Architecture Project Management Software

BuildSync

Find Every File, Finish Every Project

BuildSync unifies every architectural file, drawing, and decision into an AI-powered, searchable timeline for small firm owners and project managers drowning in document chaos. Instantly surface emails, approvals, and revisions—slashing 85% of search time, preventing costly miscommunication, and enabling flawless, on-time project delivery without digging through endless folders or inboxes.

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BuildSync

Product Details

Explore this AI-generated product idea in detail. Each aspect has been thoughtfully created to inspire your next venture.

Vision & Mission

Vision
To empower every small architecture team to deliver flawless, delay-free projects by eradicating document chaos forever.
Long Term Goal
By 2028, eliminate document chaos for 10,000 small architecture teams worldwide, slashing project delays by 30% and saving each firm over 100 hours per year.
Impact
Reduces document search time by 85% for small architecture firms and project managers, resulting in a 30% decrease in project delays and eliminating miscommunication—saving teams over 100 hours annually and enabling consistent on-time, on-budget project delivery.

Problem & Solution

Problem Statement
Small architecture firm owners and project managers lose critical hours searching for project documents and decisions across scattered emails and folders, as current file management tools lack context-aware search and reliable project history, leading to costly delays and confusion.
Solution Overview
BuildSync unifies every project file, drawing, and decision into a single, searchable timeline, using context-aware AI to instantly retrieve exactly what’s needed from emails, chats, and cloud folders—eliminating frantic searches and document chaos for architecture firm owners and project managers.

Details & Audience

Description
BuildSync is a SaaS platform that organizes, archives, and retrieves architectural documents and communications automatically. Designed for small architecture firms and project managers, it slashes time lost to email chains and folder hunts. Powered by context-aware AI, BuildSync instantly surfaces any drawing, decision, or file, eliminating document chaos and project delays with one smart, searchable timeline.
Target Audience
Small architecture firm owners and project managers (30-55) overwhelmed by document chaos, prioritizing seamless project delivery.
Inspiration
During a site meeting, I watched a project manager desperately scroll through months of emails, searching for one signed drawing as anxious clients and contractors looked on. When the document stayed hidden and construction stalled, the frustration in the room was palpable. That single moment made it clear—architecture teams need a smarter way to instantly find and organize critical project files.

User Personas

Detailed profiles of the target users who would benefit most from this product.

B

Budget Balancer Fiona

- Age 38, finance director at 25-person firm - MBA in Finance from State University - Oversees $15M annual project budgets - 12 years in architectural finance - $100K annual salary

Background

Fiona began as a junior accountant in a large firm, where hidden costs triggered major overruns. She honed proactive budget tracking and now demands real-time financial visibility to prevent repeat failures.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Real-time budget variance alerts 2. Unified project cost reconciliation dashboard 3. Accurate forecasting with historical data

Pain Points

1. Fragmented expense records cause budget miscalculations 2. Delayed billing insights lead to cash flow issues 3. Manual data consolidation wastes hours weekly

Psychographics

- Relentlessly cost-conscious and detail-driven - Motivated by transparent financial accountability - Risk-averse, avoids budget surprises - Trusts data-backed decision making

Channels

1. Outlook email—daily updates 2. QuickBooks integration—financial sync 3. Slack finance—instant collaboration 4. LinkedIn groups—industry insights 5. Firm intranet—policy announcements

S

Security Sentinel Sam

- Age 42, IT manager at 50-staff firm - BS in Information Security from Tech University - 15 years enterprise IT experience - Manages $500K annual IT budget

Background

Sam built his reputation leading a breach response team at a multinational, where sloppy document controls triggered costly investigations. Now he prioritizes impenetrable file security and clear audit logs to block threats.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. End-to-end encryption for all project files 2. Granular user permission management interface 3. Immutable audit logs with timestamped entries

Pain Points

1. Unencrypted emails exposing confidential designs 2. Overly broad permissions risking data leaks 3. Missing revision logs hindering forensic analysis

Psychographics

- Obsessive about airtight data security - Values proactive risk detection systems - Prioritizes compliance over convenience - Thrives on detailed incident analytics

Channels

1. Microsoft Teams—security alerts 2. Splunk dashboard—log monitoring 3. Email—compliance notifications 4. SIEM platform—threat analysis 5. GitHub—API documentation

M

MEP Maestro Max

- Age 35, MEP engineer at 15-person firm - BS in Mechanical Engineering - 8 years cross-discipline coordination experience - $85K annual salary

Background

After costly HVAC-electrical clashes on a large hospital project, Max championed systematic change tracing. He now demands seamless consolidation of all system revisions to avoid redundant design loops.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Instant retrieval of past MEP revisions 2. Visual clash detection reports overview 3. Integrated coordination meeting notes access

Pain Points

1. Hidden system conflicts causing site delays 2. Manual cross-referencing wastes design hours 3. Unlogged coordination decisions spawn errors

Psychographics

- Passionate about interdisciplinary coordination - Appreciates swift, precise information retrieval - Driven by reducing on-site rework - Values transparent revision histories

Channels

1. Revit plugin—direct file access 2. Slack coordination—team discussions 3. Email—drawing approvals 4. BIM forums—technical insights 5. Zoom—virtual review sessions

L

Liaison Lila

- Age 30, client liaison at 20-person firm - BA in Communications - 5 years stakeholder management experience - $70K annual salary

Background

Lila joined architecture after struggling to glean timely updates from fragmented sources. She now oversees client communications, demanding concise, accurate project summaries to preempt misunderstandings.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Concise project status summary exports 2. Visual timeline snapshots for client briefs 3. Quick approval tracking across stakeholders

Pain Points

1. Scattered updates cause client confusion 2. Time-consuming manual report creation 3. Late approvals stall project progress

Psychographics

- Empathetic, prioritizes clear communication - Motivated by client satisfaction metrics - Values visual storytelling over jargon - Seeks easy-to-share project snapshots

Channels

1. PowerPoint slides—client presentations 2. Email—status dispatches 3. Slack—internal coordination 4. Microsoft Teams—virtual meetings 5. Client portal—document sharing

R

Remote Roving Riley

- Age 28, freelance design consultant - MArch from Art & Tech Institute - Works with 3–5 firms concurrently - $60–$80 per hour

Background

After missing critical revisions during a desert site visit, Riley invested in mobile-friendly tools. Now she demands instantaneous access and annotation capabilities from any device or network.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Offline drawing access with sync capability 2. Quick on-screen annotation tools 3. Mobile push notifications for updates

Pain Points

1. No internet halts critical on-site work 2. Cumbersome desktop-only annotation workflows 3. Lost changes due to failed syncs

Psychographics

- Craves flexibility and on-the-go productivity - Values immediate, offline-capable access - Embraces mobile-first toolsets - Prioritizes intuitive user interfaces

Channels

1. BuildSync mobile—primary access 2. WhatsApp—team messaging 3. Dropbox Sync—file backups 4. Email—formal updates 5. Instagram—visual inspiration

Product Features

Key capabilities that make this product valuable to its target users.

Snapshot Highlights

Automatically extracts and highlights the most significant changes in each revision, presenting them as a concise visual snapshot so managers can instantly grasp critical updates without wading through entire drawings.

Requirements

Automated Change Detection Engine
"As a project manager, I want the system to automatically detect changes between drawing revisions so that I can quickly identify modifications without manual comparison."
Description

Implement an algorithm that analyzes consecutive revisions of architectural files and drawings to identify all structural, annotation, and dimensional changes. The engine should compare metadata, vector data, and raster differences to ensure comprehensive detection of modifications. It will power the Snapshot Highlights feature by providing the raw data needed to generate visual and textual summaries of changes.

Acceptance Criteria
Detect Structural Changes between Revisions
Given two consecutive revisions of an architectural drawing are uploaded; When the automated change detection engine processes vector data representing structural elements; Then all additions, deletions, and modifications of walls, beams, and columns are identified and recorded with at least 95% accuracy.
Identify Annotation Modifications
Given revision N and revision N+1 of a project file are available; When the engine analyzes annotation layers including text notes, symbols, and labels; Then any added, removed, or altered annotations are detected and their positions logged in the change summary.
Capture Dimensional Alterations
Given two revisions containing dimension entities are compared; When the change detection engine evaluates dimensional values; Then all changes in length, angle, and radius are captured with previous and current values listed at 100% precision.
Compare Metadata Differences
Given metadata (author, timestamp, version, layer visibility) for two revisions is provided; When the engine compares metadata fields; Then any discrepancies in author, date/time, version number, or layer settings are highlighted and detailed in the report.
Process Raster and Vector Differences
Given both raster images and vector drawings are present in consecutive versions; When the engine performs pixel-level and vector geometry comparison; Then all raster edits and vector shape modifications are classified by type and included in the change log.
Visual Diff Overlay
"As a project manager, I want a visual overlay highlighting changes directly on the drawings so that I can see modifications in context."
Description

Develop a rendering layer that overlays detected changes directly onto the original drawings. Add color-coded highlights for additions, deletions, and modifications, with a legend explaining each highlight type. Ensure the overlay is toggleable and can be adjusted for opacity to blend with the base drawing for context-sensitive review.

Acceptance Criteria
Overlay Toggle Activation
Given an original drawing with detected changes and the user has access to the diff overlay feature, When the user clicks the overlay toggle button, Then the visual diff overlay is rendered on the drawing without requiring a page reload.
Opacity Adjustment Control
Given the visual diff overlay is active, When the user adjusts the opacity slider, Then the overlay transparency updates in real time between 0% (fully transparent) and 100% (fully opaque), allowing the base drawing details to remain visible.
Color-Coded Change Highlighting
Given a revision includes additions, deletions, and modifications, When the overlay is displayed, Then additions are highlighted in green, deletions in red, and modifications in blue, matching the color legend codes.
Legend Display and Interpretation
Given the diff overlay is rendered on the drawing, When the user views the overlay legend, Then the legend clearly explains each highlight color and shape symbol, and remains visible or collapsible without obstructing the drawing.
Performance Under Large Drawings
Given a complex drawing file exceeding 200 layers or 50MB size, When the user toggles the diff overlay on, Then the overlay loads and renders changes within 2 seconds without degrading the drawing interaction performance.
Concise Change Summary Text
"As a small firm owner, I want a text summary of key changes so that I can quickly read and understand revisions without scanning visuals."
Description

Generate a clear, concise textual summary of all significant changes detected in each revision. The summary should list change categories (e.g., structural, layout, annotation), item counts, and brief descriptions. Integrate natural language generation to ensure readability and consistency, helping users grasp updates at a glance.

Acceptance Criteria
Reviewing Revision Summaries at Project Kickoff
Given a revision contains structural, layout, and annotation changes, when the summary is generated, then it lists each change category with the number of items and a brief description for each.
Receiving Email Notifications
Given the system sends a summary via email upon revision upload, when the user opens the email, then the summary appears with categorized counts and descriptions, is under 300 characters total, and the email subject includes the project and revision ID.
Comparing Summaries Across Revisions
Given multiple revisions are selected, when the user views comparison, then each summary is displayed side-by-side, maintaining category consistency and accurate counts, and highlighting any new categories.
Client Dashboard Review
Given a client accesses the summary in the project dashboard, when viewing, then the summary is readable with clear category headings, concise descriptions under each, and no technical jargon beyond two sentences per category.
Exporting Summaries for Reporting
Given the user exports summaries to PDF or CSV, when exporting, then the file includes all categories, counts, and descriptions formatted consistently, and completes export within 5 seconds for up to 50 revisions.
Configurable Highlight Sensitivity
"As a project manager, I want to adjust the sensitivity of change detection so that minor aesthetic edits don’t clutter the summary."
Description

Provide user-configurable settings to adjust the sensitivity threshold of change detection. Allow users to include or exclude minor edits such as font adjustments, line weight changes, or color tweaks. Store preferences per project or user profile and apply them automatically to future revision comparisons.

Acceptance Criteria
Excluding Font Adjustments from Snapshot Highlights
Given the user configures the sensitivity threshold to exclude 'font adjustments' on the project settings page When a new revision containing font changes and structural changes is compared Then the generated snapshot highlights only include structural changes and omit any font adjustments
Including Line Weight Changes Only
Given the user sets sensitivity to include only 'line weight changes' and exclude other minor edits When a revision comparing line weight, color, and annotation changes is performed Then the snapshot highlights list only the line weight changes and ignore color and annotation edits
Saving and Applying Project-Level Sensitivity Settings
Given the user has configured sensitivity settings at the project level When the user opens any subsequent revision comparison within the same project Then the system automatically applies the stored project-level settings without requiring reconfiguration
Overriding Default Sensitivity in User Profile
Given the user has a default sensitivity preference in their user profile When the user accesses a new or existing project without project-specific settings Then the system applies the user profile sensitivity settings to revision comparisons
Automatic Sensitivity Application on New Revision Import
Given a new revision is imported into a project with existing sensitivity settings When the system processes the imported revision for comparison Then the snapshot highlights respect the pre-configured sensitivity settings and accurately display changes according to those preferences
Snapshot Export and Sharing
"As a project manager, I want to export the snapshot highlights to PDF or share via email so that stakeholders can review updates offline."
Description

Enable exporting of the generated visual snapshots and change summaries as PDF or image files. Integrate email and project collaboration tool sharing options so users can distribute highlights directly from the interface. Include configurable templates and watermarks to meet firm branding and documentation standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Export Snapshot as PDF
Given a user has selected a snapshot for export, When the user chooses the PDF format and clicks "Export", Then the system generates and downloads a PDF file containing the snapshot with all highlights, annotations, and formatting preserved.
Export Snapshot as Image File
Given a user has selected a snapshot for export, When the user chooses an image format (PNG or JPEG) and clicks "Export", Then the system generates and downloads an image file at the chosen resolution with all highlights rendered accurately.
Share Snapshot via Email Integration
Given a user has generated a snapshot, When the user selects the email sharing option, enters one or more recipient addresses, and clicks "Send", Then the system opens a pre-populated email draft with the snapshot file attached, subject line auto-filled, and allows the user to review before sending.
Share Snapshot via Collaboration Tool
Given a user has generated a snapshot, When the user selects a connected collaboration tool (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), chooses a channel or group, and clicks "Share", Then the system posts the snapshot directly into the selected channel with a link back to the project in BuildSync.
Apply Branding Template to Snapshot Export
Given a user has configured a branding template in settings, When exporting any snapshot, Then the exported file (PDF or image) includes the firm’s logo, watermark, header, footer, and metadata exactly as defined in the selected template.
Customize Watermark Settings
Given a user has set watermark preferences (opacity, position, size) in their user profile, When exporting a snapshot, Then the system applies the watermark according to the saved settings without requiring adjustments per export.

Layer Lens

Allows users to filter visual previews by layers or categories (e.g., electrical, plumbing, structural), enabling focused review of specific disciplines and accelerating decision-making for specialized teams.

Requirements

Interactive Layer Selector UI
"As a project manager, I want to select and toggle individual layers through a clear interface so that I can review specific disciplines without distraction."
Description

Provide an intuitive user interface component listing all available layers by discipline, enabling users to select, deselect, and highlight layers directly within the visual preview. The component integrates seamlessly with the existing BuildSync interface, supports keyboard and mouse navigation, displays the count of elements per layer, and includes search functionality for quick lookup. This feature enhances focus and speeds up specialized reviews by allowing users to manage layer visibility precisely.

Acceptance Criteria
Layer List Display
Given the user opens the interactive layer selector component, When the UI loads, Then all available layers are listed alphabetically by discipline, each showing its name and element count.
Mouse-Based Layer Toggle
Given the layer selector is visible, When the user clicks the checkbox next to a layer name, Then that layer’s visibility toggles in the visual preview immediately.
Keyboard Navigation and Selection
Given the layer selector has focus, When the user navigates with arrow keys and presses Enter or Space on a layer entry, Then the layer visibility toggles and the visual preview updates accordingly.
Layer Search Functionality
Given the user enters at least two characters into the search input, When the input changes, Then the layer list filters in real-time to display only layers whose names or disciplines match the search term.
Element Count Accuracy
Given one or more layers are selected or deselected, When the preview renders, Then the element counts displayed in the selector match the actual number of elements shown for each layer in the visual preview.
Integration State Persistence
Given the user toggles several layers and navigates to another panel, When the user returns to the visual preview, Then the layer selector retains its toggled state and the preview remains consistent.
Multi-Category Filter Groups
"As an electrical engineer, I want to apply an electrical filter preset to quickly isolate wiring diagrams so that I can review circuitry without clutter."
Description

Implement filter groups for categories such as electrical, plumbing, and structural, allowing users to group related layers and apply unified filter presets. Users can create, save, rename, and delete custom category sets for repeated use. The feature integrates with the timeline and visual preview modules, ensuring consistency across sessions and devices.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Category Set
Given the user opens the Layer Lens filter menu When the user selects 'Create New Category Set', enters a unique name, and selects at least one discipline Then the new category set is saved and listed in the presets with the correct name and selected disciplines.
Applying an Existing Category Set to Visual Preview
Given the user has one or more saved category sets When the user selects a category set from the presets Then the visual preview updates to display only layers matching the selected disciplines across both project timeline and preview pane.
Renaming a Custom Category Set
Given the user has a saved category set When the user chooses to rename the set, enters a new unique name, and confirms the change Then the category set displays the updated name in the presets list and uses that name in subsequent sessions.
Deleting a Custom Category Set
Given the user has a saved category set When the user deletes the set and confirms the action Then the category set is removed from the presets list and no longer available in the Layer Lens filter menu or across sessions.
Synchronizing Category Sets Across Devices
Given the user is logged into BuildSync on multiple devices When the user creates, renames, or deletes a category set on one device Then the changes are reflected on all other devices within 2 minutes and after a page refresh or application reload.
Real-time Rendering Update
"As a user, I want the preview to update instantly when I toggle layers so that I can quickly assess changes without waiting."
Description

Ensure that any changes to layer visibility—such as toggling or grouping—are reflected immediately in the visual preview. Utilize an efficient rendering pipeline optimized for low-latency updates, maintaining interactive frame rates even with large and complex drawings. Provide visual feedback during state transitions to confirm filter application.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Layer Toggle Update
Given a drawing with multiple layers, When the user toggles visibility of a single layer, Then the visual preview updates within 200ms to reflect the change accurately.
Multiple Layer Group Toggle
Given layers are grouped into a category, When the user toggles the group's visibility, Then all layers in that group update within 300ms and display correct visibility status.
Layer Visibility State Persistence
Given previously configured layer visibility settings, When the user reloads or navigates back to the preview, Then the preview preserves the last visibility state across sessions.
High Complexity Rendering Performance
Given a drawing containing over 1,000 objects across layers, When the user changes layer filters, Then the system maintains at least 30 FPS and completes the update within 500ms.
Visual Feedback During State Transition
Given a visibility toggle action is initiated, When rendering is in progress, Then a loading indicator appears immediately and disappears once rendering completes.
Export Filtered Views
"As a consultant, I want to export a PDF of only the structural layers so that I can share focused documentation with stakeholders."
Description

Enable users to export the current filtered view as a PDF or high-resolution image, preserving the active layer settings and visual styling. Integrate seamlessly with BuildSync’s existing export system, including metadata about which layers are visible. Allow users to name and save export presets for recurring documentation needs.

Acceptance Criteria
Export filtered view as PDF
Given a filtered view with active layers selected, when the user selects 'Export as PDF', then the resulting PDF file preserves the selected layers and visual styling and downloads without errors.
Export filtered view as high-resolution image
Given a filtered view with active layers selected, when the user selects 'Export as Image', then the resulting image file is at least 300 DPI, preserves the selected layers and visual styling, and downloads without errors.
Embed visible layer metadata into exports
Given an export operation, when the user generates a PDF or image, then the output file includes metadata indicating all visible layers and their categories.
Name and save export presets
Given the user configures export settings (format, resolution, layers), when the user saves the configuration as a new preset with a name, then the preset is stored and listed under 'Export Presets' for future use.
Apply saved export presets
Given existing export presets, when the user selects a preset, then BuildSync applies the preset's format, resolution, and layer filters to the current view before export.
Performance Optimization for Complex Files
"As a small firm owner, I want the system to handle large architectural files with many layers so that I can maintain productivity and avoid slowdowns."
Description

Optimize data loading and rendering for drawings containing 200+ layers by implementing lazy loading, intelligent caching, and GPU acceleration. Aim for filter operations and view updates to complete within 500ms for typical large files. Provide monitoring tools to detect performance bottlenecks and adjust resources dynamically.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Load of Complex Drawing
Given a drawing file with 250 layers stored in the system When the user opens the drawing Then the initial data loading and rendering complete within 500ms
Applying Layer Filters in Real-Time
Given a loaded drawing with multiple disciplines When the user filters to display only electrical layers Then the view updates within 500ms without visual artifacts or errors
Switching Between Multiple Layer Filters
When the user cycles through five different layer filters in succession within a one-minute period Then each filter application completes within 500ms and the viewer remains responsive
Monitoring Performance Metrics
Given the performance monitoring dashboard When a filter operation exceeds 450ms Then an alert is generated and logged for administrator review
Automatic Resource Scaling During Peak Load
When the system detects sustained rendering operations exceeding 500ms Then GPU acceleration and caching resources are dynamically reallocated within 200ms to restore performance below 500ms

TimeLapse Reel

Generates an animated sequence of drawing iterations, playing back changes over time to reveal evolution of plans at a glance and helping users understand the progression of design decisions.

Requirements

Timeline Scrubbing
"As a project manager, I want to scrub through the animated sequence so that I can quickly find and inspect a particular design iteration."
Description

Provide an interactive slider control enabling users to scrub through the drawing evolution timeline, instantly previewing iterations at any point in time to efficiently locate and review specific design changes within the TimeLapse Reel feature.

Acceptance Criteria
Slider Thumb Drag and Preview Update
Given the user drags the timeline slider thumb, when the thumb moves to a new position, then the drawing canvas updates to display the iteration corresponding to the new time within 200 milliseconds.
Click on Timeline for Jump to Iteration
Given the user clicks on a point along the timeline track, when the click is registered, then the timeline thumb jumps to that point and the canvas displays the correct drawing iteration at that timestamp.
Slider Keyboard Accessibility
Given the slider has focus, when the user presses the left or right arrow keys, then the timeline thumb moves by one iteration step and the canvas updates to show the new iteration.
Mobile Scrubbing Interaction
Given the user touches and drags the slider on a mobile device, when the user moves their finger along the timeline, then the displayed iteration updates in real time and remains responsive without lag.
TimeLapse Loading Performance Under Large Projects
Given a project with over 10,000 drawing iterations, when the user interacts with the slider, then each scrubbing action completes and updates the canvas within 300 milliseconds without freezing the UI.
Playback Speed Adjustment
"As an architect, I want to control the playback speed so that I can analyze changes in detail or get a high-level overview quickly."
Description

Enable users to adjust the playback speed of the TimeLapse Reel, offering predefined speed options including slow motion, real-time, and fast-forward, to facilitate detailed review or rapid overview of design evolution.

Acceptance Criteria
Slow Motion Playback Selection
Given the TimeLapse Reel is open When the user selects the slow motion speed option (0.5x) Then the reel plays back at exactly half the normal speed and each frame duration is twice the default interval
Real-Time Playback Verification
Given the TimeLapse Reel is open When the user selects the real-time playback speed option (1x) Then the reel plays back matching the original drawing timestamps with no speed alteration
Fast-Forward Playback Selection
Given the TimeLapse Reel is open When the user selects a fast-forward speed option (2x or 4x) Then the reel plays back at double or quadruple the normal speed and each frame duration reflects the appropriate proportion of the default interval
Playback Speed Slider Interaction
Given the TimeLapse Reel is open When the user adjusts the playback speed using the slider Then the speed label updates in real-time and the playback speed changes immediately to the selected value within the allowed range
Playback Speed Persistence
Given the user has set a playback speed When the user closes and reopens the TimeLapse Reel Then the previously selected playback speed is retained and applied automatically
Version Metadata Overlay
"As a small firm owner, I want to see metadata during playback so that I can understand who made changes and when."
Description

Display key metadata such as version number, author, timestamp, and change summary overlaid on the animation at each iteration milestone to give context and traceability throughout the TimeLapse Reel.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Timeline Playback with Metadata Overlay
Given the user initiates playback of the TimeLapse Reel, When the first iteration milestone is reached, Then a semi-transparent overlay displays version number, author name, timestamp, and change summary prominently for at least 3 seconds.
Pause at Iteration Milestone
Given the user pauses the animation at any iteration milestone, Then the metadata overlay reappears (or remains visible) ensuring version number, author, timestamp, and summary remain displayed until playback resumes.
Hover Metadata Visibility
Given the user hovers the cursor over the animation frame during playback, Then the metadata overlay for the current iteration expands to show the full change summary while retaining version number, author, and timestamp.
Scrubbing to Specific Iteration
Given the user scrubs the timeline slider to a specific iteration, Then the metadata overlay instantly updates to display the correct version number, author, timestamp, and change summary for that selected iteration.
Export Frame with Metadata
Given the user exports a frame from the TimeLapse Reel, Then the exported image file includes the metadata overlay (version number, author, timestamp, change summary) in the same position and styling without clipping.
Exportable Animation
"As a project manager, I want to export the animation so that I can include it in presentations and share with clients."
Description

Provide functionality to export the TimeLapse Reel as video formats (e.g., MP4, GIF) and shareable links so stakeholders can view design evolution outside the platform without logging in.

Acceptance Criteria
Export Format Selection
Given a user has generated a TimeLapse Reel, When the user selects 'Export' and chooses MP4 or GIF from the format dropdown, Then the system generates a downloadable video file in the selected format within 30 seconds.
Custom Export Settings
Given a user opens the export settings modal, When the user adjusts resolution to 1080p and frame rate to 24fps, Then the exported video matches these settings and retains audio annotations if present.
Shareable Link Generation
Given a user opts to create a shareable link after export, When the user clicks 'Share Link', Then the system generates a unique URL accessible without login and displays it alongside copy-to-clipboard functionality.
Permissions Enforcement on Export
Given a user without export privileges attempts to export a TimeLapse Reel, When the user clicks 'Export', Then the system blocks the action, displays an error message indicating insufficient permissions, and does not generate a file or link.
Batch Export Performance
Given a user selects multiple TimeLapse Reels for export, When the user initiates batch export, Then the system queues each reel, processes them sequentially without errors, and provides download links for all videos within expected time proportional to reel length.
Change Delta Highlighting
"As a reviewer, I want to see highlighted changes so that I can immediately identify what was modified between versions."
Description

Automatically detect and highlight areas of the drawing where modifications occurred between iterations, using color-coded overlays or blinking annotations to draw attention to changes during playback.

Acceptance Criteria
Automatic Change Detection During Playback
Given a sequence of two or more drawing iterations, when the TimeLapse Reel plays back, then areas modified between consecutive iterations are highlighted with color-coded overlays corresponding to the type of change.
Blinking Annotation Visibility
Given highlighted regions during playback, when the blinking annotation feature is toggled on, then annotations pulse at 1 Hz, remaining clearly visible against different drawing backgrounds without obstructing underlying details.
Color-Coded Overlay Legend Accessibility
Given color-coded overlays indicating modifications, when the user opens the overlay legend, then each color is accurately mapped to a change type with correct labels and tooltips.
Highlight Persistence Across Zoom and Pan
Given active highlighting during playback, when the user zooms in/out or pans the view, then the highlighted areas remain correctly aligned with modified regions at all zoom levels without distortion.
Exported Reel Includes Delta Highlights
Given an exported TimeLapse Reel video, when the user plays the exported file, then color-coded highlights and blinking annotations appear in the video with the same timing and appearance as in-app playback.
Annotation Replay
"As an architect, I want to see annotations appear at the right moment so that I can recall feedback and decision reasoning alongside visual changes."
Description

Synchronize user-added annotations and comments with their respective points in the timeline, replaying them in context during the TimeLapse Reel to demonstrate rationale and discussion history behind design decisions.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Annotation Playback
Given a user-added annotation exists at a specific timestamp, When the TimeLapse Reel reaches that timestamp, Then the annotation’s text and pointer overlay must appear on the drawing at the correct location and timing.
Simultaneous Multiple Annotations
When multiple annotations share the same timestamp during playback, Then all annotations must display concurrently with distinct markers and legible comments without overlap.
Annotation Duration and Fade
Given an annotation appears during the reel, Then it must remain visible for at least 5 seconds before fading out smoothly, unless the user pauses the reel.
User Interaction with Annotation
When a user clicks on a displayed annotation during playback, Then the reel must pause and a detail pane must open showing the full annotation comment thread.
Backward Seek Annotation Replay
Given the user rewinds the reel past a timestamp with annotations, When playback resumes, Then previously shown annotations must reappear at their original timestamps in correct chronological order.

Quick Annotate

Lets users add comments, tags, and approval marks directly onto the flash preview, streamlining collaboration by collecting feedback on highlighted changes without switching to full-scale drawing tools.

Requirements

Point-Based Commenting
"As a project manager, I want to click on specific areas of the preview to add comments so that feedback is precisely linked to relevant design elements."
Description

Users can click directly on any point in the flash preview to place a comment box anchored to the exact coordinate in the drawing. The system highlights the selected area, allows typing comments, and stores each annotation with its location metadata. This functionality streamlines feedback by tying comments contextually to design elements, eliminating the need to switch to full-scale drawing tools and reducing miscommunication across the team.

