Although some technical writers use applications such as MS-Word and DTP tools with style sheets in their workflow, a significant number have migrated to XML authoring tools such as FrameMaker, XMetaL or TCToolbox for creating structured documents. They follow a modular approach to authoring where they build documents from common blocks. When a block has been reviewed and approved, it can be inserted into any number of end-documents. It increases author productivity and reduces human error through automation. There are also other benefits such as lower cost of localization because a translated module can be re-used.
One of the remaining problems is that documents still have to be securely stored and managed through a review and approval cycle, e.g. interim documents have to be reviewed by engineering for technical accuracy. When the final output (such as a User Manual or an API Reference) is ready, it too has to be managed through the release process.
Many CogniDox user companies have developed a workflow whereby the technical writers deliver their outputs from the XML authoring tools as PDFs and upload them to CogniDox for document and release management.
For Technical Authors