From operating instructions to CE marking – professional technical documentation for international markets.
From operating instructions to CE marking – professional technical documentation for international markets.
Technical documentation for all industries and markets
Operating instructions, user manuals and technical documentation are far more than just product descriptions – they ensure safety, fulfill legal requirements and strengthen the trust of your customers. For over 50 years, KERN has been supporting companies in creating technical content that is precise, comprehensible and legally compliant – from editing and CE marking to multilingual localization.
Our services in technical documentation
Professional creation of operating instructions, maintenance manuals and service documents – standardized and prepared for specific target groups.
From technical drawings to 3D visualizations and animations – visual content that clearly illustrates complex issues.
Comprehensive review of your technical documentation for completeness, compliance with standards and comprehensibility – with specific suggestions for optimization.
Advice and support with risk assessments, declarations of conformity and legally compliant product labeling for the EU market.
Development and optimization of content management systems for efficient document creation, modularization and reuse of content.
Practical workshops on technical editing, CE marking, editing systems and translation-oriented writing for your team.
authoring4client™
The SaaS solution for professional technical editing. Create, manage and publish technical documentation browser-based – flexibly, efficiently and without time-consuming training.
Individually configurable for your processes with integrated workflows for modularization, translation and cross-media publication.
KERN TecDoc customers
The following is an excerpt of companies for which we have successfully realized a wide variety of projects. We would like to thank you for the trust you have placed in us and for the successful cooperation.
Why KERN TecDoc?
Our expertise covers all sectors – from mechanical engineering to medical technology and aviation. Benefit from our many years of experience and our comprehensive range of services.
- Cross-industry expertise: automotive, medical technology, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aviation and more
- Standard-compliant implementation: CE marking, Machinery Directive, MDR, IEC 82079 and other standards
- Multilingual expertise: technical translations and localization in over 100 languages
- Flexible collaboration: from individual projects to long-term support for your documentation processes
Are you seeking advice on your technical documentation?
You can also obtain a non-binding quote online at any time.
KERN TecDoc in figures
Over five decades of experience in creating technical documentation have made us one of the leading providers in this field. With our network of specialized technical writers and state-of-the-art editing systems, we set standards in quality and efficiency.
Structured processes for high-quality technical documentation
With KERN TecDoc, you not only receive technical documentation, but also a well-thought-out process from conception to final publication. We analyse your requirements, create standard-compliant content and ensure professional preparation – including translation and localization for international markets.
Our technical writers have extensive expertise in various industries and work with modern editing systems that enable efficient and consistent document creation. In this way, we ensure that your technical documentation meets the highest quality standards.
Your technical documentation at KERN: How does the collaboration work?
Our collaboration follows a structured, proven process to ensure that your technical documentation meets the highest standards.
Focus on your needs
We analyze your requirements together: Which documents do you need? Which standards are relevant? Which markets and languages should the documentation be available in? Together, we will draw up a clear roadmap for the next steps.
Structured approach
We review existing documents and analyze them for completeness and conformity with standards. We then define content, create a precise outline and determine time frames and resources – a structured roadmap for your project.
Multi-stage check for correctness, completeness and comprehensibility by our technical experts. In addition, proofreading and standardization checks are carried out to ensure that all legal requirements are met.
After final acceptance, you will receive your technical documentation in the desired formats. On request, we can provide training, integration into your systems and regular updates and adaptations.
Technical documentation for your industry
KERN TecDoc serves various industries with specific requirements and standards. Our technical writers have in-depth specialist knowledge in their respective fields.
Our industry expertise includes, among other things:
- Mechanical & plant engineering
- Automotive & Commercial Vehicles
- Merchandise
- Electrical / safety engineering
- Medical devices
- Toy industry
- Software
- Military & Defense Technology
Brochure Technical Documentation
All the services, processes and benefits of our language services for technical documentation – clearly summarized in a brochure.
FAQ on technical documentation
The most important questions about technical documentation are answered here in brief.
What is technical documentation?
Technical documentation includes all structured information that explains the use, operation, maintenance and safety of a product or machine. This includes
- Operating and assembly instructions
- Maintenance and repair instructions
- Technical manuals
- Safety and risk assessments
- Software and online help
- Standards and guideline documentation
Professional technical documentation not only ensures legally compliant use, but also helps to reduce support requests, increase efficiency and meet legal requirements.
KERN TecDoc supports companies with technical editing, localization, translation and media-compatible preparation of content – for tailor-made and standard-compliant documentation.
What is part of technical documentation?
