
How FHR worked with kothes to lay the foundations for efficient processes, sustainable structures and future-proof documentation
FHR Anlagenbau GmbH, based in Ottendorf-Okrilla, develops tailor-made vacuum coating systems and offers suitable materials, coating services and technical support for research and industry worldwide. In 2023, FHR was faced with an important step: Its technical documentation was to be restructured and future-proofed. Until then, content had been created in a decentralised and individual manner, without a central content management system. FHR opted for SCHEMA ST4 from Quanos and support from kothes. Together, they developed training concepts, held workshops and supported the technical writing team throughout the implementation process. The focus was on standardised and modularised content, better cross-departmental collaboration and lean processes. The result is a modern system landscape with greater clarity, structure and reusability. Further training courses and follow-up projects have been initiated.
Fundamentals and advanced topics for editors and administrators, together with training on layouts and output channels, precisely tailored to FHR’s tasks and day-to-day work.
Development of an information model for reuse, clarification of responsibilities and information flows, and building a shared understanding for cross-departmental collaboration.
Post-go-live support, including rapid assistance with day-to-day operations and the planning of further training and strategic workshops to support the ongoing development and optimisation of system use.

The introduction of SCHEMA ST4 at FHR was not only intended to introduce new functions but also to lay the foundation for modern, scalable technical documentation that can be used across departments. The task for kothes was clear: to support FHR with experience, methodological competence and technical expertise throughout the implementation – for a strong technical documentation team with a systematic approach.
The system launch had to be carefully planned and professionally supported. FHR wanted to avoid typical implementation mistakes and create clear technical and editorial structures right from the start. After all, a structured start saves time, effort and costs later on.
The focus was on building a consistent and future-proof information base. Content had to be modular, reusable and well maintained – as a basis for efficient documentation processes, clear translation structures and sustainable further development.
To ensure that the system is not just installed but also used in everyday work, more than just theory is needed. Practical training is required – tailored precisely to roles, needs and use cases. This turns theoretical know-how into practical application skills.
Documentation does not end at the writing desk. FHR wanted to break down information silos, make interfaces visible and create a common understanding of content. The goal: to improve information flows, identify synergies and avoid redundancies.

The project began with a joint document review: kothes worked with FHR to analyse existing documentation practices and identify specific areas for optimisation. Initial discussions identified concrete requirements and challenges, ranging from the operation of the new system and editorial processes to cross-departmental information flows.
The focus was on the central question: What conditions must be created to ensure that SCHEMA ST4 can be used in a structured, efficient and sustainable manner right from the start?
Introduction to system operation and documentation work. So that everyone involved can get off to a confident start and use the most important functions efficiently.
Focus on user management, configuration and system background – for admins who want to tailor ST4 specifically to internal processes.
Design and customisation of layouts and output channels. So that content can be published in a media-appropriate and target group-oriented manner.
Development of a structured information model – for greater reusability, less redundancy and a future-proof content strategy.
Clarify responsibilities, improve information flows and create a common understanding – for coordinated collaboration across team boundaries.
The training courses were practical, role-based and tailored to everyday work at FHR. This ensured that the knowledge was firmly embedded. At the same time, FHR further developed its editorial processes: Content is organised into modules, maintained in a process-oriented way and coordinated across teams. A cross-departmental workshop fostered an understanding of roles, requirements and content. Even after the introduction, kothes provides support with editorial and technical questions. Further training courses and a follow-up workshop are planned.

With SCHEMA ST4 and the support of kothes, FHR has further developed its technical writing. Clear processes, modular content and improved collaboration now characterise day-to-day authoring work. The cross-departmental coordination that was initiated as part of the workshops was particularly valuable in this regard. These created an understanding of roles and information flows.
With the support quota that has been set up, FHR also remains flexible in its day-to-day business.
The introduction of SCHEMA ST4 was far more than an IT project for FHR. It was the starting signal for modern, future-oriented and sustainably structured technical documentation.

"Working with kothes was a real benefit for us at every stage. The individually tailored training courses, cross-departmental workshops and structured introduction were particularly helpful in integrating SCHEMA ST4 securely into our processes. Thanks to the professional support of the entire kothes team, we feel well prepared for whatever lies ahead. The entire documentation team would like to take this opportunity to thank kothes for the excellent cooperation and support. We look forward to further exciting projects that we will implement together with kothes."
Gabriele Gröger
Head of Technical Documentation
FHR
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