When you have made the decision to move to a new system, you want the transition to take as little time and cause as few problems as possible. Admit it; you just want the process to be over so that you can get on with your real work and start reaping the benefits of the investment. We can help.

The basic principle of PDA's Running Start Program is simple; use our experience and expertise to assist with the complicated, one-time-only setup that is essential for the system to integrate with your organisation's working practices and standards. You then take over a configured system and start producing real material straight away.

What it includes

Running Start is a flexible program. We work with you to complement your own resources and expertise, and provide the most appropriate and cost-effective mix of services. Typically, they will be spread over three phases and may include any or all of the following.

Planning

• Requirement analysis - to identify all significant capabilities that will be required of the system when it is fully implemented
• Document and documentation procedure analysis - to identify any potential or actual problems in your organisations current document formats and production procedures, and assess options for resolving them
• System planning - to identify the optimal AuthorIT licence mix and an appropriate configuration for users, groups and securities

Implementation

• Software installation and registration
• Library setup
• Create the AIT styles and object templates needed for your documentation formats and standards
• Configure users, groups and securities
• Configure AuthorIT's importer to intelligently import your legacy documentation
• Create any required custom content such as custom title pages and boilerplate topics
• Publishing template design - to enable immeditate publishing of documentation in full conformity with your organisation's defined output standards and formats
• Handover - conduct an on-site session to hand over the system, together with documentation detailing the functions of all configured library elements and characteristics, and full descriptions of publishing templates
• Import of legacy material, as required, including any necessary pre- and post-import processing

Post-implementation support

• User support - providing expert assistance, as required, with any operating and administration issues
• Technical support - providing expert assistance to resolve any emerging technical issues

Purchasing Running Start

Running Start programs are individually planned and costed on the basis of the services required and the anticipated time expenditure. Services may be delivered at your premises or remotely, depending on your requirements and on considerations of providing you with best value. Please contact us so that we can discuss your requirement and provide a detailed proposal with estimates of time and cost.