What this is
Think about your last maintenance task.
Maybe it was a 100-hour aircraft inspection, where the technician had to flip through 300 pages to find the right checklist.
Or a factory preventive maintenance routine, where an operator wasn’t sure which revision of the procedure applied.
Or a machine troubleshooting case, where someone heard a strange grinding noise but the manual was unclear about next steps.
These situations are common — and they slow teams down, create errors, and frustrate everyone.
With Next Plus, you can transform those thick binders and scattered Word/PDF files into digital, interactive publications:
Searchable
Always up to date
Linked to real workflows and spare parts catalogs
Traceable, with every step signed and logged
This way, technicians spend less time “figuring it out” and more time doing the work right.
Why it matters
Digital technical publications are more than convenience: they change the way maintenance is managed.
No more outdated binders or USB sticks 🚫📄
Instant updates across fleets or facilities
Easier multilingual support (one source, many outputs)
Built-in traceability and compliance (signatures, timestamps, revision control)
Direct integration with ERP, spares catalog, and reporting tools
💡 Extra Knowledge: In aerospace, digital technical pubs are required by standards like AS9100 and S1000D. In factories, they support ISO 9001 and HACCP compliance. Using Next Plus helps you align with these without extra tools.
📄 Managing technical manuals
Instead of static files, keep your manuals in the Documents Module.
How to do it
Go to Documents in the left menu.
Click Upload to add a Word or PDF file.
Organize files into chapters or categories (e.g. “System Description”, “Maintenance Manual”).
Add links from workflows to relevant sections.
Example: A checklist step for “Inspect Fuel Tank” → links directly to the Fuel Tank procedure.
💡 Tip: Keep system descriptions (SD/GS) in Documents, and rebuild repeatable procedures as Workflows.
🔧 Creating maintenance workflows
Turn scheduled or corrective maintenance into guided workflows.
How to do it
Open Workflow Editor.
Select Workflow Type → Maintenance.
Add steps (text, images, or videos).
Insert fields for data capture (values, signatures).
Add triggers (e.g. open defect form if a test fails).
Publish and assign to the right Work Orders.
⚠️ Keep workflows modular. Instead of one “giant manual workflow”, break it down into clear, reusable steps.
🛠 Troubleshooting workflows
Troubleshooting chapters become decision-based workflows.
How to do it
In Workflow Editor, add a decision step.
Define the condition (e.g. “Do you hear grinding noise?” → Yes/No).
Branch to the next step or procedure.
Link to repair workflows if needed.
💡 Tip: This is like turning the old “flowchart in the back of the manual” into an interactive assistant.
📦 Integrating spare parts catalogs
Tie manuals and workflows to a spare parts catalog (IPC).
How to do it
Go to Parts & Inventory.
Add each Part (PN, description, image).
Build a BOM for workflows.
Link parts to workflow steps (e.g. “Replace Filter” → PN 100123).
Allow operators to log usage → stock updates automatically.
💡 Tip: Use diagrams or exploded views as List Items so operators see where the part fits.
🌐 Working offline and syncing
Next Plus supports:
Cloud-connected (best for real-time updates).
Offline on tablets/laptops (sync later).
Local server installs (for air-gapped/military sites).
⚠️ Offline setup requires IT support. For defense/aviation customers, docking-station sync is common.
Common Issues / FAQs
Do I need to rebuild everything from scratch?
No. Import existing docs first, then digitize high-value procedures.What about S1000D?
Next Plus doesn’t enforce XML, but workflows and documents are modular, so you can align with the same principles.Can I embed videos?
Yes — each workflow step can include short videos for clarity.
✅ Summary
With Next Plus, you can:
Upload and manage manuals
Build guided maintenance workflows
Digitize troubleshooting trees
Link spare parts catalogs
Work online or offline with full traceability
👉 By moving from paper to digital technical publications, you don’t just save time. You gain compliance, accuracy, and confidence — for operators, managers, and customers alike.