# DMS Settings System - Comprehensive Guide

## Overview
The Document Management System (DMS) Settings provides administrators with complete control over all aspects of the document management system. This comprehensive configuration system allows customization of user access, document handling, metadata management, workflows, upload settings, and system behavior through an intuitive web interface.

## Table of Contents
1. [Access & Navigation](#access--navigation)
2. [Settings Categories](#settings-categories)
3. [User & Access Management](#user--access-management)
4. [Document & Folder Settings](#document--folder-settings)
5. [Metadata & Tagging](#metadata--tagging)
6. [Workflow & Automation](#workflow--automation)
7. [Upload & Storage Settings](#upload--storage-settings)
8. [System Settings](#system-settings)
9. [Settings Management](#settings-management)
10. [Import/Export Functionality](#importexport-functionality)
11. [API Integration](#api-integration)
12. [Configuration Best Practices](#configuration-best-practices)
13. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)

## Access & Navigation

### Prerequisites
- **Administrative Privileges**: Only users with admin roles can access DMS settings
- **Browser Requirements**: Modern browser with JavaScript enabled
- **Network Access**: Stable connection to the EDMS server

### Accessing DMS Settings
1. **Navigate to Settings**:
   - Click **DMS** in the main navigation menu
   - Select **Settings** from the dropdown or navigate to `/dms/settings`
   - Wait for the settings interface to load

2. **Settings Interface Layout**:
   - **Left Navigation Panel**: Six main categories with color-coded icons
   - **Main Content Area**: Forms and configuration options for selected category
   - **Action Buttons**: Save, Export, Import, and Reset options in the header

3. **Permission Verification**:
   - System automatically verifies admin permissions
   - Unauthorized users are redirected to main DMS interface
   - Error messages displayed for access issues

## Settings Categories

The DMS settings are organized into six main categories, each with a distinct icon and color scheme:

### 1. User & Access Management 🔐
- **Icon**: Lock symbol (security theme)
- **Color**: Blue scheme
- **Purpose**: Configure user roles, permissions, and authentication
- **Key Features**: RBAC, SSO, MFA, session management

### 2. Document & Folder Settings 📁
- **Icon**: Folder symbol
- **Color**: Green scheme  
- **Purpose**: Configure document organization and folder structure
- **Key Features**: Naming conventions, version control, retention policies

### 3. Metadata & Tagging 📝
- **Icon**: Document with pen
- **Color**: Yellow scheme
- **Purpose**: Configure custom fields, tags, and classification
- **Key Features**: Custom metadata fields, predefined tags, auto-classification

### 4. Workflow & Automation 🔄
- **Icon**: Circular arrows (workflow symbol)
- **Color**: Purple scheme
- **Purpose**: Configure approval flows and automation
- **Key Features**: Approval workflows, notifications, automation triggers

### 5. Upload & Storage Settings 📤
- **Icon**: Upload arrow
- **Color**: Orange scheme
- **Purpose**: Configure file handling and storage
- **Key Features**: File type restrictions, size limits, storage quotas

### 6. System Settings 📅
- **Icon**: Calendar/gear symbol
- **Color**: Gray scheme
- **Purpose**: Configure system-wide settings
- **Key Features**: Timezone, backups, monitoring, maintenance mode

## User & Access Management

### User Roles Configuration

#### Default Roles
The system comes with four default user roles:
- **Admin**: Full system access and administrative privileges
- **Editor**: Create, edit, and manage documents with approval capabilities
- **Viewer**: Read-only access to assigned documents
- **Uploader**: Upload documents with basic editing capabilities

#### Adding Custom Roles
1. **Navigate to User Roles section**
2. **Click "Add Role" button**
3. **Enter role name** in the prompt dialog
4. **Role automatically added** to the list
5. **Save settings** to persist changes

#### Removing Roles
1. **Locate role** in the roles list
2. **Click delete button** (trash icon) next to role name
3. **Confirm deletion** (role removed from all users)
4. **Save settings** to persist changes

### Permission Configuration

#### Granular Permissions
Configure specific permissions for different user levels:

- **View Documents**: 
  - **Default**: Enabled for all roles
  - **Purpose**: Basic read access to documents
  - **Impact**: Controls document visibility

