As a Technical Writer, I sometimes ask people (like at a social event) “so, do you really document your internal processes and procedures at your workplace?” Most people say “Oh, sure, I document these things.” But, the truth is, I believe, that people shy away from composing quality documentation because they don’t think it matters or they cannot justify the time spent on writing documentation manuals. It is a little bit like taking a long road trip and not first planning and documenting your trip with Map Quest. Yes, sure, you can get a GPS device for your car and wing it and trust the GPS, however, what if your GPS device fails you? Is it not better to have your trip already printed on paper from Map Quest?

That is my approach to documentation – better safe than sorry. It is better to spend at least SOME time on documentation than none. In business, like the saying goes “things happen”. Documentation can mean the difference between the continuance or demise of a company, especially if they get audited by some accounting company or standards committee, let alone need to consult old computer code for an old version of a program that actually works.

Documentation is an investment in the well-being and future of a company. Over time, it could become the source you consult when you need to make critical changes in your company’s products, internal processes and procedures, or even marketing strategy. My recommendation is that you not ignore the documentation aspect of your business. You will be glad you can say “Oh, yes, I document.”

Cheers,

Keith