Preparing and migrating technical documentation into the PRO(doc) documentation system
Customer: Transdev, Germany
Project tasks
- Project management
- Software management
- Structure of the document management system
- Uploading documentation to PRO(doc)
- Training
Our approach
Transdev Hannover GmbH took over 13 Bombardier ET425.5 electric multiple units that were in service on the Hanover S-Bahn between 2008 and 2022. With the fleet takeover, the operator received the complete manufacturer documentation, including operating manuals, maintenance manuals and maintenance instructions.
PROSE was commissioned to adapt and consolidate the existing documentation and to merge manuals, instructions and guidelines into a unified documentation basis. An important part of the project was to prepare the documentation for integration into the XML-based PRO(doc) system to ensure structured data,
standardised content and controlled version management.
The work also included training Transdev employees in uploading, editing and maintaining documentation in PRO(doc). The project was based on close collaboration between PROSE Sweden and PROSE Germany in order to combine expertise in documentation management with operational vehicle knowledge.
PRO(doc) was used as the technical documentation environment, specifically tailored to train maintenance. We combined expertise from PROSE Sweden and PROSE Germany, covering project management, MadCap Flare, document management, stylesheets, rules, XML structuring, and problem solving.
All available material was imported into the editing environment. PDF documents were converted to Word and harmonised in terms of styles, metadata, and layout. The document structure and design were developed in MadCap Flare, where the content was organised into a consistent product-based hierarchy and a maintainable table of contents.
Azure DevOps was used solely for source code management and version control to enable parallel work. A document list, created and maintained in Excel in line with the standard’s product-based structure, served as a working document and checklist throughout the project. Continuous technical support and transparent communication ensured efficient collaboration and traceability of decisions.
Customer benefit
Transdev now works with a standardised and well-structured documentation set that supports efficient maintenance and daily operations. The PRO(doc) documentation system, developed by PROSE, provides a searchable database with controlled version management, ensuring reliable access to approved content and updates.
The consolidated and migrated documents are published in a unified structure that simplifies future revisions. PRO(doc)’s responsive design enables use on any device, while document creation and updates are managed in MadCap Flare and exported to PRO(doc). With the training provided, Transdev can manage its documentation independently, supported by PROSE’s independent and specialised expertise when required.