- **Edit Documents**:
  - **Default**: Enabled for Admin/Editor roles
  - **Purpose**: Modify document content and metadata
  - **Impact**: Affects document modification capabilities

- **Delete Documents**:
  - **Default**: Disabled (Admin only)
  - **Purpose**: Remove documents from system
  - **Impact**: Permanent document removal access

- **Download Documents**:
  - **Default**: Enabled for most roles
  - **Purpose**: Save documents locally
  - **Impact**: Controls offline document access

- **Share Documents**:
  - **Default**: Enabled for Admin/Editor roles
  - **Purpose**: Share documents with other users
  - **Impact**: Affects collaboration capabilities

### Authentication Configuration

#### Single Sign-On (SSO)
- **Purpose**: Integrate with organizational authentication systems
- **Supported Providers**: LDAP, Active Directory, OAuth providers
- **Configuration**: Enable/disable SSO functionality
- **Impact**: Streamlines user authentication process

#### Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- **Purpose**: Enhanced security for sensitive environments
- **Methods**: SMS, email, authenticator apps
- **Configuration**: Require MFA for all users or specific roles
- **Impact**: Significantly improves account security

#### LDAP Integration
- **Purpose**: Synchronize with enterprise directory services
- **Features**: User import, group synchronization, automatic provisioning
- **Configuration**: Enable/disable LDAP authentication
- **Impact**: Centralizes user management

#### Session Management
- **Session Timeout**: Configure automatic logout (1-24 hours)
- **Default**: 8 hours
- **Security Impact**: Balances security with user convenience
- **Compliance**: Helps meet organizational security policies

## Document & Folder Settings

### Naming Conventions

#### Automatic Name Generation
- **Purpose**: Standardize document naming across organization
- **Configuration**: Enable/disable automatic naming
- **Benefits**: Consistency, searchability, organization

#### Naming Patterns
- **Default Pattern**: `{department}_{title}_{date}`
- **Available Variables**:
  - `{department}`: Document department/category
  - `{title}`: Document title
  - `{date}`: Creation date (YYYY-MM-DD format)
  - `{user}`: Document creator username
  - `{category}`: Document category
  - `{counter}`: Auto-incrementing number

#### Custom Pattern Examples
- `{department}_{category}_{date}_{title}`
- `{user}_{department}_{date}_{title}`
- `DOC_{counter}_{department}_{date}`

#### Mandatory Fields
Configure which metadata fields are required for document upload:
- **Title**: Document title (recommended)
- **Department**: Organizational unit
- **Date**: Creation or effective date
- **Category**: Document type/classification
- **Custom Fields**: Organization-specific requirements

### Version Control

#### Version Control Features
- **Enable/Disable**: Toggle document versioning system-wide
- **Benefits**: Track changes, prevent data loss, maintain history
- **Storage Impact**: Increased storage requirements

#### Version Limits
- **Maximum Versions**: Configure how many versions to retain (1-50)
- **Default**: 10 versions per document
- **Storage Optimization**: Automatic cleanup of old versions
- **Performance Impact**: More versions = more storage/processing

#### Automatic Versioning
- **Auto-versioning**: Create new version on every document modification
- **Manual Versioning**: Users manually create versions
- **Hybrid Approach**: Combine automatic and manual versioning
- **Configuration**: Enable/disable automatic version creation

### Document Retention

#### Retention Policies
- **Purpose**: Comply with legal and organizational requirements
- **Default Period**: 2,555 days (approximately 7 years)
- **Customization**: Configure per document type or category
- **Legal Compliance**: Meets common retention requirements

#### Archive Before Delete
- **Purpose**: Create archive copy before permanent deletion
- **Benefits**: Data recovery, compliance, audit trail
- **Storage Impact**: Requires additional archive storage
- **Configuration**: Enable/disable archive creation

## Metadata & Tagging

### Custom Metadata Fields

#### Field Types
The system supports multiple field types for custom metadata:

- **Text**: Single-line text input
  - **Use Cases**: Names, IDs, short descriptions
  - **Validation**: Length limits, format requirements
  - **Examples**: Employee ID, Project Code, Reference Number