Acceptance Criteria
Anchor Comment to Selected Point
Given a user views the flash preview When they click on a point Then a comment box is placed at that coordinate and the area is highlighted
Persist Comment Location and Content
Given an anchored comment with content and metadata When the user reloads the project Then the comment appears at the same coordinate with original text and timestamp
Display Highlight and Tooltip on Hover
Given an existing annotation When the user hovers over the highlight Then a tooltip displays the comment text
Edit and Delete Anchored Comments
Given an existing anchor comment When the user selects edit or delete Then the system allows text modification and removal with confirmation
Manage Overlapping Comment Anchors
Given two or more comments in close proximity When anchors overlap Then the system aggregates markers and reveals individual comments on selection
Tagging and Categorization
"As a small firm owner, I want to tag annotations by category so that I can quickly filter and address specific types of feedback."
Description

Provide a flexible tagging system that allows users to assign custom or predefined tags (e.g., Structural, Electrical, Urgent) to each annotation. Users can create, edit, and delete tags, enabling organized grouping and filtering of feedback. This feature ensures efficient review sessions by allowing team members to quickly surface and prioritize annotations by category.

Acceptance Criteria
Assigning a Predefined Tag to an Annotation
Given a user has selected an annotation on the flash preview When they open the tag dropdown and choose a predefined tag Then the annotation displays the selected tag label and is included when filtering by that tag
Creating and Assigning a Custom Tag
Given a user is reviewing annotations When they create a new custom tag named “Urgent” and assign it to an annotation Then the custom tag appears in the tag list and the annotation shows the “Urgent” label
Editing an Existing Tag
Given a user has existing tags in the system When they rename the tag “Electrical” to “Elec-Review” Then all annotations previously labeled “Electrical” update to display “Elec-Review”
Deleting a Tag
Given a user has tags assigned to annotations When they delete the tag “Obsolete” Then the tag is removed from the tag list and no annotations retain the “Obsolete” label
Filtering Annotations by Tag
Given multiple annotations with various tags When a user selects the filter for tag “Structural” Then only annotations labeled “Structural” are displayed in the flash preview
Approval Mark Stamps
"As a team lead, I want to mark drawing sections as approved or needing revision so that the team knows which parts are finalized."
Description

Introduce visual approval stamps (Approve, Revise, Reject) that users can apply to annotations or drawing areas. Stamps are color-coded and include metadata such as approver name and timestamp, creating an audit trail. This feature accelerates decision-making by clearly indicating the review status of each change directly on the preview.

Acceptance Criteria
User Applies Approval Stamp
Given the user is viewing the flash preview When the user selects the "Approve" stamp and clicks on a drawing area Then a green approval stamp appears at the selected location including the approver’s name and timestamp and persists after reload
User Applies Revise Stamp
Given the user is viewing the flash preview When the user selects the "Revise" stamp and clicks on a drawing area Then a yellow revise stamp appears at the selected location including the approver’s name and timestamp and persists after reload
User Applies Reject Stamp
Given the user is viewing the flash preview When the user selects the "Reject" stamp and clicks on a drawing area Then a red reject stamp appears at the selected location including the approver’s name and timestamp and persists after reload
Viewing Stamp Audit Trail
Given multiple stamps have been applied When the user opens the audit trail panel Then the panel lists each stamp entry with type, approver name, timestamp, and location sorted by most recent first
Validating Stamp Color Coding
Given stamps of each type are applied When the user reviews the flash preview Then "Approve" stamps display in #28A745 green, "Revise" stamps display in #FFC107 yellow, and "Reject" stamps display in #DC3545 red
Live Annotation Sync
"As a project manager, I want to see annotations added by my team in real time so that we can collaborate effectively without waiting for page reloads."
Description

Implement real-time synchronization of annotations across all users viewing the preview. Utilizing WebSocket-based updates, any comment, tag, or approval mark added by one user appears instantly on other users’ screens. This ensures seamless collaboration, reduces waiting times, and prevents duplicated feedback or missed updates.

Acceptance Criteria
Simultaneous Annotation by Two Users
Given two users viewing the same preview, when User A adds an annotation, then User B's screen displays the annotation within 2 seconds without manual refresh.
Reconnection After Network Loss
Given a user loses network connection and reconnects, when they reconnect, then all annotations made during disconnection by other users are synchronized without duplication.
High-Frequency Annotation Updates
Given multiple annotations are added in quick succession, when annotations reach up to 20 per minute, then each annotation appears on all connected clients with less than 1 second latency.
Annotation Conflict Resolution
Given two users edit the same annotation simultaneously, when a conflict occurs, then the system retains the first edit and prompts the second user to review and resolve the conflict.
Cross-Device Annotation Sync
Given a user adds an approval mark on a mobile device, when another user views on desktop, then the approval mark appears with correct metadata on the desktop preview within 2 seconds.
Annotation Filtering and Search
"As an architect, I want to filter annotations by author and status so that I can focus on unresolved feedback."
Description

Build robust filtering controls that enable users to show or hide annotations based on tags, approval status, author, or date. Include a search bar to quickly locate text within annotations. These tools integrate with the timeline view, allowing users to navigate efficiently through large sets of feedback and focus on relevant comments.

Acceptance Criteria
Filter Annotations by Tag
When a user selects one or more tags from the filter panel, only annotations containing those tags appear in the flash preview and timeline view; annotations without the selected tags are hidden. The filter remains active across page reloads until explicitly cleared by the user. UI updates occur within 500ms of tag selection.
Filter Annotations by Approval Status
Given a user selects an approval status (Approved, Pending, Rejected) in the filter controls, only annotations matching that status are displayed in both the flash preview and timeline. Switching between statuses updates displayed annotations within 500ms. The filter setting persists until changed or cleared.
Search Annotations by Keyword
When a user enters a keyword or phrase into the annotation search bar and presses Enter, annotations containing the exact or partial match of the term in their text are shown in real time. The search is case-insensitive, supports partial matches, and returns results sorted by relevance. Results appear within 300ms of search submission.
Filter Annotations by Author
Given a user selects one or multiple authors from the author dropdown filter, only annotations created by those authors are displayed in the flash preview and timeline. The author filter can be combined with tag and status filters and updates the view within 500ms of selection.
Combined Filtering and Search
When a user applies a combination of tag, approval status, and author filters along with a search keyword, only annotations meeting all applied criteria are displayed. Clearing any filter or search term immediately updates the results to reflect remaining active criteria. UI refresh occurs within 500ms of any change.

Share & Sync

Creates shareable, read-only preview links with real-time sync, so stakeholders can view highlighted revisions on any device and confirm acknowledgments, ensuring transparent communication and faster signoffs.

Requirements

Shareable Link Generation
"As a project manager, I want to generate unique shareable preview links for architectural files so that I can quickly distribute read-only access to stakeholders without exposing the full document repository."
Description

Enable the system to generate unique, read-only preview links for any architectural file or document. These links should be easily shareable via email or messaging platforms, automatically include document metadata (version, timestamp), and support mobile and desktop browsers. The feature must seamlessly integrate into the existing document management workflow, providing project managers and small firm owners with an intuitive interface to create and copy links, track link creation history, and manage link visibility.

Acceptance Criteria
Link Generation from Document Viewer
Given a user is viewing any architectural file in the document viewer, when they click the “Generate Preview Link” button, then the system creates a unique, read-only link for that specific version of the document.
Automatic Metadata Inclusion
Given a preview link is generated, when the link is created, then the system automatically appends the document’s version number and timestamp to the link metadata accessible by anyone with the link.
Cross-Device and Browser Accessibility
Given a user opens a preview link on mobile or desktop, when they paste the link into any modern browser, then the document preview loads correctly and displays highlighted revisions without requiring login or additional plugins.
Copy and Share Link Workflow
Given a preview link is generated, when the user clicks the “Copy Link” button, then the link is copied to the clipboard and a confirmation message is displayed within two seconds.
Link Creation History Tracking
Given a project manager views the document’s detail page, when they access the “Link History” tab, then they can see a list of all generated links with creation date, creator name, and visibility status.
Real-Time Document Synchronization
"As a stakeholder, I want to see the latest revisions reflected in my preview link immediately so that I can review and provide feedback on the most current version without manual refreshes."
Description

Implement live synchronization between the master document repository and all active preview links. Any changes, comments, or approvals made to a file in the central system should automatically propagate to stakeholder previews within seconds. The sync mechanism must handle large file sizes efficiently, ensure low latency updates, and gracefully recover from network interruptions to maintain up-to-date views across devices.

Acceptance Criteria
Live Update Propagation
Given a user updates a document in the master repository, When the update is saved, Then the change appears in all active preview links within 2 seconds, maintaining the correct document version and content.
Large File Synchronization Performance
Rule: The system must synchronize updates for files up to 500MB within 5 seconds, while ensuring server CPU usage does not exceed 50% and bandwidth peak usage stays below 10Mbps.
Network Interruption and Recovery
Given a user’s device loses network connectivity during sync, When connectivity is restored, Then the preview link automatically resumes synchronization and applies all missed updates within 5 seconds without data loss.
Comment and Approval Synchronization
Given a stakeholder adds a comment or approval via a preview link, When the action is submitted, Then the comment or approval appears in the master repository and all other preview links within 3 seconds, preserving author and timestamp metadata.
Multi-Device View Consistency
Given a document is viewed on multiple devices simultaneously, When any update is made, Then all devices reflect the updated content consistently within 2 seconds with no version mismatches.
Revision Highlighting
"As a stakeholder, I want to see highlighted changes in the document preview so that I can quickly identify updates and focus my review on new content."
Description

Add visual markers to emphasize new or modified content within previewed documents. The system should track changes between versions and highlight additions, deletions, and comments in distinct colors. Users must be able to toggle highlighting on and off, view detailed change logs, and jump directly to each revision point for faster context understanding. This feature integrates with the timeline view to maintain transparency of document evolution.

Acceptance Criteria
Preview Document with Highlighted Revisions
Given a user loads a document version preview, when the document is rendered, then all changed text is highlighted in the designated colors for additions, deletions, and comments.
Toggle Highlighting Visibility
Given a document preview with highlights visible, when the user toggles the highlight switch off, then no highlight colors are displayed; when toggled back on, previous highlights reappear correctly.
Access Detailed Change Log
Given a user views a highlighted document, when the user clicks the change log icon, then a list displays each revision entry with timestamp, author, and change summary in chronological order.
Navigate Between Revision Points
Given a user opens the change log for a document, when the user selects a specific revision entry, then the preview scrolls to and focuses on the corresponding change in the document.
Integration with Timeline View
Given a user views the project timeline, when they select a document version entry, then the preview opens with highlights corresponding to that version's changes.
Stakeholder Acknowledgment Tracking
"As a stakeholder, I want to acknowledge when I’ve reviewed a document so that the project manager knows I’ve seen the latest revisions and can proceed with the next steps."
Description

Provide an acknowledgment button within the preview interface, allowing stakeholders to confirm they have reviewed and accepted the current document state. The system should log acknowledgments with timestamps and user identity, send automated reminders for pending acknowledgments, and display acknowledgment status on the project timeline. This ensures accountability and accelerates sign-off processes.

Acceptance Criteria
Desktop Preview Acknowledgment
Given a stakeholder is viewing a document on a desktop preview link, When the stakeholder clicks the "Acknowledge" button, Then the system logs the acknowledgment with a timestamp and user identity and displays a confirmation message.
Mobile Device Acknowledgment
Given a stakeholder opens the document preview on a mobile device, When the stakeholder taps the "Acknowledge" button, Then the system records the acknowledgment with the correct timestamp and user identity and shows a success notification.
Automated Reminder Email
Given a stakeholder has not acknowledged a pending document within 48 hours of receiving the preview link, When the reminder threshold is reached, Then the system sends an automated email reminder listing the pending document and providing a direct acknowledgment link.
Timeline Acknowledgment Display
Given one or more acknowledgments have been recorded, When a user views the project timeline, Then each document version displays acknowledgment status showing stakeholder name and timestamp.
Duplicate Acknowledgment Prevention
Given a stakeholder has already acknowledged the current document state, When the stakeholder attempts to acknowledge again, Then the system blocks the duplicate action and displays an "Already acknowledged" notification.
Access Control and Link Management
"As a small firm owner, I want to control and secure access to preview links so that only authorized stakeholders can view documents and I can revoke access if needed."
Description

Implement robust access control for preview links, including read-only enforcement, optional password protection, link expiration settings, and manual revocation controls. Project managers should be able to configure access parameters during link creation and modify them post-creation through a link management dashboard. Audit logs must record all access events for compliance and security reviews.

Acceptance Criteria
Password Protection Setup
Given a project manager opts to add password protection when creating a preview link, When the link is shared and a stakeholder navigates to the link, Then the stakeholder is prompted to enter the correct password before viewing the document preview, And access is denied if the password is incorrect.
Link Expiration Enforcement
Given a project manager sets an expiration date and time for a preview link, When a stakeholder attempts to access the link after the expiration date and time, Then the link returns an expiration message and prevents document preview.
Manual Link Revocation
Given a project manager revokes a previously issued preview link via the link management dashboard, When any stakeholder attempts to use the revoked link, Then the link returns an inaccessible message immediately.
Read-Only Access Enforcement
Given a stakeholder accesses a preview link, When viewing the document, Then all editing, downloading, copying, and printing functionalities are disabled, ensuring read-only access.
Audit Log Recording for Access
Given any stakeholder accesses a preview link, When the access event occurs, Then the system logs the timestamp, user IP address, link identifier, and access outcome, And the project manager can retrieve and filter these logs by link within the audit dashboard.

Conflict Alert

Instantly notifies users when overlapping edits are detected in real time, ensuring team members are immediately aware of potential conflicts and can address them before they escalate into costly rework.

Requirements

Real-Time Change Monitoring
"As a project manager, I want the system to monitor file edits in real time so that I can be immediately aware of any changes and prevent scheduling or versioning issues."
Description

Continuously tracks and captures every edit made across architectural files and drawings in real time, leveraging WebSocket-based listeners to ensure that any modification is immediately detected and relayed to the system. This functionality reduces manual polling, cuts down detection latency to under two seconds, and provides a seamless, always-on monitoring layer that underpins timely conflict alerts and enhances collaboration.

Acceptance Criteria
Simultaneous Edits by Multiple Users
Given two users concurrently modify the same architectural drawing, when each edit is made, then the system logs both changes and displays a conflict alert within two seconds.
High-Volume Rapid Edits
Given a single user applies multiple rapid edits within a two-second window, when edits occur back-to-back, then the system records each edit event distinctly with real-time timestamps and maintains sub-2s detection latency.
Network Interruption Recovery
Given a temporary network disconnection occurs during editing, when the connection is restored, then the system reconciles missed edits, captures them in order, and issues conflict alerts for any overlapping changes within two seconds.
Cross-File Dependency Detection
Given edits in one file affect references in another, when a user modifies elements linked across files, then the system detects the change in both files and flags potential conflicts in real time.
Large File Change Monitoring
Given a large architectural file (>100MB) is edited, when a change is saved, then the system detects and processes the edit within two seconds and updates the change log without performance degradation.
Overlap Detection Engine
"As an architect, I want overlapping edits to be automatically detected so that I can resolve conflicts before they cause rework."
Description

Implements an intelligent engine that analyzes simultaneous edits on the same document segments, drawing comparisons of change regions, timestamps, and user IDs. The engine flags overlapping edits with granularity down to individual drawing layers or file sections, minimizing false positives and ensuring that alerts are accurate and actionable. It integrates with the version control module to maintain consistency and historical context.

Acceptance Criteria
Simultaneous Edit on Same Drawing Layer
Given two users open the same drawing layer and perform edits on overlapping regions When the second user begins an edit that intersects the first user’s change Then the system must display an overlap alert within 2 seconds including both user IDs, timestamps, and overlapping segment details
Minor vs Major Overlap Differentiation
Given a minor pixel overlap and a major design element overlap When each edit is detected Then the engine must only flag major overlaps above a configurable threshold of 5% layer area to minimize false positives
Version Control Contextual Alert
Given a user reopens an older version of a drawing and begins editing When their edits overlap with a newer version’s changes Then the alert should reference both version IDs and provide a link to the version history for context
Concurrent Edits by Multiple Users
Given three or more users simultaneously editing different segments of the same file When any two edits overlap Then the system must aggregate all conflicting edits into a single consolidated alert summarizing each user’s changes
Non-overlapping Edits in Separate Layers
Given multiple users editing different layers or file sections that do not overlap When edits occur concurrently Then the system must not trigger any overlap alerts and must log the edits without conflict status
Notification Delivery System
"As a team member, I want to receive immediate conflict notifications via my preferred channel so that I can take prompt action without constantly checking the app."
Description

Provides a configurable notification framework that delivers conflict alerts through multiple channels (in-app banners, email, and push notifications). It supports user preferences for alert severity, frequency, and channels, ensuring that team members receive timely notifications in their desired medium. The system logs all notifications for audit purposes and allows snooze or escalation options to manage alert fatigue.

Acceptance Criteria
User Configures Notification Channels and Preferences
Given a user navigates to Notification Settings and selects in-app, email, and push channels with desired severity levels and notification frequency, When the user saves preferences, Then the system persists these settings and applies them to all subsequent conflict alerts.
In-App Banner Displays Conflict Alert in Real Time
Given two users make overlapping edits on the same document section concurrently, When the system detects the second edit conflict, Then an in-app banner appears instantly for both users showing document name, section, and conflicting users.
Email Notification Sends Critical Conflict Alerts
Given a conflict alert of severity 'Critical' occurs and the user has enabled email notifications, When the conflict is detected, Then an email is sent to the user's registered address within one minute, containing conflict details and a link to the document.
Push Notification Delivers High Severity Alert When User Offline
Given a conflict alert of severity 'High' and the user’s device is offline or the user is not active in the app, When the conflict is detected, Then a push notification is sent to the user's device within 30 seconds with a summary of the conflict and a deep link to the project.
Notifications Are Logged for Audit Purposes
Given any conflict alert is delivered through in-app, email, or push channel, When the notification process completes, Then the system logs an audit entry with timestamp, user ID, channel, severity level, and notification content, retrievable via the audit log interface.
User Snoozes and Escalates Alerts
Given a user chooses to snooze a conflict alert for a configurable duration, When the snooze action is taken, Then the system suppresses further alerts for that conflict until the snooze period expires and, if the conflict remains unresolved past the escalation threshold, sends an escalation notification to designated managers.
In-App Conflict Dashboard
"As a small firm owner, I want a dashboard that shows all current conflicts so that I can quickly assess impact and assign resolution tasks."
Description

Offers a centralized dashboard within BuildSync that aggregates and visualizes all detected conflicts across active projects. The dashboard displays conflict details such as file name, affected sections, user involved, timestamp, and severity. Interactive filters allow users to sort by project, date, or user, and quick actions enable users to open the file view or initiate resolution workflows directly from the dashboard.

Acceptance Criteria
Loading Conflict Dashboard
Given the user navigates to the In-App Conflict Dashboard When the dashboard finishes loading Then all detected conflicts across active projects are displayed with file name, affected sections, user involved, timestamp, and severity
Filtering Conflicts by Project and Date
Given the user applies filters for a specific project and date range When the filter settings are confirmed Then only conflicts matching the selected project and date range are shown, and the total count reflects the filtered results
Viewing Conflict Details and Navigating to File
Given the user selects a conflict entry from the dashboard When the user clicks ‘Open File’ Then the application opens the relevant file view at the conflicting section and highlights the specific edits causing the conflict
Initiating Conflict Resolution Workflow
Given the user identifies a conflict entry When the user clicks the ‘Resolve’ action on that conflict Then a resolution modal appears allowing assignment to a team member, addition of resolution comments, and marking of the conflict as resolved, and the dashboard updates to reflect the new status
Sorting Conflicts by Severity
Given the user clicks the severity column header in the dashboard When sorting is applied in ascending or descending order Then conflicts reorder accordingly, with the highest severity conflicts displayed at the top for descending sort and lowest severity at the top for ascending sort
Conflict Resolution Guidance
"As a project manager, I want guided recommendations for resolving conflicts so that I can minimize downtime and ensure correct document versions."
Description

Delivers contextual guidance and recommended actions for each detected conflict, offering suggestions such as merging changes, reverting to a previous version, or contacting the collaborator. This feature draws on AI-driven analysis of past resolutions and document history to propose the most effective resolution path. It also provides links to relevant approval logs and communication threads to facilitate informed decision-making.

Acceptance Criteria
Guidance Suggestion for Merge Conflicts
Given overlapping edits are detected in a document, when a user selects the conflict alert, then the system displays a recommendation to merge changes and provides a real-time preview of the merged result.
Recommended Action for Reversion
Given a user identifies a conflict that cannot be merged cleanly, when the user views the conflict resolution guidance, then the system suggests reverting to the last approved version and highlights the changes that would be discarded.
Link to Approval Logs Display
Given a conflict is flagged, when the user reviews resolution options, then the system presents a direct link to the relevant approval log entries associated with the conflicting edits.
AI-Driven Past Resolution Analysis
Given the system detects a recurring conflict pattern, when the user requests guidance, then the system analyzes past resolutions for similar conflicts and displays the most effective resolution path with success metrics.
Contextual Communication Thread Access
Given a user needs clarification on conflicting edits, when the user opens the conflict resolution panel, then the system provides direct links to the communication threads and emails where the conflicting changes were discussed.

MergeMaster

Leverages AI to analyze conflicting revisions and propose optimized merge suggestions, streamlining collaboration by automatically reconciling edits and minimizing manual resolution efforts.

Requirements

Automated Conflict Analyzer
"As a project manager, I want the system to detect and categorize merge conflicts automatically so that I can quickly identify and address issues before they escalate."
Description

A module within MergeMaster that automatically scans architectural files for conflicting revisions, identifies differences, categorizes conflict types (textual, structural, metadata), and surfaces issues in real-time. It integrates seamlessly with the BuildSync timeline, highlighting conflict points and enabling rapid detection before manual intervention. This reduces overlooked conflicts and accelerates merge readiness.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Conflict Detection on File Upload
Given an architectural file with conflicting revisions is uploaded, when the Automated Conflict Analyzer processes it, then all textual, structural, and metadata conflicts are identified and listed within 5 seconds.
Conflict Categorization Accuracy
Given multiple conflicts detected in a revision, when the conflicts are displayed, then each conflict is correctly categorized as 'Textual', 'Structural', or 'Metadata' with 100% accuracy.
BuildSync Timeline Integration
Given a conflict is detected, when viewing the BuildSync timeline, then the conflict point is highlighted in the timeline at the correct timestamp and linked to the conflicting file version.
Bulk File Scanning Performance
Given a batch of 50 architectural files is submitted for scanning, when the analyzer runs, then it completes scanning all files within 2 minutes without errors.
User Notification of Conflicts
Given conflicts are detected in the scanned files, when the user opens the MergeMaster interface, then a notification banner displays the number of conflicts and provides a link to conflict details.
AI-driven Merge Suggestion Engine
"As an architect, I want AI-powered merge suggestions so that I can apply conflict resolutions quickly and reduce manual editing."
Description

Leverages machine learning models trained on historical merge data to propose optimal merge resolutions for conflicting revisions. It factors in domain-specific rules and past decision patterns to generate merge suggestions that minimize code or drawing inconsistencies, ensuring high accuracy and reducing manual resolution time. Integrated suggestions appear inline within the merge interface for seamless application.

Acceptance Criteria
Conflicting Redline Revisions Identified
Given two conflicting revisions in a drawing, when the AI engine analyzes them, then it suggests a merge resolution within 5 seconds with at least 90% accuracy compared to a manual expert merge.
Inline Merge Suggestion Interaction
Given a conflicting merge view, when a user hovers over a suggested merge, then detailed change highlights and rationale appear inline.
Domain-Specific Rule Compliance
Given a merge suggestion and applicable domain rules, when the AI generates a resolution, then it adheres to all domain-specific rules 100% of the time.
Historical Pattern Learning
Given historical merge data and recurring conflict patterns, when similar conflicts arise, then AI suggestions match at least 95% of previous manual resolutions.
User Feedback Integration
Given user accept or reject actions on merge suggestions, when feedback is submitted, then the AI model updates within 24 hours and improves suggestion accuracy by at least 5% in the next batch.
Interactive Merge Preview Interface
"As a designer, I want an interactive preview of merge changes so that I can review and approve edits before finalizing."
Description

Provides users with a real-time, side-by-side visual representation of original, incoming, and merged file states. The interface highlights proposed changes, allows accept/reject for each change, and supports annotations. It integrates with BuildSync's search to jump to relevant merge sections quickly, improving user control and transparency during merges.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Merge Preview
Given conflicting file revisions are selected, when the user opens the merge preview, then three synchronized panes display original, incoming, and merged content with differences highlighted in color.
Inline Change Acceptance and Rejection
Given highlighted changes in the merge preview, when the user clicks accept or reject on a specific change, then the merged pane updates immediately to reflect the decision and the change is marked accordingly.
Merge Annotations
Given any change in the merged view, when the user selects the annotation tool and adds a comment, then the annotation is attached to the specific change marker and is visible on hover or in an annotation panel.
Jump to Relevant Sections via Search
Given a keyword search term is entered in BuildSync, when the user executes the search, then the interface lists merge sections containing the term and allows navigation directly to the corresponding change in the preview.
Performance with Large Files
Given files larger than 50 MB with multiple conflicts, when the merge preview is opened, then the interface loads and renders all three panes with change highlights within 2 seconds.
Revision Change Tracking
"As a firm owner, I want all merge modifications tracked and logged so that I have an audit trail for accountability and rollback if needed."
Description

Tracks and logs all changes applied during the merge process, maintaining a detailed audit trail in the BuildSync timeline. Each tracked change includes metadata like author, timestamp, and rationale. Enables rollback to prior states and supports compliance by providing full visibility into merge history.

Acceptance Criteria
Audit Trail Visibility
Given a completed merge, when a user views the BuildSync timeline, then all individual changes are displayed with author, timestamp, and rationale in chronological order.
Metadata Accuracy Verification
Given a change entry in the audit trail, when a user inspects the details, then the author, timestamp, and rationale match the original merge inputs.
Rollback to Previous Version
Given a user selects a prior document version from the timeline, when the rollback is confirmed, then the system restores the document to the selected state and logs the rollback action with metadata.
Author Attribution Check
Given each change captured during merge, then the author field correctly reflects the user who made the change and is immutable once recorded.
Merge Rationale Documentation
Given a merge operation, when the merge completes, then the system prompts the user for rationale and stores the provided rationale alongside each change entry.
Merge Feedback & Learning Loop
"As a team member, I want to provide feedback on AI merge suggestions so that the system learns and offers better resolutions in the future."
Description

Collects user feedback on the accuracy and usefulness of generated merge suggestions and integrates this feedback into an ongoing ML model retraining cycle. Provides in-app prompts to rate merges and comments, ensuring the AI engine continuously improves its recommendation quality over time.

Acceptance Criteria
In-App Merge Feedback Prompt Display
Given a user completes a merge suggestion When the merge is finalized Then the system displays a feedback prompt asking the user to rate the accuracy and usefulness of the merge
User Feedback Submission Recorded
Given a user submits a rating and an optional comment When the user confirms submission Then the system logs the feedback with merge metadata, timestamp, and user identifier
Feedback Integration into Retraining Dataset
Given collected feedback entries When the batch size reaches 100 feedback records Then the system transforms and stores the data in the ML retraining dataset
Feedback History Accessible to User
Given a user navigates to their merge history page When feedback exists for past merges Then the system displays each merge with its corresponding rating and comment
Model Improvement Verification Post-Retraining
Given the ML model has been retrained with new feedback data When tested against a validation set Then merge suggestion accuracy improves by at least 10% compared to the previous model

Edit Heatmap

Visualizes areas of intense editing activity with a color-coded heatmap overlay, enabling users to quickly identify hotspots of overlapping changes and prioritize review where it matters most.

Requirements

Heatmap Overlay Rendering
"As a project manager, I want to see a visual heatmap overlay on my architectural drawings so that I can instantly identify regions with the most edits and focus my review on critical areas."
Description

Implement a transparent, color-coded heatmap overlay on architectural drawings that highlights areas of high editing activity. The overlay must integrate seamlessly with the existing document viewer, support multiple file formats (e.g., DWG, PDF), and adjust dynamically as the user navigates through different drawing layers. This feature will provide immediate visual cues of change concentration, reduce time spent scanning documents manually, and help stakeholders prioritize review tasks effectively.

Acceptance Criteria
Overlay Rendering on DWG Files
Given a DWG file with recorded edit metadata is opened in the document viewer When the user enables the heatmap overlay feature Then a transparent color-coded heatmap appears overlaid on the DWG drawing, highlighting all areas of editing activity
Overlay Rendering on PDF Files
Given a multi-page PDF drawing with edit logs is opened in the document viewer When the user activates the heatmap overlay Then the heatmap correctly renders on each PDF page, aligning precisely with the drawing elements
Dynamic Heatmap Update on Layer Navigation
Given the heatmap overlay is displayed and multiple drawing layers are available When the user toggles on or off any layer or navigates to a different layer Then the heatmap dynamically updates to reflect editing activity only on the currently visible layers, within 500ms
Color Intensity Mapping Accuracy
Given areas with varying densities of edits in a drawing When the heatmap overlay is rendered Then colors accurately represent low, medium, and high edit concentrations based on the predefined activity thresholds
Seamless Viewer Integration
Given the document viewer’s navigation, zoom, and pan functions are used while the heatmap is active When the user zooms, pans, or rotates the drawing Then the heatmap overlay remains aligned, transparent, and performance impact is negligible (frame rate remains above 30fps)
Editing Intensity Algorithm
"As an architect, I want the system to rank areas by editing intensity so that I can trust the heatmap to accurately highlight the most frequently changed sections."
Description

Develop an algorithm that analyzes version history and edit metadata to calculate editing intensity scores for each region of a drawing. The algorithm should account for the number of edits, overlapping revisions, and time intervals between changes. Scores must be normalized across different file sizes and complexity levels, ensuring consistent heatmap severity thresholds. This requirement is essential for accurately reflecting true hotspots and preventing misleading representations.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Region Intensive Editing Scenario
Given a drawing region with ≥10 edits in 1 hour, when the algorithm processes the version history, then the region’s intensity score is ≥0.8 on a normalized 0–1 scale, triggering a high-severity heatmap overlay.
Distributed Low-Level Edits Scenario
Given 5 edits evenly distributed across the entire blueprint, when the algorithm computes intensity scores, then no region’s score exceeds the low-severity threshold of 0.2, ensuring no false hotspots.
Complexity Normalization Validation Scenario
Given two files—one simple, one complex—with identical edit counts and patterns, when the algorithm normalizes scores, then the resulting intensity values differ by ≤5%, confirming consistent scoring.
Overlapping Rapid Edits Scenario
Given overlapping edits occurring within 5-minute intervals in the same area, when the algorithm calculates intensity, then overlapping count increases score by ≥0.1 per overlap, reflecting true edit density.
Cross-Project Severity Consistency Scenario
Given multiple projects with varying file sizes but identical editing behavior, when normalized, then all regions with the same edit metrics map to the same heatmap color bands across projects.
Interactive Zoom and Pan
"As a design reviewer, I want to zoom and pan within the heatmap overlay so that I can inspect specific areas in detail without losing context."
Description

Enable users to zoom in and out of the heatmap overlay and pan across the drawing while maintaining the integrity of the color-coded intensity. Zoom levels must trigger dynamic adjustment of heatmap granularity, aggregating data at higher levels and showing detailed pixel-level insights at closer views. This interaction should be smooth, with minimal latency, ensuring a fluid navigation experience across large and complex drawings.

