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.