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In just about every industry there is a certain level of documentation required in order to sustain business continuity as well as maintain important records for future use or reference. The challenge lies in where to store this documentation, particularly in those industries such as the medical field, where records continue to grow and are required to be kept for an unspecified period of time. One of the most efficient ways of doing this is through the use of documentation software. Software documentation is typically created to electronically archive a large amount of data in one location allowing easy access to needed files, providing better functionality in managing and sharing documents, and cataloging of important information for future use. Features such image capture, file conversion and advanced search capabilities coupled with the ability to customize to fit the unique needs and requirements of the user make the use of documentation software a sound decision for any business. The most common type of documentation software is used primarily in the medical field to securely store and easily access patient records. This software often includes additional functionality such as appointment scheduling and the ability to track and monitor daily activities to make the entire medical record-keeping process more streamlined and accurate. Medical professionals in all areas of the industry benefit from this type of software, from physical therapists to speech pathologists and just about every vocation in between. Another field that benefits from documentation software is the area of education. These types of programs allow teachers to document student progress notes, record grades, schedule follow up tasks and even track disciplinary actions, all of which can easily be retrieved with the click of a mouse. Educational documentation software also integrates seamlessly with email programs allowing educators to share documented information about a student with his or her parents quickly and efficiently. Technical documentation software is widely used in all areas of programming and software development. This type of program is useful in storing software and product development specifications, detailed code and user manuals. Some programs easily interface with others to allow for painless file conversion between two or more platforms. More sophisticated tools provide users with the ability to use the data they have recorded to produce elaborate and complex reports, such as 3D spreadsheets, illustrations and detailed process instructions. Documentation software is also useful in the banking and loan industries, because of the excessive amount of paperwork and client information that must be maintained. Programs designed for these industries usually offer built in features that help to ensure that documentation remains compliant with government mandated regulations. Even everyday businesses are discovering the benefits of technical documentation in helping to maintain required records and aid in performing day to day tasks such as filing and reporting, not to mention the time, space and cost savings they are realizing. Because of the customizability of these programs, many people also employ technical documentation software for personal use. For example, there is a wide variety of software available that can be used to catalog and access video, music and photographs, providing easy retrieval when needed, thus saving the user both space and time. While the actual data storage needs of every field will vary widely, the need to do so in an efficient manner exists universally. When properly chosen according to requirements, documentation software provides a logical solution to these database storage needs effectively serving nearly all industries and individuals. The author is interested in technical documentation and how it relates to software.
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documentation software, documenation, medical software,
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