Acceptance Criteria
High-Level Zoom Overview
Given the user is viewing the heatmap at a zoom level of 20% or below, When the user zooms out further, Then the heatmap overlays aggregate adjacent data regions into larger blocks and adjust color intensity to represent the average edit frequency across those blocks.
Detailed Zoom Interaction
Given the user is viewing the heatmap at a zoom level of 200% or above, When the user zooms in, Then the heatmap displays per-pixel intensity with original color fidelity and no color distortion.
Seamless Pan Operation
Given the user initiates a pan gesture by clicking and dragging the drawing canvas, When the pan is in progress, Then the heatmap overlay moves synchronously with the drawing and newly exposed regions render fully within 150ms.
Rapid Zoom-Pan Sequence
Given the user alternates zoom and pan actions in rapid succession, When these interactions occur within one second of each other, Then the system processes each input without dropped frames and maintains end-to-end latency below 200ms per action.
Large Drawing Performance
Given a drawing file up to 500MB is loaded, When the user performs any zoom or pan interaction, Then memory usage remains under 500MB total and each frame renders in under 100ms, ensuring UI responsiveness.
Change Metadata Tooltips
"As a team member, I want to hover over heatmap hotspots to see detailed change metadata so that I can understand the context of edits without switching screens."
Description

Add interactive tooltips to the heatmap overlay that display metadata on hover, including the number of edits, authors involved, timestamps, and brief descriptions of changes. Tooltips should appear near the cursor without obscuring the drawing content and update dynamically as the heatmap adjusts. This enhancement will give users quick access to detailed change information without navigating away from the drawing view.

Acceptance Criteria
Tooltip Appears on Hover Over Heatmap Cell
Given the user hovers over a heatmap cell, when the hover persists for at least 200ms, then a tooltip appears adjacent to the cursor.
Tooltip Follows Cursor Movement
Given the tooltip is displayed, when the user moves the cursor within the heatmap cell, then the tooltip follows the cursor maintaining a 10-pixel offset.
Tooltip Content Displays Accurate Metadata
Given the heatmap cell has edits, when the tooltip is displayed, then it lists the number of edits, each author involved, timestamps of the latest edit, and a brief description of the most recent change.
Tooltip Position Avoids Obscuring Drawing Content
Given the tooltip position would cover underlying drawing content, when displayed near the cursor, then the tooltip repositions to remain fully visible within the viewport and avoid obscuring the drawing.
Tooltip Updates Dynamically with Heatmap Adjustments
Given the heatmap overlay is updated due to filter or zoom changes, when the heatmap cell under the cursor changes, then the tooltip content updates within 200ms to reflect the new cell's metadata.
Exportable Heatmap Reports
"As a firm owner, I want to export heatmap reports to PDF and CSV so that I can distribute findings to clients and maintain formal records of review activity."
Description

Provide functionality to export heatmap visualizations and associated data into PDF and CSV formats. The export should capture high-resolution snapshots of the heatmap overlay on selected drawings and include a summary table of editing intensity scores and metadata. This feature will allow users to share insights with external stakeholders, archive review reports, and integrate findings into broader project documentation.

Acceptance Criteria
Export PDF of High-Resolution Heatmap
Given a user has a drawing with a visible heatmap overlay When the user selects “Export to PDF” and chooses resolution ≥300 DPI Then the system generates a PDF capturing the full heatmap overlay at specified resolution, includes drawing metadata, and initiates download within 5 seconds
Export CSV Summary of Editing Intensity
Given one or more drawings with computed intensity scores When the user selects “Export to CSV” Then the system generates a CSV file listing each drawing identifier, hotspot coordinates, intensity scores, editor metadata, with headers matching spec
Include Metadata in Exports
Given an export action (PDF or CSV) When the export completes Then the file includes project name, export date/time, user name, and legend for intensity scores in the file header or summary section
Bulk Export Multiple Heatmap Reports
Given the user selects multiple drawings across projects When the user triggers “Bulk Export” Then the system packages individual PDFs and a combined CSV summary into a ZIP archive named "<Project>_Heatmap_Export_<timestamp>.zip" and delivers it within 10 seconds
Validate Overlay Integrity in PDF Export
Given a heatmap overlay with transparent zones When exported to PDF Then overlay colors, transparency, and alignment match the on-screen view within a 2% pixel variance and no layering issues occur

Version Lock

Allows project leads to temporarily lock specific drawing sections or layers, preventing simultaneous edits and maintaining control over critical areas until all stakeholders have reviewed changes.

Requirements

Layer Locking Mechanism
"As a project lead, I want to lock a drawing layer so that no one else can make edits to critical sections until I finish my review, preventing accidental overrides."
Description

Enables project leads to select specific drawing layers or sections and apply a lock that prevents any concurrent edits by other users until the lock is released. Integrates with the drawing viewer to visually indicate locked areas, ensures data consistency, and prevents conflicting changes in critical project files.

Acceptance Criteria
Lock Invocation by Project Lead
Given a project lead is viewing a drawing When they select one or more layers and click 'Lock' Then the system applies a lock to those layers and displays a confirmation message 'Layers successfully locked'.
Visual Indication of Locked Layers
Given locked layers exist in the drawing viewer When any user opens the drawing Then locked layers are highlighted with a distinct overlay and a lock icon appears next to their names in the layer list.
Edit Attempt by Secondary User
Given a layer is locked by the project lead When a non-authorized user attempts to modify objects on that layer Then the system blocks the edit, displays an error 'Layer is locked for editing', and logs the attempt in the activity history.
Lock Release and Revision Access
Given a project lead has completed their review When they click 'Unlock' on previously locked layers Then those layers become editable by all authorized users and the system logs the unlock event with timestamp and user ID.
Concurrent Lock Prevention
Given one project lead has already locked a layer When another project lead attempts to lock the same layer Then the system prevents a second lock, displays 'Layer already locked by [user]', and maintains the original lock owner.
Layer Unlocking Process
"As a project lead, I want to unlock a drawing layer after approval so that the team can continue editing critical sections without delay."
Description

Provides a controlled process for project leads to release locks on drawing layers or sections after review or approval. Ensures that once unlocked, team members can resume editing, updates the visual indicators in the viewer, and synchronizes changes across the project timeline.

Acceptance Criteria
Project Lead Unlocks Approved Layer
Given a drawing layer is locked and approval is recorded, when the project lead selects ‘Unlock’ for that layer, then the lock icon changes to an unlocked state, the layer becomes editable by team members, and an unlock event is logged in the project timeline.
Visual Indicator Updates Upon Unlock
Given a layer was previously locked, when it is unlocked, then the viewer’s UI updates the layer’s overlay color from red (locked) to green (unlocked) within 2 seconds, and the tooltip text reflects ‘Unlocked’.
Synchronized Timeline Reflects Unlock Event
Given a layer unlock action, when the unlock completes, then a new timeline entry appears with the timestamp, user name, and action ‘Layer Unlocked’, visible in the project history.
Team Member Resumes Editing After Unlock
Given a layer has been unlocked by the project lead, when a team member attempts to edit that layer, then the system permits editing operations (draw, erase, annotate) without error and changes are saved successfully.
Unauthorized User Cannot Unlock Layer
Given a user without the ‘Project Lead’ role attempts to unlock a layer, when they click ‘Unlock’, then the system displays an error message ‘Insufficient permissions’ and the layer remains locked.
Lock Timeout and Auto-Release
"As a project lead, I want locks to automatically expire after a set period so that forgotten locks don't block progress and the team isn't stalled."
Description

Implements a configurable timeout feature that automatically releases layer locks after a predefined period of inactivity or at a scheduled time. Prevents locks from remaining indefinitely, reduces workflow bottlenecks, and allows teams to maintain project momentum without manual override.

Acceptance Criteria
Automatic Lock Release After Inactivity
Given a drawing layer is locked and inactive for a period exceeding the configured timeout When the inactivity timer elapses Then the system automatically releases the lock and makes the layer available for editing by other users And the original lock owner receives a notification stating the lock was released due to inactivity
Scheduled Lock Release
Given a lock is applied with a specified release schedule When the scheduled release time is reached Then the system automatically releases the lock at the specified time And notifies all stakeholders that the layer is now unlocked
Custom Timeout Value Recognition
Given a project lead configures a custom lock timeout value in settings When a new lock is initiated on any layer Then the system applies the custom timeout value to that lock And records the configured duration for audit purposes
Pre-Release Warning Notification
Given a lock is active and approaching its timeout threshold When remaining lock time equals the predefined warning interval (e.g., 5 minutes) Then the system sends a warning notification to the lock owner And provides options to extend or release the lock early
Lock Re-acquisition After Auto-Release
Given a lock has been automatically released by the system When another user attempts to lock the same layer Then the system allows the new user to acquire the lock immediately without manual overrides
Role-Based Permission Control
"As a project lead, I want the system to restrict lock and unlock functions to authorized roles so that only designated stakeholders can control critical drawing areas."
Description

Enforces role-based access control, allowing only authorized roles such as project leads or administrators to lock and unlock drawing layers. Integrates with the user management system to verify permissions before executing lock operations, ensuring only designated stakeholders can control critical areas.

Acceptance Criteria
Project Lead Locks Drawing Layer
Given a user with the Project Lead role is viewing a drawing When they select a specific layer and click "Lock" Then the layer is locked for editing And a confirmation message and lock icon appear on the layer
Administrator Unlocks Drawing Layer
Given a user with the Administrator role has selected a locked layer When they click "Unlock" Then the layer is unlocked and editable And all stakeholders receive a notification of the unlock action
Unauthorized User Attempts Lock
Given a user without lock permissions (e.g., Reviewer) is viewing a layer When they attempt to lock the layer Then the system blocks the action and displays an "Access Denied" message
Permission Verification at API Level
Given an API request to lock or unlock a layer includes user credentials When the request is processed Then the system verifies the user's role via the user management service And returns success for authorized roles or 403 Forbidden for unauthorized roles
Concurrent Edit Prevention
Given a layer is already locked by one stakeholder When another authorized stakeholder attempts to edit or lock the same layer Then the system prevents the edit and displays that the layer is locked by the original user
Lock Status Notifications
"As a team member, I want to receive notifications when layers are locked or unlocked so I can adjust my work schedule and avoid editing conflicts."
Description

Automatically generates notifications to relevant stakeholders when a layer is locked, unlocked, or nearing lock expiration. Sends alerts via in-app messages and email, ensuring team members are aware of lock status changes and can plan their work accordingly.

Acceptance Criteria
Layer Lock Notification Trigger
Given a project lead locks a drawing layer When the lock action is confirmed Then an in-app message and an email are sent to all relevant stakeholders within 30 seconds
Layer Unlock Notification
Given a previously locked drawing layer is unlocked When the unlock action is completed Then an in-app message and an email are sent to all relevant stakeholders indicating the layer is now editable
Lock Expiration Warning
Given a drawing layer lock is set to expire in less than 60 minutes When the remaining lock time reaches 60 minutes Then an in-app message and an email warning are sent to the layer’s stakeholders
Notification Content Accuracy
Given any lock status change notification is generated When the notification is received Then it contains the layer name, action performed (lock/unlock/expiration warning), the user who performed the action, timestamp, and expiration time if applicable
Notification Acknowledgment Handling
Given a stakeholder dismisses a lock status notification in-app When the notification is dismissed Then it is removed from the user’s in-app notification feed but remains viewable in the notification history
Audit Logging for Lock Actions
"As a project manager, I want a complete audit trail of all lock and unlock actions so that I can review changes, ensure accountability, and resolve any disputes."
Description

Records all lock and unlock actions in an audit log, capturing details such as the user, timestamp, affected layers, and reason for the action. Provides a comprehensive history for review, compliance tracking, and resolving disputes over changes in project documentation.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Layer Lock Action Logging
Given a project lead locks a single layer, When the lock action is confirmed, Then the system records the user ID, timestamp, layer identifier, and provided reason in the audit log entry.
Bulk Layer Lock Action Logging
Given a project lead selects multiple layers to lock, When the bulk lock operation is initiated, Then the system creates individual audit log entries for each layer, capturing user ID, timestamp, layer ID, and reason.
Lock Action with Reason Validation
Given a user attempts to lock a layer without entering a reason, When the user submits the lock request, Then the system prevents the action and displays a validation error indicating a reason is required.
Unlock Action Logging
Given a user unlocks a previously locked layer, When the unlock action is confirmed, Then the system logs the user ID, timestamp, layer identifier, and reason (or default note) in the audit log.
Audit Log Retrieval for Review
Given a project manager requests the audit log for lock and unlock actions, When a date range and filter criteria are specified, Then the system retrieves and displays all matching audit entries sorted by timestamp.

Context Compare

Provides a side-by-side snapshot of conflicting revisions with inline annotations, giving users clear before-and-after views to understand the nature of each change and make informed reconciliation decisions.

Requirements

Side-by-Side Layout Rendering
"As a project manager, I want to view conflicting revisions side by side so that I can quickly identify differences and reconcile changes efficiently."
Description

Displays two versions of a document or drawing side by side within the BuildSync interface, with synchronized scrolling, zoom, and pan controls to maintain context alignment. Integrates seamlessly into the existing timeline view, enabling users to compare revisions without leaving the current workflow, reducing time spent switching between files.

Acceptance Criteria
Synchronized Scrolling Use
Given two versions displayed side-by-side, when the user scrolls in one view, then the other view scrolls proportionally, maintaining content alignment line by line.
Zoom and Pan Control Synchronization
Given two versions displayed side-by-side, when the user zooms or pans in one view, then the other view updates to the same zoom level and pan position within 200ms.
Timeline Integration Context
Given a timeline with two revisions selected, when the user activates Side-by-Side Layout Rendering, then both revisions appear side-by-side within the current timeline view without navigation away from the workflow.
Annotation Visibility Consistency
Given inline annotations on both revisions, when viewed side-by-side, then annotations are accurately rendered on their respective versions and remain aligned with the annotated elements.
Performance Benchmarking
Given two large documents (>50MB) loaded side-by-side, when rendered, then initial display completes within 3 seconds and user interactions (scroll, zoom, pan) respond with less than 100ms latency.
Inline Change Annotation
"As an architect, I want to see inline annotations for changes so that I can understand exactly what was modified in each revision."
Description

Highlights additions, deletions, and modifications directly within the side-by-side comparison view using color-coded overlays and annotation markers. Provides tooltip details on hover and clickable markers to reveal change metadata, ensuring clarity on the nature and scope of each edit.

Acceptance Criteria
Additions Highlight Display
Given a document revision containing new content, when the side-by-side comparison view is loaded, then all newly added text must be highlighted with a green overlay spanning the full line width.
Deletions Highlight Display
Given a document revision containing deleted content, when the side-by-side comparison view is loaded, then all removed text must be marked with a red strikethrough overlay spanning the full line width.
Modifications Highlight Display
Given a document revision containing modified text, when the side-by-side comparison view is loaded, then both removed and added portions within the same line must be highlighted using red strikethrough for deletions and green overlay for additions.
Tooltip Details on Hover
Given a highlighted change in the comparison view, when the user hovers over the annotation overlay, then a tooltip must appear within 300ms displaying the author, timestamp, and change type.
Change Metadata via Clickable Markers
Given any change annotation marker in the comparison view, when the user clicks the marker, then a metadata panel must open showing the full change history including version number, author comments, and exact time of change.
Revision Metadata Display
"As a small firm owner, I want to see who made each change and when so that I can track responsibility and project history."
Description

Shows key metadata for each revision—such as author name, timestamp, version number, and summary comments—above each comparison pane. Allows users to click metadata elements to view full version history, filter by contributor, or jump to specific change sets.

Acceptance Criteria
Displaying Essential Revision Metadata
Given the user opens the Context Compare view, When the system loads a pair of revisions, Then author name, timestamp, version number, and summary comments appear above each comparison pane in the correct order and format.
Viewing Full Version History
Given the user clicks the version number above a comparison pane, When the version history modal appears, Then the modal lists all past versions of that document sorted by date, including author, timestamp, and summary comments.
Filtering Revisions by Contributor
Given the user clicks an author name in the metadata header, When the filter is applied, Then only revisions created by that author are displayed in the Context Compare view.
Jumping to Specific Change Sets
Given the user clicks the timestamp above a comparison pane, When the system navigates, Then the view scrolls to highlight the change set associated with that timestamp in the document timeline.
Accessing Detailed Summary Comments
Given the user clicks on a summary comment above a comparison pane, When the detailed comments panel opens, Then the panel displays the full comment text, associated metadata, and any linked annotations.
Conflict Resolution Actions
"As a project manager, I want to resolve conflicting revisions within the compare view so that I can finalize the project documents without switching contexts."
Description

Provides contextual action buttons within the comparison view to accept, reject, or merge specific changes. Enables inline commenting, rollback options, and commit-to-master actions so users can finalize reconciliations directly without navigating away from the compare interface.

Acceptance Criteria
Inline Accept Change Button Usage
Given a conflicting revision in the comparison view, when the user clicks the 'Accept' button next to a specific change, then the change is applied to the working copy and highlighted as accepted in green.
Inline Reject Change Button Usage
Given a detected conflict in the side-by-side snapshot, when the user clicks the 'Reject' button for a particular change, then the change is removed from the working copy and marked rejected in red.
Merge Conflicting Changes
Given conflicting changes in the same document section, when the user selects multiple changes and clicks 'Merge', then the system combines the chosen modifications into a single cohesive revision, displays the merged result, and allows user review before committing.
Inline Commenting on Specific Change
Given a change in the comparison view, when the user hovers and selects 'Add Comment', then a comment field appears inline, allowing the user to enter feedback which is saved and can be resolved later.
Rollback and Commit-to-Master Integration
Given a previously resolved change, when the user selects 'Rollback' then 'Commit to master', the system reverts the change and pushes the original state to the master branch with a commit message, visible in the timeline and change log.
Performance and Scalability Optimization
"As a user, I want quick comparisons of large files so that my workflow isn't slowed by performance issues."
Description

Ensures the Context Compare feature can handle large files, complex drawings, and multi-megabyte documents with minimal latency. Implements efficient diff algorithms, lazy loading of comparison panes, and resource caching to maintain load times under two seconds for documents up to 100 MB.

Acceptance Criteria
Loading a 100MB Architectural Drawing
Given a 100MB document is selected for comparison, when the user opens Context Compare, then both panes fully load the document within 2 seconds.
Comparing Complex Multi-Layer Plans
Given a multi-layered drawing with over 50 layers and complex vector paths, when the comparison is initiated, then diff annotations are generated and rendered in under 2 seconds.
Concurrent Document Comparison Sessions
Given the user opens three simultaneous comparison sessions on different large files, when each session is active, then each comparison pane responds to scroll and zoom inputs within 200ms without errors.
Repeated Access Through Caching
Given a user reloads a previously compared 80MB document, when the comparison is reopened, then the document loads from cache and displays in under 1 second.
Lazy Loading Under Slow Network Conditions
Given network bandwidth is throttled to 1Mbps, when the user scrolls to a new section of a 90MB document, then the next chunk of data loads within 500ms without blocking UI interactions.

Priority Pulse

Delivers customizable alerts to relevant team members based on conflict severity and project role, ensuring high-priority issues are escalated immediately and nothing falls through the cracks.

Requirements

Alert Rule Builder
"As a project manager, I want to define custom alert rules for different conflict scenarios so that my team is notified only about the issues that matter most."
Description

Enable users to create and customize alert rules based on conflict type, file status changes, project phase, and user-defined thresholds. The builder should provide an intuitive interface for configuring triggers, conditions, and actions, integrating seamlessly into BuildSync’s timeline and data model. This requirement ensures that teams receive precise, contextually relevant alerts, reducing noise and focusing attention on priority issues.

Acceptance Criteria
PM Creates Conflict Type Alert Rule
Given the user is on the Alert Rule Builder page When the user selects "Version Conflict" as the conflict type And selects "Construction" as the project phase And sets the trigger condition for file status change to "Revision Approval" And names the rule "PM Version Conflict Alert" And saves the rule Then the new rule is persisted in the system And appears in the rule list with the correct parameters And is associated with the Project Manager role
User Modifies Existing Alert Rule
Given an existing alert rule named "Design Change Alert" is present in the rule list When the user clicks edit on the "Design Change Alert" rule And changes the project phase from "Design Development" to "Construction Documents" And updates the conflict type to "File Approval Status" And saves the modifications Then the rule is updated with the new configuration And the system logs the modification with a timestamp and the user ID
User Disables an Alert Rule
Given a rule named "High Severity Approval Delay" is currently active When the user toggles the rule status to disabled Then the rule no longer triggers any alerts And the rule status is updated to "Disabled" in the rule list
Alert Triggered Sends Notification
Given an alert rule exists for conflict type "Missing Signature" with action "Send Email" to role "Approver" When a file status changes to "Missing Signature" in any project Then the system evaluates the matching rule And sends an email notification to all users with the "Approver" role And the notification includes the file name, project name, and a link to the timeline entry
User Sets Custom Threshold Alert
Given the user is defining a new alert rule When the user sets the file size threshold to greater than 100MB And sets the trigger on file upload status change to "Uploaded" And specifies the action "Push Notification" to role "Team Member" And names and saves the rule Then the rule is saved with the custom threshold And any future file upload over 100MB triggers a push notification to all "Team Member" role users
Severity Tier Configuration
"As a project manager, I want to configure severity levels for different conflict types so that alerts reflect the true urgency of each issue."
Description

Provide configurable severity tiers (e.g., Low, Medium, High, Critical) with associated threshold values and response targets. Users should be able to assign numerical or qualitative thresholds to each tier and link them to specific escalation policies. This feature allows teams to standardize issue classification and response urgency across projects.

Acceptance Criteria
Severity Tier Creation Flow
Given the user navigates to the Severity Tier Configuration page When they click “Add New Tier” and enter a unique name, numerical threshold, and response target Then the new tier is saved, appears in the tier list in the correct order, and reflects the entered values
Threshold Validation for Severity Tiers
Given the user enters a threshold value outside the allowed range or non-numeric characters When they attempt to save the new or edited tier Then the system displays a clear validation error and prevents the save until the user corrects the input
Linking Severity Tier to Escalation Policy
Given the user has defined an escalation policy When they select a severity tier and choose the policy from a dropdown Then the tier displays the linked policy, and any issue classified under that tier triggers the selected escalation path
Editing Existing Severity Tiers
Given the user selects an existing tier from the configuration list When they modify its name, threshold, or response target and click “Save” Then the system updates the tier, maintains any linked policies, and displays the updated values in the list
Deleting Severity Tier
Given the user selects the delete action on a non-default severity tier When they confirm the deletion in the modal Then the system removes the tier, reassigns any linked issues to the next appropriate tier, and updates the tier list
Role-Based Routing
"As a team member, I want alerts to be sent to the appropriate role-based recipients so that the right people can address issues immediately."
Description

Automatically route alerts to team members based on project role, responsibility assignments, and availability. The routing engine should reference the project’s organizational structure and dynamically adjust recipients when roles or assignments change. This ensures that the right stakeholders receive timely notifications without manual intervention.

Acceptance Criteria
Routing Based on Project Role
Given an alert is generated for a new conflict, when the routing engine evaluates the project team structure, then the alert is delivered to all active users with the 'Architect' role within 5 seconds.
Dynamic Assignment Change Handling
Given a team member's role is updated from 'Engineer' to 'Lead Engineer' mid-project, when an alert is triggered post-change, then the alert routes to the new 'Lead Engineer' and not to the previous 'Engineer'.
Availability Override
Given a designated user is marked 'Out of Office' with no availability, when an alert is triggered, then the system reroutes the alert to the next available backup role as defined in project settings within 10 seconds.
Mass Assignment Updates
Given multiple team roles are reassigned via a batch update, when a high-severity alert is generated immediately after, then the routing engine reflects all new assignments and delivers notifications to the correct recipients.
Organizational Structure Change Propagation
Given the project's organizational hierarchy is restructured (e.g., new sub-teams added), when an alert occurs, then routing respects the updated hierarchy and notifies members in the correct sub-team.
Multi-Channel Notification Delivery
"As a team member, I want to receive alerts through my preferred communication channel so that I never miss high-priority issues."
Description

Support delivery of alerts via multiple channels, including email, in-app notifications, SMS, and third-party integrations such as Slack and Microsoft Teams. Users should be able to select preferred channels per alert rule or personal profile. Ensuring flexible notification methods increases the likelihood that critical alerts are seen and acted upon promptly.

Acceptance Criteria
User Sets Preferred Notification Channels in Profile
Given the user is on the notification settings page When they select or deselect email, in-app, SMS, Slack, and Microsoft Teams and click Save Then their preferences are stored and a confirmation is displayed and sent via each selected channel
Configuring Alert Rules with Channel Selection
Given a project manager is creating or editing an alert rule When they choose severity levels and assign notification channels Then the alert rule is saved with the specified channels and the next triggered alert is delivered accordingly
High-Severity Notification via Slack
Given a high-severity conflict is detected When the alert rule includes Slack as a channel Then the system posts a formatted message to the configured Slack channel within 1 minute of detection
SMS Fallback for Unread Alerts
Given an alert is not acknowledged within 5 minutes via the primary channel When SMS is configured as a fallback channel Then the system sends the alert content via SMS to the user
In-App Notification Delivery and Read Receipt
Given a conflict alert is triggered When a user with in-app notifications enabled is active in the application Then the system displays the alert in the notification panel and marks it as read when the user clicks the notification
Escalation Workflow Automation
"As a project manager, I want unresolved high-severity alerts to escalate automatically so that urgent problems are addressed without delay."
Description

Implement automated escalation workflows that trigger when high-severity alerts remain unacknowledged or unresolved past defined time thresholds. The system should escalate to secondary contacts or supervisors and log each escalation step. This functionality prevents critical issues from being overlooked and drives accountability.

Acceptance Criteria
Primary Contact Unacknowledged Escalation
Given a high-severity alert is generated and assigned to a primary contact, When the primary contact does not acknowledge the alert within the defined time threshold, Then the system automatically escalates the alert to the secondary contact.
Secondary Contact Notification and Logging
Given a high-severity alert is escalated to the secondary contact, When the secondary contact receives the escalation, Then the system logs the escalation event with details including alert ID, primary contact, secondary contact, and timestamp.
Supervisor Notification on Failure to Acknowledge
Given the secondary contact fails to acknowledge a high-severity alert within the secondary threshold, When the secondary threshold is exceeded, Then the system escalates the alert to the supervisor and logs the escalation step.
Chain Escalation Until Resolution
Given each escalation level is unacknowledged within its respective threshold, When no contact at the current level acknowledges within the threshold, Then the system escalates to the next escalation level until the maximum escalation level is reached.
No Escalation for Acknowledged Alerts
Given a high-severity alert is acknowledged by the primary contact before the escalation threshold, When the acknowledgment is recorded, Then the system does not trigger any escalation actions.
Audit Trail Verification
Given multiple escalations for a single alert, When reviewing the alert history, Then the system displays a complete audit trail of all escalation steps in chronological order with timestamps and contacted users.
Alert History Logging and Audit
"As an auditor, I want to review the complete history of alerts and actions taken so that I can verify compliance and identify process improvements."
Description

Maintain a comprehensive, searchable log of all alerts, acknowledgments, escalations, and resolutions with timestamps, user actions, and status changes. Provide filters and export capabilities for compliance reviews and retrospective analysis. This requirement ensures transparency, supports auditing, and helps teams continuously improve their alerting strategies.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Comprehensive Alert Logs
Given the audit log contains multiple alerts, when the user navigates to the Alert History page, then they see a chronological list of alerts displaying timestamp, user action, and status change for each entry.
Filtering Alert Logs by Date Range
Given the audit log contains alerts across various dates, when the user applies a start date and end date filter, then only alerts with timestamps within that range are displayed.
Filtering by Alert Severity and Role
Given alerts have different severity levels and assigned project roles, when the user selects specific severity levels and roles in the filter panel, then only alerts matching those criteria appear in the log.
Exporting Alert Logs
Given a filtered set of alerts is visible, when the user clicks the Export button and chooses CSV or PDF, then the system generates and downloads a file containing all displayed alerts with complete metadata.
Viewing Detailed Alert Entry
Given an alert entry in the history list, when the user clicks on the entry, then a detail view opens showing full alert metadata including timestamps, user actions, acknowledgments, escalations, comments, and status history.

