Spare parts catalogs can be company assets if they are transformed into relational objects. Single components can have their own history, version, sub-components and kit they belong to, and can have different descriptions depending on where they are used. Multi-channel publishing makes it possible to use the catalog both in PDF and as interactive HTML.

Client

Industrial group operating worldwide in the sector of components for elevators and lifts.

Where we started

The company made technical publications using two different pagination tools and a CMS which, however, required adaptations before publication. The various production units located throughout the world found it difficult to adapt to the CMS or use templates and instructions, given the variety of the writing tools used.

Activities performed

• Collaborative management of Smart Media Creator adoption and data definition support
• Configuration and customization of the PDM (Product Data Management) module internal to Smart Media Creator
• Standardization of tables and automated migration of parts lists from dozens of catalogs
• Ongoing training and support of writers, administrators, and translation managers

Most noticeable results

• Technical writers located all over the world can express themselves in their native language and have their content easily flow into the translation stream.
• Publications are ready in a few minutes: no manual pagination required.
• For the company, this choice was made as a preparation for future developments to ensure greater client engagement: from installation and maintenance manuals, to interactive 3D objects, to catalogs linked to e-commerce sites.