk against them in the structure view (only visible to the user who created them until they save their changes).
You can see who has a lock on fragments in the document by clicking on the padlock to show a tooltip containing the user’s name and date/time when they acquired their lock. Additionally, you will be able to see if another user has a lock on the document as the text in the Editor will also be highlighted grey.
For bill/SI/SSI provisions
To insert a new provision, the system will need to acquire a lock on the parent element. It is not possible to insert provisions if the parent element is locked. You will need to ask the other user with the lock on the parent element to save their changes (which will release all their locks) so that you can insert and save your new provision. Saving after the insertion will allow you to continue editing your newly inserted provision without stopping another user from inserting or updating another provision with the same parent.
If you are editing an existing section or schedule, the lock will only occur at the section/regulation/article etc. or schedule level, allowing many drafters to edit separate sections/regulations/articles etc. and schedules at the same time in the same document.
For amendments
The lock will be at the amendment level or the amendment list level if you are editing a List of Draft Amendments (LoDA), Daily List, Marshalled List (including manuscript amendments and scripted marshalled list etc) and Grouping List. To insert a new amendment in a LoDA you will need a lock on the entire document. To edit an amendment, you only need a lock on the amendment thereby allowing other users to edit other amendments in the same list. Interstitial headings are treated as part of the document (e.g. LoDA, Daily List etc) so if you have inserted a new amendment (only possible in a LoDA) – all interstitial headings will be locked as well but this won’t interfere with other users in the same document editing existing amendments.
Once you save your changes, the lock is released.