Preventing Simultaneous Workflow Edits (Author Collision Prevention)
To provide a safe and consistent editing experience, Zingtree ensures that only one person can edit a Workflow at a time. This prevents conflicting changes, eliminates the risk of overwriting someone else’s work, and makes it clear who currently has editing control.
How Workflow Locks Work
When you open a Workflow from the My Workflows page, Zingtree automatically places an editing lock on that Tree.
While you hold the lock, you have exclusive editing access.
Other users can still open the Workflow, but only in read-only mode.
The lock is released when you leave the Workflow or become inactive for an extended period.
If you return and no one else has taken the lock, you can continue seamlessly. If another teammate has started editing, your view switches to read-only.
This process ensures your edits are secure, handoffs between teammates are smooth, and collaboration is conflict‑free.
What Other Users See During a Lock
When another user is editing a Workflow:
A lock icon will appear on the My Workflows page.
Hovering over the icon shows the name of the current editor.
Locked Workflows cannot be included in bulk actions (Find/Replace, Move, Export, Archive).
They can still be opened in read-only mode for full visibility.
This visibility makes it easy for teams to know at a glance who is working on what.
What Is Read-Only Mode?
Read-only mode allows teammates to view the entire Workflow while another person is editing, without the ability to make changes.
All content and settings remain visible.
Form inputs, editing tools, and save options are disabled.
A banner clearly shows that the Workflow is read-only and names the person currently editing.
This ensures transparency while preventing conflicts.
When the Editor Becomes Inactive
If the user who holds the lock steps away and stops interacting with the Workflow for a period of time, the system automatically manages the lock:
If no one else opens the Workflow, the original editor can return and continue editing seamlessly.
If another teammate opens the Workflow while the first user is inactive, the lock will transfer to the new user, and the original editor’s view will switch to read-only mode.
This prevents Workflows from staying locked indefinitely and ensures the most active user has editing control.
With Workflow locks, you can confidently edit knowing your work is protected, your teammates can always see who is making changes, and collaboration stays smooth and reliable.