Please visit us at www.the-writesolution.com


Monday, April 26, 2010

Documentation: What Is It and Why Do I Need It?

Documentation can take many forms depending upon your business type.

Software development companies rely on documentation to add value to their products. Documentation for a software development company can include:
  • User Guides
  • Help Files
  • Training Materials
User guides are typically provided to customers along with the product and contain concept-driven and task-based information.

Help files provide the customer with detailed step-by-step procedures for performing tasks using the software product. Help files can be Windows-based (embedded in the software itself, much like the Help system in Microsoft Word) and HTML-based for Web applications.

Training materials may include written documents for use in a classroom setting and online tutorials that walk a user through a procedure. Online training aids may also include interactive media that allow a student to actually perform the steps required to achieve a particular result.
Companies that manufacture computer or other hardware also require documentation. Value-added items include:
  • Installation Guides
  • Troubleshooting Guides
  • Maintenance Manuals
Installation guides enable a customer to effectively carry out product implementation.

Troubleshooting guides provide a client with the means to remedy any problems that may arise during installation and use of a product.

Maintenance manuals offer step-by-step procedures for product upkeep and efficiency. Maintenance documents may also include calibration information to keep a product working consistently.
In conclusion, regardless of your company's business genre, documentation plays an important part in a product's effectiveness, enables users to quickly learn a product, and provides a user-friendly platform for training.

Other companies that require documentation include:
  • Warehouses
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Insurance/Banking/Financial firms
Warehouses need to maintain inventory and safety regulations. Policies and procedures make up a large part of documentation used in a warehouse environment. Employees must follow consistent procedures when checking inventory into the warehouse, maintaining that inventory (including following temperature requirements, if required), and monitoring inventory as it leaves.

Pharmaceutical corporations require strict adherence to government-regulated policies and procedures when handling paperwork related to research and development and clinical trials.

Healthcare organizations also require exacting observance of procedures for maintaining health records and training personnel.

Financial companies, such as banks and insurance agencies, need documentation to stress compliance with company policies. Consistent training across all departments ensures that procedures are enforced and processes are followed.

No comments:

Post a Comment