The Kahua 2025.1 release will be deployed to our Production environments on February 8, 2025. A preview of this functionality can be accessed at https://earlyaccesslaunch.kahua.com beginning on January 25, 2025. Please click here for more information on the Early Access program.
The release notes below are subject to change. For any changes to these notes, please see the change log at the bottom of the article.
In addition to various bug fixes, performance improvements, and minor UI updates, this release includes the updates described below in the following functional areas:
- General
- Administration
- Reporting
- File Manager
- Document Management
- Cost Management
- Asset Management
- Scheduling/rSchedule (Runding)
General
Multi Factor Authentication
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has been enabled for all domains that do not have a Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication solution in place. This advanced security measure requires users to provide two forms of identification – a password and a second factor like a Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) or an Email-Based verification code.
Designed with user experience in mind, our MFA implementation is not only robust and reliable but also straightforward and user-friendly. This update underscores our commitment to safeguarding user data and providing a secure environment for all our customers. This enhancement will greatly contribute to the overall security of our platform, aligning with the latest industry standards in cybersecurity.
Support Alternate MFA Options per User
Kahua's MFA solution supports multiple MFA methods and allows the end user to choose which MFA method they want to use each time they login to Kahua.
The supported MFA methods are email and TOTP (time-based one-time password). The email method does not require any additional steps or enrollment by the user. An MFA code will be emailed to the user's Kahua email account. The TOTP method requires enrolling the user's mobile device with Kahua and using an authenticator app, such as the Microsoft Authenticator app or Google Authenticator app, on the mobile device in order to attain the MFA code at each login.
After successful email address and password authentication, the user will choose an MFA method (either email or TOTP), retrieve the MFA code, and enter it in Kahua in order to complete the authentication process.
Docusign Integration upgrade
We have updated our Docusign integration to use the latest API methods and procedures. These changes will be transparent to end-users and should have no effect on your operations.
IMPORTANT: When you first initiate the Docusign integration after this feature is released, you will be required to re-consent to giving Docusign access to Kahua.
Home Page updates
The Kahua Home Page has been updated and improved to make it easier to access the projects you are working on.
Users who work in multiple domains will be able to switch domains from the home page by clicking on the domain name. The Projects section will be filtered by the selected domain. A Search bar has been added to the Projects section, allowing you to search for any project within the current domain.
A new view has been added to the Projects section. From the More menu, you can select your preferred view, the traditional Card View or the new Table View.
From the same menu you can choose to view either My Projects or Recent Projects. Your selections will be retained when you return to the Home Page.
References - Added Void action and ability to disable removal of reference files
A new feature has been added to the References section for all Kahua apps that, when enabled, will prevent non-admin users from removing references and provide an option to mark the reference as voided instead.
To enable this feature, ensure that you are in the correct project or partition and navigate to the Configuration app > Applications tab > Portfolio Manager > References tab. Select Override and "Disable Removal (Deletion) of Reference Files". The setting will be inherited down through the project hierarchy and can be overridden.
Once the setting is selected and saved, the Remove action on the References section in all apps becomes available only to application Administrators and Moderators and a new Void action is available to all.
To void one or more references, select the documents and click Void. You must enter a reason for voiding the documents.
Click OK on the Void Reason. The Voided Reason, Voided By, and Voided Date values are recorded. These values are available in the data store. These values appear with the voided reference when you select Show Voided.
Administrators and moderators can undo a void by editing the record and selecting Restore for the appropriate references. The Void flag is removed and the Voided By, Voided Date, and Voided Reason fields are cleared.
PDF Viewer - Added the ability to navigate directly to a specific page number
We have added the ability to navigate directly to a specific page within the Kahua PDF file viewer. Simply click on the "# of #" page button in the top left of the file viewer or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+G while viewing a file. These actions will open the Enter Page Number dialog. Enter the appropriate page number and click Ok. The selected page will open in the viewer.
My Settings - "Show project number" enabled for new users by default
The Show project number setting in the My Settings > General tab will now default as enabled for new users. When enabled, the Project Number appears with the Project Name throughout Kahua.
Docusign Integration upgrade
We have updated our Docusign integration to use the latest API methods and procedures. These changes will be transparent to end-users and should have no effect on your operations. When you first initiate the Docusign integration after this feature is released, you will be required to re-consent to giving Docusign access to Kahua.
Administration
Project Snapshot tool - Additional output format
We have created an updated output format for the Project Snapshot tool with improved naming conventions, easier file folder navigation, and a replacement of the JSON file format. To use the updated output format, ensure that you are in the correct project or partition and navigate to the Configuration app > Applications tab > Project Snapshot > Settings tab. Select Override, then select the setting to apply the updated format. Like other configuration settings, this selection inherits down through the hierarchy. You must select this setting to use the updated output formatting.