GeoTag Connect

Automatically tags and maps on-site photos to their exact locations on architectural plans using GPS coordinates. This feature provides instant spatial context, allowing field teams and office staff to pinpoint site conditions on the plan, reducing miscommunication and expediting issue resolution.

Requirements

GeoTag Metadata Extraction
"As a project manager, I want the system to automatically extract and store GPS coordinates from site photos so that I can quickly locate them on architectural plans without manual input."
Description

Automatically extract GPS coordinates from site photo metadata upon upload, normalize the data, store coordinates in the project database, and link them to the photo record, ensuring accurate mapping and easy retrieval within BuildSync.

Acceptance Criteria
Valid GPS Metadata Extraction
Given a photo with embedded EXIF GPS coordinates is uploaded, when the system processes the upload, then it extracts the latitude and longitude in decimal degrees, stores them in the project database linked to the photo record, and displays the photo at the correct location on the architectural plan.
Missing GPS Metadata Handling
Given a photo without any GPS metadata is uploaded, when the system processes the upload, then it flags the photo record as "Missing GPS Metadata", stores null values for coordinates, and triggers a notification for the user to manually enter location data.
Coordinate Format Normalization
Given a photo’s GPS coordinates are in degrees, minutes, seconds (DMS) format, when processed, then the system converts them into decimal degrees within ±0.000001 degree precision and stores the normalized values in the database.
Batch Upload Processing
Given multiple photos are uploaded in a single batch, when the system processes the batch, then it extracts and stores GPS metadata for each photo within 1 second per photo on average, flags any failures, and provides a summary report of processed and failed extractions.
Metadata Update Re-Extraction
Given a user updates the metadata of an already uploaded photo with new GPS information, when the update is saved, then the system re-extracts the GPS coordinates from the updated metadata and overwrites the previous coordinate values in the database.
Photo-Plan Overlay Rendering
"As a field engineer, I want to see site photos pinned on the architectural plan so that I can assess conditions directly in spatial relation to design elements."
Description

Render geotagged photos as interactive pins on the corresponding architectural plan view, allowing users to click pins to preview images and metadata, and enabling pan and zoom functionality to explore site conditions in their exact spatial context.

Acceptance Criteria
Rendering Interactive Photo Pins
Given a user views an architectural plan with geotagged photos, When the plan loads, Then interactive pins representing each photo appear at their exact locations on the plan, and hovering or tapping a pin highlights it visually.
Previewing Photo Metadata
Given a user clicks or taps on a photo pin, When the pin is activated, Then a preview panel displays the photo image along with metadata including timestamp, GPS coordinates, uploader name, and caption, and the panel can be dismissed by the user.
Pan and Zoom Navigation
Given a plan view with multiple photo pins, When the user pans or zooms the plan, Then pins scale appropriately and remain accurately positioned relative to the plan, without lag or misalignment.
GPS-Based Pin Placement Accuracy
Given geotagged photo coordinates and the corresponding plan reference grid, When mapping occurs, Then each pin must fall within a tolerance of ±1 meter on the plan scale, ensuring spatial accuracy within site context.
Performance and Load Handling
Given a plan containing up to 500 geotagged photos, When loading the plan view, Then all pins and basic interactivity must render within 2 seconds, and memory usage must not exceed predefined thresholds.
Manual GeoTag Adjustment
"As a site supervisor, I want to manually adjust photo locations on the plan when GPS data is inaccurate so that the spatial context remains precise and reliable."
Description

Provide a user interface tool for manual adjustment of photo markers on the plan when automatic GPS extraction fails or is inaccurate, updating stored coordinates accordingly and preserving an adjustment history for audit purposes.

Acceptance Criteria
Drag-and-Drop Photo Marker Adjustment
Given a photo marker with inaccurate GPS When the user drags the marker to a new location on the plan and releases Then the application updates the stored coordinates to the marker’s new position and reflects the change on the plan view
Manual Coordinate Entry for Photo Marker
Given the user accesses the manual adjustment panel When the user enters latitude and longitude values and clicks save Then the system validates the input ranges, updates the photo marker coordinates accordingly, and displays the marker at the specified location
Audit Trail Logging After Adjustment
Given a photo marker adjustment is submitted When the adjustment is saved Then the system records the previous and new coordinates along with user ID, timestamp, and reason in the adjustment history log
Revert Adjustment in History Panel
Given a marker history log entry exists When the user selects a previous adjustment and clicks revert Then the marker returns to the selected historical coordinates and the system logs a revert action in the history
Visual Confirmation of Updated Marker Position
Given an adjustment is saved When the update completes Then the system displays a confirmation message and highlights the adjusted marker on the plan for user confirmation
Concurrent Adjustments Conflict Handling
Given two users attempt to adjust the same photo marker simultaneously When the second user submits an adjustment for outdated coordinates Then the system warns the user of a conflict and prompts to refresh or override before saving
Batch Photo Upload and Tagging
"As a project coordinator, I want to upload dozens of site photos at once so that the system processes and maps them efficiently, saving time on repetitive tasks."
Description

Support bulk uploading of multiple site photos, automatically process each for GPS extraction, flag photos lacking location data, and present a batch mapping summary for user review before finalizing upload, streamlining large dataset handling.

Acceptance Criteria
Bulk Upload Initiation
Given the user selects multiple photos and clicks 'Upload'; When the upload begins; Then the system queues all selected photos and displays a bulk upload progress indicator.
GPS Extraction Success
Given an uploaded photo contains embedded GPS metadata; When the processing engine runs; Then the system extracts latitude and longitude within one second per photo and applies the location tag.
Missing GPS Data Handling
Given an uploaded photo lacks GPS metadata; When processing completes; Then the system flags the photo as 'Missing Location Data' and adds it to a manual tagging queue.
Batch Mapping Summary Generation
Given all photos have been processed; When the user opens the batch summary view; Then the system displays a map with pins for geotagged photos, thumbnails on hover, and clear markers for untagged items.
Finalizing Batch Upload
Given the batch mapping summary is reviewed; When the user clicks 'Finalize Upload'; Then all photos are saved with correct geotags to the project timeline and a confirmation message appears.
GeoData Access Permissions
"As an admin, I want to restrict who can see photo location data so that site security and privacy policies are maintained."
Description

Implement role-based access control for geolocation data in site photos, allowing administrators to define which user roles can view, edit, or export photo coordinates, ensuring sensitive location information is protected according to project security policies.

Acceptance Criteria
Role Assignment for Geolocation Access
Given an administrator is logged into the system When they navigate to the GeoData Access Permissions settings and assign view, edit, and export permissions to a specific role Then those permissions are saved and associated with the selected role
View Permissions for Authorized Roles
Given a user with the 'Architect' role granted view permission When the user opens a site photo Then the GPS coordinates are displayed alongside the photo
Edit Permissions for Authorized Roles
Given a user with the 'Site Manager' role granted edit permission When the user updates the GPS coordinates on a site photo Then the new coordinates are saved and reflected on the plan
Export Permissions for Authorized Roles
Given a user with the 'Data Analyst' role granted export permission When the user exports photo metadata Then the exported file includes GPS coordinates for each photo
Preventing Unauthorized View Access
Given a user without view permission assigned When the user attempts to view GPS coordinates on a site photo Then an access denied message is displayed and the coordinates remain hidden
Preventing Unauthorized Edit Access
Given a user without edit permission assigned When the user attempts to modify GPS coordinates on a site photo Then the edit fields are disabled and an access denied prompt appears

ChronoSync Timeline

Presents a chronological, interactive timeline of all site photos linked to plan sections. Users can scroll through time to observe progress, identify potential delays, and review historical conditions in sequence, enhancing project tracking and documentation.

Requirements

Photo Timestamp Alignment
"As a project manager, I want photos automatically aligned by their true timestamp so that I can trust the sequence of events and make informed decisions based on accurate progress data."
Description

Automatically extract and normalize timestamp metadata from uploaded site photos and accurately position each image on the chronological timeline. This ensures that images are aligned by date and time, eliminating manual adjustments and guaranteeing chronological integrity. The system will parse EXIF data, account for time zone differences, and handle missing or corrupted timestamps through user prompts or fallback to upload date. By automating timestamp alignment, users gain precise visual tracking of site progress, reducing errors and improving confidence in project documentation.

Acceptance Criteria
EXIF Timestamp Extraction
Given a photo with valid EXIF timestamp metadata When the photo is uploaded Then the system extracts the timestamp metadata and converts it to UTC before storing it
Time Zone Normalization
Given a photo taken in a different time zone and containing a valid EXIF UTC offset When the user uploads the photo Then the system adjusts the timestamp to the project's configured time zone and uses it for timeline positioning
Upload Without EXIF Data
Given a photo lacking EXIF timestamp metadata When the user uploads the photo Then the system prompts the user to input the date and time or defaults to the upload date if the user leaves the prompt blank
Corrupted Timestamp Handling
Given a photo with corrupted or unreadable EXIF timestamp When the user uploads the photo Then the system notifies the user of the parsing error and offers fallback to use the upload date after user confirmation
Timeline Position Verification
Given multiple photos spanning the same time period When the timeline is rendered Then the photos are positioned in strictly ascending order based on their finalized timestamps without time overlaps
Interactive Timeline Navigation
"As a small firm owner, I want to intuitively zoom and scroll through the project timeline so that I can focus on key dates and milestones without losing context."
Description

Provide a fluid, interactive timeline interface that allows users to scroll through, zoom in/out, and pan across different time periods with smooth transitions. The navigation controls will include date-range sliders, pinch-to-zoom for touch devices, and keyboard shortcuts for desktop users. Implement lazy loading of images to maintain performance and responsive design to adapt to various screen sizes. This feature empowers users to quickly locate specific time frames, compare periods, and explore project history without performance lags.

Acceptance Criteria
Navigating to Specific Date
Given the timeline is loaded, when the user adjusts the date-range slider to May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025, then the timeline displays only images captured within that date range and all visible images load in under 2 seconds.
Pinch-to-Zoom on Mobile
Given the user is on a touch device, when the user performs a pinch-out gesture on the timeline, then the view zooms in smoothly to 2× magnification, displays higher-resolution thumbnails immediately upon zoom, and no UI controls become unresponsive.
Keyboard Shortcut Zoom and Pan
Given the timeline is focused on a desktop, when the user presses '+' or '−', then the timeline zooms in or out respectively within 300 ms, and when the user presses the left or right arrow keys, the timeline pans one-week increments with smooth transition.
Lazy Loading Performance
Given the timeline contains over 100 site photos, when the user scrolls through the timeline, then off-screen images are not loaded until they enter the viewport, and application memory usage stays below 200 MB with no frame drops.
Responsive Layout on Various Devices
Given the user accesses the timeline on screen widths of 320px, 768px, and 1920px, when the timeline renders, then all navigation controls (sliders, buttons, thumbnails) are fully visible, functional, and correctly arranged without overlap or horizontal scrolling.
Section-Linked Media Display
"As a project coordinator, I want to filter timeline images by specific plan sections so that I can review progress on individual areas without distraction from unrelated photos."
Description

Link each site photo to its corresponding plan section and visually highlight these connections within the timeline. When users hover over or select a plan section, associated images will be filtered and displayed in context. Implement metadata tagging to associate photos with plan segments, enabling users to toggle section visibility or filter timeline entries by plan area. This seamless integration between plans and photos streamlines navigation and reinforces the relevance of each image to the construction documentation.

Acceptance Criteria
Hover Over Plan Section Filters Photos
Given a timeline populated with site photos tagged with plan sections, When the user hovers over a plan section on the timeline, Then only photos associated with that section are highlighted and displayed, and non-associated photos are faded out.
Select Plan Section Displays Associated Images
Given the timeline view is visible, When the user clicks on a plan section within the plan overlay, Then the media panel updates to show only the photos linked to that section, displayed in chronological order.
Toggle Section Visibility Updates Timeline
Given multiple plan sections are visible, When the user toggles a specific section off, Then all photos tagged with that section are removed from the timeline, and toggling it back on restores those photos correctly.
Filter Timeline by Plan Area
Given the user applies a plan area filter, When the filter is activated, Then the timeline displays only photo entries whose metadata tags match the selected plan area, and the timeline indicators reflect the filtered scope.
Metadata Tagging Associates Photos With Correct Sections
Given new site photos are uploaded with metadata tags, When the upload completes, Then each photo is tagged with the correct plan section based on user input or geolocation data, and these associations are persisted for timeline filtering.
Delay Alert and Notification
"As a project manager, I want to receive notifications when a section hasn’t been photographed for longer than expected so that I can investigate delays before they impact the project timeline."
Description

Monitor the interval between consecutive photo timestamps for each plan section and automatically flag potential delays when predefined thresholds are exceeded. Generate real-time alerts via in-app notifications and optional email summaries, highlighting sections that have gone beyond expected progress intervals. Provide configurable settings for delay thresholds per project phase. This proactive alerting mechanism helps prevent schedule slippage by drawing immediate attention to areas requiring managerial intervention.

Acceptance Criteria
Delay Threshold Detection
Given consecutive site photos for a plan section and a predefined delay threshold (e.g., 7 days) When a newly uploaded photo’s timestamp exceeds the threshold interval from the previous photo’s timestamp Then the system automatically flags the section as delayed and logs an alert entry with section name, last photo date, and delay duration
In-App Alert Display
Given a flagged delay for a specific plan section exists When the project manager views the ChronoSync Timeline Then the in-app notification appears within 5 seconds, displaying the section identifier, last photo date, calculated delay duration, and a link to the timeline location
Email Notification Dispatch
Given in-app delay alerts have been generated during the day and the project’s email summary option is enabled When the daily email summary job runs at the configured time (e.g., 18:00) Then an email is sent to all subscribed recipients including a list of delayed sections, their delay durations, timestamps, and direct links to each delayed timeline entry
Threshold Configuration Update
Given a project manager accesses the project settings for delay thresholds When the manager modifies a phase-specific threshold (e.g., from 7 days to 3 days) and saves changes Then the new threshold is persisted immediately and applies to all subsequent delay checks without requiring a system restart
Notification Acknowledgement
Given an in-app notification for a delayed section is displayed When the project manager clicks “Acknowledge” on the notification Then the notification status changes to “Read,” it is removed from the active alerts list, and the system records the acknowledgment timestamp
Historical Condition Annotation
"As a site supervisor, I want to annotate timeline entries with weather reports and site notes so that I can document context and explain anomalies in project progress."
Description

Allow users to attach contextual annotations—such as weather conditions, site notes, or material deliveries—to specific points on the timeline. Annotations will be displayed alongside photos and accessible via tooltips or an annotation panel. Support rich text, tagging, and optional multimedia attachments. These annotations create a richer project narrative, enabling teams to recall why certain events occurred and aiding in future audits, reporting, and dispute resolution.

Acceptance Criteria
Annotation Creation with Rich Text and Multimedia
Given a user is viewing a timeline photo When they click 'Add Annotation' And they enter rich text, select or create tags, and upload supported multimedia files (images, PDFs) Then the system validates inputs, saves the annotation, and displays it at the correct timestamp without errors
Annotation Display via Tooltip and Panel
Given a timeline photo has one or more annotations When a user hovers over the annotation marker or selects it in the annotation panel Then the system displays the annotation content (rich text, tags, and multimedia thumbnails) in a tooltip or panel within 200ms
Filtering Annotations by Tag
Given multiple annotations exist across the timeline with various tags When the user applies a tag filter in the annotation panel Then only annotations matching the selected tag(s) are displayed in both the timeline view and annotation panel
Editing an Existing Annotation
Given an annotation is already attached to a timeline photo When the user selects 'Edit' on that annotation Then the system pre-populates the form with existing rich text, tags, and attachments, allows changes, and saves updates correctly when submitted
Validating Multimedia Attachment Types and Sizes
Given a user uploads multimedia with an annotation When the file exceeds allowed size (e.g., 10MB) or unsupported format Then the system rejects the file with an error message specifying allowed types and size limits

Overlay Fusion

Overlays geotagged photos directly onto digital plan views or 3D models, creating a visual fusion of real-world images and design data. This immersive context helps users verify site conditions, detect discrepancies, and make informed decisions without switching between multiple tools.

Requirements

Geotag Alignment Engine
"As a project manager, I want uploaded site photos to auto-align based on their GPS data so that I can trust overlays are accurately positioned without manual adjustments."
Description

The system automatically extracts geolocation metadata from uploaded photos and aligns them precisely on corresponding map coordinates within the digital plan and 3D model. This ensures accurate placement without manual input, reduces alignment errors, and accelerates the overlay process. It integrates with the existing mapping module and leverages GPS data to maintain spatial accuracy across all visualizations.

Acceptance Criteria
Photo Upload with Geolocation Metadata
Given a photo with valid GPS EXIF metadata is uploaded, when processing is complete, then the photo marker is placed within 2 meters of its real-world coordinates on the digital plan.
Photo Upload Missing GPS Data
Given a photo without GPS metadata is uploaded, when alignment is attempted, then the system prompts the user for manual coordinate input and aligns the photo at the entered location upon submission.
Batch Geotagged Photo Alignment
Given multiple geotagged photos are uploaded in a single batch, when processing begins, then each photo is automatically aligned on the map within 5 seconds of upload without manual intervention.
Out-of-Bounds Geolocation Error Handling
Given a photo’s extracted coordinates fall outside the plan view boundary, when alignment is attempted, then the system flags an error, notifies the user, and offers options to adjust or reject the alignment.
3D Model Overlay Consistency
Given a photo is aligned on the 2D digital plan, when viewed in the connected 3D model overlay, then the photo’s position aligns within 0.5 meters of its 2D placement, ensuring spatial consistency.
2D Plan Photo Overlay
"As an architect, I want to overlay site photos onto 2D plans so that I can quickly verify field conditions against design drawings."
Description

Users can drag and drop geotagged photos directly onto 2D digital plan views, with the system auto-scaling and orienting each image to match the plan’s scale and orientation. This functionality provides instant visual context on construction drawings, streamlining review workflows and enabling quick verification of site conditions within the plan interface.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Photo Overlay on Plan
Given a geotagged photo is dragged onto a loaded 2D plan view, When the user releases the mouse over the plan, Then the photo is auto-scaled to match the plan’s scale, oriented to the plan’s north axis, and placed at the correct geospatial location.
Multiple Photo Overlays
Given multiple geotagged photos are dragged sequentially onto the plan, When each photo is dropped, Then all photos appear overlaid correctly without misplacement or unintended overlap, maintaining individual scale and orientation.
Photo Scaling Accuracy
Given a photo with known real-world dimensions in its metadata, When overlaid on the plan, Then the rendered photo size in the plan’s unit matches the metadata dimensions within a 5% tolerance.
Photo Orientation Verification
Given a photo containing compass orientation metadata, When overlaid on the plan, Then the photo’s orientation aligns with the plan’s north direction within a 2-degree margin of error.
Invalid Photo Rejection
Given a dropped image lacks valid geotag information or is in an unsupported format, When the user attempts to overlay it, Then the system rejects the image and displays an error notification instructing the user to provide a valid geotagged photo.
3D Model Photo Mapping
"As a project engineer, I want to map field photos onto 3D models so that I can visualize construction progress in a three-dimensional context."
Description

The feature enables seamless mapping of geotagged photos onto 3D building models by projecting images onto surface geometry based on their coordinates. This immersive integration supports richer visual inspections, helps detect design-to-built discrepancies, and enhances stakeholder presentations by combining real-world imagery with 3D representations.

Acceptance Criteria
Photo Projection Accuracy
Given a geotagged photo is uploaded and associated with a model coordinate, When the user selects the target surface on the 3D model, Then the photo must be projected within 0.5 meters of its real-world location on the surface geometry.
Multiple Photo Stitching
Given multiple overlapping geotagged photos of the same facade, When the user triggers automatic stitching, Then the system blends the photos seamlessly without visible seams and maintains correct perspective alignment.
Real-time Scene Verification
Given overlaid photos on the 3D model, When the user rotates or zooms the camera view, Then all photo overlays remain correctly anchored to their surfaces without drifting or distortion.
Discrepancy Detection Highlighting
Given as-built photos overlaid onto as-designed surfaces, When the system performs discrepancy analysis, Then any projection deviation exceeding 0.2 meters from the model is automatically highlighted in the user interface.
Stakeholder Presentation Mode
Given photos have been mapped onto the 3D model, When the user enters presentation mode, Then the system displays synchronized view transitions and enables annotations tied to each photo overlay.
Discrepancy Visualization
"As a site supervisor, I want visual alerts on overlays that flag discrepancies so that I can address construction issues immediately."
Description

The system analyzes overlaid photos and design data to highlight discrepancies between real-world conditions and planned designs, marking areas with color-coded indicators. This capability accelerates issue detection, informs corrective actions, and integrates with the decision log to track and resolve mismatches efficiently.

Acceptance Criteria
Highlight Photo-Plan Discrepancies
Given a geotagged photo overlaid on a digital plan, when the system analyzes spatial data, then any deviation exceeding the predefined tolerance (e.g., ±5cm) is highlighted with a red indicator at the exact location.
Color-Coded Indicator Visibility
Given detected discrepancies, when multiple indicators are displayed on the overlay, then each color-coded marker (red for critical, yellow for warning, green for within tolerance) remains visible and distinguishable at all zoom levels and includes a tooltip with discrepancy details.
Threshold-Based Discrepancy Detection
Given user-defined tolerance settings, when the system processes overlaid photos, then only discrepancies outside the established tolerance range trigger indicators, with no false positives or negatives.
Decision Log Integration for Discrepancies
Given a highlighted discrepancy, when the user selects the indicator, then an entry is automatically created in the decision log containing photo metadata, location coordinates, severity level, and timestamp.
Performance Under High Data Volume
Given a plan view with over 100 geotagged overlays, when the discrepancy analysis runs, then the system completes processing and renders all indicators within 3 seconds without significant UI lag.
Overlay Metadata Panel
"As a project manager, I want to see photo and design metadata in one panel so that I can verify information sources quickly during reviews."
Description

A contextual panel displays photo metadata (timestamp, photographer, device details) alongside corresponding plan or model information (layer, revision number) when selecting an overlay. This unified view enhances traceability, supports audit trails, and aids communication by providing key details at a glance without navigating away from the overlay interface.

Acceptance Criteria
User Selects a Geotagged Photo Overlay
Given a user selects a geotagged photo overlay on the plan view or 3D model, when the selection is made, then the metadata panel appears within 2 seconds.
Metadata Panel Displays Correct Photo Details
Given the overlay is selected, when the metadata panel is rendered, then it displays the timestamp, photographer’s name, device model, and geolocation accuracy within ±10 meters.
Panel Updates on Overlay Change
Given the metadata panel is visible, when the user selects a different photo overlay, then the panel updates its content to reflect the new photo’s metadata within 1 second.
Panel Displays Plan/Model Context
Given the metadata panel is visible, when an overlay is selected, then the panel shows the associated plan layer name and revision number as recorded in the project database.
Multiple Overlay Metadata Comparison
Given the user enters comparison mode with two overlays selected, when both overlays are active, then the metadata panel lists each overlay’s metadata side by side distinctly.

AutoSync Uploader

Enables real-time photo capture and automatic synchronization to the project timeline and plan sections via the mobile app. Field teams simply snap and go—images upload instantly, ensuring stakeholders always work with up-to-date visuals and reducing lag in communication.

Requirements

Instant Photo Upload
"As a field engineer, I want photos I take to upload instantly so that stakeholders always see the latest site progress without manual intervention."
Description

Enable the mobile app to capture and upload photos to the project timeline and plan sections immediately upon taking a picture. This requirement ensures that as soon as a user snaps a photo, it is sent to the server with minimal delay, updating all stakeholders in real time. The implementation must integrate seamlessly with existing project data models, handle various network conditions, and support high-resolution imagery without degrading app performance or user experience.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time Upload on Stable Connection
Given the user is connected to a stable network, when the user takes a photo in the mobile app, then the photo is uploaded to the project timeline and plan sections within 2 seconds and a success notification is displayed.
Offline to Online Sync
Given the user's device is offline when the user takes a photo, when the device reconnects to a network, then the photo is automatically uploaded to the project timeline and plan sections without user intervention and in the order they were taken.
High-Resolution Image Handling
Given the user captures a high-resolution image (≥12MP), when the image is uploaded, then the upload completes within 5 seconds on a 4G connection without degrading app performance or causing UI freezes, and the image appears at full resolution in the timeline.
Concurrent Uploads Management
Given multiple photos are taken in quick succession, when the user captures photos consecutively, then each photo is queued and uploaded sequentially or in parallel without loss, and all appear in the timeline in the correct chronological order.
Failed Upload Retry Logic
Given the upload fails due to server error or intermittent connectivity, when the app detects the failure, then it retries up to 3 times with exponential backoff, and if still unsuccessful, displays an error message and persists the photo in a retry queue until success.
Offline Sync & Queue Management
"As a site supervisor, I want photos taken offline to queue and upload when I have signal so that no critical visual updates are lost due to connectivity issues."
Description

Provide offline capture capability with a robust queuing system that stores images locally when connectivity is unavailable and automatically syncs them once the network is restored. The system must manage a local queue, handle storage limits, offer manual retry options, and resolve conflicts if project data has changed in the interim. This ensures uninterrupted field operations and reliable synchronization regardless of connectivity.

Acceptance Criteria
Offline Image Capture Queued When No Connectivity
Given the mobile app is offline, when a field user captures a photo, then the image along with metadata (timestamp, user ID, project ID) is stored in a local queue marked as pending upload.
Automatic Sync on Network Restoration
Given the device regains network connectivity, when the local queue contains pending images, then the system automatically uploads the queued images in FIFO order and updates the project timeline and plan sections without user intervention.
Local Storage Limit Enforcement
Given the local storage for queued images reaches the configured limit, when a user attempts to capture another photo, then the app prevents new captures, displays a warning about storage limits, and offers options to sync or delete queued items.
Manual Retry for Failed Uploads
Given an image upload attempt fails due to network or server errors, when a user views the failed upload in the queue, then the app provides a manual retry button, and upon retry, the system re-attempts the upload and updates the upload status upon success.
Conflict Resolution After Data Changes
Given a queued image’s associated project data has changed since capture, when the image is uploaded, then the system detects the conflict, prompts the user with resolution options (overwrite remote, overwrite local, or merge), and applies the user's choice.
Auto Metadata Tagging
"As a project manager, I want each photo to include relevant metadata so that I can filter and reference images by date, location, and author without manual entry."
Description

Automatically attach metadata to each uploaded photo, including timestamp, GPS coordinates, user ID, device ID, and project context. This metadata tagging requirement enhances traceability, searchability, and context awareness in the project timeline, allowing users to filter and locate images by date, location, or author. The metadata must be accurate, tamper-evident, and synchronized alongside the image files.

Acceptance Criteria
Field Photo Upload with Accurate Metadata
Given a field user captures a photo in the mobile app When the upload completes Then the system records and attaches the exact timestamp, GPS coordinates, user ID, device ID, and project context metadata to the image file
Offline Photo Capture and Deferred Sync
Given a user takes photos in offline mode When connectivity is restored Then each image is synchronized with the server and receives accurate metadata matching the original capture details
Tamper-Evident Metadata Verification
Given an uploaded photo has metadata attached When a user attempts to modify any metadata field Then the system logs the modification attempt and flags the image as tamper-evident without altering original metadata
Metadata-Driven Image Search and Filtering
Given multiple images in a project timeline When a user filters images by date range, location radius, or author Then only images matching the specified metadata criteria are returned in search results
Bulk Upload Consistency Check
Given a batch of photos uploaded simultaneously When the upload process finishes Then each image in the batch contains complete and correctly formatted metadata, and any missing or invalid entries trigger an upload error notification
Secure Transmission & Storage
"As an IT administrator, I want all photos and metadata to be encrypted during upload and storage so that sensitive project information remains secure and compliant."
Description

Ensure that all photo uploads and metadata transmissions use end-to-end encryption in transit and are stored encrypted at rest. This requirement mandates the use of industry-standard TLS for network communication and AES-256 for server-side storage. The implementation must comply with data protection regulations, support secure key management, and integrate with existing authentication and authorization frameworks to prevent unauthorized access.

Acceptance Criteria
Encrypted Photo Transmission
Given a field user captures and uploads a photo via the mobile app, when monitoring network traffic, then all photo data and metadata must be transmitted over TLS v1.2 or higher with no unencrypted segments.
Encrypted Storage at Rest
Given photos and metadata are received by the server, when stored in the file system, then they must be encrypted using AES-256 and verified as ciphertext at rest.
Secure Key Management Integration
Given the system requires encryption/decryption operations, when accessing keys, then all keys must be retrieved via the organization’s KMS with proper authentication and unauthorized requests must be denied.
Compliance Audit Readiness
Given the encryption mechanisms are implemented, when undergoing a GDPR/CCPA compliance audit, then the system must provide documentation proving the use of TLS v1.2+ in transit, AES-256 at rest, and secure key management processes.
Authorization Enforcement on Download
Given a user requests to download a stored photo, when the user lacks appropriate permissions, then the system must deny access and ensure no decrypted data is transmitted.
Sync Progress Indicator & Error Handling
"As a field worker, I want to see upload progress and receive clear error messages so that I know the status of my photo uploads and can take action if something goes wrong."
Description

Display clear upload progress indicators and error messages within the mobile app UI. When a photo is uploading, users should see real-time progress feedback. In case of failures, the system must provide descriptive error messages, suggestions for remediation, and options to retry or cancel. This improves transparency and user confidence in the synchronization process.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Photo Upload Progress
Given a user selects a photo and initiates an upload, when the upload starts, then a progress indicator must display the percentage completed, update at least every 500ms, and reach 100% upon successful completion.
Handling Network Interruption Errors
Given a network interruption occurs during an upload, when the connection is lost, then the UI must display an error notification stating "Upload paused due to connection issues" and automatically attempt to retry the upload within 10 seconds.
Retry Photo Upload After Failure
Given an upload fails due to a server error, when the user taps the 'Retry' button, then the upload must restart from the beginning with the progress indicator resetting to 0% and updating in real-time until completion.
Cancel Ongoing Upload
Given an upload is in progress, when the user taps the 'Cancel' button, then the upload must terminate immediately, the progress indicator must be removed, and the user must be returned to the photo library view.
Descriptive Error Message Display
Given any upload failure occurs, when an error is detected, then the system must display a descriptive error message including the error code and remediation steps (e.g., "Network timeout. Please check your connection or retry."), along with 'Retry' and 'Cancel' options.

