Content Analysis

ClearPath works with clients to perform a content analysis on a limited set of content types. The analysis set is disassembled and topics types identified. This activity is the core of single source writing and reuse is identified from the results.

During this process, we identify topics that must be rewritten for use with DITA and determine conditions for processing (manual type, product, model, concept, reference, task). All this information is entered and tracked in a spreadsheet. Based on the analysis we determine how well content lends itself to modularization.

During the analysis we develop answers to questions about the content. Here a few of those questions:

• What is the scope of the analysis?
• What content exists?
• What condition is it in?
• What content can be reused across multiple channels?
• Does it follow standard voice and style guidelines?
• What content should be deleted? What needs to be edited?
• What content is missing?
• Does each piece of content have an owner? If so, who?
• What format is the content in? Is that format appropriate?
• What are the delivery channels?

Content Conversion

While some encourage mass conversion, it is important to become familiar with the content and how it is used and will be reused. All production team members are engaged in some aspect of the analysis and each communicates the results of their analysis to the team. In addition to identifying reuse and providing information for return on investment, this activity signals a production shift and is a substantive communication for change. Results of the content analysis helps determine how to convert content.