- **Dropdown**: Single selection from predefined options
  - **Use Cases**: Categories, departments, status values
  - **Configuration**: Define available options
  - **Examples**: Department (HR, Finance, IT), Priority (High, Medium, Low)

- **Date**: Date picker with validation
  - **Use Cases**: Effective dates, expiration dates, deadlines
  - **Format**: System-standard date format
  - **Examples**: Contract Expiry, Review Date, Effective Date

- **Number**: Numeric input with validation
  - **Use Cases**: Amounts, quantities, scores
  - **Validation**: Min/max values, decimal places
  - **Examples**: Budget Amount, Quantity, Rating

- **Multi-select**: Multiple selections from predefined options
  - **Use Cases**: Tags, categories, multiple assignments
  - **Configuration**: Define available options
  - **Examples**: Skills, Keywords, Applicable Departments

#### Managing Custom Fields

##### Adding New Fields
1. **Navigate to Custom Fields section**
2. **Click "Add Custom Field" button**
3. **Configure field properties**:
   - **Field Name**: Descriptive name for the field
   - **Field Type**: Select from available types
   - **Required**: Mark as mandatory for document upload
4. **Save changes** to apply new field

##### Editing Existing Fields
1. **Locate field** in the custom fields list
2. **Modify field properties** as needed
3. **Required status** can be changed for existing fields
4. **Save changes** to apply modifications

##### Removing Fields
1. **Click delete button** (trash icon) next to field
2. **Confirm deletion** (data loss warning)
3. **Field removed** from all future uploads
4. **Existing data** preserved but field no longer editable

#### Default Custom Fields
The system includes several pre-configured custom fields:

- **Department** (Dropdown, Required)
  - Purpose: Organizational categorization
  - Options: Configurable per organization

- **Priority** (Multi-select, Optional)
  - Purpose: Document priority level
  - Options: High, Medium, Low, Critical

- **Project Code** (Text, Required)
  - Purpose: Project association
  - Validation: Alphanumeric format

- **Review Date** (Date, Optional)
  - Purpose: Scheduled review timeline
  - Format: Standard date picker

### Tagging System

#### Predefined Tags
- **Purpose**: Standardize document categorization
- **Configuration**: Comma-separated list of tags
- **Default Tags**: urgent, confidential, public, draft, final
- **Benefits**: Consistency, searchability, filtering

#### Custom Tag Examples
- **By Priority**: urgent, high-priority, normal, low-priority
- **By Status**: draft, review, approved, published, archived
- **By Confidentiality**: public, internal, confidential, restricted
- **By Department**: hr, finance, legal, marketing, operations

#### User-Generated Tags
- **Configuration**: Enable/disable user-created tags
- **Benefits**: Flexibility, user adoption, comprehensive tagging
- **Drawbacks**: Potential inconsistency, tag proliferation
- **Best Practice**: Combine with predefined tags for optimal results

#### Tag Suggestions
- **Auto-complete**: Suggest existing tags as users type
- **Machine Learning**: Learn from user behavior (future feature)
- **Performance**: Improves tagging consistency and speed
- **Configuration**: Enable/disable intelligent suggestions

### Auto-Classification

#### Classification Rules
Configure automatic document classification based on:

- **Content Keywords**: Analyze document content for specific terms
- **File Type**: Classify based on file extension or format
- **Department**: Auto-assign based on uploader's department
- **Naming Patterns**: Extract classification from filename
- **Metadata**: Use existing metadata for classification

#### Classification Benefits
- **Consistency**: Automated classification reduces human error
- **Efficiency**: Saves time during document upload
- **Compliance**: Ensures proper categorization for regulations
- **Searchability**: Improves document discoverability

## Workflow & Automation

### Approval Workflows

#### Default Approval Flow
- **Standard Flow**: "department-head-approval"
- **Process**: Document → Department Head → Approved/Rejected
- **Notification**: Automatic notifications to stakeholders
- **Timeline**: Configurable approval timeframes

#### Custom Approval Flows
The system supports multiple pre-configured approval workflows:

- **Legal Review**:
  - **Process**: Document → Legal Department → Approval
  - **Use Cases**: Contracts, policies, compliance documents
  - **Timeline**: Extended review period for thorough analysis

