Networked: How You Can Make Exchanging Data Easier With Your Component Content Management System

Auch wenn die Aufgabe in Sachen IT zunächst komplex erscheinen mag: Unternehmen sollten sich damit auseinandersetzen, wie sie die digitale Vernetzung intern voranbringen können. Wird ein CCMS mit anderen Systemen verbunden, profitieren davon nicht nur Redakteure, sondern unter anderem auch Marketing und Entwicklung. Eine Win-win-Situation für alle Beteiligten.

Product-related data is stored in a PIM system. The development department is usually responsible for product information management. Thanks to the connection to the CCMS, data flows to the product in the Content Management System, meaning that the technical writer can use it to create documentation. They therefore no longer need to request the data from colleagues in the development department or copy it from the PIM system. Conversely, development also benefits from a connection, as they can easily create documents using CCMS, such as data sheets for example.

Not every customer keeps operating instructions. In this case, it is convenient for them to be able to access them online as and when they are needed. Many service technicians also appreciate being able to access technical documents digitally. By networking the CCMS to the internal company web CMS, content from the technical documentation can easily be provided online – this is another functionality that SCHEMA ST4 offers. Updates are also made easy. Similarly, marketing can use content from technical writing for documents that are intended for marketing purposes.

Which product and which machine has the customer commissioned with which specifications? The order details, saved in the customer relation management or enterprise resource planning system, provides information on this. While a CRM software is primarily intended for sales and marketing in order to strengthen the customer relationship, internal company processes can be planned using an ERP tool. A CRM is often part of the ERP system.

It may be useful for the Content Management System to be able to access the order details – particularly in special machine construction. This makes it easier for technical writers to collate information. Based on the precise specifications, they can create operating instructions individually for the customer, without first typing out the details from the ERP or CRM system or having to request them from colleagues.

Even though the task may initially seem complex in terms of IT, it is for the company itself to decide the best ways to promote digital networking internally. If a CCMS is connected to other systems, it is not only the technical writers that benefit, but also marketing and development, resulting in a win-win situation for everyone involved.