> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.layest.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Doclay

> Turn documents and unstructured files into organized, reviewable records with Layest's Import Agent.

**Doclay is Layest's Import Agent.** It reads documents and unstructured files, extracts the information that matters, and turns it into organized records your team can use.

Instead of copying data row by row, you give Doclay the source files, choose where the result belongs, and review the proposed records before they become part of your workspace.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Less manual entry" icon="keyboard">
    Extract information from files without rebuilding it by hand.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Your structure" icon="table-columns">
    Save approved results in the Data Collection that fits your workflow.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Human control" icon="user-check">
    Review, correct, approve, or reject every import draft.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## When to choose Doclay

Doclay is a strong fit when your team regularly receives documents that contain useful business data but not in a consistent table.

Typical examples include:

* onboarding documents and application forms
* contracts, reports, and recurring statements
* property, portfolio, or investment documents
* spreadsheets that need to be standardized
* mixed files that should become one consistent Data Collection

## How Doclay works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose the destination">
    In **Setup**, select the Data Collection that should receive approved records. This is the only required decision before Doclay can run.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provide files">
    Upload files when starting a run or select files that are already stored in Layest. Manual uploads remain available even after you add automation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let Doclay prepare the data">
    Doclay reads the source, proposes the structure it found, and extracts the matching records.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review the draft">
    Check the proposed fields and records. Correct anything that needs attention, re-extract if necessary, or reject the draft without importing it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve the result">
    Approved records are saved to your selected Data Collection. Depending on your review policy, clean imports can also be approved automatically as working drafts.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Your Setup page

Doclay's Setup page keeps the workflow easy to understand:

* **Manual uploads** are included from the start.
* **Data Collection output** is required so Doclay knows where approved records belong.
* **Email intake** can collect attachments through a dedicated inbox.
* **Connected folders** can start imports when files are added or updated.
* **Schedules** can run recurring imports from a configured source.
* **External destinations** can receive approved files or results.
* **Ready to run** appears as soon as the required destination is in place.

<Info>
  Optional additions never block Doclay. Start manually, prove the workflow with real examples, and add automation only when it saves your team time.
</Info>

## A good first run

Choose two or three representative files: one straightforward example and one that contains the variation your team normally sees. A useful first run helps you confirm:

* the right information is being extracted
* field names make sense to your team
* relationships and file links belong in the right place
* reviewers know what they need to check
* the destination Data Collection supports the next step in your process

## What happens after approval

Approved records become part of the selected Layest Data Collection. Your team can filter, sort, edit, relate, and use those records in other workflows. The source files and the run history remain available for traceability.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Set up your first agent" icon="sparkles" href="/agents/first-agent">
    Follow the short guide from the library to a ready first run.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Understand Data Collections" icon="database" href="/data/collections">
    Learn where Doclay stores approved, structured records.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>