Technical documentation is a compilation of information that describes a product or service. This information is intended to provide users with all the necessary details to use, maintain or repair a product or service correctly. The elements that can be included in technical documentation include
- Introduction and product overview: An introduction that describes the product or service and provides an overview of the content of the documentation.
- Product description: A detailed description of the product or service, including technical specifications and functionality.
- Installation: Instructions for proper installation and configuration of the product.
- Operation and use: Step-by-step instructions on how to use the product, including operating instructions, user interface descriptions, etc.
- Maintenance and care: Tips for regular maintenance and care to ensure optimum performance and longevity.
- Troubleshooting: Instructions for identifying and rectifying problems or errors that may occur when using the product.
- Safety instructions: Important safety instructions and warnings that inform the user of potential hazards and help prevent damage.
- Technical drawings and illustrations: Graphic representations that facilitate understanding, such as technical drawings, diagrams, sectional views or pictures.
- Glossary and list of abbreviations: A list of technical terms and abbreviations to facilitate communication.
What requirements must technical documentation meet?
Professional technical documentation is far more than just a collection of instructions – it is used for legally compliant product communication, protects against liability risks and ensures safe and efficient use. To fulfill its purpose, it must be clearly understandable, well-structured and adapted to the respective target group. In addition, legal requirements and standards must be complied with, especially if the product is marketed internationally.
The most important requirements include
- conform to standards (e.g. Machinery Directive, CE marking)
- Be structured and clearly formulated
- Clearly label safety-relevant content
- Be customizable in multiple languages if required
What types of documents are usually created for technical documentation?
- Operating instructions: They provide comprehensive instructions on the use and handling of products, including safety-related information and troubleshooting tips to ensure safe use.
- Assembly instructions: These documents contain detailed descriptions and graphic illustrations that explain the process of assembling or installing products or devices step by step.
- Maintenance and repair manuals: They are indispensable for maintenance and provide detailed instructions for regular maintenance work as well as solutions for common problems and faults.
- Product data sheets: These provide an overview of the technical specifications, functions and possible applications of the products and often serve as an initial source of information for technical details.
- Safety instructions: Important documents that provide information about potential risks and give instructions on how to minimize risks when using the product.
- Training materials: Developed to provide users and technicians with the necessary knowledge for the effective use and maintenance of products, often in the form of manuals, online tutorials or video guides.
- Installation instructions: They provide detailed information on the correct setup and initial commissioning of devices and systems to ensure optimum function.
- User manuals: Comprehensive instructions covering all aspects of product use, from basic functions to advanced features.
- Service instructions: These documents are aimed at service and support teams and contain specialized information for fault diagnosis and repair.
- Technical specifications and standards: Detailed descriptions of the technical requirements and standards that are relevant for the development, production and testing of products.
- Software documentation: Software documentation comprises all written, graphical or structured information that facilitates the understanding, use, development or maintenance of software. It is a central component of the software development process and is aimed at various target groups such as developers, administrators and end users.
What are the advantages of working with a technical editor?
A technical editor is responsible for:
- Precise, comprehensible and standard-compliant documentation
- Optimization of texts for different target groups (end customers, specialists, authorities)
- Compliance with international standards (e.g. DIN EN IEC 82079, ISO 17100 for translations)
- Time savings through professional creation and structuring
- Reduction of support requests, as the instructions are easy to understand
KERN TecDoc offers experienced technical writers for a wide range of industries and requirements.
How much does technical documentation cost?
The costs depend on:
- Scope and complexity of the document
- Industry and technical specifications
- Number of languages required
- Formatting and layout requirements
- Standards and directive requirements
KERN TecDoc will provide you with an individual offer after reviewing your requirements. Enquire about your project directly!
Is technical documentation possible in all languages?
Yes, KERN offers technical translations in over 100 languages. Our specialist translators with technical expertise provide:
- Terminologically consistent translations
- Compliance with industry-specific standards
- Consideration of country-specific regulations
By using translation management systems and terminology databases, we guarantee an efficient and cost-saving translation of your technical documentation.
What role do editing systems play in technical documentation?
Editorial systems enable efficient, consistent and modular creation and management of documentation. They facilitate collaboration, ensure compliance with templates and reduce costs by reusing content.
What are the advantages of digitizing technical documentation?
Digital documentation is easier to update, search and distribute. They enable interactive content, faster updates and a better user experience.
How can you ensure the quality of technical documentation?
Clear processes, the use of qualified editors, regular reviews, the use of editorial systems and compliance with international standards ensure high quality.