The updated output format includes the following changes:
- The default name is now the project name concatenated with the datetime stamp. For example, a snapshot run at 3:00PM on March 5th, 2025 will be named PROJECTNAME 20250305 1500 where PROJECTNAME is the project name.
- Domain partition folders are no longer included in the output.
- App records are no longer created as separate file folders with files. Instead, all log records, except for lists, are located in the root of the app. If an app has a list, there is a folder for that containing all the files for the respective List.
- The file name format for the exported record is the Entity ID + App Name + Shortlabel. Corresponding reference and media attachments are included with the record name prefixed to them.
- JSON file formats are no longer included.
- The JSON manifest file is replaced with an Excel file format.
Locations - Added ability to record Geocode Boundaries for custom location types
Previously, the Geocode Boundaries section was only available for default location types. It is now also available for custom location types.
Reporting
Retired Legacy Kahua standard reports
Kahua-authored standard (out-of-the-box) reports which are currently labeled as [Legacy] reports and which have a replacement DevExpress report available, have been removed from the Kahua base applications and extensions. Scheduled reports established on these legacy reports will also be discontinued. You will need to recreate scheduled instances using the new report versions.
Added Quick Filter Support for Log View Reports
For Kahua apps which have quick filters configured for the log view,, when a user applies quick filters and clicks the Open in Reporting icon to generate a report from the log view, the applied filters will be respected in the log view report.
Added support for custom field labels in the Ad Hoc Report wizard
When custom field labels are applied in the Configuration app, those custom labels will now also be reflected in the column list when creating an ad hoc report, eliminating confusion over field names when creating reports.
File Manager
Search and filter markups
Controlled Folders - Added ability to view sub-folders within the log view
When accessing a controlled folder, subfolders will now be visible in the log view screen. This will provide mobile users with the ability to access files within subfolders that are part of controlled folders. The subfolder name is mapped to the Document ID field, so this field will need to be included in the log view to see the folder name.
Document Management
RFIs - Added ability to select multiple Primary Responders
The Primary Responder field of Kahua's RFI's app has been updated to support the selection of multiple contacts, similar to current Submittals functionality.
- Selected contacts must be Kahua users to submit the RFI for review.
- On Submit, all Primary Responders will receive tasks and notifications.
- The first Primary Responder to respond will clear the tasks for all other Primary Responders.
Submittals - Enhanced Submittal Package and Submittal Items Workflow Forms
Kahua's Submittal Package and Submittal Items workflow forms have been updated to deliver a more seamless and efficient user experience for all participants.
Highlights of the updates include the following:
- Streamlined Layout: Improved organization reduces scrolling and enhances usability, making it easier for responsible parties to access necessary information and complete data entry fields.
- Enhanced Consistency: Key sections such as Previous Revisions and Comments are now standardized across all workflow forms.
- Workbench-Like Task Recipient Area: The Reviewers, Consultant Reviewers, and Submitting Vendor (New) sections have been updated to create a dedicated workspace for task recipients, featuring:
- Recipient’s name
- Special instructions
- Task due date
- Response entry and notes entry
- Quick Access to Critical Information: References section has been moved up and after Details and Consultant Responses and Previous Revisions sections have been repositioned directly below the task recipient's section for easier reference.
- Optimized Data Grids: Improved field visibility, especially on smaller screens or split-screen mode, by moving Response and Response Notes columns closer to the left.
These updates are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce friction, and provide a more intuitive workflow experience.
Submittals - Collaborative Markups Review for all Reviewers (Owner-Directed Workflow)
This is a follow-up to the Submittal Collaboration feature that was released in 2024.5 for the Standard workflow configuration. A new collaboration mode has been added for markups within the Submittal Packages and Submittal Items review process for the Kahua Owner-Directed Workflow. This will allow reviewers of a submittal to add markups to reference files concurrently without the risk of overwriting each other's work.
Details of this collaboration mode are as follows:
- Collaboration Mode is enabled when the Submittal Package or Submittal Item moves to the "In Review" status.
- The Official Reviewer can add their own markups and Send to Consultants, and those markups will be visible to the Consultant Reviewers.
- Users can add markups and save concurrently while the submittal is In Review. A reviewer's markups are not visible to other reviewers until they have Responded. Reviewers cannot edit other's markups.
- Once all Consultant Reviewers have responded, the Official Reviewer can add their own markups and determine which markups are included in the Official Response. To prevent a markup from being included in the Official Response, the Official Reviewer can open the Markup Panel and check the box under "Internal" for those markups they want to be hidden.
Daily Reports - Added ability to manually override the weather postal code
By default, the weather information on daily reports is based on the postal code set up in the Configuration app > Weather tab. To accommodate projects that span large areas and have a need to capture daily reports and weather information across different postal codes, we have added the ability to select a different postal code on each daily report. This selection will override the setting from the Configuration app and the weather information on the daily report will be generated from the selected postal code.