- **Finance Approval**:
  - **Process**: Document → Finance Department → Approval
  - **Use Cases**: Budgets, expenses, financial reports
  - **Requirements**: Financial analysis and verification

- **Director Sign-off**:
  - **Process**: Document → Director Level → Final Approval
  - **Use Cases**: Strategic documents, major policies
  - **Authority**: Highest level organizational approval

#### Workflow Configuration
- **Enable/Disable**: Toggle approval workflows system-wide
- **Default Assignment**: Set primary approval flow
- **Custom Rules**: Configure workflow triggers based on:
  - Document type or category
  - File size or sensitivity
  - Department or user role
  - Document metadata values

### Notification System

#### Email Notifications
- **Purpose**: Keep stakeholders informed of document activities
- **Triggers**: Upload, approval, rejection, deadline approaching
- **Configuration**: Enable/disable email notifications
- **Templates**: Customizable email templates for different events

#### In-App Notifications
- **Real-time**: Instant notifications within the application
- **Persistence**: Notifications remain until acknowledged
- **Categories**: Document activities, system events, approval requests
- **Benefits**: Immediate awareness without email dependency

#### Upload Alerts
- **New Documents**: Notify relevant parties of new uploads
- **Large Files**: Alert administrators of significant uploads
- **Restricted Areas**: Notifications for uploads to sensitive folders
- **Batch Uploads**: Summarized notifications for multiple uploads

#### Deadline Reminders
- **Review Deadlines**: Remind users of pending document reviews
- **Expiration Dates**: Alert before document expiration
- **Approval Timeouts**: Notify about pending approval requests
- **Custom Deadlines**: Configurable reminder schedules

### Automation Features

#### Automation Triggers
Configure automatic actions based on specific events:

- **Document Uploaded**: Trigger actions when new documents are added
- **Approval Completed**: Actions after document approval process
- **Deadline Reached**: Time-based triggers for scheduled actions
- **Status Changed**: Trigger on document status modifications
- **User Action**: Custom triggers based on user activities

#### Automation Actions
Define actions to execute automatically:

- **Move to Folder**: Automatically organize documents
- **Send Notification**: Alert specific users or groups
- **Create Task**: Generate workflow tasks for users
- **Update Metadata**: Automatically modify document properties
- **Generate Report**: Create summary reports of activities

## Upload & Storage Settings

### File Type Management

#### Allowed File Types
Configure which file formats can be uploaded to the system:

**Default Allowed Types**:
- **Documents**: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf
- **Spreadsheets**: xls, xlsx, csv
- **Presentations**: ppt, pptx
- **Images**: jpg, jpeg, png, gif, bmp
- **Archives**: zip, rar (if configured)

**Configuration Format**:
- Comma-separated list of extensions
- Case-insensitive matching
- No dots required (system adds automatically)
- Example: `pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, jpg, png`

#### Blocked File Types
Prevent upload of potentially dangerous or inappropriate files:

**Default Blocked Types**:
- **Executables**: exe, bat, cmd, scr
- **Scripts**: js, vbs, ps1, sh
- **System Files**: dll, sys, ini
- **Malware-prone**: com, pif, reg

**Security Benefits**:
- Prevents malware upload
- Reduces security vulnerabilities
- Maintains system integrity
- Protects user devices

#### MIME Type Validation
- **Purpose**: Verify file content matches extension
- **Security**: Prevents file extension spoofing
- **Implementation**: Server-side content verification
- **Benefits**: Enhanced security and file integrity

### Storage Quotas

#### File Size Limits
- **Maximum File Size**: Configure per-file upload limit
- **Default**: 100 MB per file
- **Range**: 1 MB to 2 GB (depending on server configuration)
- **Impact**: Affects upload performance and storage usage

#### User Quotas
- **Per-User Limit**: Total storage allocated per user
- **Default**: 5,000 MB (5 GB) per user
- **Monitoring**: Track individual user storage consumption
- **Enforcement**: Prevent uploads when quota exceeded

#### Group Quotas
- **Per-Group Limit**: Storage allocated to user groups/departments
- **Default**: 50,000 MB (50 GB) per group
- **Shared Storage**: Group members share allocation
- **Management**: Administrative oversight of group usage

