SMB Demand

A growing trend in the component content management systems (CCMS) market is increasing demand from small and medium businesses, or SMBs. Historically, CCMS providers focused on delivering solutions to large-scale enterprises with complex content and publishing needs and often the SMBs were overlooked.

However, the days of creating a Frankenstein-like CCMS where SMBs use multiple platforms mashed together with often precarious one-way connections and complicated publishing processes might soon be a thing of the past, as a number of CCMS providers lean in to service this market.

What is a CCMS System?

A CCMS, or Component Content Management System, is essentially the core of an authoring tool. As opposed to typical CMS systems, where content is document-based, a CCMS works at a granular level by breaking content down into components. Components can be as small as a word and as large as entire documents. The granularity of a CCMS brings greater consistency and accuracy to content management, increases content reuse, reduces costs, and saves time. The benefits to SMBs are vast and include increased collaboration, automation of workflows, versioning, and greatly reduced translation costs. Not to mention doing more with less, which reduces the need for additional staff.

The Importance of a CCMS for SMB

Estimated to be worth US$5.5Bn by 2027, the industry is on a fast growth trajectory.  Underpinning this growth are the needs of SMBs, many of whom are looking for content management platforms that maximize efficiencies, reduce repetition, and produce on-brand responsive publications for their users. And with the continued globalization of businesses, communicating policies and procedures, SOPs and mission critical compliance to teams around the world in a multitude of languages has never been so pressing. This article will provide you with more information on CCMS translation and localization.

Pros & Cons of CCMS Systems for SMB

However, there are some drawbacks with component content management systems that should not be overlooked. While a comprehensive CCMS solution that supports the full authoring journey is the end goal, its slow implementation into routine business practices due to the full suite of features may seem overly complicated and unnecessary.

To combat this, a good CCMS provider will work closely with organizations to understand their needs and simplify the features where possible before implementation. To get the most of out your CCMS, ask your provider if they have an in-house implementation and services team. This solution-focused approach can make a big impact on setup and internal adoption. Author-it’s team of seasoned professionals are highly skilled in change management and work with teams during the sales process to determine the best course of action for success. After all, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes SMB needs. Check out 6 things to look for in a component authoring solution.

CCMS Flexibility

Rather than a one-size fits all solution developed with large enterprises in mind, SMBs demand flexibility and providers who support not only structured authoring, but can also offer a lightweight unstructured environment allowing increased collaboration between technical writers and subject matter experts to keep workflows moving forward efficiently.

Next Steps

If you are in the market for a CCMS solution, expect to see more providers looking at how to support SMBs with their content needs through innovative and intelligent solutions. But be sure to ask the right questions before you make a costly investment to ensure the solution is right for your needs, both now and in the future.

Get in touch! Contact Author-It’s team of experts or request a demo.