Describe the problem you would like to solve
In previous OJS versions, reviewer comments were automatically inserted at the bottom of decision letters, and there was a simple tick-box option to include reviewer attachments.
Since the workflow changes introduced in version 3.4, editors now need to manually insert reviewer comments and manually attach reviewer files.
As a result, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in instances where editors forget to include reviewer comments or attachments — an issue that did not occur when these steps were automated.
Describe the solution you’d like
It would be helpful to reinstate the previous, more automated process where reviewer comments were automatically included in the decision letter and reviewer attachments could be added with a simple tick-box option. This would streamline the editorial workflow and reduce the likelihood of important content being omitted from communications to authors.
Who is asking for this feature?
Journal Editors and Journal Managers who manage reviewer communications and decision correspondence.
Additional information
The previous functionality supported efficiency, consistency, and accuracy in the decision communication process. Restoring this level of automation would improve workflow reliability, particularly for journals handling large submission volumes or multiple editors.