Assessor-Ready Comparisons

Some standards require you to compare two processes or sets of criteria.

A common example is comparing the selection process for full-time personnel to part-time personnel.

Most agencies handle this one of two ways.

They upload two separate documents…

Or they don’t attach anything and rely on the assessor to observe the process in person.

Both approaches can meet the requirement.

But neither makes it easy on the assessor.

The Problem

When two documents are uploaded separately, the assessor clicks on one and it loads in the main viewing window.

They review it.

Then they click on the second document, and the viewer switches to display that one.

The problem is the viewer can only display one document at a time.

So now the assessor is clicking back and forth between documents, trying to mentally compare what they just saw.

There’s no true side-by-side view.

And if nothing is attached?

Now the assessor is tracking someone down and manually reviewing records just to compare them.

A Better Approach

Instead of making the assessor do the comparison…

Bring the comparison to them

Your goal is to present the proof so clearly that all they have to do is click and see it.

Option 1: PowerDMS Compare Feature (Video)

One option is using the Compare Feature in PowerDMS.

You can place both documents into one PowerDMS document as separate revisions, then use the compare feature to display them side-by-side.

If you've never done this, go to Manage Document and on the Revisions tab scroll down until you see Add New File. Click on it and add the document to be compared.

From there, record your screen as you scroll through the comparison and upload that video as proof.

This allows the assessor to observe the comparison directly, without switching between documents.

Option 2: Side-by-Side PDF (Clean + Scrollable)

If you prefer a static option, you can create a single PDF that displays both documents side-by-side.

Here’s a simplified way to do it:

1. Save both documents as PDFs
2. Open both files in Adobe Acrobat
3. Combine them into one file (Tools → Combine Files)
4. Go to Organize Pages

5. Rearrange the pages so they alternate:

   • Page 1 (Document A)
   • Page 1 (Document B)
   • Page 2 (Document A)
   • Page 2 (Document B)
     (and so on)

   This step is key—it ensures each corresponding page lines up side-by-side.

6. Select Print
7. Choose “Print to PDF”
8. Under layout, select:
   • Pages per sheet: 2
   • Page order: Vertical
9. Save the new file

You now have one document where both files are displayed side-by-side on each page.

Upload this as a single attachment, and the assessor can scroll once and compare everything.

Why This Matters

This isn’t about doing extra work.

It’s about reducing friction.

Instead of making the assessor:

• Click back and forth between documents
• Try to remember differences
• Break their review flow

You’re giving them a clear, easy comparison.

Quick Takeaway

When a standard requires comparison:

Don’t make the assessor do the work.

?? Show them the comparison

Video or side-by-side document—either way, the goal is the same:

Make it clear
Make it easy
Make it efficient

Serve the proof on a silver platter

Who do you know that could benefit from these accreditation-friendly tips and resources? Consider sharing this link with a colleague so they can sign up:https://www.accreditationacademy.net/signup 

Areaka P. Jewell

Accreditation Academy

areaka@accreditationacademy.net

(305) 360-1075