#### Project Quotas
- **Per-Project Limit**: Storage for specific projects or initiatives
- **Default**: 100,000 MB (100 GB) per project
- **Isolation**: Separate storage allocation for different projects
- **Tracking**: Monitor project-specific storage usage

### Storage Configuration

#### Storage Type
- **Local Storage**: Files stored on server filesystem
- **Cloud Storage**: Integration with cloud providers (future feature)
- **Hybrid**: Combination of local and cloud storage
- **Configuration**: Select appropriate storage backend

#### Storage Path
- **Default Path**: `/var/uploads/edms`
- **Customization**: Configure custom storage directory
- **Permissions**: Ensure proper filesystem permissions
- **Backup Access**: Consider backup system access requirements

#### Backup Settings
- **Automatic Backup**: Enable scheduled backup of uploaded files
- **Backup Frequency**: Configure backup schedule
- **Retention**: How long to keep backup copies
- **Storage Location**: Separate backup storage location

#### Compression Settings
- **File Compression**: Reduce storage requirements
- **Performance Impact**: CPU usage vs. storage savings
- **File Types**: Configure which files to compress
- **Compression Level**: Balance between size and processing time

## System Settings

### General Configuration

#### System Timezone
- **Purpose**: Standardize timestamps across the system
- **Default**: Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
- **Options**: All standard timezone identifiers
- **Impact**: Affects all date/time displays and logging

**Common Timezone Options**:
- **Asia/Kuala_Lumpur**: Malaysia Standard Time (UTC+8)
- **UTC**: Coordinated Universal Time
- **America/New_York**: Eastern Time (UTC-5/-4)
- **Europe/London**: British Time (UTC+0/+1)
- **Asia/Singapore**: Singapore Time (UTC+8)

#### Backup Schedule
Configure automated system backups:

- **Hourly**: Maximum data protection, high resource usage
- **Daily**: Recommended for most organizations
- **Weekly**: Suitable for low-activity systems
- **Monthly**: Minimal backup frequency

#### System Logging
- **Debug**: Detailed logging for troubleshooting
- **Info**: Standard operational logging
- **Warning**: Log potential issues and warnings
- **Error**: Log only errors and critical issues

### System Maintenance

#### Maintenance Mode
- **Purpose**: Disable system access during maintenance
- **Impact**: Users cannot access the system
- **Notification**: Display maintenance message to users
- **Use Cases**: System updates, database maintenance, security patches

#### Automatic Updates
- **System Updates**: Automatically apply system updates
- **Security Patches**: Automatic security patch installation
- **Feature Updates**: Include new feature releases
- **Configuration**: Enable/disable automatic updates

#### System Monitoring
- **Performance Metrics**: Track system performance
- **Resource Usage**: Monitor CPU, memory, and storage
- **User Activity**: Track user behavior and system usage
- **Alerts**: Automatic alerts for system issues

#### Performance Metrics
- **Response Times**: Monitor API and page load times
- **Database Performance**: Track query execution times
- **File Operations**: Monitor upload/download performance
- **User Experience**: Track user interaction metrics

## Settings Management

### Save & Load Operations

#### Automatic Saving
- **Real-time Updates**: Changes saved immediately when modified
- **Background Process**: Saves occur without interrupting user workflow
- **Error Handling**: Graceful handling of save failures
- **Visual Feedback**: Loading indicators during save operations

#### Loading States
- **Initial Load**: Display loading spinner when page loads
- **Save Operations**: Show saving indicator during updates
- **Error States**: Clear error messages if operations fail
- **Success Confirmation**: Green confirmation messages on successful saves

#### Data Validation
- **Client-side**: Immediate validation feedback
- **Server-side**: Comprehensive validation on save
- **Error Messages**: Clear, actionable error descriptions
- **Required Fields**: Validation of mandatory settings

### Error Handling

#### Common Error Scenarios
- **Network Issues**: Connection problems during save
- **Validation Errors**: Invalid configuration values
- **Permission Errors**: Insufficient privileges for changes
- **Server Errors**: Backend processing issues

#### Error Recovery
- **Retry Mechanisms**: Automatic retry for transient failures
- **Fallback Values**: Default settings if load fails
- **User Guidance**: Clear instructions for error resolution
- **Support Contact**: Escalation path for persistent issues

