Documentation made easy – The online operating manual
One of the major media asset management systems often used by broadcasters is AVID’s Interplay MAM. Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) is one of the stations that relies on this system, also known internally as the “CMS.” The station needed operational documentation for all of its CMS systems, and issued a call for tenders to create it. FLYING EYE was able to win the contract.
We evaluated and analyzed potential portal solutions like Drupal, DevWiki and Confluence. At the same time, we designed a documentation structure for the MAM systems. After deciding on Confluence/Jira, we developed interfaces, the user interaction design, and the platform structure based on ITIL. Next we created the online portal and filled it in. We reviewed the existing documents and revised them. We created new documentation for content that lacked documentation, or where it was inadequate. Finally, we oriented and trained the employees.
In the next step we analyzed and documented cross-system IT processes in the context of the supported CMS systems, and developed a concept for comprehensive broadcast CMS system support at ZDF. Anyone familiar with operating complex systems knows how important it is to have administrative support tools as well as up-to-date, accessible knowledge databases. We designed and implemented both of these elements jointly with ZDF, integrating them into the documentation platform.
With our help, ZDF ended up with an easy-to-use, flexible and standardized documentation platform. Working in close collaboration with the Mainz company, we were able to create a future-oriented system with an integrated approach that will make the company’s work much easier in the long term.
Contact: Jürgen Burkhard