Aw: Compellation program recommendations for Modular/Sectional documentation

[Nina Barzgaran <e -dot- dickinson -at- gmx -dot- net>]

   Hello Diane,

   this sounds a little like sort of an 'overkill' for acquiring a CMS for
   that purpose, only - if you mean to do those "standard operating
   procedures", as they are sometimes called as well.
   In a proper technical writing environment, an *editing office* as it
   were, you would look at (future) document numbers of around a couple of
   hundreds or even thousands; in such a case a CMS or rather CCMS is
   indicated.
   Yet, again also referring to your mention of "documentation
   department's procedures" - you may want to use what's already in place.

   Otherwise, you would want to *first* gather your requirements' list -
   and be careful to list future possibilities as well. Only after that
   look out for reviews and online-recommendations. Put together a list of
   applications that meet your requirements - as well as your budget.
   Get a list of runners-up and start *evaluating*, not more than 4-6
   candidates.

   After evaluating, you would want to start testing of the most promising
   candidates, 2-3 on the outside.
   You would maybe be right in asking: "All this trouble for a few
   documents?"
   I would like to answer that possible question with: "It depends." On
   present and future requirements.
   Setting up a proper CMS or even a 'help authoring tool' is not a piece
   of cake. But it will - if chosen wisely - stay with you for years on
   end making your life easier in the long run.

   Hope this helps a little.

   Nina




   Gesendet: Montag, 07. August 2023 um 20:38 Uhr
   Von: "Diane Pol" <Diane -dot- Pol -at- morbark -dot- com>
   An: "techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
   Betreff: Compellation program recommendations for Modular/Sectional
   documentation
   I am at the beginning stage of my research for a Compellation program
   or possible CMS. I have read through numerous Techwr-l messages, as
   well as intercom and Technical Communication articles. I have also
   reached out to multiple industry mentors.
   I am looking to update my departments documentation procedures, and
   therefor seeking insight and advice.
   We are writing a series of documents, with each completed document
   showing a single procedure. The goal is to have the documents available
   in both on line and printed formats.
   The online documents will be complete (modular/sectional) documents,
   for each individual procedure. The printed document, will be a custom
   selection of the modular/sectional documents, based on the client's
   needs.
   My goal is to have an encompassing TOC, Index, and continual page
   numbering for the printed document. The online documents will have
   hyperlinks to related topics.
   What program(s) have been used and are recommended for this type of
   process?
   Thank you,
   Diane Pol
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