Creating editorial systems to reduce time and costs – process optimisation, data management, modularisation and much more!
Creating editorial systems to reduce time and costs – process optimisation, data management, modularisation and much more!
Editorial systems for successful content
Cost efficiency and flexibility are of crucial importance in technical documentation. A powerful editorial system optimises the creation, management and publication of technical content and ensures structured, consistent documentation. We provide support throughout the selection and implementation of a tailor-made editorial system.
To this end, we analyse your individual requirements, from content creation to data management and modularisation to publication. Based on these findings, a recommendation for the optimal solution is made and the integration of the system into existing processes is ensured. The implementation of a future-proof editorial system leads to increased efficiency in workflows, consistent quality and reduced costs.
Are you seeking advice for your editorial systems?
You can also obtain a non-binding quote online at any time.
Why use an editorial system?
An editorial system is a tool designed to optimise the efficiency and structure of content creation. It manages content centrally, seamlessly connects team members and automates workflows. A clear structure and uniform standards in the editorial system facilitate the creation, maintenance and publication of documentation across various channels.
Implementing an editorial system can lead to significant time and cost savings. Automated processes minimise recurring manual tasks, reduce sources of error and ensure consistent, high-quality documentation. Reusing content is another advantage, as it increases efficiency and avoids redundancy. In addition, centralised data management improves teamwork by enabling changes and approvals to be clearly tracked and managed.
The editorial system solutions offered are individually tailored to the customer’s needs. This includes introducing new systems, optimising existing processes and training teams. The customer is accompanied by knowledgeable experts throughout the entire process and receives personalised service. The aim is to make documentation processes future-proof, efficient and user-friendly.
The content management solution for all challenges
The creation and management of technical documentation often poses a significant challenge for companies. In addition to high implementation costs, budget approvals and the need for training, efficiency and flexibility are also decisive factors. To simplify these processes, the KERN Group offers authoring4client™, a powerful Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution for technical editing.
authoring4client™ enables access to the editorial system regardless of location or time, which is particularly advantageous for distributed teams and cross-location collaboration. The browser-based user interface of the software allows you to start creating, editing and managing technical documentation immediately without the need for extensive training. The SaaS solution is not only cost-effective, but also intuitive and flexible. It enables companies to optimise their documentation processes, reduce administrative effort and structure content efficiently. The scalable and ready-to-use platform simplifies technical editing processes.
Editorial system solutions from KERN TecDoc
Our editorial system solutions provide you with tailor-made support for efficient and successful content management. Whether you want to introduce a new system, train your employees or improve your documentation, we are here to support you with our comprehensive expertise and dedicated service.
Needs analysis and advice
Our experienced team conducts a comprehensive needs analysis in a joint workshop to gain a precise understanding of your requirements. Based on this, we offer sound advice on which editorial system solution best suits your needs.
Customised system development
We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team develops customised editorial systems that are tailored precisely to your company structure and content workflows. Flexibility and scalability are key factors here.
Seamless integration
The implementation of a new editorial system must run smoothly. We support you in integrating it into your existing IT infrastructure. In doing so, we ensure that your work processes are not interrupted.
Training and support
We offer training courses to enable your employees to utilise the full potential of the new editorial systems. We impart practical knowledge and provide you with tips and tricks for efficient use.
Document checks
The quality of your content is important to us. We conduct thorough document checks to ensure that your content is error-free and appealing before it is published.
Creation of editing guidelines
A structured editorial guide is essential for ensuring that your content has a consistent and professional appearance. We create tailor-made guidelines to serve as a reference for your editorial team.
Creation of module masters
Our experts create high-quality module masters for you, which serve as templates for creating new content. These modules ensure a consistent structure and save time when creating content.
Interface programming
The seamless integration of your editorial system into other systems is very important. Our experienced developers program interfaces to optimise data exchange between different systems
Full service through outsourcing
KERN TecDoc takes care of the entire process – from project management to the delivery of the finished document. Specifically, this means the following for you: Software maintenance, database management, the budget and schedule are coordinated and monitored by us. For this, we will provide experienced employees as coordinators on-site at your company. And not just in the source language: we also organise the entire translation process.
