What Is Arbortext?

Any organization that needs to create product-centric content, whether that’s operator manuals, service documentation, etc., needs an XML authoring program like Arbortext. Some teams think they can get away with using simple word processing programs or other workarounds, but it’s just not the same. These tools ensure that product information and documentation is always up to date and can include a range of media formats. Here’s how Arbortext can help support your organization.

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Arbortext is an XML authoring software tool that helps users create updatable and adaptable product-centric content. If you think that definition sounds like jargon or a fancy way to say word-processing, you’re wrong. Arbortext simplifies the creation of high-quality, accurate, and always up-to-date product and service information that can include multiple media formats for cutting edge documentation like:

Interactive service manuals
eLearning content
Mobile optimized parts catalogs
Operator manuals
Web-based installation guides or training.

It is fully integrated with PTC Windchill PDM, so it has access to the latest product specifications and descriptions, so you never have to worry about out-of-date information. You can even create your own branded style sheets and formats for a consistent customer and user branding experience. Here’s a look at what makes Arbortext so unique and powerful.

Arbortext includes the tools you need to create cutting edge manuals and documentation.

Arbortext Features and Benefits

Structured Authoring

Arbortext Editor enables users to create and edit reusable XML component-based content and assemble those building blocks for easy reuse across the entire organization. This capability improves user productivity and reduces content errors because users don’t have to create and update the same text in multiple locations and formats. As a result, you can create more content, keep it up to date quickly and easily, and ensure that customers and other stakeholders always see the latest branding and specification details without delays.

Reusable XML content components simplify content updates and make it possible to create mote content quickly.

Integrated with Microsoft Word and Excel

Users can cut and paste from within Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word using the familiar, intuitive interface they’re used to. There’s no need to learn new navigation or commands, and Arbortext includes capabilities like drag-and-drop, change tracking, and even keyboard macros, making Arbortext adoption seamless.

Leverage Content Across Multiple Media Formats

Arbortext makes it easy to reuse content and data across multiple media types and platforms by supporting industry-standard formats:

XML
SGML
XSL
XML Schema
Schematrons
XPath

XInclude
DOM
OASIS
CALS
HTML
Arbortext

Simplify Multi-Language Content Delivery

Global organizations have struggled for years with the need to update content in multiple languages. The result of this has been skimpy, slimmed-down websites, lack of local language marketing collateral, and a general tired, out-of-date feel to the company’s offerings outside a few of its major markets. With Arbortext, that scenario is no longer the case.

Arbortext includes support for more than 25 languages and character sets, with comprehensive spell-check capabilities. As a result, global collaboration is simplified, and user manuals, documentation, repair and maintenance manuals, marketing collateral, websites—the entire range of product-focused content—can be updated quickly and consistently. And there’s no need to go o running back to product spec sheets to validate the information because Arbortext goes right to the source to ensure accurate information.

Fully Integrated End-to-End Dynamic Publishing

Arbortext allows technical writers to define, author, illustrate, manage, deliver, and publish technical product documentation without the tedium of using traditional desktop word processors. The solution automates content delivery of high-quality, tailored product and service information for technical manuals, parts catalogs, service manuals. It works with many graphic and text file formats so you can easily incorporate existing content regardless of the tool used to create it. Arbortext helps users plan, author, create, develop, and publish content, making the entire process seamless and efficient.

Intelligent Graphics and Embedded Animations and Illustrations

Content created with Arbortext can easily link to different views stored within an intelligent graphic, so the user sees text that relates immediately to the view of the graphic layer they are looking at. This capability has thousands of uses that improve productivity and customer satisfaction.

Imagine your field service team walking through a complicated repair process using an intelligent graphic that shows a step-by-step visual with the text that corresponds to each step appearing as needed.

Imagine the reduction in support calls if you create an installation manual like this for your new customers so they can get up and running fast.

Imagine new employees going through interactive process training by clicking through an intelligent graphic mapped to process steps.

Imagine…Go ahead. Let your creativity go wild. Arbortext use cases are limited only by your imagination.

Windchill Integration

Arbortext is integrated with Windchill, so it can automatically retrieve product specifications as part of the content created with it. You won’t have to do the same tedious update to every piece of content when you use Arbortext. It updates specifications in content in every format and use case without the need for tedious manual editing, resulting in productivity improvements for both your content team and your engineering team. You can even launch Arbortext from directly within Windchill for fast

Arbortext Price

Arbortext uses a traditional software pricing model – meaning pricing isn’t readily available. Quotes are developed based on your needs. However, the cost is comparable to other content authoring tools, but in reality, you get much more with an Arbortext license. First off, Arbortext uses the same licensing utility as other PTC applications, so you have the flexibility to configure the licensing model that works for you. Second, you can get a license for use on any machine within a network, so you may not need a specific license for every user. For more detailed pricing, contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss which licensing model makes the most sense for you.