Cost Management
Updates to Funding Contract, Change Order, SOV Breakdown and Pay Apps
This update applies to Kahua for Owner, Education and General Contractor using Funding Contracts, Change Orders, SOV Breakdown and Pay Apps. Some custom extensions, if installed on top of the Kahua Extensions, may also be affected.
Kahua has coordinated funding contract functionality with expense contract functionality, aligning most common features between the two sets of apps.
NOTE: We've shared code between the applications, leveraging Kahua HubPart capabilities within the Kahua technology stack.
Entry Type added to Funding Contract Apps
Prior to this release, Funding Contract and related apps used an older approach for determining if a document's items include quantity and unit price, or a total value. For each document, the user selected Items Include Quantity, or left it blank to use a total value.
Items Include Quantity checkbox
Starting in 2025.1, Funding Contracts, Change Orders and SOV Breakdown will use the Entry Type field, which is a dropdown menu that controls the entry type at the document level, or optionally, at the item level. This is the same functionality that currently exists on Expense Contract apps.
Existing documents will automatically be migrated from the Items Include Quantity check box to the new Entry Type field. If Items Include Quantity is selected on the existing document, the Entry Type will be "Unit Price". If Items Include Quantity is not selected, the Entry Type will be "Total Value".
Entry Type selector
This update, along with the following changes, brings Funding Contract and related apps in line with other funding and expense documents:
- Added "Lump Sum" as an option for Entry Type on Funding Contracts and Change Orders.
- Enabled Item-Level Entry Types for Funding Contracts and Change Orders.
- Enabled quantities on Funding SOV Breakdown, including for the above-mentioned "Lump Sum" and Item-Level Entry Types.
NOTE: these capabilities are opt-in via Configuration for each Kahua cost app.
For more information about how Entry Type works, search "Quantity Centric Upgrades" here: https://support.kahua.com/support/solutions/articles/24000078939-july-2022-release-notes .
Quantity Based Progress on Pay Apps
Funding contracts and the corresponding Pay App now support progressing work by Quantity, in the same way it is handled on Expense Contracts and Pay Requests.
Enable Quantity Based Progress on Pay Requests on Funding Contract (opt-in configuration required)
Use Quantity to progress items on Pay App (Qty Completed to Date, Qty This Period)
For more information on how quantity-based progress on pay apps works, search "Quantity-Centric Enhancements" here: https://support.kahua.com/support/solutions/articles/24000081086-october-2022-release-notes.
Funding Contracts now include Overbilling Limits
You can now select the desired overbilling rules for the contract. These are enforced during progressing of the Pay App.
Select Overbilling Limits on the contract (Opt-in configuration required)
Overbilling enforced during Pay App progressing
For more information on overbilling rules, you can review how they function on the Expense Contract here: https://support.kahua.com/support/solutions/articles/24000089662-march-2024-release-notes#Cost-Management
Asset Management
Asset Manager - Added ability to promote selected Systems to the domain level
Systems created on a project in the Asset Manager > Systems sub-app can be promoted to the domain level for use in other projects.
To promote a system to the domain level, select it and click on Promote to Domain in the action bar. Click Continue on the confirmation dialog to promote the system to the domain. Project level assets, asset types and locations related to the system are also promoted to the domain level. Promoted systems appear at the project level with a globe icon, indicating that they reside at the domain level.
Scheduling/rSchedule (Runding)
rSCHEDULE: Revisions Updates
rShedule Revisions workflow is being updated to account for the different ways users update their schedules and how they interact with Kahua.
- The Revisions field in Schedules has been renamed Kahua Revision.
- The Revision Form Label for Current Schedule File has been renamed Current Version.
- Added a comment section to the revision form.
- The Revision Effective Date will be the date from the Schedule record it is replicating to ensure accurate historical data.
- Added a new workflow step for the Revisions process including a status update for "Unprocessed Revision".
rQUEUE LOGS: QUALITY OF LIFE ENHANCEMENTS
The application rQueue Logs has been updated with the following enhancements:
- rQueue logs will now have a default value assigned to allow for sorting.
- The NEW button has been removed. Logs can no longer be manually created and will only be created from the system.
rSCHEDULE: QUALITY OF LIFE ENHANCEMENTS
- Portable view tokens have been turned on to allow users to create their own custom reports. The guidebook has been updated to include basic reports for schedule tasks.
- Added Status and Effective date to the log view.
- Created By and Modified By are now populated by Kahua and not the schedule file.
For further information, please refer to the Appendix section of the Schedules Guidebook.
Kahua Host Updates
All Kahua hosts have been updated with various enhancements and bug fixes. The Windows host will automatically update upon first launch after the release.
Download the appropriate app for your device:
Release Note Changes
Date | Revision | Section | Change Description |
| January 13, 2025 | 0 | All sections | Initial publication |