Services in the area of outsourcing:
- Traditional creation of operating instructions
- Provision of technical editing
- Translation management
- Project management
Are you seeking advice for your editorial systems?
You can also obtain a non-binding quote online at any time.
KERN TecDoc editorial systems
The editing guidelines are the basis for a uniform documentation. They contain work instructions for the creation of information products for devices and accessories, information on the document layout, the organisation of data, storage and archiving as well as information on linguistic rules to be observed.
The most important aims of the editing guidelines are:
- Definition and standardisation of process workflows
- Simplification of specialist work and efficient handling of technical editing
- Avoidance of time-consuming post-editing and parallel development
- Linking of user manuals and spare parts catalogue
- Integration of supplier documentation
- Reuse of recurring content in a documentation
- Modularisation
- User and rights management
- Support for authors and terminology management
- Integrated translation management
- Automation of documentation processes
- Media asset management
- Omission of separate DTP costs
- Simplified approval process
- A range of options for publication
Reduction of separate process controlling, of project management and documentation and translation efforts after migration.
The editorial systems listed below are being used daily for customer projects:
- SCHEMA ST4
- SMC Smart Media Creator
- Fischer TIM RS
- Docufy Cosima GO!
- MadCap Flare
- PGX bloXedia
- layout-based systems such as Adobe InDesign, Framemaker & Microsoft Word
- Product user manuals
- Operating instructions
- Operating instructions
- Operation instructions
- Assembly manuals
- and much more
- Procedural instructions
- Work instructions
- Action guide
- Quick guides
- Technical data sheets
- Software documentation
- Software help
- Handbooks
- Installation guides
- E-learnings
- Websites
Screen output
Print output
Media output
- Responsive HTML5 (HTML)
- WebHelp (HTML), Plus, Mobile
- Clean XHTML
- eBook (EPUB)
- Eclipse Help
- Microsoft HTML Help (CHM)
- XML
- Adobe PDF (PDF)
- Microsoft Word (DOCX)
- XML
- DITA
- Mobile Documentation
- Mobile apps
- Videos
- ERP interfaces
The editing guidelines are the basis for a uniform documentation. They contain work instructions for the creation of information products for devices and accessories, information on the document layout, the organisation of data, storage and archiving as well as information on linguistic rules to be observed.
The most important aims of the editing guidelines are:
- Definition and standardisation of process workflows
- Simplification of specialist work and efficient handling of technical editing
- Avoidance of time-consuming post-editing and parallel development
Selection process for an editorial system / preparation of workshops
Our team of experts conducts workshops to understand your individual requirements and objectives. Together, we will develop the best possible solution for your company and assist you in selecting the right editorial system.
Preparation workshops
- Editing processes
- Analysis of the current situation and development of current workflows
- Analysis of existing documentation and competent contact persons in editing
- Regulations from CE conformity procedures, norms and directives, risks assessments, safety-related requirements
- Requirements relating to development/construction – editing
- Requirements relating to input and output formats of individual systems (software communication)
- CI-related requirements
- Current and future publication formats, layout / design
- Specialist workshops
- Product trainings
- CE process
- Introduction to system landscape (by customer) if required
- Design/implementation of the CI in the documentation
- Translation
- Translation process
- Maintenance and updating of terminology
- In-country review
- Collection and thorough review of reference material
- Decision-making
- Number of productive users
- Systems to be integrated (additional workshops if necessary)
- Implementation
- Determination of the revised editing and translation workflow, based on the department or group
- Definition of contact persons and their rights/roles
- Inclusion of the user and rights structure
- Adjustment of the editing and translation system
- Interface configuration
- Test run, additional adjustments if necessary
- Training courses/webinars: teaching defined workflows, review in new environments
- Definition of additional functionalities
Editorial systems information sheet
Regular adjustments to technical documentation and innovations in written product documentation are not uncommon these days. Therefore, the use of innovative, powerful XML-based editing and content management systems is essential in order to guarantee efficient and timely updates.
As a full-service provider and leading translation management company, KERN TecDoc offers vendor-independent support and advice on selecting a suitable content management system and integrating it into your company structures.