SnapCompare

Offers side-by-side comparison of current on-site photos and previous snapshots or design renderings. This feature highlights changes over time, allowing users to quickly assess progress, detect deviations from plans, and prioritize corrective actions where needed.

Requirements

Automatic Image Alignment
"As a project manager, I want the system to automatically align current and past images so that I can compare them accurately without spending time on manual adjustments."
Description

The system automatically aligns and registers current on-site photos with their corresponding previous snapshots or design renderings using computer vision algorithms and geo-tag metadata. By standardizing scale, rotation, and perspective, it ensures precise side-by-side comparisons regardless of capture variances. This capability eliminates manual image adjustments, speeds up analysis, and improves accuracy in detecting changes on the construction site.

Acceptance Criteria
Automatic Pairing of Captured Images with Reference Snapshots
Given a new on-site photo is uploaded, when the system processes the image, then it automatically pairs the photo with the correct previous snapshot within 5 seconds based on geo-tag metadata.
Alignment Accuracy within Tolerance
Given an aligned image pair, the root mean square error (RMSE) of matched keypoints between the current photo and reference snapshot must not exceed 2 pixels.
Scale and Rotation Standardization
When the system aligns images, then the scale difference between the aligned current photo and reference snapshot must be within 5% and the rotation adjustment within 2 degrees.
Fallback Alignment without Geo-Tag Metadata
Given a photo missing geo-tag metadata, when processed, then the system uses feature-based matching to align the image with no more than 10% scale deviation and 5-degree rotational difference.
User Notification on Alignment Failure
Given an alignment attempt fails to meet accuracy thresholds, when processing completes, then the system logs the error and displays a UI alert with details of the alignment failure.
Change Detection Overlay
"As a small firm owner, I want to see highlighted differences between current and previous photos so that I can quickly spot deviations from the plan and address them promptly."
Description

Implement an overlay highlighting differences between aligned images by applying visual indicators such as heatmaps, outlines, or color-coded masks. Users can toggle the overlay on and off, adjust sensitivity thresholds, and focus on specific areas. This feature accelerates identification of deviations, progress milestones, and potential issues, empowering stakeholders to make swift corrective decisions.

Acceptance Criteria
Toggle Overlay Visibility
Given aligned images are displayed, when the user clicks the overlay toggle button, then the difference overlay appears or disappears immediately without reloading the page.
Adjust Sensitivity Threshold
Given the overlay is active, when the user adjusts the sensitivity slider, then the overlay updates in real time to reflect changes according to the new threshold within 200ms.
Highlight Deviations in Selected Region
Given an area is selected via drawing tool, when the user applies the overlay, then only differences within the selected area are highlighted with clear visual indicators.
Heatmap Color-Coding Accuracy
Given differences exist between images, when the overlay is applied, then color-coded heatmap correctly represents magnitude of change with a legend mapping colors to difference levels.
Performance Under Large Image Sets
Given a comparison of two high-resolution images (up to 50MB each), when the overlay is toggled or thresholds adjusted, then the changes render within 500ms without noticeable UI lag.
Annotation and Markup Tools
"As a site supervisor, I want to annotate areas of concern on compared images so that I can communicate issues and track responses effectively."
Description

Provide an interactive toolkit for users to annotate, comment, and draw markup directly on compared images. Users can place pins, draw shapes, add text notes, and assign tags. Annotations are timestamped and tied to user profiles, facilitating clear communication, traceability of decisions, and collaborative workflows within the team.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a Pin Annotation
Given the user is viewing compared images on SnapCompare When the user selects the pin tool and clicks on a point in the image Then a pin annotation appears at the clicked coordinates AND an annotation popup shows with the user’s profile name, a timestamp, and a text input field AND the annotation is saved with a default 'Uncategorized' tag AND the annotation persists after page refresh
Drawing a Shape Annotation
Given the user is comparing on-site photos and design renderings When the user selects the shape tool (rectangle or circle) and drags to define an area Then the corresponding shape is drawn with the selected border color AND a popup allows entry of a text note AND the annotation is saved with the user’s profile, timestamp, and assigned tag
Editing an Existing Annotation
Given an existing annotation displayed on the compared images When the user clicks the annotation’s edit icon Then the annotation’s text and tags become editable AND upon saving, the updated annotation reflects immediately AND the edit is logged with the current user and a new timestamp
Deleting an Annotation
Given one or more annotations are present on the image When the user clicks the delete icon on an annotation Then a confirmation dialog appears offering 'Delete' and 'Cancel' options AND if the user confirms, the annotation is removed from view and the database AND the deletion is logged with user profile and timestamp AND if the user cancels, no changes are made
Filtering Annotations by Tag
Given multiple annotations exist with various tags When the user applies a filter for a specific tag (e.g., 'Structural') Then only annotations with the selected tag are displayed on the image AND the annotation list updates to show only filtered annotations
Historical Snapshot Library
"As a project manager, I want to access a searchable library of past snapshots and comparisons so that I can review the project's evolution and provide documentation upon request."
Description

Develop a searchable archive where all past comparisons, original photos, and design renderings are stored with metadata like date, location, and tags. Users can filter by project phase, date range, or specific elements. This library preserves project history, enables quick retrieval of reference images, and supports audits and reporting.

Acceptance Criteria
Store New Snapshot Entry
Given a user selects a new photo or design rendering and enters date, location, and at least one tag When the user clicks 'Save' Then the snapshot is stored in the Historical Snapshot Library with correct metadata and confirmation is displayed
Retrieve Snapshots by Date Range
Given the Historical Snapshot Library contains snapshots from multiple dates When the user filters by a specific start and end date range Then only snapshots with capture dates within that range are displayed in chronological order
Filter Snapshots by Project Phase and Tags
Given snapshots are tagged with project phases and custom tags When the user selects one or more phases and tags in the filter panel Then only snapshots matching all selected phases and tags are shown
Search Snapshots by Location
Given snapshots are stored with location metadata When the user enters a location keyword in the search bar Then snapshots with matching location metadata are returned and highlighted in results
Export Audit Trail for Snapshots
Given snapshots include an audit trail of uploads and modifications When the user requests an export for a specific snapshot Then the system generates a downloadable report containing timestamps, user actions, and metadata changes
Automated Deviation Alerts
"As a project manager, I want to receive automated alerts when detected changes exceed acceptable thresholds so that I can take prompt corrective actions."
Description

Set up an alerting system that analyzes comparison results and sends notifications when deviations exceed predefined thresholds. Alerts can be delivered via email, in-app notifications, or integrated with team collaboration tools. Users configure threshold parameters for specific components, ensuring timely attention to critical discrepancies and reducing risk of costly rework.

Acceptance Criteria
Threshold Exceeded Email Notification
Given a component threshold is configured in settings When the deviation analysis detects a deviation above that threshold Then an email notification is sent to the user within 1 minute containing component name, measured deviation percentage, and timestamp.
Threshold Exceeded In-App Alert
Given a user is logged into the BuildSync app When a deviation above the configured threshold is detected Then an in-app notification appears in the user's dashboard within 30 seconds with deviation details and a link to the affected component view.
Threshold Exceeded Collaboration Tool Notification
Given a user has integrated BuildSync with a collaboration tool When a deviation above the configured threshold is detected Then a notification message is posted to the specified channel including component ID, deviation value, and a link to the report.
Custom Threshold Configuration for Components
Given a user accesses the component settings When the user sets or updates the deviation threshold value for a component Then the new threshold is saved and applied immediately for subsequent deviation analyses, confirmed by a success message in UI.
Historical Deviation Alert Logging
Given deviation alerts are generated over time When a user views the Alerts History section Then all alerts are listed with date/time, component name, deviation value, configured threshold, and alert channel, sortable and filterable by date and component.

AuditLog Tracker

Maintains a comprehensive audit trail for every photo, recording metadata such as capture time, user, location, and annotations. Stakeholders gain full transparency into who documented what and when, fortifying accountability and simplifying compliance reviews.

Requirements

Automated Photo Metadata Capture
"As a project manager, I want every photo to automatically record metadata like timestamp and user so that I can verify the authenticity and context of each image during audits."
Description

The system automatically captures essential metadata—such as timestamp, user ID, GPS coordinates, and device details—for every photo documented in the AuditLog Tracker. This comprehensive context integrates seamlessly into the audit trail, ensuring precise traceability of when, where, and by whom images were taken to improve accountability and compliance readiness.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time Metadata Logging
- The system records the timestamp of each photo in ISO 8601 UTC format. - The system associates the authenticated user's unique ID with the photo metadata. - The system captures GPS coordinates at time of photo capture with accuracy within 10 meters. - The system logs the device model and operating system version in the metadata.
GPS Coordinates Verification
- When a photo is uploaded, the system geocodes the captured GPS coordinates. - The system displays the photo on the project map within BuildSync for contextual review. - The system validates coordinates against defined project boundaries and flags any outliers.
User Authentication Metadata Association
- The system only allows photo uploads from authenticated sessions. - The system tags each photo with the user ID of the session that initiated capture. - The system verifies the integrity of user tokens to prevent metadata tampering.
Timestamp Timezone Consistency
- The system converts the device’s local timestamp to UTC upon photo capture. - The system displays both UTC and local timestamps in the audit trail. - The system ensures all timestamps align to a single project timeline regardless of device locale.
Device Details Accuracy Validation
- The system automatically extracts device make, model, and OS version from device metadata. - The system cross-references extracted device metadata against known platform APIs. - The system flags or rejects photos if device details cannot be verified or are inconsistent.
Annotation Change Logging
"As a site supervisor, I want to annotate photos and have every change logged with user and time so that I can track discussions and decisions accurately."
Description

Provides a mechanism for users to add, edit, and timestamp annotations on photos, storing each modification within the audit log. Annotations—including comments, markups, or notes—are versioned and linked to specific users and times, facilitating transparent communication and a historical record of all changes.

Acceptance Criteria
User Adds a New Annotation to a Photo
Given a user is viewing a photo in BuildSync’s AuditLog Tracker When the user adds a new annotation (comment, markup, or note) and confirms Then the system timestamps the annotation, records the user ID, saves the annotation to the audit log, and displays the annotation inline with the photo
User Edits an Existing Annotation
Given a user selects an existing annotation on a photo When the user makes edits to the annotation text or markup and saves Then the system creates a new version with a timestamp and user ID, preserves the prior version in the audit log, and reflects the updated annotation in the photo view
View Annotation Version History
Given a user accesses a photo with multiple annotation versions When the user opens the annotation’s version history panel Then the system lists all versions sorted by timestamp, each entry showing the editor’s name, timestamp, and change summary
Audit Log Data Verification for Annotations
Given an administrator requests the audit log for a specific photo annotation When the administrator exports or views the audit log Then the log includes each annotation version with user ID, timestamp, annotation content, and change type, matching stored database records
Concurrent Annotation Edits Handling
Given two users retrieve the same annotation for editing simultaneously When both users save their edits Then the system prevents silent overwrite by detecting the conflict, alerts the second user, and prompts them to merge or override changes
Access and Permission Audit
"As a small firm owner, I want to see a record of who accessed or changed photo permissions so that I can ensure sensitive site documentation remains secure."
Description

Logs every instance of photo access, download, and permission changes by users. The audit log captures user identity, action type, timestamp, and affected records, offering full visibility into who accessed or modified photo data to satisfy security policies and regulatory requirements.

Acceptance Criteria
Photo Download Audit Log Recording
Given a user downloads a photo When the download action is completed Then the system shall create an audit log entry recording the user ID, photo ID, action type “download”, timestamp, and IP address of the request
Photo Permission Change Logging
Given an administrator modifies the permissions of a photo When the change is saved Then the audit log shall record the administrator’s user ID, photo ID, previous permission level, new permission level, timestamp, and change description
Unauthorized Access Attempt Logged
Given a user without sufficient permissions attempts to access a restricted photo When access is denied Then the system shall log the attempted access with the user ID, photo ID, action type “access_denied”, timestamp, and reason for denial
Bulk Photo Access Export Audited
Given a user initiates an export of multiple photos When the export action completes successfully Then the system shall generate audit entries for each photo exported, including user ID, photo IDs, action type “export”, timestamp, and export file identifier
Audit Log Retrieval Accuracy
Given a security officer requests audit logs filtered by user, date range, or action type When the filter parameters are applied Then the system shall return only the matching audit entries sorted by timestamp, including all captured metadata
Location Verification Alerts
"As a compliance officer, I want to verify that photo locations fall within the project boundaries so that I can trust the spatial accuracy of site documentation."
Description

Validates and displays GPS coordinates captured with photos on an interactive map within BuildSync. This feature cross-references location data against project boundaries to alert users of out-of-zone captures, bolstering data integrity and ensuring that documented images align with the correct site.

Acceptance Criteria
In-Boundary Photo Capture
Given a photo with valid GPS coordinates that fall within the defined project boundary When the photo is uploaded or captured Then no out-of-zone alert is displayed and the photo is tagged as 'Location Verified'
Out-of-Boundary Photo Alert
Given a photo with valid GPS coordinates outside the project boundary When the photo is uploaded or captured Then the system displays an 'Out-of-Zone' alert on the interactive map indicating the photo’s coordinates relative to the boundary
Invalid GPS Data Handling
Given a photo lacking GPS metadata or with corrupted coordinates When the photo is uploaded Then the system displays an 'Invalid or Missing GPS Data' warning and prompts the user to manually enter or confirm location information
Interactive Map Display of Photo Location
Given any photo with GPS coordinates When viewing the photo details Then the interactive map correctly centers on the photo’s location, overlays the project boundary, and allows zooming and panning to inspect the area
Boundary Update Re-evaluation
Given an update to the project boundary polygon When the boundary data is saved Then all previously uploaded photos are re-evaluated, and any photos now outside the updated boundary generate out-of-zone alerts in the audit log
Customizable Audit Trail Reporting
"As a project manager, I want to export detailed photo audit reports with filters so that I can present compliance evidence to stakeholders."
Description

Enables the generation of customizable audit trail reports for photos, including filters for date ranges, users, locations, and annotation types. Reports can be exported in multiple formats (PDF, CSV) for stakeholder review, compliance audits, and long-term record-keeping.

Acceptance Criteria
Filter Audit Trail by Date and User
Given a user selects a start and end date and chooses a specific user When the report is generated Then only audit entries within the date range and associated with that user are included in the report
Filter Audit Trail by Location and Annotation Type
Given a user selects one or more locations and annotation types When the report is generated Then only audit entries matching the selected locations and annotation types are included
Export Report as PDF
Given a user has generated an audit trail report When the user exports the report as PDF Then the downloaded PDF includes a header with report title, applied filters, generation date, and a table of entries matching the report criteria
Export Report as CSV
Given a user has generated an audit trail report When the user exports the report as CSV Then the downloaded CSV file contains comma-separated values with column headers: Timestamp, User, Location, Annotation Type, and Annotation Content, reflecting the applied filters
Combine Multiple Filters Simultaneously
Given a user selects a date range, user, location, and annotation type When the report is generated Then only audit entries matching all selected filters are displayed
Handle No Matching Entries
Given a user applies filters that match no audit entries When the report is generated Then the system displays a 'No entries found for the selected criteria' message and provides an option to clear or adjust filters

TrendTracker

Displays real-time visualizations of current spend against baseline budgets, highlighting deviations and emerging patterns so managers can spot overspending early and take corrective action before costs spiral out of control.

Requirements

Real-Time Budget Data Sync
"As a project manager, I want TrendTracker to update spend data in real time so that I can monitor project costs accurately and address overspending immediately."
Description

Continuously synchronize spending data from integrated accounting and procurement modules to ensure TrendTracker displays up-to-date spend figures against baseline budgets with minimal latency. This real-time synchronization ensures project managers see accurate information at all times, enabling timely identification of budget variances and proactive decision-making.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Data Load Synchronization
Given a project is newly created with a baseline budget and initial spend data exists in the accounting module, When the real-time sync service starts, Then all existing spending records are loaded into TrendTracker within 2 minutes and displayed accurately against the baseline budget.
Incremental Update Handling
Given new transaction records are added or updated in accounting or procurement modules, When the sync process runs, Then TrendTracker reflects the new and updated transaction amounts within 10 seconds without duplicating or missing entries.
Latency Under Peak Load
Given a sustained high volume of spend transactions (e.g., 1000 transactions per minute) during peak hours, When the sync runs, Then the latency between data write in the source systems and display in TrendTracker does not exceed 30 seconds.
Conflict Resolution on Data Discrepancies
Given conflicting spend values for the same transaction in accounting and procurement modules, When detected during synchronization, Then the system flags the discrepancy in the TrendTracker dashboard, logs the conflict details, and retains the most recent timestamped record pending user review.
Offline Recovery and Catch-Up Sync
Given the sync service is offline for up to 1 hour for maintenance, When the service resumes, Then TrendTracker automatically backfills all missed transactions ensuring no data gaps and displays a summary of recovered records to the project manager.
Baseline Budget Configuration
"As a project manager, I want to configure baseline budgets for each project phase so that TrendTracker can compare actual spend against the correct reference values."
Description

Provide a configurable interface that allows users to define and manage baseline budgets per project phase or cost category. The interface should support importing budget data from external financial systems and allow modifications with version control to track historical baseline changes. Accurate baseline definitions ensure reliable deviation calculations and reference points.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Budget Import
Given a user uploads a valid budget file from an external financial system when the import process is initiated then all budget entries are mapped correctly to project phases and cost categories with no errors and a new baseline version is created
Manual Budget Modification
Given an existing baseline budget version when the user edits cost values or categories through the interface then changes are saved successfully, reflected immediately in the budget overview, and tracked as a new version
Version History Review
Given multiple baseline budget versions exist when the user opens the version history panel then all past versions are listed with timestamps, author names, and change summaries, and the user can select a version to view its details
Rollback to Previous Baseline
Given the user selects a historical baseline version to restore when the rollback action is confirmed then the selected version becomes the active baseline, a new version entry is recorded, and all downstream deviation calculations update accordingly
Automated Sync with Financial System
Given scheduled sync is enabled when the external financial system updates budget data then the interface imports changes automatically, flags conflicts for user review, and logs the sync event without data loss
Deviation Calculation and Alerts
"As a project manager, I want to receive immediate alerts when project spend deviates from the baseline beyond a set threshold so that I can take corrective actions quickly."
Description

Implement algorithms to calculate real-time spend deviations from defined baselines and flag any overspend or underspend. Support threshold-based alerts that trigger notifications when deviations exceed user-defined limits, delivering messages via in-app notifications, email, and SMS integrations to guarantee prompt awareness of cost variances.

Acceptance Criteria
Baseline Spend Deviation Calculation
When project spend data is updated, the system calculates the deviation from the baseline within 1 second and displays the correct deviation percentage.
Threshold Breach SMS Alert
If deviation exceeds the user-defined overspend threshold, the system sends an SMS notification containing the project name, deviation value, and threshold information within 2 minutes.
Email Notification for Underspend
When spend falls below the baseline by more than the user-defined threshold, the system sends an email to the project manager with deviation details within 2 minutes.
In-App Alert Display
Upon any deviation crossing the user-defined threshold, an in-app notification appears within 30 seconds showing the deviation amount, baseline, and a link to detailed analytics.
User-Defined Threshold Persistence
Users can define and save custom deviation thresholds per project, and these thresholds persist across sessions and are used for triggering alerts.
Interactive Visualization Dashboard
"As a project manager, I want to view spend vs baseline in an interactive dashboard so that I can easily spot trends and investigate cost drivers."
Description

Develop an interactive dashboard that visually represents current spend versus baseline budgets using charts, graphs, and heat maps. Enable filtering by project, cost category, and time period, with drill-down capabilities to explore detailed transactions and uncover cost drivers. This visual tool allows managers to quickly identify spending trends and areas of concern.

Acceptance Criteria
High-Level Spend Visualization
Given valid budget and spend data for a project, when the user navigates to the dashboard, then the chart displays current spend vs baseline budget using a bar graph and a percentage indicator without missing data points. Given multiple projects exist, when the user selects a project, then the dashboard refreshes to show only the selected project's spend and budget comparison within 2 seconds.
Spend Data Filtering
Given the dashboard is loaded, when the user filters by cost category "Materials", then only spend and budget data for the Materials category is displayed in all charts. Given the user sets a time period filter, when start and end dates are applied, then the visualizations update to show data only within that period.
Drill-Down Transaction Exploration
Given the user clicks on a bar segment representing a cost category, when the drill-down panel opens, then a table lists individual transactions for that category sorted by date. Given the drill-down table is displayed, when the user clicks on a transaction row, then the detailed transaction modal shows full transaction details.
Real-Time Data Updates
Given new transactions are imported, when data synchronization occurs every 5 minutes, then the dashboard refreshes and displays the updated spend within 30 seconds of sync. Given a live update event, when the user has the dashboard open, then the visualization animates to reflect the new data without requiring a manual refresh.
Visualization Export Functionality
Given the dashboard displays a chart, when the user clicks 'Export as PDF', then a PDF file containing the current view of the dashboard is downloaded within 10 seconds. Given the user clicks 'Export CSV' on the data table, then a CSV file of the underlying data is downloaded and can be opened in a spreadsheet application.
Historical Trend Analysis
"As a project manager, I want to analyze historical spending trends so that I can identify recurring cost issues and improve future budget planning."
Description

Provide analytics tools to aggregate historical spending data and generate trend lines for comprehensive comparison across projects or phases. Highlight recurring overspend patterns and forecast future budget performance based on historical data. These insights empower managers to learn from past projects and improve the accuracy of future budget planning.

Acceptance Criteria
Aggregate Historical Spending Data Across Projects
Given the manager selects multiple completed projects, when the historical analysis is run, then the system displays a table summarizing total spend per project and phase.
Generate Trend Lines for Spending
Given at least six months of spending data, when the manager requests trend visualization, then the system generates an interactive line chart showing monthly spend against baseline budget with correctly labeled axes and legend.
Highlight Recurring Overspend Patterns
Given spending data across at least three similar project phases, when the analysis executes, then the system identifies and marks any phase type where actual spend exceeded budget in at least three consecutive occurrences.
Forecast Future Budget Performance
Given historical spend trends and variance data, when the manager initiates a budget forecast, then the system provides projected spend for the next project cycle with a margin of error and visual indicators of confidence levels.
Export Trend Analysis Reports
Given the trend analysis view is displayed, when the manager clicks the export button, then the system generates a downloadable PDF report containing charts, tables, and insights matching the on-screen data.
Customizable Notification Rules
"As a project manager, I want to customize notification rules and channels so that relevant team members are alerted appropriately when budget variances occur."
Description

Enable users to define custom notification rules and delivery channels based on project, cost category, deviation thresholds, and stakeholder roles. Support setting escalation paths and notification frequency, ensuring the right stakeholders receive timely alerts tailored to their responsibilities and preferences.

Acceptance Criteria
Setting Notification Rule for Project Cost Deviation
Given the user navigates to TrendTracker settings and selects a project and cost category When the user defines a deviation threshold of 10% and chooses Email and Slack as delivery channels Then the system saves the notification rule and displays it in the active rules list with the correct threshold and channels
Escalation Path Configuration for Budget Overruns
Given a notification rule configured with an initial alert to the project manager and an escalation to the finance director after 1 hour When the cost deviation exceeds the threshold and the first notification is dispatched Then the system automatically sends the escalation notification to the finance director via the predefined channels after 1 hour
Notification Frequency Restriction Enforcement
Given the user sets the notification frequency limit to once per hour for cost deviation alerts When multiple deviations occur within the same hour Then the system sends only the first notification and suppresses additional alerts until the frequency window resets
Role-Based Subscriber Selection
Given the user selects stakeholder roles (e.g., Project Manager, Finance Lead) for the notification rule When the rule is triggered by a cost deviation event Then all users assigned to those roles receive the notification through their preferred channels and no other users are notified
Rule Activation and Testing
Given the user has created a new notification rule When the user clicks the “Test Rule” button Then the system simulates an event matching the rule parameters and sends a test notification to the user’s configured test channel confirming successful delivery

Threshold Tuner

Enables users to set customizable spending thresholds by category or phase and automatically triggers alerts (email, SMS, or in-app) as soon as expenditures approach predefined limits, ensuring teams stay informed and budgets remain on track.

Requirements

Threshold Configuration UI
"As a project manager, I want to configure spending thresholds by category so that I can proactively manage budgets without manual tracking."
Description

A dedicated interface within BuildSync that allows users to set and adjust spending thresholds by category or project phase. Users can define limits in currency amounts or percentages, choose alert sensitivity, and save multiple custom profiles. This functionality integrates seamlessly with existing project dashboards, ensuring thresholds are visible alongside key metrics. It streamlines budget management by providing an intuitive, centralized control panel for configuring financial guards.

Acceptance Criteria
Access Threshold Configuration UI
Given the user is on a project dashboard When the user clicks the “Threshold Tuner” button Then the threshold configuration panel loads within 2 seconds and displays category and phase threshold options
Set Currency Threshold by Category
Given the user opens the configuration UI and selects the “Electrical” category When the user enters “5000” USD as the threshold and clicks “Save” Then the system persists the “5000 USD” threshold for “Electrical” in the database and displays it in the UI
Set Percentage Threshold by Project Phase
Given the user opens the configuration UI and selects the “Framing” phase When the user enters “75%” as the threshold and clicks “Save” Then the system persists the “75%” threshold for “Framing” and displays it correctly alongside the phase in the UI
Configure Alert Sensitivity and Notification Methods
Given the user has saved thresholds for categories or phases When the user sets alert sensitivity to “High” and selects “Email” and “SMS” Then the system triggers both an email and an SMS notification within 1 minute of spending reaching 90% of any threshold
Manage Multiple Threshold Profiles
Given the user has saved two profiles named “Phase Budgets” and “Category Limits” When the user switches from “Phase Budgets” to “Category Limits” in the profile dropdown Then the UI displays the correct thresholds for the selected profile and persists the active profile selection for future sessions
Multi-channel Alert Delivery
"As a small firm owner, I want to receive spending alerts through my preferred channel so that I never miss critical budget warnings."
Description

The system routes alert notifications via email, SMS, and in-app messages when spending approaches or exceeds thresholds. Users can select preferred channels per threshold profile and customize message templates. The feature leverages BuildSync’s notification framework to ensure reliable delivery and centralized logging of alert histories. This ensures stakeholders receive timely, contextual alerts in their most-used communication medium.

Acceptance Criteria
Email Notification Preference Selection
Given a user selects only email as their alert channel When a spending threshold is reached Then the system sends an email alert within 1 minute and does not send SMS or in-app notifications
SMS Alert Triggering on Threshold Breach
Given a user enables SMS notifications When expenditures exceed 90% of the set threshold Then an SMS alert is sent to the user’s registered phone number with the relevant spending details
In-App Message Delivery Verification
Given a user has in-app notifications enabled When spending approaches a threshold Then an in-app notification appears in the user’s dashboard notification center within 30 seconds
Custom Message Template Application
Given a user customizes the email template with placeholders for project name, phase, and current spend When an alert is triggered Then the sent email populates the placeholders with the correct project data
Centralized Alert History Logging
Given multiple alerts are sent via different channels When a user views the alert history Then all alerts are logged in chronological order with channel type, timestamp, and message content
Dynamic Spending Categories
"As a project manager, I want to define my own spending categories so that I can align budget monitoring with our unique project stages."
Description

Enables creation and management of custom spending categories and project phases. Users can define labels, assign budget allocations, and map existing transactions to these dynamic groupings. The categories automatically update based on imported invoices and purchase orders. This integration with the document timeline ensures thresholds apply accurately across evolving project structures.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Custom Spending Category
Given the user is on the 'Manage Categories' page and enters a unique category name and valid budget allocation, When they click 'Save', Then the new category appears in the list with the correct name, budget, and status 'Active'.
Importing Invoices to Update Categories
Given the user imports an invoice linked to a project phase or spending category, When the import completes, Then the system automatically maps the invoice to the correct category and updates the category’s total expenditures accordingly.
Threshold Alert for Approaching Limit
Given a category’s spending reaches 90% of its allocated budget, When the next purchase order is processed, Then the system sends the user’s selected alert (email, SMS, or in-app) notifying them that the spending threshold is imminent.
Editing an Existing Spending Category
Given the user selects an existing category and modifies its label or budget allocation, When they save changes, Then the system updates all related transactions and thresholds to reflect the new settings immediately.
Automatically Mapping Imported Purchase Orders
Given the user imports a purchase order containing vendor and project details, When the import completes, Then the system matches the purchase order to an existing category or suggests the closest match for confirmation.
Real-time Expenditure Monitoring
"As a project manager, I want to see real-time spending data so that I can react promptly to any budget overruns."
Description

Continuously tracks project expenditures by processing incoming invoices, purchase orders, and expense entries. Visualization widgets display live spending progress relative to thresholds on dashboards and timeline views. The monitoring engine updates metrics within seconds of data entry, providing up-to-date visibility. This ensures users can respond immediately to budget deviations.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time Invoice Processing
Given a new invoice is received When the system ingests the invoice Then the expenditure dashboard updates the total spend within 5 seconds
Threshold Breach Notification
Given project spending reaches 90% of a defined threshold When the threshold is crossed Then the system sends an alert via email and in-app notification to the project manager within 10 seconds
Dashboard Spending Widget Update
Given an expense entry is recorded When the monitoring engine processes the entry Then the live spending widget reflects the updated expense amount and remaining budget correctly
Purchase Order Entry Monitoring
Given a purchase order is approved and entered When the order details are logged Then the real-time expenditure total includes the purchase order amount within 5 seconds
Manual Expense Entry Handling
Given a user manually adds an expense entry When the entry is saved Then the monitoring engine processes the entry and updates all relevant spending metrics within 5 seconds
Alert Escalation Workflow
"As a project manager, I want budget alerts to escalate automatically if unaddressed so that senior stakeholders remain informed of serious overruns."
Description

Establishes a tiered notification process where initial alerts trigger warnings, followed by escalations to supervisors if thresholds remain exceeded. Workflow rules define escalation intervals, recipients, and custom messages. Integration with team roles in BuildSync automates assignments and tracks acknowledgment. This structure enhances accountability and ensures critical issues receive appropriate attention.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Threshold Warning Trigger
Given a spending threshold is set for a category or phase When total expenditures reach 90% of the threshold Then the system sends an alert via the user’s chosen channel (email, SMS, or in-app) within one minute
Supervisor Escalation After 24 Hours
Given an initial alert has been sent and remains unacknowledged When 24 hours have passed since the original alert timestamp Then the system escalates the alert by notifying the assigned supervisor via email and SMS with the predefined escalation message
Custom Message Display in Alert
Given a custom escalation message template is configured for a spending category When an alert or escalation is triggered for that category Then the notification content includes the custom template text with all placeholders correctly populated (e.g., project name, current spend, threshold)
Alert Acknowledgment Updates Status
Given an alert has been delivered When the recipient acknowledges the alert in the BuildSync interface Then the alert status changes to “Acknowledged,” visible in the workflow dashboard, and no further escalations occur for that alert
Role-Based Recipient Assignment
Given team roles and user assignments are defined in BuildSync When an escalation event is triggered Then the system automatically resolves and notifies the current user(s) assigned to the configured role for that phase or category

SpendScout AI

Leverages machine learning to analyze historical and current spending trends, flag anomalous expenses, and recommend budget reallocations, empowering users to optimize fund distribution and prevent unexpected overruns.

