How we were able to help Continental Automotive Aftermarket with their system solution.
When content volume increases, technical writing needs a system
As a leading automotive supplier and tyre manufacturer, Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility. With the Continental Automotive Aftermarket business segment, the global player offers its customers a broad portfolio of products and services in the open market – from spare and repair parts for brake systems and vehicle electronics to workshop equipment. In view of increasing content volumes and new, process-related requirements, Continental Aftermarket & Services GmbH was faced with the task of introducing a content management system in the technical editorial department.
Modular, not monolithic. Keep versioning and releases under control.
Shifting away from writing in large, monolithic documents and moving towards flexible and module-based content creation: this idea of efficiency was the main reason for the Continental team to switch from the classic file-based tool to a modern content management system. In order for this to succeed, the new system would have to prove itself in the following areas, in particular:
Improved foreign language management in translation
The translation process can be initiated directly from the new content management system. The translated modules can in turn be easily imported back and managed in the content management system.
Simple version management
Each image, each module, and each document has its own status and version to ensure a completely transparent history.
Optimum reuse
Increase efficiency, reduce costs: selective reuse of content is an important factor when creating documentation and must therefore be flexible and easy to implement.
Dynamic layout customisation
Individual layouts at the touch of a button: this is only possible if you can develop and store your own style sheets to match your corporate design.
Improved review processes
Who does what? The processes surrounding previews, reviews and approvals in the technical editorial department are often multi-level and therefore very complex. The new content management system needs to be able to correctly map and partially automate these tasks and processes.
From analysis to the right system decision
In an on-site workshop, kothes analysed Continental Aftermarket's editorial processes and workflows. In the process, the individual use cases and crucial requirements for the future content management system were identified. On this basis, a list of requirements was drawn up, which was used to select three suitable systems. In live presentations and practical tests, the technical writing team was able to assess how well the systems covered specific process steps of everyday authoring work and how well it met critical requirements. As a critical and vendor-neutral consultant, kothes also provided support with detailed questions for the providers. In the end, the editorial team opted for SCHEMA ST4 from Quanos – a modern and powerful system for professional creation of technical documentation.
Streamlined processes, high efficiency and improved content management
For the Continental Aftermarket team, switching from file-based word processing to the SCHEMA ST4 content management system was a real stroke of luck. Today, the system is used successfully in live operation – and plays a significant role in ensuring that the documentation for Continental Aftermarket products is even more efficient.
“We were particularly impressed by kothes’ technical know-how and many years of industry experience in the field of content management systems for technical documentation. We received ideal advice throughout the entire selection phase and were finally able to find a system that precisely fits our processes and requirements.”
Frank Schmidt
Head of Technical Service
Continental Automotive Aftermarket
