DREAM. TEAM. PERFORMANCE.
A report about the collaboration of Stobag and kothes
US standards put the documentation to the test
Overall, STOBAG had managed largely well within its available capabilities and resources in recent years. At the same time, many structures had developed historically, which also brought challenges with them. The company was therefore aware that this was an area where action would need to be taken with the future in mind.
One of STOBAG’s foreign subsidiaries is based in Canada. This site was to be significantly expanded in the years ahead, and market activities were to be intensified. From there, STOBAG also planned to supply the USA. This meant that the technical documentation had to be revised, as different laws and standards apply in the American market.
Build up US know-how. Further develop documentation in accordance with the law.
The knowledge required for the US market was not available internally. Accordingly, external support was needed from a partner with in-depth expertise in this market, who could create various sample manuals and at the same time ensure the transfer of knowledge. In addition, the challenge was not only to adapt the documentation formally, but also to further develop it in a legally compliant way in terms of both structure and content, while creating a new understanding of what really matters in this context.
Building market knowledge for the USA
With the planned expansion of the Canadian site and the supply of the US market, technical documentation had to be adapted to different legal and normative requirements. The knowledge required for this was initially lacking.
Closing information gaps
For the American market and the new manuals, numerous information gaps had to be closed. This information was essential for producing the documentation and had to be developed systematically during the project.
Coordinating multiple stakeholders
One of the biggest hurdles in the project was coordination, as many stakeholders were involved. Coordinating all parties therefore played a central role throughout the course of the project.
Embedding knowledge sustainably
What was needed was not only support in producing individual sample manuals, but also a transfer of knowledge that would support the sustainable development of expertise within the company.
Anchor US requirements together
Over the course of the project, the team quickly developed a shared understanding of the respective requirements and framework conditions.
The information required for the American market was gathered continuously and in a targeted manner. In this way, the existing information gaps were closed step by step and the requirements for the new manuals were implemented.
Alongside the documentation work itself, knowledge transfer was also a key focus. The aim was to establish an understanding within STOBAG of the structure and content of legally compliant documentation and to raise awareness among the people involved in the company of the relevant requirements.
DREAM. TEAM. PERFORMANCE.
The final result of the new manuals took STOBAG to a new level that meets its own standards and objectives. The company was particularly proud of the results achieved and of having taken a major step forward through the project.
The clearest added value of the collaboration lay primarily in the structure and content of legally compliant documentation, as well as in the new understanding of what is truly important in this area. All those involved at STOBAG benefited significantly and learned a great deal through the different projects.
The collaboration was described with the title “DREAM. TEAM. PERFORMANCE.” – a motto that is lived at STOBAG and which, from the company’s perspective, also aptly characterises the joint project work.
"In kothes we’ve found an uncomplicated (and above all, very professional) partner who has consistently led us toward our goal. This gave us a good and reassuring feeling right from the start. The project team members quickly understood each other and developed an understanding of each other's requirements. The final result of the new manuals is impressive and brings us to a new level that meets both our expectations and goals."
Oliver Giaffreda
Team Leader Marketing Services
STOBAG AG
