Model Archiving

This article explains how model archiving works in Model Reef from a workspace perspective.

You will learn:

• What happens when you archive a model.

• How archiving differs from deleting.

• How to use archiving to manage model lifecycle and workspace clutter.

Archiving is a safe way to park models that are no longer active but still needed for reference or audit.

1. What it means to archive a model

When you archive a model:

• The model is moved from the active workspace view into an archive area.

• All contents are preserved, including:

  • Branches and variables.

  • Data Library entries.

  • Dashboards and reports.

  • Valuation settings.

  • Notes, comments, tags and attachments.

• The model stops appearing in normal active model lists and folders.

Archived models are still part of the workspace but are treated as inactive.

Archiving preserves the complete model and its collaboration artefacts while removing it from active lists — it’s useful for keeping history without clutter.

2. Who can archive and restore models

Model archiving is controlled by permissions:

• Only Owners can archive or restore models.

• Editors and Viewers cannot archive models, even if they can see them.

This prevents accidental archiving of models that are still in use.

3. When to archive a model

You should consider archiving a model when:

• A project or transaction has completed.

• A financial year or planning cycle has closed and a new model has been created for the next period.

• A scenario or version is no longer used in day to day work but must be kept for record.

• You want to simplify the active workspace list for current work.

Archiving keeps history without cluttering the main workspace.

4. Restoring archived models

1

Locate the archived model

Find the model in the archive area of the workspace.

2

Restore it back into the active workspace

Restore the model to reactivate it.

3

Place it in the appropriate folder if needed

Move the restored model into the correct folder or location in your active workspace.

On restore:

• All previous permissions come back with the model.

• All data and collaboration artefacts are intact.

You can then continue working on the model, or use it as a base for new versions.

5. Archiving vs deleting

Archiving is not the same as deleting.

Archiving

• Hides the model from active lists.

• Preserves all data and structure.

• Can be reversed at any time by restoring.

Deleting

• Permanently removes the model from the workspace.

• Cannot be undone once confirmed.

• Should be used sparingly, usually only for test models or obvious duplicates.

Deleting is permanent and cannot be undone. Prefer archiving unless you are certain you will never need the model again.

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