Requirements

Data Integration Setup
"As a project manager, I want all spending data from various sources automatically imported and standardized so that SpendScout AI can analyze complete and accurate expense information."
Description

Develop connectors to ingest and normalize spending data from accounting software, expense management tools, and manual CSV uploads. This integration ensures that historical and current expenditure records are consolidated in BuildSync, enabling comprehensive trend analysis and anomaly detection.

Acceptance Criteria
Accounting Software Connector Setup
Given valid API credentials for QuickBooks Online, when the connector is configured, then the system retrieves the last 12 months of expenditures within 5 minutes with zero data loss.
Expense Management Tool Integration
Given valid user credentials for Concur, when the integration is enabled, then the system imports all approved and pending expense reports in under 10 minutes and flags failed records with error details.
Manual CSV Upload Process
Given a correctly formatted CSV file uploaded by the user, when the upload completes, then the system ingests and maps all columns to the internal schema and provides a summary report with row counts and any rejected records.
Data Normalization Validation
When raw spending data is ingested, then the system standardizes date formats to ISO 8601, currency to USD with two decimals, and categorizes expenses according to the defined chart of accounts with at least 98% accuracy.
Historical Data Consolidation
When historical expenditure records from multiple sources are consolidated, then the system merges duplicates based on transaction date, amount, and vendor, ensuring no duplicate records and complete coverage of all sources.
Anomaly Detection Engine
"As a small firm owner, I want the system to alert me when an expense looks out of the ordinary so that I can investigate potential overspending before it impacts the budget."
Description

Implement a machine learning model to identify outliers in spending patterns by comparing current expenses against historical baselines. The engine should flag transactions that exceed predefined thresholds or exhibit unusual frequency, categorizing anomalies by severity and confidence level.

Acceptance Criteria
Flagging Large One-Time Spend
Given a transaction amount exceeds the 3-month average by 200%, When the Anomaly Detection Engine processes the transaction, Then it flags the transaction as a high-severity anomaly with a confidence score ≥ 90%.
Detecting Unusual Frequency of Transactions
Given more than five transactions of the same category occur within 24 hours, When the engine analyzes the spending pattern, Then it generates a medium-severity anomaly alert with a confidence score ≥ 75%.
Categorizing Low-Value Irregularities
Given a transaction 50% above the average small expense threshold, When processed by the engine, Then it classifies the transaction as a low-severity anomaly with confidence ≥ 60%.
Historical Baseline Deviation
Given current monthly spending deviates by ±25% from the historical baseline, When the engine evaluates monthly expenses, Then it flags the overall spending pattern and provides a summary report with severity and confidence metrics.
Real-Time Anomaly Notification
Given an anomalous transaction is detected, When the engine completes analysis, Then it triggers an immediate notification to the user interface and email with anomaly details, severity, and confidence ≥ 80%.
Budget Reallocation Recommendations
"As a project manager, I want tailored budget reallocation suggestions so that I can proactively adjust funding to prevent overruns and maximize resource efficiency."
Description

Create an AI-driven module that analyzes project spending trends and forecasts to suggest optimal fund reallocations. Recommendations should include percentage adjustments, projected cost savings, and risk assessments to help users balance resources across project phases.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Budget Allocation Review
Given the project’s historical and current spending data is loaded When the user opens the Budget Reallocation Recommendations module Then the system displays at least three suggested fund reallocations, each including percentage adjustments, projected cost savings, and a quantified risk assessment score
Anomalous Expense Detection and Reallocation Trigger
Given the module analyzes real-time expense data When an expense exceeds two standard deviations of the historical average Then the system generates a reallocation recommendation to cover the discrepancy, including justification, projected budget impact, and risk assessment
Phase-to-Phase Reallocation Forecast
Given historical spending trends for project phases When the user selects a phase transition Then the system forecasts future spending, suggests percentage-based fund transfers between phases, and displays estimated cost savings and potential risk impact
User Acceptance and Execution of Recommendation
Given the system has provided reallocation recommendations When the user approves a recommendation Then the system applies the reallocation to the project budget, updates all budget records, and logs the approval with timestamp and user ID
Budget Adjustment Impact Visualization
Given a recommendation has been applied When the user views the budget overview dashboard Then the system visually highlights adjusted allocations, shows before-and-after percentage changes, and displays updated projected savings and risk levels
User Notification & Alerting
"As a finance lead, I want to receive customizable alerts and summaries so that I stay informed about spending irregularities and budget suggestions without constantly monitoring the dashboard."
Description

Design a notification system that delivers real-time alerts and weekly summaries via email and in-app messages. Users can customize alert thresholds, choose delivery channels, and opt into digest reports, ensuring timely awareness of anomalies and budget recommendations.

Acceptance Criteria
Anomaly Alert Threshold Configuration
Given a user sets an anomaly threshold to 15% above average monthly spend and selects the desired delivery channel, When the user saves their preferences, Then the system persists the threshold and channel settings and displays a confirmation message within 2 seconds.
Real-Time Anomaly Email Alert
Given a transaction exceeds the configured anomaly threshold, When the anomaly is detected, Then the system sends an email alert to the user’s registered address within 1 minute containing transaction details and recommended actions.
In-App Anomaly Alert Delivery
Given a transaction triggers an anomaly, When the user is logged into the app, Then the system displays an in-app notification banner with the anomaly details and a link to view full analysis immediately.
Weekly Budget Summary Digest
Given it is 8:00 AM every Monday, When users have opted in for digest reports, Then the system compiles all anomalies and budget recommendations from the past week and emails a summary report to each user’s registered address.
Notification Channel Customization
Given a user accesses notification settings, When they toggle email and in-app channels on or off, Then the system updates their preferences instantly and reflects changes in the UI without page reload.
Interactive SpendScout Dashboard
"As a small firm owner, I want a visual overview of my spending patterns and flagged anomalies so that I can quickly understand financial health and make data-driven decisions."
Description

Build a visual dashboard that presents spending trends, anomaly flags, and recommendation summaries with interactive charts and filters. The dashboard should allow users to drill down by project, timeframe, and expense category to explore detailed insights.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Dashboard Load
Given the user navigates to the SpendScout Dashboard, when the page loads, then all dashboard components (charts, filters, and legends) must fully render within 2 seconds.
Project-Based Drill-Down
Given the dashboard is displayed, when the user selects a project from the project filter dropdown, then all charts and data tables update to show spending trends exclusively for that project within 1 second.
Timeframe Filter Application
Given the dashboard is displayed, when the user applies a timeframe filter (e.g., last 30 days), then all visualizations refresh to include only expenses within the selected timeframe and update anomalies accordingly.
Expense Category Filter Application
Given the dashboard is displayed, when the user selects one or more expense categories from the filter panel, then the charts and anomaly flags display data solely for those categories.
Anomalous Expense Highlight
Given spending data is plotted, when an expense exceeds the anomaly detection threshold, then the system marks it with a red indicator on the chart and lists it in the anomaly summary panel with clickable details.
Recommendation Summary Interaction
Given the dashboard shows budget recommendations, when the user clicks on a recommendation card, then a detail modal appears presenting the rationale, suggested reallocation amounts, and options to accept or reject the recommendation.

Scenario Simulator

Allows project leads to model ‘what-if’ financial scenarios—such as material price spikes, labor cost changes, or scope adjustments—and instantly project their impact on overall budget, facilitating data-driven decision-making and contingency planning.

Requirements

Parameter Input Configuration
"As a project manager, I want to input customized cost and scope parameters so that I can model realistic financial scenarios tailored to my project’s specifics."
Description

Enable users to define and adjust key financial variables such as material costs, labor rates, overhead percentages, and project scope parameters through an intuitive interface. This requirement ensures accurate feeding of data into the simulator, reduces manual entry errors, and supports dynamic scenario generation by allowing real-time updates to input values.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Access to Parameter Configuration Panel
Given the user has appropriate simulator access When the user navigates to the Parameter Input Configuration Then the panel loads within 2 seconds And all key input fields (material costs, labor rates, overhead percentages, scope parameters) display default or last-saved values
Material Cost Input Update
Given the user is on the Parameter Input Configuration panel When the user enters a valid positive number for material cost and clicks Save Then the new material cost is stored in configuration And the updated value appears in the input field
Labor Rate Adjustment
Given the user is on the Parameter Input Configuration panel When the user modifies the labor rate to a valid decimal or integer value and clicks Save Then the updated labor rate is persisted And the system reflects the change without errors
Project Scope Parameter Modification
Given the user is configuring project scope parameters When the user adjusts scope metrics (e.g., area, phases) and confirms changes Then the simulator receives the updated scope values And the next scenario run incorporates the new parameters
Invalid Value Handling
Given the user inputs an out-of-range or non-numeric value in any parameter field When the user attempts to save Then the system displays inline validation errors And prevents saving until values are corrected
Persisting User Inputs Across Sessions
Given the user has saved custom parameter values in a previous session When the user logs back into the simulator Then the last-saved parameter values auto-populate the input fields Without requiring manual re-entry
Real-Time Budget Calculation Engine
"As a project lead, I want the system to recalculate budget impacts immediately when I change a parameter so that I can quickly assess financial consequences."
Description

Implement a calculation engine that instantly processes input parameter changes to compute updated budget metrics, including total cost, cost variances, and contingency requirements. This engine should handle complex formulas, dependencies, and bulk updates without noticeable latency, ensuring rapid feedback for decision-making.

Acceptance Criteria
Bulk Update Processing under High Load
Given the user modifies 200 budget line items in quick succession When the update is submitted Then the system recalculates total cost, cost variance, and contingency requirements in under 1 second, matching expected manual calculations.
Dependent Cost Component Recalculation
Given cost component A has defined dependencies on components B and C When component A’s value is changed Then the engine recalculates and updates B and C along with overall budget metrics within 300ms, reflecting accurate relationships.
Contingency Requirement Adjustment Accuracy
Given a project risk factor of 10% applied to the current total cost When the risk factor parameter is updated Then the contingency requirement recalculates to exactly 10% of the new total cost and displays correctly.
Real-Time Feedback during Parameter Editing
Given a user is editing a cost parameter in the scenario simulator When each keystroke is entered Then the displayed total cost, cost variance, and contingency requirement update in real time (≤200ms) without manual refresh.
Error Handling for Invalid Inputs
Given a user inputs a non-numeric or negative value into a cost field When the input is submitted Then the system rejects the update, displays a clear validation error message, and leaves existing budget metrics unchanged.
Scenario Comparison Dashboard
"As a firm owner, I want to compare multiple financial scenarios at once so that I can choose the best contingency plan."
Description

Provide a side-by-side dashboard view of multiple ‘what-if’ scenarios, highlighting differences in total budget, cost breakdowns, and key financial indicators. The dashboard should support filtering, sorting, and labeling scenarios, enabling users to easily compare outcomes and select optimal strategies.

Acceptance Criteria
Side-by-Side Scenario Comparison
Given two or more ‘what-if’ scenarios are created, when the user selects them for comparison, then the dashboard displays each scenario’s total budget, cost breakdowns by category, and key financial indicators in adjacent columns with clear headers and consistent units.
Filter Scenarios by Cost Category
Given multiple scenarios listed on the dashboard, when the user applies a filter for a specific cost category (e.g., materials, labor, overhead), then only the columns for the chosen cost category are visible across all selected scenarios, with other categories hidden.
Sort Scenarios by Total Budget Variance
Given the comparison dashboard view, when the user clicks on the total budget variance column header, then the scenarios are sorted in ascending or descending order based on the variance percentage, and an indicator arrow reflects the sort direction.
Custom Labeling of Scenarios
Given an unlabeled scenario in the comparison dashboard, when the user enters a custom name in the label field and confirms, then the new label is saved and displayed prominently above the scenario’s column, and persists across sessions.
Export Comparison Report
Given one or more scenarios are selected on the dashboard, when the user clicks the export button and chooses a format (CSV or PDF), then a file is generated and downloaded containing the side-by-side comparison of total budgets, cost breakdowns, and key indicators, matching the current dashboard view.
Sensitivity Analysis Tools
"As a project manager, I want to see how small changes in material prices affect my overall budget so that I can anticipate risk and plan accordingly."
Description

Integrate sensitivity analysis features that allow users to vary a single parameter over a range of values and visualize its impact on budget outcomes via charts and graphs. This tool helps identify the most critical cost drivers and supports risk assessment by quantifying exposure to parameter fluctuations.

Acceptance Criteria
Bulk Material Price Variation
Given a user selects the material cost parameter and specifies a range from –20% to +20% in 5% increments, when the sensitivity analysis runs, then the system displays a line chart plotting total budget impact at each increment with correctly labeled axes, data points, and tooltips showing exact values.
Labor Rate Adjustment Analysis
Given a user inputs the labor rate parameter range and chooses interval steps, when the analysis executes, then a bar chart is rendered showing budget variations per interval, with legends, axis titles, and the ability to hover over bars to view exact budget impact figures.
Scope Change Impact Simulation
Given a user adjusts the project scope parameter by adding or removing tasks within the tool, when sensitivity analysis is triggered, then a summary table and a corresponding graph update to reflect the new total budget and percentage change compared to the baseline.
Multi-Parameter Sensitivity Comparison
Given a user selects two or more parameters for joint sensitivity analysis, when the tool runs, then it generates a comparative matrix or spider chart showing combined impact of each parameter combination and highlights the top three parameters with the highest budget sensitivity.
Exportable Sensitivity Report
Given a user reviews sensitivity analysis results on-screen, when they choose to export, then the system provides a downloadable PDF and CSV containing the charts, data tables, and parameter settings exactly as displayed, with correct formatting and legends.
Scenario Export and Reporting
"As a project lead, I want to export scenario analyses into a report so that I can share insights with stakeholders and gain approval efficiently."
Description

Enable users to export scenario results into PDF or Excel formats, including detailed breakdowns, comparison charts, and narrative summaries. This requirement ensures stakeholders receive clear, professional reports for meetings, approvals, and documentation purposes.

Acceptance Criteria
PDF Export with Detailed Breakdown and Comparison Charts
Given a finalized scenario, when the user exports to PDF, then the generated PDF includes a comprehensive cost breakdown table, comparison charts of cost variations, narrative summary, header/footer with project details, and completes export within 10 seconds without formatting errors.
Excel Export Reflecting All Scenario Data and Charts
Given a completed scenario, when the user exports to Excel, then the exported file contains separate sheets for raw data, summary tables, and charts; preserves formulas and cell formatting; and opens without errors in Excel 2016 and later.
Inclusion of Narrative Summaries in Reports
Given a scenario report export, when the user selects narrative summary option, then the exported document (PDF or Excel) contains a clear, formatted narrative section summarizing key assumptions, results, and recommended actions.
Bulk Export of Multiple Scenarios
Given multiple scenarios selected, when the user initiates bulk export, then the system generates a single ZIP containing individual PDF and Excel reports for each scenario, each labeled with scenario name and timestamp, and completes within 30 seconds.
Cross-Platform Export Consistency
Given the export feature, when the user exports on different devices (Windows, macOS, Linux), then the output files maintain consistent layout, charts, tables, and file integrity across platforms.

Forecast Fusion

Integrates schedule progress and resource utilization data with budget forecasts to produce dynamic, up-to-the-minute predictions of total project costs, giving stakeholders a comprehensive view of how delays or scope shifts will affect financials.

Requirements

Real-Time Cost Projection
"As a project manager, I want to see real-time cost projections based on current schedule and resource usage so that I can quickly identify and address budget overruns."
Description

Integrates schedule progress and resource utilization data with budget forecasts to produce continuously updated cost projections in real time. It provides dynamic visuals indicating how current schedule delays or resource shifts impact total project costs, seamlessly syncing with the project timeline and resource management modules. Users receive accurate, up-to-the-minute financial insights without manual calculations, enabling proactive budget control and decision-making.

Acceptance Criteria
Live Dashboard Cost Projection Updates
Given the project schedule or resource utilization data is updated When the system processes the update Then the dashboard recalculates and displays the updated total projected cost within 5 seconds And the breakdown by cost category (labor, materials, overhead) matches the latest input data
Budget Overrun Alert Triggering
Given the projected cost exceeds the predefined budget threshold When the real-time projection updates Then the system generates an on-screen alert and sends an email to the project manager within 1 minute And the alert includes current projected total, budget threshold, and percentage overrun
Impact Visualization on Schedule Delays
Given a schedule delay is recorded in the timeline module When the timeline syncs with the cost projection module Then a dynamic chart displays the incremental cost impact per day of delay in real time And the chart updates without requiring a page reload
Resource Utilization Cost Synchronization
Given a change in resource assignment (hours, rates, or roles) When the resource management module updates Then the cost projection recalculates resource-related costs within 5 seconds And historical change logs display the cost delta since the last update
Export Real-Time Cost Report
Given the user selects the export function When the user clicks "Export Cost Report" Then the system generates and makes available a PDF and CSV file within 10 seconds And the exported files reflect the current on-screen cost projections, timestamps, and detailed breakdown
Scenario-Based Financial Modeling
"As a small firm owner, I want to compare cost forecasts under various what-if scenarios so that I can plan for potential delays or scope changes."
Description

Enables creation and comparison of multiple what-if scenarios by adjusting schedule parameters, resource allocations, or scope variations to forecast their financial impact. Presents side-by-side comparisons of projected costs under different scenarios and stores these models for future review. Integrates with budget and scheduling modules, offering clear visualizations to help stakeholders evaluate risks and optimize planning strategies.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New What-If Scenario
Given a user is on the Scenario Creation page When they input valid schedule parameters, resource allocations, and scope variations and click Save Then the system persists the new scenario with correct parameter values and displays a success confirmation within 5 seconds
Comparing Saved Scenarios
Given at least two scenarios exist When the user selects them for comparison Then the system displays a side-by-side comparison of projected costs, schedule impacts, and resource utilization for each scenario in a single view
Adjusting Schedule Parameters in Existing Scenario
Given a saved scenario When the user modifies schedule dates or dependencies and clicks Update Then the system recalculates and updates the cost forecast and displays the revised figures correctly
Storing and Retrieving Scenario Models
Given multiple scenarios stored in the system When the user searches by scenario name, date, or tags Then the system returns accurate search results and allows the user to load the selected scenario within 3 seconds
Visualizing Scenario Financial Impact
Given one or more scenarios selected for review When the user opens the visualization panel Then the system presents clear charts showing cost breakdowns, risk indicators, and variance analysis for each scenario
Threshold Alerting and Notifications
"As a stakeholder, I want to receive alerts when projected costs exceed my budget thresholds so that I can take corrective action before overruns occur."
Description

Automatically monitors forecasted costs against user-defined budget thresholds and triggers alerts via email, in-app notifications, or Slack when deviations exceed set limits. Alerts include detailed breakdowns of contributing factors—such as schedule slippage or resource overuse—and recommend corrective actions. Ensures stakeholders are promptly informed of budget risks and can respond before overruns occur.

Acceptance Criteria
In-App Alert for Budget Threshold Breach
Given a user-defined budget threshold is set, When the system’s forecasted total cost exceeds that threshold by any margin, Then an in-app notification is generated within 30 seconds containing the percentage overrun, affected cost categories, and recommended corrective actions.
Email Notification for Budget Overrun
Given stakeholders have subscribed to email alerts, When the forecasted project cost breaches the defined budget threshold, Then an email is sent to all subscribers within one minute including a summary of the breach, detailed factor breakdown, and actionable recommendations.
Slack Notification for Threshold Exceedance
Given Slack integration is enabled and a channel is configured, When forecasted costs surpass the user-defined budget threshold, Then a message is posted to the specified Slack channel within 30 seconds with breach details, contributing factors, and suggested corrective steps.
Detailed Alert Breakdown of Contributing Factors
Given any alert (in-app, email, or Slack) is triggered, When the user views the alert details, Then the notification displays a clear breakdown of schedule slippage, resource overuse, and scope changes contributing to the budget deviation.
Corrective Action Recommendations Included in Alerts
Given an alert has been dispatched, When the user reviews the alert content, Then it includes at least three prioritized, context-specific recommendations derived from historical project data and best practices for mitigating the budget overrun.
Integrated Dashboard Visualization
"As a project stakeholder, I want a customizable dashboard that shows cost forecasts, resource usage, and schedule progress so that I can get a comprehensive financial overview at a glance."
Description

Provides an interactive dashboard that consolidates cost forecasts, resource utilization graphs, and schedule progress charts into a unified view. Users can customize widgets, time ranges, and data filters to focus on the most relevant financial insights. Leveraging BuildSync’s AI-powered timeline, the dashboard updates visual elements in real time and supports exporting reports for stakeholder presentations.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Data Refresh on Dashboard Load
Given the user navigates to the integrated dashboard, when the dashboard loads, then cost forecasts, resource utilization graphs, and schedule progress charts must display the most recent data from BuildSync’s AI timeline within 5 seconds.
Widget Customization Persistence
Given the user customizes widget layout, time ranges, or data filters, when the user saves their dashboard settings, then the same configuration must be applied and visible on subsequent logins across different sessions.
Time Range Selection Functionality
Given the user selects a specific date or time range filter, when the filter is applied, then all dashboard visual elements must update to show data exclusively within the selected range without requiring a page reload.
Exporting Dashboard Reports
Given the user clicks the export button, when the export format (PDF or CSV) is chosen, then the system must generate and download a report reflecting the current dashboard view within 10 seconds with accurate data and applied filters.
Performance Under High Data Volume
Given a project dataset containing over 100,000 data points, when the dashboard is loaded or interacted with, then the system must respond to user actions (filter changes, widget adjustments) within 2 seconds without errors or data omissions.
Historical Trend Analysis
"As a project manager, I want to see historical cost and schedule trends so that I can improve the accuracy of future project forecasts."
Description

Analyzes historical project data to identify cost trends, resource usage patterns, and common causes of schedule slippage. Builds predictive models that refine forecast accuracy over time and provides actionable recommendations for future project planning. Integrates with the AI-powered timeline to surface relevant past events and decisions that impacted costs and schedules.

Acceptance Criteria
Historical Cost Trend Extraction
Given at least five completed projects exist when the user runs Historical Trend Analysis Then the system identifies cost trends for materials, labor, and overhead across those projects and displays trend charts covering at least 95% of the data points
Resource Usage Pattern Recognition
Given detailed resource logs for past projects when the user views resource usage patterns Then the system presents weekly utilization summaries for each role and flags any anomalies that exceed 20% deviation from the mean
Schedule Slippage Cause Identification
Given recorded project schedules and actual completion dates when generating slippage analysis Then the system lists the top three root causes of delays ordered by frequency and provides links to supporting timeline events
Predictive Model Accuracy Improvement
Given monthly updates to historical project data when the system retrains predictive models Then the forecast accuracy for cost and schedule must improve by at least 5% compared to the previous month’s benchmark
Contextual Event Recommendation Integration
Given an identified cost or schedule trend when the user examines a specific trend line Then the system surfaces the three most relevant past events or decisions from the AI timeline with direct links to their details

Insight Inbox

Delivers a customizable daily or weekly digest via email or collaboration tools (Slack, Teams) summarizing budget health, upcoming risk alerts, and recommended actions, keeping all stakeholders aligned without manual reporting.

Requirements

Customizable Digest Frequency
"As a project manager, I want to receive the Insight Inbox summary at my chosen interval so that I stay informed on project health without being overwhelmed."
Description

Enable users to select their preferred delivery interval for the Insight Inbox digest, offering options such as daily or weekly schedules. The system must provide intuitive controls for setting and modifying frequency, store preferences per user, and ensure timely generation and dispatch of the digest at the configured interval. This requirement enhances user engagement by aligning deliveries with stakeholder workflows and reduces manual follow-ups.

Acceptance Criteria
User Configures Initial Digest Frequency
Given a logged-in user accesses the Insight Inbox settings When the user selects 'Daily' as the digest frequency and clicks 'Save' Then the system stores the preference and schedules daily emails at the configured time
User Modifies Digest Frequency
Given a user has an existing digest frequency set When the user changes the frequency from 'Daily' to 'Weekly' and confirms the update Then the system updates the preference and sends the next digest on the upcoming weekly schedule
System Sends Digest at Configured Interval
Given user preferences include a set frequency When the scheduled dispatch time arrives Then the system generates the digest based on the latest project data and successfully sends it via the user's chosen channel
User Receives Confirmation of Frequency Change
Given a user updates their digest frequency When the change is successfully saved Then the system displays a confirmation message and sends a confirmation email summarizing the new schedule
Multi-channel Delivery Integration
"As a small firm owner, I want to get the Insight Inbox in Slack so that I can see updates without leaving my collaboration workspace."
Description

Implement connectors to deliver the Insight Inbox digest via multiple communication platforms, including email, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. The integration must support authentication, message formatting appropriate to each channel, and error handling to retry or log failures. This capability ensures stakeholders receive updates in their preferred environment, increasing adoption and minimizing context-switching.

Acceptance Criteria
Email Digest Delivery Success
Given a user with valid email subscription preferences and digest content ready\nWhen the daily digest is triggered\nThen an email with the correct subject, body content, and formatting is sent to the user’s email address within 5 minutes
Slack Digest Delivery Success
Given valid Slack workspace ID, channel ID, and OAuth token\nWhen the weekly digest is initiated\nThen a properly formatted message payload is posted to the specified Slack channel without errors or missing content
Teams Digest Delivery Success
Given a configured Microsoft Teams webhook URL and necessary permissions\nWhen the digest scheduler runs\nThen the digest appears in the Teams channel as an adaptive card or formatted message within 5 minutes of generation
Authentication Failure Handling
Given invalid or expired credentials for any delivery channel\nWhen the system attempts to send the digest\nThen the system retries the request up to 3 times with exponential backoff and logs each failure with error details if all retries fail
Message Formatting Adaptation
Given digest content that includes tables, links, and images\nWhen formatting messages for email, Slack, and Teams\nThen the system applies channel-specific formatting rules to preserve readability and functionality in each target channel
Budget Health Summary
"As a stakeholder, I want to view the budget health summary in my daily digest so that I can identify cost overruns early."
Description

Generate a concise overview of the project’s financial status, highlighting key metrics such as budget spent, remaining allocation, and deviations from the forecast. The summary should include visual indicators (e.g., color-coded statuses) and a brief explanatory note on significant variances. Integrating with the project’s budget tracking module ensures accuracy and helps stakeholders quickly assess financial performance.

Acceptance Criteria
Daily Budget Overview Email Scenario
Given a project with tracked budget data, when the daily Insight Inbox email is generated, then it displays total budget spent, remaining budget allocation, percent deviations from forecast, uses green for deviations ≤5%, yellow for 5–10%, red for >10%, and includes a brief explanatory note for any deviation >5%.
Weekly Budget Digest in Collaboration Tools Scenario
Given a project integrated with BuildSync’s budget module, when a weekly digest is sent via Slack or Teams, then the message contains budget spent, remaining allocation, forecast variance percentages, color-coded status indicators, and a summary note for variances >5%.
Significant Variance Alert Scenario
Given real-time budget tracking, when any cost category’s forecast variance exceeds 10%, then an immediate Insight Inbox alert is triggered with visual red flags and an explanatory note identifying the variance cause.
Manual Budget Entry Synchronization Scenario
Given manual adjustments to budget entries, when the next Insight Inbox summary is generated, then it reflects adjusted values accurately with correct color-coded indicators and explanatory notes for each manual adjustment.
Budget Summary Accuracy Validation Scenario
Given known source budget values, when the summary is generated, then budget spent, remaining allocation, and forecast variances match source data within 0.5% tolerance, and status colors align with defined deviation thresholds.
Risk Alert Notification
"As a project manager, I want to see upcoming risk alerts in my weekly summary so that I can take preventive action before issues escalate."
Description

Incorporate an automated risk detection engine that scans project data for potential issues (e.g., missed deadlines, resource conflicts) and surfaces them as alerts in the digest. Each alert should include a description, severity level, and affected deliverables. This requirement proactively notifies stakeholders of emerging risks, enabling timely intervention and mitigation.

