Table of contents
- 1 Efficient quality management: How you can reduce your error rate
- 2 Instructions at a glance
- 3 The digital assembly instructions
- 4 Would you like individual and innovative assembly instructions?
- 5 Types of assembly instructions
- 6 The legal framework: requirements for the assembly instructions
- 7 Creation of assembly instructions in four steps
- 8 Would you like individual and innovative assembly instructions?
- 9 Digital solutions for assembly in the age of Industry 4.0: the "tepcon instructor"
- 10 The assembly instructions for your machines in minutes: Software Process optimization with the tepcon "instructor"
- 11 The advantages of a tepcon "instructor"
- 12 Would you like individual and innovative assembly instructions?
- 13 3D models and more: the features
- 14 Meet the tepcon instructor!
Efficient quality management: How you can reduce your error rate
In times of modern industrial plants, the assembly of new machines or extensions is standard. Again and again, investments are made and new equipment is purchased. This is not possible without precise information: assembly instructions explain what the specialist staff needs to know before commissioning in order to set up a product or new machines.
Assembly instructions convey this information, for example, with step-by-step instructions, illustrations and diagrams. A list of the tools and materials required is also not missing from any assembly manual. Finally, the instructions contain the necessary safety instructions and precautions when handling the item or device.
Instructions at a glance
Since the different forms of instruction are often used synonymously or sometimes mixed up, here is a brief overview of the common instructions – all of which you can easily create with the tepcon instructor :
- Assembly instructions
- Operating instructions or operating instructions
- Installation
- Servicing manual
- Service manual
The assembly instructions will help you through the first steps in the life cycle of a product or machine. Only when the proper installation has been completed does step two follow: Now the operating instructions may explain how the device is put into operation and used.
Depending on the device, the installation instructions must first be consulted: it provides information on how to install a product correctly at its destination. Technicians and specialist personnel can find information about connection requirements (e.g. electricity, water, data lines) as well as the location requirements of the device.
The digital assembly instructions
Where in the past thick manuals were pored over or a text on paper, often in huge format, was laboriously unfolded, the assembly instructions for all requirements are fortunately now available digitally.
Let's take a closer look at the assembly instructions: Which shapes are still used today, what legal basis is needed for standard-compliant instructions, how can you create assembly instructions for your company yourself?
If you are looking for a digital solution for assembly instructions, but also for operating instructions, installation instructions and technical documentation, let us tell you right away: You have come to the right website. You can direct specific inquiries directly to our customer service .
Would you like individual and innovative assembly instructions?
Then we will be happy to advise you.
Request nowTypes of assembly instructions
Assembly instructions are indispensable tools in modern industry that help fitters and technicians to install machines and equipment correctly and safely. The term assembly instructions is often used synonymously with the operating instructions, even if assembly actually only refers to the first step: The assembly instructions contain the information you need to set up an article, device or machine in the first place.
Assembly instructions come in different formats and media, each with its own benefits and applications. In the following, the most important types of assembly instructions are presented, legal framework conditions are discussed and a guideline for the creation of such instructions is given.
This shape is the well-known classic that comes with almost every product sold on the European market today.
Installation guides provide detailed steps for setting up a product. They usually explain by text and include illustrations for better understanding.
Such instructions have long been the standard way to ensure that incomplete machines and systems are installed correctly and operate safely.
However, the paper format of the instructions involves a certain amount of additional effort and no longer meets all customer requirements for this product today. In addition, information in text and images cannot be updated here if, for example, there are new editions of a product.
The printing costs for such a document must also be taken into account.
Video tutorials provide visual and often auditory guidance for assembly or installation processes. This type of guide is especially useful because it uses moving images and audio to clarify complex steps. Video tutorials are flexible and can be offered on the website as well as used offline.
However, video instructions also have some disadvantages: If the product is changed, updates are usually not possible, and a new video tutorial must be created immediately.
Depending on the target group, the content can also be better conveyed with other forms of guidance. Last but not least, the video, just like the instructions on paper, is not suitable for technical documentation.
Some assembly instructions focus specifically on the assembly of components. They are often modular so that users can search specifically for individual assembly steps. They include detailed drawings, exploded views, and step-by-step instructions.
These instructions go beyond the assembly process and cover the entire life cycle of a product after assembly. They contain information on commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting. Instructions for use are therefore more comprehensive than pure installation or assembly instructions.
Like the assembly instructions, these instructions are also available on paper, as a digital tool, in 3D or as video instructions.
3D animations provide interactive, three-dimensional representations that help users better understand complex components and their assembly. These animations can often be rotated, zoomed, and viewed from different perspectives. This is why 3D animation is ideal for training and also suitable for reducing the error rate of certain processes.
Suitable software for creating a 3D manual often also comes with the necessary functions for technical documentation.
Augmented reality (AR) instructions are an innovative form of instruction that overlays digital information on top of the real world. They enable fitters to project interactive instructions directly onto the physical object through the use of AR glasses or mobile devices.
This can significantly increase precision and efficiency in assembly. In addition, such assembly instructions can be used independently, for example, fewer personnel are needed, because customers are automatically guided through this type of operating instructions.
If things have to be done quickly and a device is relatively easy to set up for operation, Quick Start helps.
A Quick Start Guide is a simplified operating manual that outlines the basic steps to get a product up and running. This guide is ideal for users who want to get started quickly with a product without diving deep into complex technical details. However, it does not replace comprehensive assembly instructions.
The legal framework: requirements for the assembly instructions
In industry, assembly instructions must comply with certain legal requirements.
