What is HowTo?

HowTo is a web application developed by Bill Jameson, a software developer working in the metro Atlanta area.

HowTo was created to solve a problem Bill identified that exists in many businesses and other organizations -- the problem is that there is no centralized knowledge base anyone in the organization can easily go to when they need to know "how to" do something.

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DETAIL OF THE PROBLEM

• in someone's head
• on a file sitting on someone's hard drive
• in a document located somewhere in a network folder
• on a web site that is bookmarked by someone
• on a piece of paper somewhere
• nowhere
• was somewhere, but got lost
• is somewhere, but no one knows where

Having to hunt down how to do something takes up time for the individual and the people they are bugging for info. Also, people have to rethink things that they or someone else has already figured out how to do in the past, resulting in more wasted time and brain power that can be focussed on solving new problems. When people make mistakes, if there is no documented routine they can easily update, it is likely the mistake will be made again. And without having things documented in a structured manner, there is no standard way of doing things, and the quality of work can easily degrade over time.

THE HowTo SOLUTION

HowTo is designed to solve this problem by being a "go to" application for getting things done, and getting them done right.

Whenever someone needs to know how to do something, or needs instructions to make sure it is done right, the individual simply logs into the HowTo web app, and finds the routine with the steps laid out. No need to bug co-workers, or if they do need to ask for help, the documented steps will help minimize the amount of help they need from others.

When someone figures out how to do something, they document it in HowTo for future reference, so next time they don't have to waste time and brain power rethinking how to do it.

In addition, these documented routines will develop and get refined over time. Each time someone performs a routine activity, they have an easy way to improve on it. When a mistake is made, the routine will be modified to make sure the mistake does not happen again.

HowTo CONSULTING

Having said all that, it needs to be emphasized that just introducing someone to HowTo and showing how it works is probably not going to be enough. Documenting the steps in performing the various activities required for the operation of the organization is not something that is in most people's nature to do. People tend to want to get the work done and move on -- documentation feels like a "hassle". In addition to developing the HowTo web application, HowTo Consulting provides help with adopting HowTo for a modest consulting fee. The application itself is free to use. HowTo Consulting will provide training on HowTo, and have back-and-forth discussions with your staff to provide encouragement and overcome any barriers they may have to using HowTo.

FULL DISCLOSURE

Bill has recently finished development of the HowTo web application to the point that it is being offering for business use, but has already had some successes that he can tell you about if you are interested. Also, additional features envisioned for the application in addition to what is described above are continuing to be worked on, and at this stage of the application's development HowTo users are providing feedback to help with the continued development of the application.

There is minimal commitment on your part to try out HowTo. It requires no expensive purchases or contracts. If you decide to try the app and consulting service and find it does not work out, you can end the consulting agreement at any time.

CONTACT INFORMATION

© 2014 Bill Jameson