Any ideas

[Kevin Rusnak]

I really appreciate all of the feedback I have received from  this user
forum. Since many of you have asked for more details, I will indeed
offer them up.

First, I have picked up the project because the previous Documentation
Specialist "left suddenly".

Also,I have limited knowledge of Frame. I took a few classes at
Scriptorium and have worked in the application steadily for about 2-3
weeks total...but I understand applications (including Frame) very
easily.

Currently, there are 8 manuals managed by 8 SME. The old documentor
(Jack) would snag changes to the manuals via PDF. Then he would make the
changes in Frame. The trouble with this method is that it bottlenecks
when an update to our software happens. Everyone scrambles to update the
manual and then Jack worked his butt off to update all of the manuals.
You can see why a change of process is happening. Bottleneck = mad CTO.

So when Jack left we had all SMEs go to a laptop and update the manual.
Luckily last update was small to our software.

The next update is larger and many of the SMEs are traveling a lot more.

Here was my solution....which I need help defining further.


1. Put a copy of Frame on all 8 SMEs computers.

2. Use the Archive plugin
http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.foster/Archive.htm) on each of the 8
manuals to "package" them (that is InDesign volcab). To pull all
referenced sources in a book into a nicely packaged folder. This folder
is independent of all manuals.

3. Since the Archive plugin creates relative paths to the graphics,
where is no fear of unlinking images as the manual folder is pushed and
pulled from the server.

4. SMEs could pull their manual from the server, make updates with Frame
on their individual computer and then push the folder back to the server
when it is done.

5. I could then supply the style integrity and PDF the files.

6. Also note, we do not share chapters between books.

QUESTION: Is there a better method?

QUESTION: Why does it feel like I am not utilizing Frames potential?

QUESTION: If a more ideal scenario is to go Structured...we are
unstructured...then what should I do in the interim?

By the way, thank you very much for all the responses. I really
appreciate the interest.

Kevin

Also, I am looking into the technologies suggest to me by this forum as
solutions.

-----------------------------------------
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any attached documents may
contain confidential information from Hyland Software, Inc. The
information is intended only for the use of the individual or
entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the
intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for the
delivery of this message to the intended recipient, the reader is
hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of
this message or of any attached documents, or the taking of any
action or omission to take any action in reliance on the contents
of this message or of any attached documents, is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error,
please notify the sender immediately by e-mail or telephone, at
(440) 788-5000, and delete the original message immediately. Thank
you.