One of the most important is the European Union's Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. This guideline specifies that machines and their operating instructions must be safe and that the assembly and operating instructions must be in the language of the end user. If a product is sold on the European market, multilingual assembly instructions may also be required.
The Machinery Directive also requires that the instructions are clear and understandable and contain all the necessary information on safety and maintenance.
Creation of assembly instructions in four steps
Installation instructions can be created in-house. Especially when a technical writer works in a team, this is often done by companies themselves.
To ensure that the creation of your assembly instructions goes smoothly, we take a quick look at the most important steps to follow.
The first step is to analyze the product and the target group in detail. What information and data are necessary for the assembly instructions? Which format is most suitable?
It is important to take into account the Machinery Directive and other relevant regulations.
Based on the analysis, the content of the assembly instructions is compiled. This includes detailed steps, safety warnings, and maintenance instructions.
The use of images, diagrams and videos makes complex information easier to understand. Also pay attention to target group-oriented language so that the information you want to convey is also understood by the people who assemble the device.
The design of the instructions is crucial for its usability.
A clear structure, legible fonts and consistent formatting are important. The use of symbols and colour coding can also increase the comprehensibility of an assembly or operating manual.
Before publishing, the assembly instructions should be thoroughly checked. This can be done through internal testing or feedback from test users.
Also, keep in mind that the instructions may need to be updated if there are any changes to the product or regulations. If it is clear in advance that content or parts of the assembly instructions need to be updated, a digital tool with suitable specifications is recommended.
Would you like individual and innovative assembly instructions?
Then we will be happy to advise you.
Request nowDigital solutions for assembly in the age of Industry 4.0: the "tepcon instructor"
In the age of Industry 4.0, digital solutions for assembly instructions are becoming increasingly important. Data is being updated faster and faster, documentation is becoming more extensive, and efficiency no longer depends only on the know-how of the employees, but above all on how quickly and to what extent new information can be retrieved.
Manufacturers and producers today need suitable digital tools for the necessary information for assembly and commissioning. The industrial environment in particular, with its rapid technological progress, makes updates to every plant, software or individual devices necessary again and again.
The effort should remain as manageable as possible, both in the preparation of the assembly instructions and in its implementation.
As we have seen, the design and formulation of assembly instructions is quite a demanding project. The requirements are extensive, both in terms of content and personnel expenditure.
Not every company can or wants to make such an effort. If you still need professional instructions for your product, our software tool is a good choice.
Customers from a wide range of industries already benefit from our "instructor", which saves them time, money and nerves compared to conventional templates.
Especially in mechanical engineering, where documentation and process optimization play an important role in all areas, we have numerous regular customers who are convinced of our "instructor".
But other industries also rely on the ultimate tool for assembly instructions, such as companies from the construction industry or the service sector.
The assembly instructions for your machines in minutes: Process optimization software with the tepcon "instructor"
Our tepcon "instructor" is an outstanding software solution in the field of assembly instructions. This process optimization software enables companies to create and manage digital manuals easily and efficiently, without much technical or time effort.
The advantages of a tepcon "instructor"
The tepcon "instructor" offers numerous advantages that help companies to optimize their processes. The user-friendly interface and intuitive usability make the use of the software easy and effective.
The solution can be used across platforms, which means that it works on PCs, tablets and smartphones.
Within minutes, you can create an assembly or operating manual for each machine, integrate updates or update the table of contents.
Just as quickly, your employees have access to all information, directly on the machine, via the website or by means of a QR code, which can be easily created with the tool.
This increases the flexibility and availability of the instructions.
Special features include the ability to version and track changes, which improves transparency and quality control.
The cloud-based structure allows access to instructions from anywhere, and the integration of single sign-on makes it easy to access.
Would you like individual and innovative assembly instructions?
Then we will be happy to advise you.
Request now3D models and more: the features
The "tepcon instructor" brings immense advantages, such as increasing quality and productivity as well as securing know-how.
The logging of the work steps helps to minimize errors and continuously improve processes. In this way, the concrete implementation of the instructions is observed and accompanied, and the results can be integrated into existing processes right away.
The ability to offer guidance in different languages supports international teams and clients.
The software is also easy to implement and requires minimal training.
With the Create/Recorder mode, you can directly capture instructions on the object, including images, videos and documents. You can also easily integrate 3D models on all topics here.
All instructions can then be easily accessed via QR codes with a mobile device.
Requirements for technical documentation can be completed almost incidentally with the "instructor", because the tool documents every step on request and thus makes it comprehensible.
By the way, we accompany the implementation of the "instructor" on request with comprehensive training and give tips for optimal use by the users.
Get to know the tepcon "instructor"!
Today, no machine, hardly any product, can do without assembly instructions. Your information is indispensable for the correct and safe installation and subsequent use of machines and equipment.
The variety of formats, from traditional installation instructions to innovative augmented reality instructions, shows the range of possibilities available to companies.
However, digital solutions such as the "tepcon instructor" clearly stand out in the context of Industry 4.0. They not only offer efficiency gains and quality improvements, but also a future-proof solution that meets the increasing demands for flexibility and availability.
Companies that invest in such technologies can gain competitive advantages and strengthen their market position in the long term.
Do you have any questions, do you need more information? We will be happy to make you an individual offer. Have our demonstration sent to you, or read more about manufacturers and customers in the industries for which we have already implemented successful projects on our website.
Or you can contact our team directly: We will be happy to answer questions on all topics relating to the assembly instructions with the "instructor".