New maturity model strengthens technical documentation in SMEs

With the newly developed maturity model for technical documentation, small and medium-sized enterprises now have a practical tool at their disposal that, for the first time, systematically records and evaluates the different stages of development of their documentation processes and makes them capable of further development. The model was developed by the Institute for Production Systems (IPS) in cooperation with the Network Industry Ruhr East (NIRO) and combines a scientific foundation with a high degree of practical relevance. Building on established process models and the requirements anchored in the specialist literature, it supports companies in transparently analyzing and specifically optimizing the structures, processes, and technologies of technical documentation. The aim is not only to enable organizations to clearly determine their current position, but also to show them specific areas for action and development paths that will lead to more efficient, consistent, and target group-oriented information provision. The maturity model thus makes an important contribution to the professionalization of technical documentation in the course of digital transformation.

The model encompasses several dimensions that take both organizational and technological aspects into account. These include the maturity of editorial processes, the use of modern content management methods, the technological infrastructure, and the anchoring of technical documentation within the organization. This comprehensive approach enables companies to identify exactly which areas are already well developed and where there is room for improvement.

To ensure the practical relevance of the model, an evaluation and initial test runs were carried out as part of a NIRO working group with numerous industrial companies. A survey tool was developed for this purpose, which enables a structured and comprehensible evaluation. It guides users step by step through the analysis process and provides clear results that can serve as a basis for strategic decisions. The survey tool can currently be requested directly from IPS. It will also be available to all interested parties via the homepage shortly.

The new maturity model thus provides companies with an action-oriented tool that helps them future-proof their technical documentation and strengthen their competitiveness in the long term.