1. You're very welcome, I'm glad to hear at least some of it is
helpful.
2. Thanks for not mistaking the rush of "first draft" unedited comments
as harshness. Criticism is not my intent -- it sounds like you've got a
huge job ("There's the company and the product, go Thou and Write
Technically") and you're doing a good job.
3. When I'm handed a cubicle, a computer, and sixteen boxes of
"existing documentation" with an order to develop a one-page product
spec sheet and Powerpoint training programs for three or four different
groups of users (New Sales Staff, Experienced Sales Staff & their
Regional Managers, and Top Level Managers), I usually do the following:
a) Create a little database assigning unique ID numbers and
categories to each input document. Often I'll use pencil or removable
labels to put the number on the original document. In the database I
include ID number, category, a flag for Input or Output, source, a short
title, detailed description or summary, and comments. If something
could fit under more than one category
b) Use my database to sort and group the incoming information.
If something can fit in more than one category, I'll copy its listing in
all applicable categories. I use fishbone diagrams to display the
different sorts (I hate them but managers love to see those things).
c) When my input info is listed, I set up a new database table
for output info and determine with my boss what the deliverables are to
be. For outputs I include milestones and final due dates. With this
information I can run numbers to send out regular pie charts showing
percent completed for each document and the project as a whole.
Oh yes, I am an MS Office junkie. There are also some very nice,
inexpensive Gantt chart programs out there. One of my favories is an
online chart-maker, www.helpuplan.com .
Dori Green
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