☰ Menu
+1 866.606.7247
×

Popular Searches

Technical Writing Documentation Services Training Methods User Documentation Consulting Services

Driving Efficiencies with Single-Sourcing

Axon

Challenge

Axon, a Pro Mach brand and leader in the worldwide packaging industry, provides packaging systems that are customized to meet the unique needs of each of its customers. Axon needed a more efficient way to create a custom Installation, Operation and Maintenance manual (IOM) based on the bill of materials for each customer order.

There were several goals related to optimizing this process:

Axon chose Contiem based upon the experience Contiem had working with other mid-sized industrial companies and its ability to design and implement a solution, then provide onsite training to Axon personnel as well as any required ongoing support.

After analyzing Axon’s business needs and existing processes, Contiem’s Consulting Services group recommended an approach using a low-cost, off-the-shelf tool that provided most of the benefits associated with big-dollar documentation platforms. This approach minimized the upfront investment by Axon while providing the capabilities and cost savings that Axon sought.

Approach

Contiem Consulting Services implemented a ‘single-sourcing’ platform at Axon. Now, as new IOMs are created, all new content is tagged and added to a library of Axon content (e.g., procedures, warranty information, diagrams, and digital photos). The content can easily be pulled into new or existing IOMs.

Specifically, Contiem:

Contiem developed a DITA/XML solution using Adobe FrameMaker. DITA/XML and FrameMaker allow Axon to ‘chunk’ their content into easily reusable components that can be quickly developed and efficiently assembled into customized manuals.

Mid-size industrial “companies have the same needs and requirements as many F500 companies, but can’t justify the six-figure investment required to implement custom content management system (CMS) platforms,” said Rob Vaglia, Contiem VP, Solutions Architecture. “Our job is to figure out how to get 80% of the benefit associated with implementing a CMS but with one-tenth of the budget.”

Results

The solution Contiem implemented for Axon provides significant benefits, achieving each of the objectives established for the program. More specifically:

The single-sourcing platform Contiem implemented for Axon will drive significant benefits over the coming years:

Bottom Line

The quality of Axon’s new manuals represents a significant upgrade from what was being provided to its customers. The manuals are now produced in a timely fashion while reducing the time required of Axon product engineers. In addition, it is now less expensive to develop new manuals and update existing ones.

Ready to get serious about your content?

Contact Us