> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.auxalia.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.auxalia.com/plant-tools/plantreporter/collaboration-workflows/general-workflow.md).

# General Workflow

This chapter describes the general workflows when using PlantReporter with Collaboration project.

<details>

<summary>Configurations Files of PlantReporter</summary>

These are the files used by PlantDataManager

1. **PlantReporter.xml** This file exist locally (%PROGRAMDATA%\ACPlant Consult\PlantTools\PlantReporter\Plantreporter.xml) All settings from the Settings dialog are stored locally. ![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-aaa564191e2f3d11d116df7b19fe0ceb94504b10%2FPR-Collab-0001.png?alt=media)
2. **PDMDataCache\_\[USERNAME].dcf** The \[PROJCTFOLDER]\ACPlantTools\PlantDataManager\PDMDataCache\_\[USERNAME].dcf files are containing user changes which haven't been imported into the drawings.
3. **NPO\_\[DWGGUID].xml** The \[PROJCTFOLDER]\ACPlantTools\PlantDataManager\NPO\_\[DWGGUID].xml files are containing NPO and relationship tasks for individual drawings which haven't been imported into the drawings.
4. **ReportConfiguration.Collection.xml** The \[PROJCTFOLDER]\ACPlantTools\PlantReporter\ReportFiles\ReportConfiguration.Collection.xml holds a list of available rcf files in the project.
5. \*\**.rcf and .layout.22.2* The \[PROJCTFOLDER]\ACPlantTools\PlantReporter\ReportFiles folder contains the rcf and layout files of the project if the location settings is set to **Project** (see [AutoCAD Plant 3D](/plant-tools/plantreporter/settings/autocad-plant-3d.md)).
6. **SQL Script Files (\*.sql)** The \[PROJCTFOLDER]\ACPlantTools\PlantLink\*.sql files are executed (if enabled) on project load. For example, to create view in the database. The files cannot be edited through PlantDataManager's Settings dialog.
7. **LinkConfiguration.Collection.xml** The \[PROJCTFOLDER]\ACPlantTools\PlantLink\LinkConfiguration.Collection.xml holds a list of available lcf files in the project.
8. \***.lcf files** The \[PROJCTFOLDER]\ACPlantTools\PlantLink\*.lcf files are the configuration files of PlantLink in your project.
9. **Related Files** The related files are all files which are used as the external data source and typically point to a file in the project.When using UDL file referencing a MS Access or MS Excel file, this will also be handled. ![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-de021d4a58420986a942530e2386caa30a910a37%2FPL-Collab-0002.png?alt=media)
10. **Files in Project Manager** ![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-be756ddf883722cd3aca9ff7628ef9dca97eae0b%2FPR-Collab-0002.png?alt=media)

</details>

<details>

<summary>Opening an existing Collaboration project</summary>

1. PDMDataCache\_\[USERNAME].dcf => DOWNLOADED
2. NPO\_\[DWGGUID].xml => DOWNLOADED
3. ReportConfiguration.Collection.xml => DOWNLOADED
4. \*.rcf & \*.layout.22.2 files => DOWNLOADED
5. SQL Script filed (\*.sql) => DOWNLOADED
6. LinkConfiguration.Collection.xml => DOWNLOADED
7. \*.lcf files => DOWNLOADED
8. Related files => DOWNLOADED

</details>

<details>

<summary>Opening or Closing Settings Dialog</summary>

Since the PlantReporter.xml exists locally and are not project settings, these file will not be handled (checked in/out/downloaded).

</details>