I have been using the local version of MV for a long time.   We have spec groups set up for most scenarios.   Process when starting a projects. 

make a copy of the desired spec group along material file and edge banding files

rename to spec group / material files / edgeband file - PL2 - laminate color  etc.

find / replace for generic place holder for updated laminate color

this has great for years.  

switched to the server environment and now my updated materials are getting inadvertently saved back the template. 

what am i doing wrong