Uploading Documents

Uploading documents is the first step in gap analysis. This guide covers how to upload, what happens during processing, and best practices for successful analysis.

How to Upload

Single Document Upload

Batch Upload

Upload multiple documents at once:

1. Click "Upload"
2. Select multiple files (up to 10)
3. Each file appears in the upload list
4. Add details to each or use bulk settings
5. Click "Upload All"

Drag and Drop

Drag files directly onto the Documents page:

• Single file lands in upload modal
• Multiple files open batch upload
• Works from desktop or file manager

Upload Requirements

Supported Formats

Size Limits

• Maximum file size: 25 MB
• Maximum pages: 500 pages
• Batch limit: 10 files per upload

Quality Requirements

For best results:

• Text-based PDFs - Not scanned images
• Clear formatting - Headers, sections, paragraphs
• No password protection - Remove before uploading
• Complete content - Include all relevant sections

Upload Form Fields

Naming Best Practices

Good document names:

• Information Security Policy v2.3
• Access Control Procedure - 2024
• SOC 2 Evidence - User Access Reviews Q1

Avoid:

• doc1.pdf
• policy final final FINAL
• untitled

During Upload

Processing Stages

1. Uploading - File transfers to PartnerAlly
2. Processing - Document is parsed and prepared
3. Analyzing - AI reviews against frameworks
4. Complete - Results available

Progress Indicators

Time Estimates

After Upload

Viewing Results

Once analysis completes:

1. Click the document to open details
2. Go to the "Analysis" tab
3. See identified gaps and confidence scores
4. Click gaps to view full details

Document Status

Common Upload Issues

"File too large"

If your file exceeds 25 MB:

• Reduce image quality in PDFs
• Split into multiple documents
• Remove unnecessary pages
• Compress before uploading

"Unsupported format"

If your file type isn't accepted:

• Convert to PDF or DOCX
• Export from the source application
• Check file extension is correct

"Upload failed"

General upload failures:

• Check internet connection
• Try a different browser
• Clear browser cache
• Try again in a few minutes

"Analysis failed"

If analysis fails after upload:

• Document may be scanned (image-based)
• File may be corrupted
• Check for password protection
• See Re-analyzing Documents

Tips for Successful Upload

Prepare Documents

Before uploading:

• Remove password protection
• Ensure text is selectable (not images)
• Check file opens correctly locally
• Update document title if needed

Organize First

Plan your organization:

• Create folders before batch upload
• Prepare consistent tags
• Decide on naming conventions
• Group related documents

Start Small

When first using PartnerAlly:

• Upload one or two key policies first
• Review the analysis results
• Understand the gap output
• Then upload remaining documents

Uploading Evidence

Evidence documents have special considerations:

What Counts as Evidence

• Screenshots of configurations
• System-generated reports
• Scan results and assessments
• Signed attestations
• Training completion records

Evidence Best Practices

• Date your evidence (include timestamps)
• Include context (what system, what control)
• Link to specific controls after upload
• Refresh periodically (evidence can become stale)

Evidence vs. Policies

Bulk Upload Strategies

Initial Onboarding

When setting up PartnerAlly:

1. Gather all policies and procedures
2. Create folder structure
3. Batch upload by category
4. Review analysis results
5. Add evidence documents as needed

Ongoing Maintenance

For regular updates:

1. Upload updated documents as new entries
2. Archive old versions (don't delete)
3. Re-analyze after major revisions
4. Keep evidence fresh

Keyboard Shortcuts

Next Steps

• AI Analysis - Understand analysis results
• Folders & Tags - Organize documents
• Compliance Gaps - View identified gaps