Myth 4: Technical Documentation Should Be an Inside Job
Many managers think that because their staff knows their products like the back of its hand, documentation is best produced in-house.
Reality
Contrary to what some may think, outsourcing your technical documentation may be a better choice since knowing your product is only part of producing quality documentation. While it’s true that your in-house staff knows the intimate workings of your product, they may or may not be the best ones to write its technical documentation. Your masterminds are designers and engineers, not communicators! Producing quality technical documentation takes its own set of professional skills that, like those of any manager or lineman, take years to develop and hone.
A trusted ally
With a bit of effort, good listening and spot-on questions, an external resource will also understand your product’s ins and outs. Equipped with communication skills, cutting-edge IT tools and industry best practices, an external technical writing team will be able to explain your products’ workings in your stead, maybe even better than you can!
Outsourcing your technical documentation means 1+1 = 3
Outsourcing your technical documentation to professional communicators means you get the best of both worlds. External resources entirely dedicated to your project free up your staff to do what they do best while your documentation receives the attention it deserves (not just the left-overs in your staff’s busy schedule!). This makes costs and deadlines more predictable, saving time and money for your company.
And of course, you’re still the boss. While an external firm may generate and propose the first drafts of your documentation, you and your staff will play a crucial role in validating and commenting technical content. In other words, doing what it does best, your team will work hand-in-hand with external technical writers as they do what they do best. The result? Top-notch technical documentation.
Same price, better value
As we mentioned in our second article, outsourcing your technical documentation may even cost the same as producing it in-house, without the headache. If you haven’t already, take a look at Myth 2: Technical Documentation Is Expensive.
Quality first!
Remember: Your priority should be developing top quality products. Producing top quality technical documentation should, of course, also be high on your list. But, for so many reasons, why not leave it to the experts so the end result does justice to your outstanding products?