DataReader

Users

DataReader is intended for document controllers, administrators, and technical users who need to safely browse a historical or exported document archive stored in a SQL Server database and related file storage.

Using DataReader requires a Windows workstation, a configured data source, read-only database access, and access to the mapped storage locations from which physical files can be opened or copied.

Problem

When a document archive is split between database tables and separate physical storage, it is not always easy to quickly find a folder, document, metadata, and the corresponding file on disk.

Manual review through SQL and the file system is slow, requires knowledge of table relationships, and increases the risk of mistakes when working with physical paths. DataReader addresses this through a read-only desktop interface without writing back to the database.

Features

• browsing folder structure loaded from a SQL Server database
• lazy-loading the folder tree when deeper levels are expanded
• displaying files contained in the selected folder
• displaying base and environment metadata for the selected folder or file
• searching folders and files
• navigating from a search result back into the folder tree
• selecting a data source from application configuration
• opening the physical file in the default Windows application
• downloading selected files or all files in a folder
• exporting the selected folder branch
• optionally creating an XLSX metadata file for exported documents
• showing export progress, log output, and cancellation support

How the application works

The user starts the application and selects an available data source if more than one is configured. The application then loads the archive root folders and allows the user to browse the folder tree.

After a folder is selected, the file list is displayed. Selecting an item shows its metadata. If a specific document or folder needs to be found, the user can run a search and navigate from the search result back to the relevant place in the tree.

When working with files, the user can open a file, download selected items, download the current folder, or export an entire branch. During export, the user can enable creation of an XLSX metadata file summarizing exported documents and their available metadata.

The application accesses the database in read-only mode. It does not modify documents or metadata and writes no changes to the source archive. Files can be opened or downloaded only when their network or local path is available and the user has permission to read them.