Acceptance Criteria
Missed Deadline Risk Detection
Given a project task with a due date, when the due date passes without completion, then the system generates a risk alert describing the overdue task, assigns severity level "High", and identifies the associated deliverable.
Resource Conflict Identification
Given two or more tasks assigned to the same resource with overlapping timeframes, when the risk engine analyzes resource allocations, then the system generates a risk alert outlining the conflict, assigns severity level "Medium", and lists the conflicting tasks.
Severity Level Classification
Given multiple detected risks with varying impact levels, when alerts are created, then each alert’s severity matches predefined thresholds (High, Medium, Low) based on task delay duration or resource overallocation percentage.
Affected Deliverables Association
Given a detected risk event, when constructing the alert, then the alert payload includes a list of affected deliverables by their unique ID and name.
Digest Alert Inclusion
Given the configured digest schedule (daily or weekly), when the digest is compiled, then all new alerts since the last digest are included, sorted by severity, and delivered without duplication through the specified channel.
Action Recommendations
"As a project coordinator, I want the digest to suggest actions I can take so that I can swiftly address any project concerns."
Description

Leverage AI-driven analysis to generate tailored recommendations for corrective actions based on project trends, budget deviations, and risk alerts. Recommendations should be prioritized by impact and feasibility, and linked to relevant project artifacts (e.g., tasks, documents). Providing clear next steps enhances decision-making and drives efficient resolution of issues.

Acceptance Criteria
Automated Recommendation Generation
Given a project with identified trends and budget deviations, when the system processes the daily digest, then at least one tailored recommendation is generated per detected issue. Generated recommendations must address the specific corrective action required (budget adjustment, risk mitigation, schedule realignment). System must produce these recommendations within 10 seconds of digest generation.
Prioritization by Impact and Feasibility
When recommendations are generated, they must be ranked by a calculated impact score and feasibility rating. The top three recommendations must appear first in the list. Impact and feasibility scores must be clearly displayed alongside each recommendation.
Recommendation Links to Artifacts
Each recommendation must include at least one hyperlink to a relevant project artifact (task, document, approval email). Clicking a link must open the artifact within BuildSync without additional navigation. If an artifact is missing or inaccessible, the digest must display a clear error message indicating the issue.
User Feedback Integration
Users must be able to mark recommendations as Accepted, Deferred, or Dismissed directly from the digest interface. Feedback must be recorded within five seconds and reflected in the recommendation status. Dismissed recommendations must not reappear in subsequent digests unless underlying project parameters change significantly.
Digest Rendering of Recommendations
The daily or weekly digest (email or Slack/Teams message) must include a dedicated ‘Recommendations’ section. Recommendations must be formatted with clear headers, bullet points, and actionable links. Digest content must fully load within three seconds in supported clients.
Stakeholder Targeting Configuration
"As an admin, I want to configure which team members receive the digest so that updates go only to those who need them."
Description

Allow administrators to define and manage recipient groups for the Insight Inbox digest based on roles, teams, or custom segments. The system should support adding or removing users, previewing recipient lists, and testing sample digests before deployment. This capability ensures that the right individuals receive relevant information, reducing noise and enhancing accountability.

Acceptance Criteria
Configuring a New Recipient Group
Given an administrator is on the Stakeholder Targeting Configuration page; When they create a new recipient group named "Budget Team" by selecting roles "Finance Manager" and team "Budget Analysis"; Then the system displays the new "Budget Team" group in the recipient group list with an accurate member count and it becomes available for selection in the Insight Inbox setup.
Adding Users to a Recipient Group
Given an existing recipient group "Budget Team"; When the administrator clicks "Add Users", searches for "john.doe@example.com", selects the user, and confirms; Then "john.doe@example.com" appears in the group member list and the updated count reflects the addition.
Removing Users from a Recipient Group
Given an existing recipient group with multiple users; When the administrator selects a user and clicks "Remove User" and confirms the action; Then the user is removed from the group member list and the member count decreases by one.
Previewing the Recipient List Before Deployment
Given an administrator has configured a recipient group; When they click "Preview Recipients"; Then the system displays a list of recipients including full name, email, and role for each member matching the group configuration.
Sending a Sample Digest to a Recipient Group
Given an administrator has configured the Insight Inbox schedule; When they click "Send Test Digest" for "Budget Team"; Then a test digest email is sent to all group members containing budget health summary, risk alerts, and recommended actions, and the test send is logged in the audit trail.

SmartRoute Approval

Leverages AI to determine the most efficient sequence and combination of stakeholders for each approval cycle, minimizing wait times by automatically routing documents to the right approvers at the right moment.

Requirements

Stakeholder Identification Engine
"As a project manager, I want the system to automatically identify the appropriate approvers for each document so that I don’t have to manually select stakeholders and risk missing key reviewers."
Description

Automatically analyzes project metadata and historical approval patterns to identify and categorize relevant stakeholders for each document approval cycle, ensuring the right approvers are selected based on role, expertise, and availability.

Acceptance Criteria
Metadata-Based Stakeholder Identification
Given a document with defined project metadata, when the stakeholder identification engine processes the document, then the engine selects stakeholders whose historical involvement matches at least 90% of metadata tags.
Role-Based Stakeholder Categorization
Given a pool of potential approvers with role and expertise tags, when the engine categorizes stakeholders, then each required role (architect, engineer, project manager) is represented and tagged correctly in the candidate list.
Availability Filtering
Given real-time calendar availability for all candidate stakeholders, when the engine filters by availability, then only stakeholders with open time slots within the next 48 hours are included in the approval routing list.
Approval Sequence Optimization
Given historical approval sequences and their completion times, when the engine determines routing order, then it proposes a sequence that reproduces the fastest approved cycle in at least 80% of similar cases.
New Stakeholder Edge Case Handling
Given a document from a new project with no prior approval history, when the engine identifies stakeholders, then it defaults to role-based selection, includes all mandatory roles, and generates a manual review flag for any missing expertise.
Dynamic Approval Path Generation
"As a document controller, I want the approval sequence to be automatically optimized so that documents move through the review process faster and without unnecessary delays."
Description

Utilizes AI algorithms to generate the most efficient approval sequence and parallel review groups, dynamically adjusting the path based on stakeholder availability, document type, and project deadlines to minimize wait times.

Acceptance Criteria
Standard Sequential Approval
Given a document with three required approvers all marked available, when the AI generates the approval path, then it produces a sequence of exactly three steps ordered by stakeholder priority and notifies each stakeholder immediately upon their turn.
Parallel Discipline Review
Given a document tagged for two disciplines requiring simultaneous review, when the AI analyzes the document type, then it creates two parallel approval branches, assigns the correct stakeholders to each branch, and sends notifications to both simultaneously.
Stakeholder Unavailability Handling
Given a stakeholder is marked unavailable for the next 48 hours, when the AI generates the approval path, then it replaces the stakeholder with an alternate approver or reschedules the step to occur immediately upon their next available time window.
Deadline-Driven Path Optimization
Given a document with a project deadline in 24 hours, when the AI optimizes the approval sequence, then it schedules stakeholders with the shortest response times first and completes the entire approval cycle within the deadline.
Mixed Availability Window Grouping
Given stakeholders have non-overlapping and overlapping availability windows, when the AI constructs the approval path, then it groups those with overlapping windows into parallel tasks and sequences non-overlapping tasks in the correct chronological order.
Real-time Notification & Reminder System
"As an approver, I want to receive clear notifications and reminders so that I don’t miss pending approvals and the project timeline isn’t disrupted."
Description

Sends instant notifications and periodic reminders to stakeholders when action is required, with escalation rules for overdue approvals to keep the process on track and ensure timely decision-making.

Acceptance Criteria
Immediate Approval Request Notification
Given a document is routed for approval, when the system identifies the first approver, then an email and in-app notification must be delivered to that approver within 60 seconds.
Periodic Reminder for Pending Approvals
Given an approval request remains pending for 24 hours, when no action is taken, then the system must send subsequent reminders every 6 hours until the request is approved or escalated.
Overdue Approval Escalation
Given an approval request is overdue by 48 hours, when the overdue threshold is reached, then the system must automatically send escalation notifications to the project owner and designated backup approver.
Real-Time Notification Feed Update
Given a stakeholder is viewing the in-app notification feed, when a new notification is generated, then the feed must update within 5 seconds without requiring a manual page refresh.
Custom Notification Preferences
Given a stakeholder configures notification preferences, when they disable email notifications or set quiet hours, then the system must honor those settings for all subsequent notifications and reminders.
Approval Path Visualization UI
"As a small firm owner, I want to see a visual map of the approval process so that I can quickly understand where a document stands and who needs to act next."
Description

Provides an intuitive interface displaying the entire approval workflow, including current status, pending approvers, and estimated completion times, enabling users to monitor and interact with the approval process in real time.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Status Overview
Given a user opens the Approval Path Visualization UI for an active document, When there is an update in any approval stage (approved, forwarded, or pending), Then the UI reflects the change within 2 seconds and displays the current status of each stage.
Pending Approvers List Interaction
Given the approval workflow contains multiple pending approvers, When the user clicks on a pending approver’s avatar or name in the UI, Then detailed information (name, role, and contact info) for that approver is displayed in a side panel.
Estimated Completion Time Accuracy
Given historical approval data and current queue status, When the UI calculates and displays estimated completion times for remaining stages, Then the estimated times are within a 10% margin of error compared to actual completion times observed.
Multi-Path Approval Workflow
Given an approval workflow with parallel branches, When the user expands the visualization, Then all parallel branches are displayed clearly with distinct color coding and branch labels.
Interactive Approval Actions
Given the user views the approval path for a document, When the user hovers over a pending stage, Then action buttons for approve or request change appear, and clicking them triggers the respective action confirmation dialog.
Audit Logging & Compliance Tracking
"As a project manager, I want a comprehensive audit trail of all approval activities so that I can demonstrate compliance and resolve any disputes quickly."
Description

Maintains a detailed, tamper-proof log of every approval action, comment, and document version, supporting regulatory compliance and enabling traceability for audits and dispute resolution.

Acceptance Criteria
Approval Action Log Entry Creation
Given an approver clicks ‘Approve’ on a document When the action is confirmed Then the system must record a log entry including document ID, approver ID, decision, and timestamp
Comment Submission Logging
Given a stakeholder adds a comment to an approval cycle When the comment is submitted Then the system must log the comment text, commenter ID, associated document ID, and timestamp
Document Version Upload Logging
Given a user uploads a new document version When the upload completes successfully Then the system must create a log entry noting version number, uploader ID, timestamp, and link to the previous version
Immutable Log Enforcement
Given an authorized user attempts to edit or delete an existing log entry When the user submits the modification request Then the system must reject the change and log the unauthorized attempt with user ID and timestamp
Audit Report Generation
Given an auditor requests an audit report When they specify document ID and date range Then the system must export all corresponding log entries in a downloadable, tamper-proof CSV or PDF file

One-Click Signature

Enables multi-document, multi-user digital signoff with a single action. Stakeholders can approve all assigned items in one streamlined click, drastically reducing repetitive steps and speeding up the approval process.

Requirements

Bulk Document Grouping
"As a project manager, I want to select all required documents in one batch so that I can execute signatures in a single step and reduce manual effort."
Description

Enable users to select and bundle multiple documents, drawings, and related files across different projects or phases into a single signature batch. This feature integrates with the existing document repository and filtering tools, allowing users to apply tags, search criteria, and folder selections to group items efficiently. The expected outcome is a streamlined preparation step where all required items are queued for one-click signing, reducing manual selection time and minimizing the risk of missing documents.

Acceptance Criteria
Grouping Documents Using Tags Filter
Given a user applies one or more tags in the document repository When the user selects multiple filtered documents and clicks “Add to Batch” Then all selected documents are added to the signature queue with no omissions
Bundling Files Across Multiple Projects
Given a user selects documents from different projects via project filter When the user confirms selection Then all documents from each project are grouped into a single batch and displayed under a unified batch name
Adding Documents from Different Phases
Given a user filters by project phase and selects documents from Phase 1 and Phase 2 When the user bundles these documents Then the system includes correct phase metadata for each document in the batch summary
Reviewing Bundled Batch Before Signing
Given a batch has been created When the user opens the batch preview Then the UI displays all documents, associated metadata, project names, and phases accurately for final review
Error Handling for Unsupported File Types
Given a user attempts to include an unsupported file type When the user adds the file to the batch Then the system displays an error message explaining the unsupported type and excludes the file from the batch
Multi-User Approval Workflow
"As an architect, I want all stakeholders to receive signature requests simultaneously so that I can finalize approvals faster without waiting for sequential sign-offs."
Description

Automatically identify and route signature requests to all assigned stakeholders in a configurable order or parallel flow. This requirement leverages user roles, permissions, and project assignments to ensure each approver receives the correct documents. Integrating with the notification system, the workflow triggers the one-click signature action for all users simultaneously or sequentially based on project rules, accelerating overall approval cycles.

Acceptance Criteria
Sequential Approval Order Routing
Given a document requiring signatures from Stakeholder A, B, and C in sequence When the workflow is initiated Then the system routes the request to A first, proceeds to B only after A’s signature is recorded, and proceeds to C only after B’s signature is recorded
Parallel Approval Execution
Given a set of documents assigned to Stakeholders X, Y, and Z for parallel approval When the workflow runs Then all assigned stakeholders receive the signature request simultaneously and can complete the one-click signature independently
Notification Trigger on Signature Request
Given that a signature request is pending approval When the workflow is triggered Then notifications are sent via email and in-app alerts to all current approvers within one minute of initiation
Signature Confirmation and Audit Logging
Given that an approver completes a one-click signature When the signature is successful Then the system logs the approver’s user ID, timestamp, and document version in an immutable audit trail and displays a confirmation message to the user
Role-Based Document Assignment
Given a project with defined roles and permissions When documents are added to the approval workflow Then only stakeholders with the appropriate role and permissions receive the signature request and can access and approve their assigned documents
Digital Audit Trail
"As a compliance officer, I want a detailed audit trail for each signed document so that I can verify authenticity and maintain records for audits."
Description

Record every signature event, including user identity, timestamp, IP address, and document version, in a secure, tamper-evident log. This audit trail is stored alongside each document in encrypted form, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and providing full transparency of the approval history. The feature supports exportable reports for audits and dispute resolution.

Acceptance Criteria
Signature Event Logging
Given a stakeholder completes a one-click signature, when the signature is applied, then the system records user identity, timestamp, IP address, and document version in the audit trail.
Encrypted Audit Storage
Given a completed signature event, when the audit log is saved, then the log entry is encrypted using AES-256 and stored alongside the document.
Tamper-Evident Log Integrity
Given an existing audit trail, when the log is accessed or modified, then the system detects any tampering via hash validation and flags inconsistencies.
Exportable Audit Report Generation
Given an administrator requests an audit export, when a date range and document filter are provided, then the system generates a CSV or PDF report containing all signature events and their metadata.
Regulatory Audit Retrieval
Given a compliance officer searches for audit records, when a document ID or time period is specified, then the system returns matching audit entries within 5 seconds.
Signature Completion Notifications
"As a project manager, I want to receive alerts when signatures are pending or completed so that I can monitor progress and follow up if needed."
Description

Send real-time email and in-app notifications to designated approvers when a one-click signature request is initiated, and provide follow-up reminders for pending signatures. Once all signatures are completed, send a summary notification to the initiator and relevant team members. This ensures stakeholders are promptly informed and the initiator can track progress without manual follow-up.

Acceptance Criteria
Signature Request Initiation Notification
Given an initiator selects documents and users and clicks the one-click signature button, When the request is initiated, Then email and in-app notifications are sent to each designated approver within 2 minutes.
Approver Notification Content Verification
Given an approver receives a notification, When they open the email or in-app notification, Then the notification includes document names, requestor name, and a direct link to the signature interface.
Pending Signature Reminder
Given an approver has not signed within 24 hours of request, When 24 hours have elapsed since the initial notification, Then a reminder email and in-app notification are sent automatically to the approver.
Completion Summary Notification
Given all approvers have completed their signatures, When the final signature is captured, Then a summary notification listing signed documents and signers is sent to the initiator and relevant team members within 5 minutes.
Notification Failure Handling
Given a notification fails to send due to a transient error, When the system detects the failure, Then it retries delivery up to 3 times over the next hour and logs any persistent failures for admin review.
Signature Process Rollback and Error Handling
"As an administrator, I want to be able to rollback a failed signature batch and retry it so that I can correct errors without affecting document integrity."
Description

Detect failures or exceptions during the one-click signature process and provide detailed error feedback to administrators. Allow authorized users to rollback the entire signature batch or retry individual documents without data corruption. This ensures resilience, preserves document integrity, and minimizes downtime in case of network or system errors.

Acceptance Criteria
Signature Rollback on Network Failure
Given a network interruption occurs during the signature batch processing, when the system detects the failure, then all documents in the batch remain unsigned and no partial signatures are saved, and the system logs the error.
Retry Single Document After Failure
Given a signature on an individual document fails, when the user selects the retry option for that document, then the system only re-attempts signing of the failed document without affecting the rest of the batch, and updates the signature status appropriately.
Administrator Initiated Batch Rollback
Given an administrator identifies a processed batch with errors, when the administrator initiates the rollback action, then the system reverts all signature records in the batch to the pre-signature state, and a rollback confirmation is provided.
Detailed Error Feedback Displayed
Given any exception occurs during the signature process, when the failure is detected, then the system displays an error message containing the failure reason, affected document IDs, and suggested next steps to the administrator.
Document Integrity After Rollback
Given a batch rollback completes, when the administrator reviews the documents, then the document contents and metadata match their state prior to the signature attempt and no corruption or data loss has occurred.

Real-Time Approval Tracker

Provides an interactive dashboard that visualizes each approval request’s status, highlights bottlenecks, and sends live progress updates, empowering project managers to monitor cycles and intervene proactively.

Requirements

Approval Submission Interface
"As a project manager, I want to submit approval requests through a guided interface so that I can ensure all necessary details and documents are attached and standardized."
Description

Provides an intuitive form-based interface within the dashboard for project managers to initiate approval requests, allowing attachments of relevant documents, selection of approvers, deadlines, and priority labels. Integrates seamlessly with the project timeline, automatically capturing metadata such as request date, associated tasks, and document versions, ensuring each request is structured, standardized, and easily trackable.

Acceptance Criteria
Initiate Approval Request with Required Fields
Given the project manager is on the approval submission interface, when they fill in all required fields (request title, description, approvers, deadline) and click 'Submit', then a new approval request is created, linked to the project timeline with correct metadata and a success message is displayed.
Attach Relevant Documents to Approval Request
Given the project manager is preparing an approval request, when they upload one or more relevant documents, then each document is attached to the request, listed with file name and version, and stored in the request metadata.
Select Approvers and Set Deadlines
Given the project manager is on the approval submission form, when they select approvers from the user directory and set a valid future deadline, then the approver list and deadline are saved correctly and shown in the request summary.
Assign Priority Labels to Approval Requests
Given the project manager is initiating an approval request, when they choose a priority label (High, Medium, Low), then the label is applied to the request and displayed with its associated color code on the dashboard.
Integrate Approval Request into Project Timeline
Given an approval request has been submitted, when the project manager views the project timeline, then the new request appears at the correct chronological position with metadata including submission date, associated tasks, and document versions.
Live Status Dashboard
"As a project manager, I want to view a live dashboard of approval statuses so that I can monitor progress and allocate resources effectively without manual checks."
Description

Delivers an interactive, real-time dashboard visualizing the approval lifecycle across all ongoing projects. Utilizes dynamic charts, status indicators, and filterable views to display pending, approved, and rejected requests. Updates instantaneously as approvals progress, enabling project managers to monitor workflows, identify trends, and allocate resources efficiently without manual refreshes.

Acceptance Criteria
Dashboard Overview Accessibility
Given a project manager opens the Live Status Dashboard, When the dashboard loads, Then all active projects display in a summary view with total, pending, approved, and rejected request counts within 5 seconds.
Real-time Refresh of Approval Statuses
Given an approval request changes status in the backend system, When the change occurs, Then the dashboard updates the request’s status indicator within 2 seconds without manual refresh.
Filtering Approval Requests by Status
Given the dashboard is displayed, When the project manager selects a status filter (pending, approved, or rejected), Then only requests matching the selected status appear and non-matching requests are hidden.
Identifying Approval Bottlenecks
Given multiple approval requests are pending for over 48 hours, When the dashboard loads or refreshes, Then any request exceeding the 48-hour threshold is highlighted in red and listed in the “Bottlenecks” section.
Exporting Dashboard Data
Given the project manager needs a report, When they click the “Export” button on the dashboard, Then a CSV file containing project name, request ID, status, and timestamp downloads within 10 seconds.
Bottleneck Identification Alerts
"As a project manager, I want to receive alerts for stalled approvals so that I can intervene and keep the project on schedule."
Description

Implements an alerting mechanism that detects stalled approval requests and notifies project stakeholders. Configures customizable thresholds for maximum wait times per approval stage and triggers email, in-app, or Slack notifications when requests exceed set limits. Ensures proactive intervention by highlighting long-pending items and reducing project delays.

Acceptance Criteria
Stalled Approval Alert Trigger
Given an approval request stage has exceeded its configured maximum wait time, when the system evaluates pending requests, then an alert notification is generated and sent via the selected channels within one minute of threshold breach.
Custom Threshold Configuration
Given a project manager sets a custom wait time threshold for an approval stage, when the threshold is saved, then the system applies the new threshold to all pending and future approval requests in that stage.
Email Notification Delivery
Given an alert is triggered, when the notification is sent via email, then the recipient receives an email containing request ID, stage name, time elapsed, and next steps link within two minutes.
Slack Notification Delivery
Given a Slack channel is configured for alerts, when a threshold breach occurs, then the system posts a message to the channel with clear details and mentions project stakeholders within one minute.
In-App Notification Visibility
Given a stalled request alert is generated, when the user accesses the Real-Time Approval Tracker dashboard, then the pending item is highlighted in red with an alert icon and displays the elapsed time compared to threshold.
Role-Based Access Controls
"As a security officer, I want role-based access controls in the approval system so that only authorized users can perform approval actions and maintain compliance."
Description

Establishes role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that only authorized personnel can view, submit, approve, or reject requests. Defines permission levels for project managers, approvers, and observers, with granular control over actions and data visibility. Integrates with the organization’s existing user directory to maintain security and compliance, preventing unauthorized modifications.

Acceptance Criteria
Project Manager Initiates Approval Request
Given a user with the Project Manager role When the user navigates to the Real-Time Approval Tracker and submits a new approval request Then the system accepts the request, assigns it a unique ID, and records the request under the user’s project
Approver Accesses and Reviews Pending Requests
Given a user with the Approver role When the user views the pending approvals dashboard Then the system displays all requests assigned to that approver and allows the user to approve or reject each request with a single click
Observer Views Approval Progress
Given a user with the Observer role When the user logs into the Real-Time Approval Tracker Then the system displays the status of all approval requests relevant to the observer’s projects without any edit or action controls
Unauthorized User Access Denial
Given a user without Project Manager, Approver, or Observer roles When the user attempts to access any approval-related UI or API endpoint Then the system returns a 403 Forbidden response and logs the unauthorized access attempt
User Directory Synchronization Ensures Updated Permissions
Given an update to a user’s group membership in the organization’s user directory When the nightly synchronization job runs Then the system updates the user’s role assignments in BuildSync to match the directory and revokes any permissions no longer authorized
Approval Audit Trail
"As an auditor, I want a complete audit trail of approvals so that I can review decision histories and ensure transparency and accountability."
Description

Maintains a comprehensive audit trail recording each action taken on approval requests, including timestamps, user identities, comments, and document versions. Provides searchable logs and exportable reports, allowing stakeholders to review decision histories, track compliance, and perform audits. Ensures data integrity and transparency for post-project analysis.

Acceptance Criteria
View Audit Trail Entries
Given a user opens the approval audit trail for a specific request, when the trail loads, then each entry displays the timestamp, user identity, action taken, comment, and document version.
Search Audit Trail
Given a user enters search parameters (e.g., date range, user name, or action type) in the audit trail search bar, when they execute the search, then the system filters and displays only the matching log entries.
Export Audit Log Report
Given a user clicks the "Export" button on the audit trail page, when they choose a file format (CSV or PDF) and confirm, then the system generates and downloads the report containing all log details for the selected period.
Audit Trail Data Integrity
Given existing audit trail entries, when an unauthorized attempt is made to modify or delete a log entry, then the system blocks the action and records the attempt in a separate security log.
Performance under Load
Given 1,000 or more audit trail entries, when a user loads the audit trail page, then the system displays the first page of entries within 2 seconds and supports smooth pagination.
Email and Calendar Integration
"As a project manager, I want the system to send email notifications and calendar invites for approvals so that my team is reminded and aligned on deadlines."
Description

Integrates with external email and calendar platforms to automate request notifications and reminders. Sends structured email invitations for approvals with direct action links and syncs due dates to approvers’ calendars, ensuring visibility and reducing manual scheduling. Offers configurable templates and ensures consistent communication across channels.

Acceptance Criteria
Email Invitation Delivery
- Given a user triggers an approval request, when the system dispatches the email, then it is delivered to the recipient's inbox within 1 minute and passes spam checks; - The email includes the approver’s name, project name, due date, and a secure direct action link; - The email sender and reply-to addresses match the configured sender address; - The email uses the correct template branding and layout as per configuration.
Calendar Sync Successful
- Given an approver has linked their calendar account, when the approval email is sent, then a calendar event is created on the correct calendar within 1 minute; - The event title, date, time, description, and action link match the approval request details; - The event reminder settings follow the approver’s calendar default preferences; - If calendar sync fails, an error is logged and a notification is sent to the project manager.
Configurable Template Selection
- Given multiple email templates exist in the system, when a user configures an approval request, then they can preview and select a template from a dropdown list; - The selected template is persisted and applied to all subsequent emails for that request; - If no template is selected, the system defaults to the global default template; - Template changes are reflected in real-time in the email preview.
Direct Action Link Functionality
- Given an approver clicks the direct action link in the email, when they access the link, then they are navigated to the approval page without requiring additional login; - The link securely encodes the request ID and user ID and is valid only for authorized users; - Expired or invalid links display a clear error message with an option to request a new link; - Click events are logged for audit and tracking purposes.
Notification Reminder Scheduling
- Given a due date is set on the approval request, when the due date is within the configured reminder window (default 24 hours), then an automated reminder email is sent to the approver at the configured time; - Reminders follow the project’s notification schedule settings (e.g., daily at 9 AM) and stop once the request is approved or overdue; - Reminder emails contain the same structured details and direct action link as the original email; - Reminder failures trigger an alert to the project manager.

AutoEscalate Reminders

Automatically escalates overdue approvals by sending timely nudges and alerts to stakeholders or their designated backups, ensuring that critical signoffs never stall due to unresponsiveness.

Requirements

Trigger Definition Interface
"As a project manager, I want to define specific overdue conditions so that escalations only occur when truly necessary and fit the context of each project."
Description

Provide an admin interface where project managers can define what constitutes an overdue approval, including custom time thresholds, document types, and stakeholder roles. The interface should allow setting global defaults and project-specific overrides. This ensures accurate and flexible escalation triggers tailored to different project needs.

Acceptance Criteria
Defining Global Overdue Threshold
Given the admin is on the Trigger Definition Interface, when they set the global overdue approval threshold to '72 hours' and click 'Save', then the system persists the threshold and applies it to all new project approvals by default.
Setting Project-Specific Override for Document Type
Given the admin selects a specific project, when they override the overdue threshold for 'Design Drawings' to '48 hours' and save, then the system uses '48 hours' for that document type in that project only, leaving global settings unchanged.
Configuring Role-Based Escalation Rules
Given the admin defines stakeholder roles, when they assign the 'Engineering Lead' role a custom overdue threshold of '24 hours', then the system applies this rule whenever an approval request is sent to users with the 'Engineering Lead' role.
Validating Default and Override Precedence
Given both global and project-specific thresholds exist, when an approval becomes overdue, then the system first checks for a project-specific override before defaulting to the global threshold.
Saving and Persisting Trigger Configurations
Given any changes made to thresholds or overrides, when the admin clicks 'Save', then all configurations are stored persistently and a confirmation message 'Triggers updated successfully' is displayed.
Multi-Channel Notification
"As a stakeholder, I want to receive escalation alerts through my preferred channel so that I don’t miss critical approval reminders."
Description

Implement support for sending escalation reminders via email, in-app notifications, and optional SMS. Notifications should adhere to stakeholder preferences and fallback rules if the primary channel fails. This ensures timely delivery across different communication platforms.

Acceptance Criteria
Primary Email Notification Delivery
Given a stakeholder has email set as their preferred channel and email servers are operational, when an escalation reminder is due, then the system sends an email notification to the stakeholder and logs the successful delivery within one minute.
In-App Notification Fallback
Given email delivery fails or the stakeholder prefers in-app notifications, when an escalation reminder is triggered, then the system creates an in-app notification displayed in the stakeholder’s notification center and generates a pop-up alert within one minute of the reminder timestamp.
SMS Notification for Critical Overdue
Given a stakeholder has opted-in for SMS and both email and in-app notifications fail, when the escalation crosses the critical overdue threshold, then the system sends an SMS notification to the stakeholder and records the delivery status within two minutes.
Backup Stakeholder Notification
Given the primary stakeholder remains unresponsive after three escalation attempts, when the backup escalation path is activated, then the system sends notifications via all preferred channels to the designated backup contact, including context of the original approval request, within two minutes.
Notification Preference Adherence
Given a stakeholder updates their notification preferences in settings, when a subsequent escalation reminder is generated, then the system retrieves and applies the updated preference hierarchy and ensures notifications are sent only via the newly designated channels.
Backup Approver Management
"As a team lead, I want to assign alternate approvers so that document signoffs can proceed even if the primary approver is absent."
Description

Allow assignment of backup approvers for each primary stakeholder. When a primary approver is unavailable, the system should automatically escalate to the designated backup after the same overdue threshold. Maintain an editable list of backups with their roles and contact details.

