Case study: worldwide document distribution via USB and multiplatform app
An international organisation distributed USB sticks with manuals to employees and customers in over 100 countries. But how do you ensure those manuals are always up to date? Apptimate developed a smart multiplatform solution.
An organisation with a worldwide network distributed USB sticks containing local websites through which users could download manuals and product documentation. A proven approach — until documentation started changing faster than the sticks could keep up.
The challenge
Manuals are updated regularly. USB sticks once delivered cannot be centrally updated. As a result, employees and customers across more than 100 countries were consistently working with outdated versions, leading to support issues and a higher risk of errors during installation and use.
The approach
Apptimate developed a lightweight multiplatform application placed on the USB stick and callable from the local website. On launch, the programme automatically checks whether a network connection is available and whether newer versions of requested files exist on the central server.
Special attention was paid to compatibility: the software had to run across a wide range of corporate environments, including those with strict firewall rules, active antivirus software, and restricted user permissions. To address this, the application includes a built-in compatibility test that runs on every start and informs the user of any limitations.
The result
The programme runs on both Windows and macOS and works in internal corporate networks as well as over external internet connections. Employees and end users in more than 100 countries now always have access to the latest version of manuals and documentation — without the need to distribute new USB sticks.
The organisation now has full control over documentation distribution, a reduced support burden, and has virtually eliminated the risk of outdated information reaching end users.
What this could mean for your organisation
Do you work with distributed documentation, offline environments, or users at locations without a stable internet connection? Apptimate is happy to think along with you. Contact us for a no-obligation conversation.