### Success Feedback

#### Confirmation Messages
- **Save Success**: "Settings saved successfully!"
- **Auto-dismiss**: Messages disappear after 3 seconds
- **Visual Design**: Green background with checkmark icon
- **Non-intrusive**: Don't block user workflow

#### Visual Indicators
- **Active Tab**: Highlighted current settings category
- **Modified Fields**: Visual indication of unsaved changes
- **Loading States**: Spinners and progress indicators
- **Status Icons**: Success, error, and warning indicators

## Import/Export Functionality

### Export Settings

#### Export Process
1. **Click Export Button**: Located in settings header
2. **Generate JSON**: System creates comprehensive settings export
3. **Download File**: Browser downloads `dms-settings.json`
4. **Backup Storage**: Store export file securely

#### Export Content
The exported JSON includes:
- Complete settings configuration
- All custom fields and their definitions
- User roles and permission settings
- Predefined tags and classification rules
- System configuration options
- Timestamp of export creation

#### Export Benefits
- **Backup**: Protect against configuration loss
- **Migration**: Transfer settings between environments
- **Version Control**: Track configuration changes over time
- **Rollback**: Restore previous configurations if needed

### Import Settings

#### Import Process
1. **Select JSON File**: Click import button and choose file
2. **File Validation**: System validates JSON format and content
3. **Preview Changes**: Display what will be imported (future feature)
4. **Apply Settings**: Import settings and update database
5. **Confirmation**: Success message with change summary

#### Import Validation
- **JSON Format**: Verify file is valid JSON
- **Schema Validation**: Ensure settings structure is correct
- **Value Validation**: Check individual setting values
- **Compatibility**: Verify settings are compatible with current version

#### Import Safety
- **Backup Creation**: Automatic backup before import
- **Rollback Option**: Ability to revert to previous settings
- **Merge Strategy**: How to handle existing vs. imported settings
- **Conflict Resolution**: Handle conflicting configuration values

### Settings Migration

#### Environment Transfer
- **Development to Production**: Deploy tested configurations
- **Staging Environment**: Test settings before production
- **Multi-tenant**: Share configurations across tenants
- **Branch Environments**: Maintain different configurations

#### Version Compatibility
- **Forward Compatibility**: Newer exports work with older systems
- **Backward Compatibility**: Older exports work with newer systems
- **Migration Scripts**: Automatic schema updates when needed
- **Deprecation Handling**: Graceful handling of removed settings

## API Integration

### Settings API Endpoints

#### GET `/api/dms/settings`
**Purpose**: Retrieve current DMS settings

**Response Format**:
```json
{
  "statusCode": 200,
  "message": "Success",
  "data": {
    "access": { /* access management settings */ },
    "documents": { /* document settings */ },
    "metadata": { /* metadata configuration */ },
    "workflow": { /* workflow settings */ },
    "upload": { /* upload configuration */ },
    "system": { /* system settings */ }
  }
}
```

**Features**:
- Returns complete settings structure
- Provides default values if settings don't exist
- Handles database connection errors gracefully
- Transforms database format to frontend structure

#### POST `/api/dms/settings`
**Purpose**: Update DMS settings

**Request Format**:
```json
{
  "access": {
    "userRoles": ["Admin", "Editor", "Viewer"],
    "rbacEnabled": true,
    "permissions": {
      "view": true,
      "edit": true,
      "delete": false
    }
  },
  /* other setting categories */
}
```

**Response Format**:
```json
{
  "statusCode": 200,
  "message": "Settings updated successfully",
  "data": { /* updated settings */ }
}
```

**Features**:
- Accepts partial or complete settings updates
- Validates all input data
- Transforms frontend format to database structure
- Creates settings record if none exists

### Data Transformation

#### Frontend to Database
The API handles complex data transformations:

**Array to String Conversion**:
- `userRoles: ["Admin", "Editor"]` → `userRoles: "Admin,Editor"`
- `predefinedTags: ["urgent", "public"]` → `taggingPredefinedTags: "urgent,public"`

**Nested Object Flattening**:
- `access.permissions.view: true` → `permissionView: true`
- `upload.quotas.perUser: 5000` → `uploadQuotaPerUser: 5000`

