---
title: Add Data Sources to a Review Cycle
description: Learn how to add external data sources like documents and emails to a review cycle in Zal.ai.
---

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# Add Data Sources to a Review Cycle

## Include external feedback and documentation in performance reviews

Zal.ai's AI-generated reviews are only as good as the data they're based on. This article explains how to add external data sources to a review cycle so the AI can generate more comprehensive and accurate performance appraisals.

**This article is relevant to:** Admins, Managers

**Feature:** *Reviews*

 Types of Data Sources

The AI considers these data sources when generating reviews:

- **Automatic:** Submitted reviews (self, peer, upward) *if* the "Include in Manager Draft" setting was selected during cycle creation, Zal platform information (brag sheet entries, feedback)
- **Manual uploads:** Client emails, external reports, screenshots, PDFs, Word documents

 How to Add Data Sources (Managers)

1. From the left navigation, click *Reviews*.
2. Select *My Team's Appraisals*.
3. Click on an employee's name to open their appraisal.
4. Go to the *Data Sources* tab.
5. Click **Add Entry**.
6. Fill in the required fields: 
     - **About:** The employee being reviewed
     - **Author:** Who created/provided the feedback (e.g., client, colleague)
7. Upload the file (PDF, Word doc, screenshot, etc.).
8. Click **Save**.

 How Data Sources Affect AI Drafts

If you add a new data source after an AI draft has been generated:

- A notification will appear at the top of each review section
- Click the notification to regenerate that section with the new data
- **Warning:** Regenerating will overwrite any manual edits you've made to that section

**Best Practice:** Add all external data sources before the AI generates the initial draft to avoid needing to regenerate sections.

- [Getting Started](https://help.zal.ai/getting-started?hsLang=en)
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    - [Role-Based Guides](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#role-based-guides)
    - [Setup & Configuration](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#setup-configuration)
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