Acceptance Criteria
Backup Approver Assignment
Given a project stakeholder has a primary approver assigned, When the project manager adds a backup approver with name, role, and contact details, Then the system saves the backup approver entry and displays it in the approver list.
Automatic Escalation to Backup
Given an approval request is overdue for the primary approver beyond the defined threshold, When the system triggers an escalation, Then the system sends an overdue reminder notification to the designated backup approver using the stored contact details.
Backup List Editing
Given one or more backup approvers exist for a primary approver, When the project manager edits or deletes a backup entry, Then the list updates accordingly and reflects the changes immediately in the approver management interface.
Notification Preference Validation
Given a backup approver has specified contact preferences (email or SMS), When an escalation occurs, Then the notification is sent via the correct channel as per the backup approver’s preference.
Fallback Handling for Missing Backup
Given a primary approver is overdue and no backup approver is assigned, When the system attempts escalation, Then the system logs a warning and sends an alert to the project manager indicating no backup is available.
Reminder Scheduling Customization
"As a project owner, I want to adjust how often reminders are sent so that stakeholders are nudged appropriately without feeling overwhelmed."
Description

Enable customization of reminder cadence, including initial reminder delay, follow-up frequency, and maximum number of reminders. Support options for business days only, specific time windows, and holiday exclusions. This provides control over how persistent and intrusive reminders are.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Reminder Delay Configuration
Given the user sets an initial reminder delay of 2 business days and selects the 9 AM to 5 PM send window, When a new approval request is created on a Monday, Then the first reminder email is automatically sent on the following Wednesday between 9 AM and 5 PM.
Follow-up Frequency Adjustment
Given the user configures follow-up reminders every 3 calendar days, When the previous reminder has been sent without approval confirmation, Then the system schedules and sends subsequent reminders exactly every 3 days until the maximum count is reached.
Maximum Reminders Enforcement
Given the maximum number of reminders is set to 5 and none of the reminders have received an approval response, When the fifth reminder is sent, Then no additional reminders are scheduled or sent thereafter.
Holiday Exclusion Application
Given the user enables holiday exclusions using the company calendar, When a scheduled reminder date falls on a holiday, Then the reminder is automatically deferred to the next available business day at the configured time.
Time Window Enforcement
Given the user defines a send window of 8 AM to 10 AM and a reminder is due outside that window, When the next reminder is scheduled, Then it is sent at 8 AM on the scheduled date.
Escalation Timeline Tracking
"As a small firm owner, I want to view a complete history of escalations so that I can review and audit all reminder activities for compliance and process improvement."
Description

Log every reminder and escalation event in a searchable timeline, capturing timestamps, recipients, channels used, and stakeholder responses. Provide filters by document, stakeholder, and date range to audit escalation history and accountability.

Acceptance Criteria
Logging Reminder Events
Given an automatic reminder for an overdue approval is sent, when the event occurs, then the system records a timeline entry capturing the timestamp, document ID, recipient, communication channel, and a unique event ID.
Filtering by Document
Given the user selects a specific document in the UI, when they apply the filter, then only escalation timeline entries related to that document are displayed in chronological order.
Filtering by Stakeholder
Given the user chooses one or more stakeholders, when the filter is applied, then the timeline displays only reminder and escalation events sent to those stakeholders or their designated backups.
Search by Date Range
Given the user inputs a start and end date, when they execute the search, then the system returns only the escalation events whose timestamps fall within the specified date range.
Retrieving Stakeholder Responses
Given an escalation event has a stakeholder response, when the user views the timeline entry, then the system displays the response status, response timestamp, and response content.
Notification Analytics Dashboard
"As a project manager, I want to analyze escalation metrics so that I can identify bottlenecks and improve approval workflows."
Description

Develop a dashboard showing key metrics such as average approval times, number of escalations per project, reminder response rates, and channel performance. Include visual charts and exportable reports for stakeholder review and process optimization.

Acceptance Criteria
Project Approval Time Overview
Given the user selects a project and date range on the dashboard, when the data loads, then the average approval time is calculated as the mean duration between submission and approval across all tasks and displayed correctly.
Escalation Trends Visualization
Given a specified time period is selected, when the dashboard renders the escalation chart, then it displays the number of escalations per week with labels and tooltips showing counts per project.
Reminder Response Rate
Given reminders have been sent within the selected period, when the user views the reminder performance section, then the response rate percentage is calculated as responded reminders divided by total reminders and matches the underlying data.
Channel Performance Comparison
Given multiple notification channels exist, when the user switches to channel performance view, then the dashboard displays open and click-through rates for each channel in a comparative bar chart.
Report Export Functionality
Given filters are applied to the dashboard, when the user clicks export, then a report is generated containing filtered metrics and charts, exports as PDF or CSV, and downloads within 10 seconds.

Template Sprint

Offers pre-built, customizable approval workflows for common scenarios (e.g., budget signoff, design review). Users can deploy complete multi-stakeholder pipelines in seconds, eliminating manual setup and standardizing processes.

Requirements

Template Library Access
"As a project manager, I want to browse and select from a library of pre-built approval workflows so that I can quickly set up standardized processes without manual configuration."
Description

The system must provide a library of pre-built approval workflow templates covering common scenarios such as budget signoff, design review, and procurement. Users can browse, preview, and select templates with a single click. The library integrates seamlessly into the project dashboard, enabling immediate deployment of a complete, multi-stakeholder pipeline without manual configuration. This feature reduces setup time, enforces best practices across projects, and promotes standardization of approval processes.

Acceptance Criteria
Browsing and Previewing Templates
Given the user is on the project dashboard when they click the 'Template Library' icon then the system displays all pre-built approval workflow templates with thumbnail previews and brief descriptions within two seconds
Single-Click Template Selection
When the user hovers over a template and clicks the 'Select' button then the template is highlighted and a confirmation message appears indicating readiness for deployment
Immediate Template Deployment
Given a template is selected when the user clicks 'Deploy Template' then the system creates a new approval workflow in the current project with all steps, stakeholders, and notifications configured automatically
Dashboard Integration Verification
When a template is deployed then the newly created approval workflow appears under the project's 'Workflows' section in the dashboard within three seconds
Multi-Stakeholder Pipeline Configuration
Given a multi-step approval template is deployed when the workflow is opened then all stakeholder roles, due dates, and notification settings match the template specifications without manual edits
Template Customization Engine
"As a small firm owner, I want to customize workflow templates by adding, removing, or reordering steps so that the approval process fits my project's unique needs."
Description

Provide a customization interface allowing users to tailor selected workflow templates by modifying steps, reordering phases, adjusting timelines, and adding or removing actions. Changes should be reflected in real time with drag-and-drop functionality. The engine integrates validation rules to ensure data integrity and process consistency. This customization engine empowers users to adapt standard workflows to unique project requirements while maintaining template integrity.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Template Loading
Given a user selects a workflow template in the customization engine, When the template is loaded, Then all default steps, phases, and actions are displayed in the correct sequence within 2 seconds.
Step Modification via Drag-and-Drop
Given a user drags a workflow step in the interface, When the user drops the step into a new position, Then the step reorders accordingly, the change is saved immediately, and the updated order is visible without page reload.
Phase Reordering Validation
Given a user attempts to reorder workflow phases, When the new order violates defined validation rules (e.g., approval before review), Then the system blocks the change and displays a clear error message explaining the rule violation.
Timeline Adjustment Constraint Enforcement
Given a user adjusts the duration or dates for a workflow step, When the entered timeline falls outside the project’s start and end dates, Then the system constrains the timeline to valid boundaries and shows a notification indicating the adjustment.
Action Addition and Removal Integrity
Given a user adds or removes an action within a workflow step, When the change is made, Then the interface updates in real time, validation rules ensure no required actions are missing or duplicated, and the workflow remains consistent.
Stakeholder Role Assignment
"As a project manager, I want to assign specific roles to stakeholders within an approval workflow so that each participant knows their responsibilities and permissions."
Description

Implement functionality to assign roles and responsibilities to stakeholders within a workflow, specifying approvers, reviewers, and observers. The interface must support bulk assignment, role inheritance from templates, and granular permission settings. Role assignments persist across template instances and can be edited post-deployment. This feature clarifies responsibilities, prevents bottlenecks, and improves accountability in the approval process.

Acceptance Criteria
Bulk Role Assignment
Given a user selects multiple stakeholders in the workflow UI and assigns them a role in bulk, when the user confirms the bulk assignment, then each selected stakeholder is assigned the specified role with all associated permissions, and the assignment is reflected in the role list within 2 seconds.
Role Inheritance on Template Deployment
Given a predefined workflow template with approver, reviewer, and observer roles, when the user deploys a new instance of the template, then the new instance automatically inherits all role assignments and permissions exactly as defined in the template.
Editing Role Assignments After Deployment
Given a deployed workflow instance with existing stakeholder roles, when the user edits a stakeholder’s role through the role assignment interface and saves changes, then the updated role and permissions are persisted immediately and visible to all collaborators.
Granular Permission Configuration
Given a stakeholder assigned as reviewer or observer, when the user configures detailed permissions (view, comment, edit) for that role, then stakeholders can only perform actions permitted by their configured role permissions throughout the workflow.
Role Assignment Persistence Across Instances
Given a user updates default role assignments in a workflow template, when the user deploys any new instances from that template thereafter, then the updated role assignments are applied to all new instances without manual reconfiguration.
Automated Notification Triggers
"As a project manager, I want stakeholders to receive automated notifications when an approval is pending so that tasks are addressed promptly and deadlines are met."
Description

Develop an automated notification system that sends email and in-app alerts to assigned stakeholders at key workflow events, including task assignments, pending approvals, deadlines approaching, and completion confirmations. Notifications must be customizable by channel, frequency, and content, and track delivery status. This system ensures timely stakeholder engagement, reduces response delays, and maintains project momentum.

Acceptance Criteria
Email Notification on Task Assignment
Given a task is assigned to a stakeholder When the manager saves the assignment Then an email containing task details is sent to the stakeholder within 5 minutes
In-app Alert for Pending Approval
Given a document status changes to Pending Approval When the change is saved Then an in-app alert appears on the approver’s dashboard immediately
Reminder Before Deadline
Given a task deadline is 48 hours away When the system time reaches 48 hours before the deadline Then both email and in-app reminders are sent to the assigned stakeholder
Completion Confirmation Notification
Given a task is marked as complete When the completion is confirmed by the assigned stakeholder Then an email and an in-app notification summarizing the completed task are sent to the task creator
Customizable Notification Settings
Given a user updates their notification preferences When the preferences are saved Then all subsequent notifications follow the selected channels, frequency, and content settings
Delivery Status Tracking
Given a notification is dispatched When the system processes the notification Then the delivery status (sent, delivered, or failed) is recorded and displayed in the notification log within 1 minute
Workflow Audit Log
"As a project manager, I want a searchable audit log of all workflow actions so that I can review decisions, track progress, and ensure compliance."
Description

Create an audit log feature that records every action taken within a workflow template instance, including timestamps, user actions, comments, and status changes. Logs should be searchable and filterable by user, action type, or date range, and exportable in CSV or PDF format. This feature provides transparency, enables compliance reporting, and facilitates post-project reviews by maintaining a complete history of decisions and changes.

Acceptance Criteria
Record action events
Given a user performs any action within a workflow template instance, When the action is completed, Then the system creates an audit log entry capturing user ID, timestamp in UTC format, action type, any comments, previous status, and new status.
Filter logs by user
Given the audit log is populated, When a project manager filters logs by selecting a specific user ID, Then only entries matching that user ID are displayed in chronological order.
Filter logs by date range
Given the audit log contains entries across multiple dates, When the user applies a start and end date filter, Then the system displays only entries with timestamps within the specified inclusive date range.
Filter logs by action type
Given the audit log includes various action types (e.g., approval, comment, status change), When the user selects one or more action types, Then the log view updates to show only entries matching the selected types.
Export logs to CSV
Given filtering options are applied or not, When the user clicks 'Export CSV', Then the system generates and downloads a CSV file containing all visible audit log entries with correct column headers and UTF-8 encoding.
Export logs to PDF
Given filtering options are applied or not, When the user clicks 'Export PDF', Then the system generates and downloads a PDF file containing a paginated, labeled representation of all visible audit log entries.

ContextLink Comments

Integrates contextual commenting directly into approval requests, allowing stakeholders to attach notes, questions, or annotations to specific document sections within the single-click workflow, reducing follow-up clarifications and speeding consensus.

Requirements

Section-Specific Comment Anchors
"As a project manager, I want to anchor my feedback to exact sections of a document so that stakeholders know precisely what I’m referring to and avoid miscommunication."
Description

Enable stakeholders to attach comments directly to precise locations within drawings, documents, or sections by selecting text, regions, or objects. This functionality allows for pinpointed feedback, reducing ambiguity, and ensuring that all parties understand the exact context of each note. Integrated seamlessly into the single-click approval workflow, anchors persist across revisions and are viewable by all users in the timeline, improving clarity and speeding up consensus.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a Comment Anchor on a Drawing Region
Given a stakeholder views a drawing When they click and drag to select a region Then a persistent anchor icon appears at the selected location and opens a comment input modal
Attaching a Comment to Selected Text in a Document
Given a user highlights text in a document When they choose “Add Comment” Then the highlighted text is underlined and a comment box is linked to that exact text segment
Preserving Comment Anchors Across Document Revisions
Given a document with existing anchors When the document is updated or replaced Then all comment anchors remain accurately positioned and linked to their original regions or text
Displaying Anchors in the Timeline View
Given a project timeline view When a user scrolls through revisions Then each comment anchor appears chronologically under its associated revision entry with preview text
Including Comment Anchors in the Single-Click Approval Workflow
Given a stakeholder initiates an approval request When they click the “Submit for Approval” button Then all attached comment anchors are bundled and visible to approvers in the approval modal
Real-Time Collaborative Annotations
"As an architectural reviewer, I want to see annotations appear in real time so that I can collaborate instantly with my team and finalize decisions faster."
Description

Provide live, multi-user annotation capabilities where stakeholders can simultaneously add, edit, and view comments in real time. Changes and new comments appear instantly for all participants, fostering dynamic review sessions and enabling faster decision-making without waiting for page refreshes or manual syncs. This feature integrates with the timeline, preserving a chronological record of collaborative activity.

Acceptance Criteria
Concurrent Stakeholder Annotation Session
Given multiple users open the same document, when any user adds or edits an annotation, then all other users see the update within 2 seconds without manual refresh.
Real-Time Comment Resolution
Given an existing comment, when a user marks it as resolved or deletes it, then the change propagates to all active sessions immediately and the comment status updates to 'resolved' in the timeline.
Annotation Activity Recorded in Timeline
Given any annotation activity, when the review session ends, then each annotation, edit, and resolution is logged in the project timeline in chronological order with user name, timestamp, and action details.
High-Volume Annotation Performance
Given a document up to 500 pages with 100 concurrent annotations, when users scroll, load sections, or add annotations, then UI response time remains under 200ms and no annotations are lost.
Permission-Based Annotation Access
Given users with different roles, when a user without annotation rights attempts to add or edit annotations, then the action is blocked with an error message, while authorized users can annotate without restrictions.
Comment Notification Center
"As a small firm owner, I want a notification hub for all comment-related activity so that I can stay informed of next steps without manually checking each document."
Description

Implement a centralized notification center that aggregates all comment activity—mentions, new comments, replies, and assignments—into a single in-app dashboard and optional email digest. Users can filter by project, document, or comment status, ensuring they never miss critical updates and can quickly navigate to outstanding items that require action.

Acceptance Criteria
New Comment Notification
Given a user is subscribed to a document approval request When a reviewer posts a new comment Then the comment appears in the in-app notification center within two minutes
Mention Notification Delivery
Given a user is mentioned in a comment When the comment is saved Then the user receives a mention notification in the notification center and an optional email digest update
Reply Notification Aggregation
Given an existing comment thread When any participant replies Then each user in the thread sees a reply notification in the center linking directly to the reply
Comment Assignment Alerts
Given a comment is assigned to a specific user When assignment is confirmed Then the assignee sees an assignment notification in-app and in the next email digest
Project and Document Filtering
Given multiple notifications across projects and documents When a user selects a project or document filter Then only notifications matching the selected project or document are displayed
Threaded Comment Conversations
"As a stakeholder, I want to reply directly to specific comments in a thread so that discussions stay organized and I can track the decision-making process clearly."
Description

Support threaded discussions by grouping replies under original comments, maintaining conversational context and making it easy to follow dialogue threads. Users can expand or collapse threads, @mention teammates, and view timestamps. This structured format prevents context loss and ensures that related feedback is organized and traceable.

Acceptance Criteria
Posting a Top-Level Comment
Given a user has a document open and highlights a section When the user clicks the comment icon and submits a comment Then the comment appears as a new top-level comment linked to that section and visible to all collaborators
Replying to an Existing Comment Thread
Given a top-level comment exists on a document When a user clicks the reply button on that comment and submits their response Then the reply appears nested under the original comment, preserving conversational order and context
Collapsing and Expanding Comment Threads
Given a comment thread contains one or more replies When the user clicks the collapse icon on that thread Then all replies are hidden and only the original comment remains visible; And when the user clicks expand, all replies reappear in original order
@Mentioning Teammates in Comments
Given a user is composing a comment or reply When the user types “@” followed by a teammate’s name and selects them from the suggestion list Then the teammate receives a notification and the mention is highlighted in the comment text
Displaying Accurate Timestamps on Comments
Given any comment or reply is created When the comment is submitted Then the system records and displays the creation timestamp in the user’s locale and time zone format next to the comment
Comment Resolution Workflow
"As a project manager, I want to mark comments as resolved once addressed so that I can focus on outstanding issues and maintain a clear record of completed tasks."
Description

Introduce a resolution workflow allowing users to mark comments as resolved or requiring further action. Resolved comments are visually distinguished and can be hidden or archived, while unresolved items remain prominent. The system tracks who resolved each comment and when, building an audit trail for accountability and future reference.

Acceptance Criteria
Resolving a Single Comment
Given a user views a comment on a document section When the user clicks the "Mark as Resolved" button Then the comment appears with a strike-through style and a resolved icon And the comment moves to the resolved comments list
Reopening a Resolved Comment
Given a comment is marked as resolved When the user selects the comment and clicks "Reopen Comment" Then the comment returns to the active comments list without strike-through And the resolution flag is removed
Filtering and Archiving Resolved Comments
Given multiple comments have been resolved When the user applies the "Show Resolved Only" filter Then only comments marked as resolved are displayed And the user can select multiple comments to archive them in bulk
Audit Trail Capture of Comment Resolution
Given any comment is marked as resolved or reopened When the action is completed Then the system records the user ID, timestamp, and action type in the audit log And the audit entry is searchable by comment ID
Visibility of Unresolved Comments
Given unresolved comments exist on a document When the user opens the document for review Then all unresolved comments are highlighted in red and sorted to the top of the comments panel And resolved comments are hidden by default

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BuildSync Secures $25 Million Series A to Transform Architectural Workflows with AI

Imagined Press Article

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – 2025-05-19 – BuildSync, the leading AI-powered platform unifying architectural files, drawings, and decisions into a searchable timeline, today announced the successful closing of a $25 million Series A funding round led by GreenStone Ventures with participation from Construct Capital and Pioneer Growth Partners. This infusion of capital will accelerate the development of advanced AI-driven features, expand the company’s global footprint, and enhance integrations with the industry’s top design and construction tools. With small architecture firms and project managers drowning in document chaos and spending up to 85% of their time hunting for emails, approvals, and revisions, BuildSync has rapidly emerged as the go-to solution for centralized project documentation. The Series A proceeds will enable BuildSync to refine AI capabilities that surface critical changes instantly, prevent costly miscommunications, and drive on-time project delivery without the frustration of endless folder searches or scattered inbox threads. “Securing this investment validates the market’s hunger for smarter document management in architecture and construction,” said Alexandra Chen, CEO and co-founder of BuildSync. “Our customers, from Project Maestros orchestrating complex approvals to Field Commanders needing real-time site drawings, rely on our platform to maintain control and stay ahead of schedule. This funding will help us deepen our AI research, bolster security measures, and integrate new features that transform how teams collaborate, review, and approve their work.” GreenStone Ventures’ Managing Partner, David Morales, added, “We were impressed by BuildSync’s unique combination of AI innovation and domain expertise. The platform’s ability to not only organize documents but also extract insights and highlight critical changes sets it apart in a crowded market. We believe BuildSync is poised to redefine project delivery for firms of all sizes.” Over the past 12 months, BuildSync has delivered on high-impact enhancements, including MergeMaster, which automatically reconciles conflicting revisions, and Conflict Alert, which notifies teams in real time when overlapping edits occur. The new Series A funding will support the upcoming launch of SpendScout AI, a budget-analysis engine forecasting cost trends and recommending reallocation strategies, as well as Template Sprint, which allows users to deploy standardized approval workflows in seconds. “Before BuildSync, our team spent hours trying to track down approvals and email threads,” said Fiona Patel, Budget Balancer at Horizon Design Collective. “Now, Snapshot Highlights distill key changes from each revision, and SpendScout AI—currently in beta—already flagged potential cost overruns. We’ve reduced miscommunication by 60% and maintained strict budget discipline on two major projects.” BuildSync’s roadmap also includes expanded mobile capabilities for Remote Roving Riley personas, allowing traveling consultants to access, annotate, and upload changes on-site with zero manual syncing. The company plans to double its engineering headcount, open new offices in London and Sydney, and accelerate partnerships with Autodesk and Procore to embed BuildSync’s timeline directly into leading design and project management suites. “We are thrilled to partner with the BuildSync team,” said Maria Gonzalez, Partner at Construct Capital. “Their vision of an AI-driven collaboration layer resonates with the digital transformation sweeping the construction industry. This investment will help scale operations and bring next-generation features to firms grappling with cost overruns, delayed approvals, and version control nightmares.” About BuildSync BuildSync empowers architecture and construction teams to achieve flawless, on-time project delivery by unifying every file, drawing, and decision into a single, AI-powered timeline. Users instantly surface emails, approvals, and revisions—slashing search time by 85% and preventing costly miscommunications. To learn more, visit www.buildsync.com. Contact: Jane Doe Director of Communications, BuildSync Phone: +1 (415) 555-1234 Email: press@buildsync.com

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BuildSync Unveils SmartRoute Approval and One-Click Signature to Slash Approval Cycles by 70%

Imagined Press Article

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – 2025-06-10 – BuildSync today announced the launch of SmartRoute Approval and One-Click Signature, two breakthrough features designed to eliminate bottlenecks in multi-stakeholder signoff processes. By intelligently sequencing approval requests and enabling simultaneous, multi-document signoffs with a single click, BuildSync customers can expect up to a 70% reduction in approval cycle times. In architecture and construction projects, the approval phase can be one of the most time-consuming stages, involving multiple reviewers across design, compliance, finance, and client teams. SmartRoute Approval uses AI to analyze project roles, workload, and past approval behaviors to determine the most efficient order and combination of stakeholders for each signoff. One-Click Signature then bundles multiple documents—ranging from design revisions to budget approvals—into a single digital action, eliminating repetitive tasks and manual follow-ups. “Delays during approval processes directly impact project schedules and budgets,” said Marcus Wang, Chief Technology Officer at BuildSync. “SmartRoute Approval removes guesswork by routing documents to the right people at the right time and in the optimal sequence. Combined with One-Click Signature, we’re streamlining what was once a tedious, multi-step ordeal into a matter of seconds.” Key Benefits: • Efficiency Gains: Routing logic cuts time spent deciding who to involve and when. Users report 50% fewer missed approvals. • Simplified Workflow: One-Click Signature consolidates signature tasks, reducing repetitive clicks and email chains. • Transparent Tracking: Real-time Approval Tracker dashboard visualizes each request’s status, highlights bottlenecks, and sends automated reminders to keep processes moving. • Automated Escalations: AutoEscalate Reminders notify backups if primary approvers miss deadlines, preventing critical signoffs from stalling. • Pre-Built Templates: Template Sprint offers ready-made approval pipelines for common scenarios—such as design review and budget signoff—reducing setup time to under 30 seconds. “SmartRoute Approval has been a game-changer for our team,” said Elena Rodriguez, Project Maestro at UrbanArc Management. “We used to spend days coordinating signers and chasing down approvals. Now, the AI determines the optimal sequence, and One-Click Signature finalizes everything at once. We’ve regained nearly a week in our project timelines.” Complementing these new features, BuildSync’s ContextLink Comments integrates seamlessly into the approval flow, allowing stakeholders to attach notes or ask questions on specific sections of documents before signing. Combined with the existing Share & Sync previews, teams maintain full transparency and context throughout the cycle. “This release underscores our commitment to remove friction from critical project workflows,” said Alexandra Chen, CEO of BuildSync. “By leveraging AI to optimize approvals and consolidating digital signatures, we empower firms to focus on design innovation and on-site execution rather than administrative tasks.” Availability and Pricing SmartRoute Approval and One-Click Signature are generally available as part of BuildSync’s Core and Enterprise plans starting today. Early adopters can access Template Sprint and ContextLink Comments at no additional cost through the end of Q3 2025. About BuildSync BuildSync unifies every architectural file, drawing, and decision into an AI-powered searchable timeline. Teams instantly locate past approvals, revisions, and communications—slashing search time by 85% and preventing miscommunications that delay projects. To learn more or schedule a demo, visit www.buildsync.com. Contact: Jane Doe Director of Communications, BuildSync Phone: +1 (415) 555-1234 Email: press@buildsync.com

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BuildSync Bridges Field and Office with GeoTag Connect and Overlay Fusion

Imagined Press Article

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – 2025-07-01 – BuildSync, the industry’s leading AI-driven project documentation platform, today announced the general availability of GeoTag Connect and Overlay Fusion—two immersive features that merge on-site photographs with digital plans to provide unprecedented context for field teams and office stakeholders. By automatically mapping photos to exact plan sections and overlaying real-world imagery onto 2D or 3D models, BuildSync ensures accurate, up-to-date visual insights that reduce miscommunication and accelerate decision-making. Construction and architecture projects often suffer from information gaps between field conditions and office drawings. Misplaced photos, missing location data, and disconnected workflows create delays and costly rework. GeoTag Connect solves this challenge by capturing GPS coordinates and linking each photo directly to the corresponding segment of the digital plan. ChronoSync Timeline provides an interactive, time-sequenced view of all site photos, while SnapCompare lets users review changes by comparing current images against prior snapshots or renderings. Overlay Fusion then takes geotagged imagery a step further by superimposing photos onto plan views or 3D models, creating an immersive visual layer that illustrates real-world conditions in context. Field teams can instantly detect discrepancies—such as unexpected site obstructions or installation mismatches—while office staff gain a spatially accurate, unified perspective without toggling between disparate tools. “Site conditions are constantly evolving, and misalignment between plans and reality can derail project timelines,” said Priya Desai, Head of Product at BuildSync. “GeoTag Connect and Overlay Fusion deliver the bridge that teams need. Field commanders snap a photo and immediately see it in context on the plan; office teams view the same image overlay to verify progress or address issues before they become problems.” Key Features and Benefits: • Automatic Geolocation: GeoTag Connect tags photos with exact latitude and longitude, linking them to plan sections in real time. • ChronoSync Timeline: Scroll through a chronological sequence of images to monitor site progress, detect delays, and maintain comprehensive documentation. • Immersive Overlays: Overlay Fusion merges photos with 2D plans or 3D models, providing a spatially accurate visual fusion of design data and real-world conditions. • Instant Comparisons: SnapCompare offers side-by-side views of on-site photos and design drawings, highlighting deviations and guiding corrective actions. • Audit Trail Tracking: AuditLog Tracker records metadata—capture time, user, location, and annotations—ensuring full transparency for compliance and quality assurance. • Mobile AutoSync: AutoSync Uploader automatically syncs photos captured on the BuildSync mobile app, eliminating manual uploads and ensuring all stakeholders see the latest visuals. “During our recent high-rise renovation, GeoTag Connect shaved hours off our photo-filing process,” said Daniel Kim, Field Commander at Skyline Builders. “Overlay Fusion allowed us to spot an unexpected ductwork installation behind a finished wall before it was too late. We resolved the issue overnight and stayed on schedule.” Combining these features with BuildSync’s existing AI-powered search, teams can query across geotagged images, approval records, and revision histories to answer questions like “Show me all photos of the lobby area between January and March” or “Highlight changes in MEP systems after the last design review.” The enriched context expedites issue resolution, minimizes liability, and supports data-driven decision making. “Visual context is critical for architects, engineers, and contractors alike,” said Alexandra Chen, CEO of BuildSync. “By integrating geolocation and immersive overlays into our unified timeline, we’re removing the barriers that keep field and office teams siloed. Our mission is to ensure every stakeholder works from the same, most current context—no matter where they are.” Availability and Pricing GeoTag Connect and Overlay Fusion are included in BuildSync’s Premium and Enterprise subscription tiers. Current customers can enable the new features immediately; new users can start a 30-day free trial at www.buildsync.com/free-trial. About BuildSync BuildSync unifies every architectural file, drawing, and decision into an AI- powered searchable timeline. Teams instantly locate past approvals, revisions, photos, and communications—slashing search time by 85% and preventing miscommunications that delay projects. BuildSync is trusted by small firms and large enterprises worldwide to deliver projects on time and within budget. Contact: Jane Doe Director of Communications, BuildSync Phone: +1 (415) 555-1234 Email: press@buildsync.com

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