**JSON Serialization**:
- `customFields: [{}]` → `metadataCustomFields: JSON.stringify([{}])`

#### Database to Frontend
Reverse transformations for data retrieval:

**String to Array Conversion**:
- `userRoles: "Admin,Editor"` → `userRoles: ["Admin", "Editor"]`

**Object Restructuring**:
- `permissionView: true` → `access.permissions.view: true`

**JSON Parsing**:
- `metadataCustomFields: "{}"` → `customFields: JSON.parse("{}")`

### Error Handling

#### Validation Errors
- **Required Fields**: Missing mandatory settings
- **Data Types**: Invalid data type for setting value
- **Range Validation**: Values outside acceptable ranges
- **Format Validation**: Invalid format for specific settings

#### Database Errors
- **Connection Issues**: Database connectivity problems
- **Query Failures**: SQL execution errors
- **Transaction Rollback**: Ensure data consistency
- **Constraint Violations**: Database constraint errors

#### Response Errors
```json
{
  "statusCode": 400,
  "message": "Validation error",
  "errors": [
    {
      "field": "uploadFileSizeLimit",
      "message": "File size limit must be between 1 and 2000 MB"
    }
  ]
}
```

## Configuration Best Practices

### Security Configuration

#### Access Control
- **Principle of Least Privilege**: Grant minimum necessary permissions
- **Role-Based Access**: Use roles rather than individual permissions
- **Regular Review**: Periodically audit user roles and permissions
- **Documentation**: Maintain documentation of role definitions

#### Authentication Settings
- **Strong Passwords**: Enforce password complexity requirements
- **Session Timeouts**: Balance security with user convenience
- **Multi-Factor Authentication**: Enable for sensitive environments
- **Regular Updates**: Keep authentication systems updated

#### File Security
- **File Type Restrictions**: Block potentially dangerous file types
- **Size Limits**: Prevent resource exhaustion attacks
- **Virus Scanning**: Implement file scanning (external integration)
- **Content Validation**: Verify file content matches extension

### Performance Optimization

#### Storage Management
- **Quota Planning**: Set realistic quotas based on usage patterns
- **File Compression**: Enable for appropriate file types
- **Archive Policies**: Implement automated archiving
- **Cleanup Procedures**: Regular cleanup of temporary files

#### Database Optimization
- **Index Management**: Ensure proper database indexing
- **Query Optimization**: Monitor and optimize slow queries
- **Connection Pooling**: Configure database connection pools
- **Backup Strategy**: Regular database backups and testing

#### System Resources
- **Memory Management**: Monitor system memory usage
- **CPU Utilization**: Track processing requirements
- **Disk Space**: Monitor storage usage and growth
- **Network Bandwidth**: Consider file transfer requirements

### Operational Excellence

#### Monitoring & Alerting
- **Performance Metrics**: Track key system metrics
- **Error Monitoring**: Alert on system errors and failures
- **Usage Analytics**: Monitor user activity and system usage
- **Capacity Planning**: Predict future resource requirements

#### Backup & Recovery
- **Regular Backups**: Implement comprehensive backup strategy
- **Recovery Testing**: Regularly test backup recovery procedures
- **Disaster Recovery**: Plan for disaster recovery scenarios
- **Documentation**: Maintain recovery procedure documentation

#### Change Management
- **Testing Environment**: Test configuration changes before production
- **Change Documentation**: Document all configuration changes
- **Rollback Procedures**: Maintain ability to rollback changes
- **Version Control**: Track configuration versions over time

### Compliance & Governance

#### Data Retention
- **Legal Requirements**: Comply with legal retention requirements
- **Industry Standards**: Follow industry-specific guidelines
- **Data Classification**: Classify data based on sensitivity
- **Audit Trail**: Maintain comprehensive audit logs

#### Privacy Protection
- **Data Minimization**: Collect only necessary metadata
- **Access Logging**: Log all data access activities
- **Anonymization**: Remove personal data when appropriate
- **Consent Management**: Track user consent for data processing

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

#### Settings Not Saving
**Symptoms**:
- Changes appear but revert after page refresh
- Error messages during save operations
- Loading indicators that never complete

