Finsbury Solutions joins the SmartAuthoring client list

SmartAuthoring are pleased to announce that Finsbury Solutions has been added to the growing list of SmartAuthoring clients. Finsbury Solutions offer governance, risk and compliance solutions for spreadsheet and EUCs. SmartAuthoring are working closely with the Finsbury Solutions development team to produce administrator and end user documentation that matches the quality of the product offering.

SmartAuthoring launches new web site

SmartAuthoring has today launched the latest version of its website after many weeks of development. For the first we have not used a combination of Dreamweaver and HTML coding to create the website, but instead have utilised the site creation wizard that is offered by the hosting company.

This has been a bit of an experience! Site wizards have many benefits in that they allow users with little or no HTML knowledge to create intricate websites using the many built-in templates, from this perspective I was impressed. However, as a competent HTML/Java coder I found the inability to develop the layout of the site frustrating. That said, there is a HTML mode which allows you to tinker with the underlying code a little...so not all was lost. That said I like the end result (any comments?) and will return to try out new templates in the future!

Do you need a staff handbook?

Recently I started work for a new customer and I quickly realised what this organisation needed....an up-to-date staff handbook! As an employer of self-employed contractors, the organisation has a high turnover of staff, most of which are use to hitting the road running. However, unless my experience was unique, many will have spent their first month asking questions about timesheets, kit signout, and travel expenses! This is not only a waste of the contractor's time, but also the poor heads of department who have to repeatedly answer the questions.

If ever there was a case crying out for a staff handbook this is it...needless to say I will be offering my services! Although the initial outlay for such an item may seem high, the long term cost and time savings will compensate.

Developmedica Writer of the Month

SmartAuthoring is proud to announce they have been presented with the Developmedica Writer of the Month Award for December. As a freelance author it is rare to receive recognition beyond a verbal pat on the back, consequently the award is very much appreciated.

Communication Revolution

As we head into a new decade it seems only days since we worried about the millennium bug causing havoc among our IT equipment. Since the turn of the century, the digital revolution has taken off and we now spend much of our time tweeting, blogging, using forums, searching wiki's and interacting with our virtual social networks.

So can organisations embrace these technologies in their product and service documentation? The answer for forward thinking organisations is yes, although caution will need to be exercised.

Social Networks
Social networks offer users a sense of belonging, and as such can be useful in providing customers with product and service news and updates. However care has to be taken with regard to the comments posted on such sites - anything written will reflect on your organisation.

Wiki's and Forums
Forums have long since been a source of support for many IT users. They allow issues to be posted and subsequently answered by fellow users and/or experts. Wiki's can work in a similar manner - giving a wealth of knowledge to your users. However, answers are often slow in coming, and can on occasion be misleading. Consequently, such media should be monitored by company experts to ensure your customers are not being left unsupported.

So what is the answer?
As we move forward it is likely that a combination of media will be required to give individuals the best user experience. New technologies combined with more traditional methods of communicating such as Internet based online help and paper quick start guides will ensure that your product documentation meets the needs of every user. However, as more methods of delivery are utilised, the need for the sensible re-use of information will become imperative.

New Year - New Blog

The start of 2010 sees us renew our efforts to maximise the use of the communication revolution, consequently the SmartNews blog is up and running again! We hope you enjoy the articles we post, and look forward to your comments!