Medstrom is a leading provider of specialist hospital equipment that enhances comfort and improves patient outcomes. A range of technically written manuals was required to support the majority of its product range. These manuals were required in multiple languages.
What was needed?
User manuals, technical manuals and parts manuals were requested for multiple items within the client’s range of hospital equipment, including:
- Various specialist hospital beds, some with motorised and articulated bed bases, exchangeable side rails, brakes and IV and oxygen bottle holders.
- Specialist health products for mental health patients and paediatric care.
- Air cushion systems, mattresses, pillows and bolsters.
Over 30 technical manuals were required! These were written for all levels, including installation, maintenance, servicing and daily use.
What happened?
Initially, the Orchid team reviewed the products involved and clarified the client’s requirements.
Some products came in a variety of configurations and the manuals were adjusted to suit the new features.
Manuals were predominantly produced for the UK market with some written for other markets including Europe and the USA. This involved translation of the technical writing into multiple languages, including French, German and American English.
As products were developed or compliance requirements changed, technical manuals needed to be updated. The document maintenance service provided by the Orchid team ensured all manuals were kept up to date. This included reflecting current product changes and each country’s legislative requirements, as directed by the client.
Project reflection
The client’s requirements for user manuals, technical manuals and parts manuals across the products were fully met, including translation requirements.
‘This work involved several different projects and a variety of points of contact within Medstrom,’ said Keith Glanville, Director of Orchid. ‘It was exciting to be involved at the very beginning, with the production of technical manuals taken from engineers’ drafts and others written from scratch.
‘Due to the product variations involved, there was a real opportunity to repurpose some of the content, adjusting it so existing manuals could apply to variants where possible. Liaising with the Subject Matter Experts allowed us to make this judgement safely. It was a great example of how technical writing can be maintained. We provided a fast, agile response to the client’s requests for changes within timeframes requested.
‘Often, repurposing technical writing content is not as straightforward as it may seem, however for this particular project, it worked very well.’
Does your business provide a range of products that require technically written manuals for end users?
Contact us for an initial discussion without obligation or cost. Explore how well-written manuals can help your team and business.