**Troubleshooting Steps**:
1. **Check Network Connection**: Verify stable internet connectivity
2. **Browser Console**: Check for JavaScript errors
3. **Clear Cache**: Clear browser cache and reload page
4. **Try Different Browser**: Test with alternative browser
5. **Check Permissions**: Verify administrative access
6. **Server Status**: Confirm server is operational

**Common Causes**:
- Network connectivity issues
- Server-side validation errors
- Database connection problems
- Insufficient user permissions
- Browser compatibility issues

#### Settings Not Loading
**Symptoms**:
- Blank settings page or loading indefinitely
- Error messages on page load
- Missing configuration options

**Troubleshooting Steps**:
1. **Refresh Page**: Simple page refresh may resolve issue
2. **Check URL**: Verify correct settings page URL
3. **Clear Browser Data**: Clear cache, cookies, and storage
4. **Disable Extensions**: Temporarily disable browser extensions
5. **Check Server Logs**: Review server error logs
6. **Database Connectivity**: Verify database is accessible

#### Import/Export Failures
**Symptoms**:
- Export downloads empty or corrupted files
- Import fails with validation errors
- Settings don't apply after import

**Troubleshooting Steps**:
1. **File Format**: Verify JSON file format is correct
2. **File Size**: Check if file exceeds browser limits
3. **Content Validation**: Validate JSON structure manually
4. **Backup First**: Always backup before importing
5. **Partial Import**: Try importing smaller setting sections
6. **Contact Support**: Escalate persistent issues

### Performance Issues

#### Slow Loading
**Symptoms**:
- Settings page takes long time to load
- Slow response to setting changes
- Timeouts during save operations

**Optimization Steps**:
1. **Network Speed**: Check internet connection speed
2. **Server Performance**: Monitor server resource usage
3. **Database Optimization**: Check database performance
4. **Browser Performance**: Close unnecessary tabs/applications
5. **Clear Cache**: Regular cache clearing
6. **Update Browser**: Use latest browser version

#### Memory Issues
**Symptoms**:
- Browser becomes unresponsive
- Out of memory errors
- System slowdown during settings operations

**Resolution Steps**:
1. **Close Tabs**: Reduce browser tab count
2. **Restart Browser**: Fresh browser session
3. **Check RAM**: Monitor system memory usage
4. **Reduce Complexity**: Simplify configuration changes
5. **Browser Update**: Ensure browser is updated
6. **System Restart**: Restart computer if necessary

### Error Resolution

#### Validation Errors
**Common Validation Issues**:
- Invalid file size limits (outside 1-2000 MB range)
- Malformed email addresses for notifications
- Invalid timezone identifiers
- Empty required fields

**Resolution**:
1. **Read Error Messages**: Carefully review validation messages
2. **Check Ranges**: Verify values are within acceptable ranges
3. **Format Validation**: Ensure proper format for fields
4. **Required Fields**: Complete all mandatory fields
5. **Save Incrementally**: Save settings in smaller sections

#### Permission Errors
**Symptoms**:
- "Access Denied" messages
- Settings page redirect to main interface
- Missing administrative options

**Resolution**:
1. **Verify Role**: Confirm administrative privileges
2. **Contact Admin**: Request permission elevation
3. **Role Assignment**: Check role assignment accuracy
4. **System Restart**: Logout and login again
5. **Cache Clear**: Clear browser authentication cache

### Support & Escalation

#### Documentation Resources
- **Technical Guide**: Comprehensive system documentation
- **User Guide**: End-user documentation
- **API Documentation**: Developer integration guides
- **Change Log**: System update and change history

#### Contact Procedures
- **System Administrator**: Internal IT support contact
- **Help Desk**: Organizational support procedures
- **Vendor Support**: External support if applicable
- **Community Forums**: User community resources

#### Information to Provide
When seeking support, include:
- **Error Messages**: Exact text of error messages
- **Steps to Reproduce**: Detailed reproduction steps
- **Browser Information**: Browser type and version
- **System Configuration**: Relevant system details
- **Screenshots**: Visual documentation of issues
- **Log Files**: Relevant system or browser logs

This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of the DMS Settings system, providing administrators with the knowledge needed to effectively configure and manage the document management system. 